Meet Our Team
ACCD is very proud of its experienced and dedicated teachers and staff, currently led by our Acting Program Director, Dawn. Program DirectorAdditional Staff
Dawn
Acting Program Director/Lead Teacher
Credentials | Dawn has been with ACCD for 6 1/2 years, having started as an Assistant Teacher then, after earning her Child Development Associate certification, became a teacher and later a Lead Teacher. She serves as Lead Teacher for the Tadpole Room and will continue in that capacity as she assumes the Acting Director position.
Bio | Dawn loves seeing “when the light comes on” while caring for young children. When not at ACCD she likes spending time with family.
Katrina
ACCD Office Manager
Credentials | Katrina graduated from GVSU with a BS in Psychology. She’s been with ACCD since August 2013.
Bio | Katrina likes working with young children because “every day feels like a new adventure!” In her time away from work she enjoys traveling and off-roading.
Janel
Credentials | Janel joined the ACCD staff in September 2022. She is currently working toward a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Special Education.
Bio | Seeing children develop and learn is one reason why Janel enjoys working with young children. Another is because she learns from them! When not working Janel likes to spend quality time with her two children, ages one and four. She also enjoys music and praise dance.
Karen
Credentials | Karen started with ACCD in October 2020. She previously volunteered in a church child care center.
Bio | Karen loves seeing how happy and excited young children are when they figure things out or, just in general, how happy and excited they are about anything! When she’s not working she enjoys spending time with her own toddler.
April
Credentials | April has a Masters Degree in English and teaches at Cornerstone University. She also has experience working as a paraprofessional in Special Education classrooms.
Bio | Having the opportunity to help young children grow and develop and learn new information are why April sought out employment with ACCD. When not teaching, she enjoys reading and writing books (for fun!).
Angela
Credentials | Angela graduated from a high school in California and has taken classes at Grand Rapids Community College.
Bio | Angela likes working at ACCD because of the children and other staff. When not at ACCD she likes gardening, hiking, and studying wildlife.
Stephen
Credentials | Stephen is in his Junior year at Northview Public Schools. He is a member of the National Honor Society.
Bio | When not in school or working Stephen likes to read, participate in the Science Olympiad, and play video games.
Elise
Lead Teacher
Credentials | Associate’s Degree: Child Development and Paraprofessional .
Bio | Elise always wanted to be a teacher, even as a young child. She likes to get to know children on their own level. She enjoys children for their positivity, creativity, and joy. When she’s not working Elise likes to read and play with her two cats and dog. She says she spends a lot of time at the park with her dog! She also enjoys camping.
Kayla
Credentials | Kayla is an alumna of Forest View Northern High School.
Bio | The reasons Kayla enjoys working at ACCD include being able to play and have fun with children along with helping them learn to make good choices.
When not working Kayla likes being on social media and going to movies.
Bella
Credentials | Bella is a graduate of Northview High School and just completed her first year at Northern Michigan University.
Bio | Bella is returning to ACCD after working last summer doing some creative nature based activities. Being involved with helping children make memories along with watching them grow and develop skills are reason why Bella likes working at ACCD. When not working, Bella enjoys hiking, backpacking and playing soccer. She played soccer at Northern Michigan the past school year.
Sage
Credentials | Sage graduated from Holland High School and studied Psychology at Muskegon Community College.
Bio | Prior to joining the ACCD team, Sage worked at a private home-based day care helping to care for fourteen children. In her own words: “I love seeing how kids play together and make friendships. It’s all so special to see! :)” Outside of work Sage likes to draw and play card games with friends.
Toni
Kitchen Coordinator/Chef
Credentials | Toni started with ACCD in September 2018.
Bio | Toni enjoys creating fun, healthy snacks and lunches for the children. She admits to being “pretty sneaky” introducing them to a wide variety of vegetables. When not in the ACCD kitchen she enjoys hosting large family gatherings by or on the water.
Kristy
Custodian
Credentials | Kristy has been with ACCD since February 2013.
Bio | Kristy reports feeling inspired, grateful and happy to see happy children and their creations. It gives her hope for our future. When not working she loves to spend time with her grandchildren and grown children.
Jennifer
AUMC Office Manager/Treasurer
Credentials | Jen has been with ACCD since February 2005, before that she served as secretary on the Board of Directors for a number of years.
Bio | Jen says she is proud to be part of a program that puts so much heart into serving the community by educating and caring for young children. When not at work Jen enjoys family, reading, music, spending time at the family lake house, local theatre, and travel.
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