Where Children Learn to Move and Move to Learn.
Mi Childcare Staff
Program Director
Betsey Brown
Betsey holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and brings over 15 years of experience in early childhood education and 25 years of leadership to our team. As a former preschool owner, director, and teacher, she has developed engaging curricula that promote exploration, growth, and learning through movement and play. With experience mentoring and counseling both families and staff, she has built strong school communities where everyone is welcome and growth is encouraged. Her favorite thing about working with kiddos is helping light the spark of curiosity that will foster a lifelong love of learning!
Movement is the child's first language; through it, they learn not only about the world around
them but about themselves, building a foundation for lifelong learning
Business Director
Kerri Johnson
With over 34 years of experience in marketing and business operations, Kerri Johnson brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Business Director of Mi Childcare.
Prior to 2012, Kerri honed her skills at a marketing firm where she specialized in creating impactful marketing materials across various platforms. In 2012, she joined Grand Rapids Gymnastics (GRG) starting in customer service and marketing, steadily advancing to her current position as Senior Director of Business Operations.
Kerri continues her leadership role at GRG while taking on the exciting new challenge of overseeing Mi Childcare. This partnership between the childcare and gymnastics facility represents her commitment to creating enriching environments for children. Her dual role exemplifies her belief in the power of physical activity to enhance educational outcomes and her dedication to nurturing well-rounded children through innovative programming.
Assistant Teacher - Full Time
Lesley Greene
Lesley Greene, a dedicated child educator with over 10 years of experience, has called Grand Rapids home for the past 7 years after a 3-year stint in Chicago. Together with her husband, she's raising their spirited 6½-year-old son.
What draws Lesley to working with children is the unpredictable nature of each day. Their natural curiosity transforms ordinary moments into exciting adventures. When not nurturing young minds, Lesley embraces the outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions, finding joy in nature regardless of temperature.
Assistant Teacher - Full Time
Serena Gaddis
Serena is a passionate educator with over five years of experience working with the youth. As a social work student in Grand Rapids, she combines her background in adolescent psychology with expertise in movement—including varsity cheer, pilates, and dance—to bring a unique perspective to Mi Childcare's program.
She believes each child possesses distinct gifts and partners with families to nurture development through movement and learning. Serena's approach emphasizes communication, understanding, and mutual growth, creating an inclusive environment where children thrive.
Assistant Teacher - Part Time
Erica Mitschke
Erica is currently working on her master's degree in social work, specializing in clinical work with children and families. Drawing on 8 years of coaching experience complemented by extensive childcare work with infants and toddlers, she brings a wealth of practical knowledge
to our facility.
Erica is committed to creating environments that nurture children's intellectual, emotional, and social development. She firmly believes that each child possesses unique strengths and has the capacity to thrive when provided with a supportive environment. Her approach emphasizes the importance of individualized support to help children reach their full potential.
With her combined background in coaching and childcare, alongside her clinical training, Erica offers a perspective that recognizes and celebrates the distinctive qualities of each child and family she works with.