Teacher Bios
Name: Lynn Herman
Position: Director
Education:
M.A. in Early Childhood Education, Eastern Michigan University
B.A. in Elementary Education, Spring Arbor University
State of Michigan Elementary Continuing Teaching Certificate
ZA Early Childhood Endorsement
I have been working with young children and their families for more than 25 years as a teacher, preschool teacher, and director of programs with children from infant through middle school. The wonder of watching a child discover and learn still grows with each year that goes by. One of my favorite activities is observing children as they explore new materials. I got a lot of practice with my own two children, who are now young adults. I enjoy hearing parents tell me about their family traditions, which are quite varied in this community. Outside of work, my interests include playing flute and piccolo in community bands, doing needlework and craft projects, and wildlife rehabilitation.
Blue Room Team
Name: Tracy Winkelman
Position: Teacher
Education:
A.A. in Applied Science, Monroe Community College
I have been working in the early childhood Field since 1993, and I started working at Northwood CDC in December of 1997. I graduated from Monroe Community College in 1994 with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science, and with a heavy concentration in Education. I currently reside in Dundee, Michigan with my cat, Indy. I spend a lot of my time with my grandmother, going shopping, doing crafts and chores. My passion is watching Michigan Football or Red Wings hockey on television. Go Blue!
Name: Cathy Wood
Position: Teacher
Education:
B.S. in Child Development, Central Michigan University
I have been working at CDC since August 2007. I graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in child development, and I have 16 years of experience with children from three to thirteen years old. I have been both a teacher and a director of Early Childhood programs in Michigan and Tennessee. One of my favorite moments in teaching is when I see a child’s face light up after they have accomplished a new task, and know I have helped them get there.
Name: Sherry Hafner
Position: Associate Teacher
Education:
B.S. in Elementary Education, Eastern Michigan University
State of Michigan Elementary Provisional Teaching Certificate
ZA Early Childhood Endorsement
I have been teaching at Northwood CDC since October 2005. I graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Elementary Education and an Early Childhood Endorsement. I take pleasure in teaching and working with young children. I look forward to working with each child and family to create a positive, enjoyable experience.
Green Room Team
Name: Leslie Elliott
Position: Teacher
Education:
B.A. in Elementary Education, Alma College
I joined the staff of Northwood CDC as a teacher in December of 2000. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a minor in Sociology. I have previously served as a director of a School Age Care program and as a teacher in a private Kindergarten. The bulk of my professional experience has been working with preschool age children as a director and teacher. I especially enjoy working with preschool age children. I love that these little ones can be so energetic. I often incorporate humor, puppetry and storytelling in my teaching methods. I believe that children learn best when they feel safe and secure and most importantly, when they feel loved.
Name: Sara Tang
Position: Associate Teacher
Education:
BME in Music Education, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Illinois State Teaching Certificate
K-12 Music Endorsement
I have been the associate teacher in the Green Room since 2005, and I have been working with young children for the past seven years. I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. I enjoy singing songs and reading stories to children.
Name: Christy Whitelaw
Position: Associate Teacher
Education:
B.S. in Elementary Education, Eastern Michigan University
State of Michigan Elementary Provisional Teaching Certificate
ZA Early Childhood Endorsement, Special Education Endorsement
I joined the staff at CDC in September 2009. Before working at CDC, I worked at a school age child care program for Saline Area Schools for several years while completing my bachelor’s degree. I am a graduate of Eastern Michigan University where I studied Special Education and Early Childhood Education. One of my favorite things to do is read with the children. It is fun to watch them develop favorite stories that they want to read over and over again. I enjoy singing songs and creating silly new ones. I love watching the children explore and learn through play. Preschool is such a fun age where they begin to develop such unique personalities. I am so happy to be a part of it.
Purple Room Team
Name: Sarah Kim
Position: Teacher
Education:
Ph.D. in Education, Korea University
M.A. in Early Childhood Education, National University
B.A. in Education, Korea University
State of California Social Studies Permanent Teaching Certificate
Montessori Certificate, California ECE Head Teaching Certificate
I have been teaching at Northwood Child Development Center since August, 2000. I taught at a Montessori International School in California for 5 years. I greatly enjoy teaching basic concepts through music. I love singing and dancing with my Purple Room children. I do my best to teach each precious child!
Name: Sandy Oberski
Position: Teacher
Education:
B.S. in Elementary Education, Eastern Michigan University
State of Michigan Elementary Provisional Teaching Certificate
ZA Early Childhood Endorsement
I graduated from Eastern Michigan University and earned my Elementary Education degree, as well as an Early Childhood Endorsement. I am currently attending Siena Heights University, where I am working on my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been with the Northwood Community Child Development Center since 2004. Teaching is my passion and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such a diverse and wonderful group!
Name: Mary Crison
Position: Associate Teacher
Education:
A.A. in General Studies, Siena Heights University
I am a former resident of UM Family Housing, and I have been an associate teacher at the Northwood Child Development Center since 1990. I especially enjoy working with children for whom English is a second language. My background in English and avid interest in language in general have been very valuable in that regard. I enjoy music and dancing, especially classic rock-and-roll! I come from a large family of 7 brothers and sisters. I enjoy spending time with each of the 4 new nieces and nephews at family gatherings.
Administrative and Support Staff
Name: Judy Powers
Position: Administrative Assistant
Education:
B.S. in Elementary Education, Eastern Michigan University
ZA Early Childhood Endorsement
I joined the UM as a preschool teacher at Pound House Children’s Center in 1985. When UM Housing opened its preschool program in 1991 I was eager to join the new program and have worked at the Northwood Community Child Development Center since its inception. I enjoy working with the diverse population at CDC and acting as a resource for families. At home, I am kept very busy by my two children, Jacob (15) and Emma (10). I enjoy traveling, gardening, making jewelry and spending time with my family.
Name: Nancy Hagedorn-Fidler
Position: Clerk, Senior
Education:
B.S. in Elementary Education, Western Michigan University
I have been working in the early childhood field for the last 5 years as a Child Care Expulsion Prevention Specialist. Children as young as 15 months old have experienced expulsion from child care and it has been my passion to intervene in this practice by assisting preschools with assessments, training and observation. I am a certified trainer for child care providers with the Michigan 4C and have a great love of music (mostly rock n roll), traveling and family traditions.
Name: Catherine Strout
Position: Associate Teacher
Education: B.S. in Child Psychology, University of Michigan
I have worked at the Northwood CDC since January 2006, but I have a broad background and 25 years of experience working with infants through school age children in a variety of school and early childhood settings in the United States, Germany, and Algeria.
I have been the Parent-Toddler Playgroup facilitator at the Northwood program. I am dedicated to assuring a strong and nurturing attachment between young toddlers and their parents. Currently, I am a support teacher in the three multi-age classrooms.
