Jennifer is the First Steps Preschool Director. She comes to us after 18 years with the Early Childhood Programs for Howell Public Schools. During that time she rose through the ranks from assistant to co-director while also teaching preschool and facilitating Parent and Child Playgroups. In October 2017, she changed paths to pursue her love of children’s literature by taking a position with a company that produces reading comprehension lesson plans and support materials for elementary school teachers. Jennifer is excited to join First Steps Preschool and return to the important work of providing exceptional preschool experiences for young learners. She graduated from Oakland University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and went on to attend an Alternative Teacher Certification Program in Dallas, Texas where she taught Kindergarten in the inner city. 

She and her husband, Patrick, have lived in Brighton since 2003. They have three children. In the fall of 2021, their oldest son William will begin his junior year at Grand Valley State University studying Engineering. Jacob, their middle child, will be joining his brother at GVSU as a freshman studying Film. Their daughter Emily is entering her sophomore year at Brighton High School. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and her interests include reading, hiking, golfing, cooking and photography.