Tender Hearts Learning Center
All of our lead teachers have at least a CDA and numerous years experience working in the field of early childhood. All staff receives 24 hours of annual training and are CPR and First Aid certified.
This is my 15th year working with children. Of those 15 years, 7 of those have been working with early childhood age. The rest of those have been working with elementary age children. I have a bachelors degree in child development and social studies from Madonna University.
I started out at Tender Hearts as a Lead Preschool teacher and then moved into the director position. Since starting at Tender Hearts, my favorite part has been hearing all the toddlers say the new words they have learned.
When I am not working at Tender Hearts, I enjoy making crafts and even enter some craft shows. I also, work part time at Michaels craft store.
Sarah Shacklett Lead Toddler Teacher
Ms. Sarah is a recent college graduate. She received her associates degree in early childhood education. She will be starting her bachelors degree soon. Before Ms. Sarah started at Tender Hearts she was a Lead Toddler teacher for 2 1/2 years at Warren Woods Early Childhood Center. She is ecstatic to continue her experience here with the children and teach them and explore the world with them.
Ms. Sarah also has 3 children of her own at home. She looks forward to continuing her education in the near future. Her goal is to make sure the children have a great education as well.
Our Staff
Elissa Perko Director
Ms. Grace has her associates degree in early childhood education. She has been working in the education field for 22 years. Ms. Grace loves working with children of all ages. She loves to challenge their creativity and their energy to explore and learn.
Alicia Sexton Owner/Lead Infant Teacher
Ms. Alicia is a graduate of Evenezer Bible School. She has received train in early childhood from the University of Michigan. She has a business degree from the University of California. She also has her C.D.A. - Child Development Associate Credential.
She is a missionary to Ecuador in South America. She helped establish a school of 360 children. Ms. Alicia loves children. She has taught children at church and school for 50 years.
Karen Ballard Preschool Assistant Teacher
Ms. Karen has been teaching for 29 years. In those 29 years, she has home schooled her children for seven of them. Most of her experience has been with elementary age and just recently Preschool children.
Ms. Karen has her bachelors in elementary education from Summit University. She is currently working on her C.D.A.- Child Development Associate Credential. It will be completed in July. Ms. Karen has been working at Tender Hearts since August of 2016.
Ms. Karen enjoys running, riding her bike, and spending time with her family.
Grace Logan Lead Preschool Teacher
Phoebia Carr Toddler Assistant Teacher
Ms. Carr has worked in childcare for 16 years. She has worked with Infants and Toddlers for 12 years and for 4 years as a Latchkey Instructor. She has received various trainings from the 4c's and other agencies. When Ms. Carr leaves Tender Hearts, she runs a Latchkey program from home where she cares for 8 school age children.
Tammy Johnson Assistant Toddler Teacher
Ms. Tammy loves coming to Tender Hearts and working with the children each day. Tammy has years of experience raising her own children and grandchildren. Ms. Tammy takes early childhood trainings thru Great Start to Quality and is a member of the Macomb County Teacher's Association.
Tyie Timmons Toddler Assistant Teacher
Ms. Tyie has 3 children of her own. She has been working with children for about seven years now. She started mentoring and worked as an elementary gym teacher. Ms. Tyie then worked at a daycare and summer camp. She loves children of all ages. Ms. Tyie likes that kids are filled with so much energy and life. She enjoys teaching them new things to better themselves and enjoy childhood.