Administration - The Children's House

Annual Report
The annual report is published each fall to illustrate our school's metrics of success.

Head of School

Michele Shane, Head of School
B.A. University of Washington, Psychology
MEd Loyola College Baltimore, Maryland
AMI Montessori Primary Certification, Montessori Institute Northwest, Portland, OR

The Children's House experience (1998- present):
Primary Guide, Head of School
Michele@traversechildrenshouse.org

Michele has been with The Children’s House since 1998, teaching in a Primary classroom, and eventually was hired as Head of School. Michele holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Washington, AMI Primary diploma from Montessori Institute Northwest, and an MEd from Loyola College in Baltimore. Michele is mother to two young adults, both alums of TCH. She enjoys paddle boarding, mountain biking, reading, and being on the beach. One of her favorite parts of being a Head of School is getting to visit the classrooms to sing and play ukulele with the children.

Administration

	Alison Breithaupt, Early Childhood Program Coordinator B.S. Western Michigan University, Family Studies AMI Montessori Primary Certification, Montessori Training Center of St. Louis, St. Louis, MO The Children's House experience (1996- present): Primary Classroom Support Primary Guide Early Childhood Program Coordinator Alison@traversechildrenshouse.org Alison is a native of Traverse City. She knew when she graduated from college and met her husband, Eric, this is where she wanted to stay to raise her family. She enjoys all of the outside amenities this area has to offer. Alison has three sons who have all attended The Children's House and feels so fortunate to have found the Montessori philosophy and this school. It has played a big part in her life as an educator and a mom.
	Kim Gallagher, Human Resources B.A. Florida Atlantic University, Anthropology M.S. University of Florida, Pharmaceutical Science The Children’s House experience (2014-present): Front Desk Parent Coop, Administrative Support, Summer Program Director, Director of Operations kim@traversechildrenshouse.org Kim began working at TCH in 2014 when her children, Adrienne and Charlie, started as students. Her children continue their education at TCH, both attending the elementary program. She deeply appreciates any time spent on the water. She also enjoys playing piano, singing, writing and naturopathy. Traveling and sharing the world with her children is her greatest joy.
	Shanna Gonzalez, Director of Donor Relations B.A.A. Parks and Leisure Service Administration, Central Michigan University Certificate in Non Profit Management, University of Washington The Children's House experience (2024-Present): Director of Donor Relations shanna@traversechildrenshouse.org Shanna and her family recently moved back to Michigan after 12 years away, split between Chicago and Seattle working in the healthcare and non-profit sectors. She is excited to be part of the Children’s house community with her daughter starting in YCC during the 24-25 school year. When not at work Shanna loves to travel, hike, and go to the beach with her family.
	Stephen Haynes, Director of Finance B.A. Michigan State University, Accounting M.S. Michigan State University, Accounting The Children's House experience (2025- present): Director of Finance stephen@traversechildrenshouse.org Stephen grew up in Metro Detroit and had lived in Colorado before moving back to Traverse City in 2015 after the birth of his son to be closer to family. Stephen and his family have been a part of our community since 2016, when his son joined the Nido. His son is now in Upper Elementary. Stephen enjoys reading, hiking, and camping with his family.
	Renee Hintz, Director of Advancement B.S. Arts Administration, Butler University Certificate in Fund Raising Management, Indiana University, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy The Children's House experience (2018-present): Director of Advancement Renee@traversechildrenshouse.org After 12 years as Executive Director of Michigan Legacy Art Park, Renee is happy to continue her career in the nonprofit sector at The Children’s House. She and her husband, Chris, became part of the TCH community in 2008 when their son started in the Primary program. Both their children, Isaac and Anika, are Children's House alumni.
	Andrew Lutes, Director of Operations and Auxiliary Programming B.A. Poetry and Creative Writing, University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts The Children's House experience (2025-present): Director of Operations and Auxiliary Programming andrew@traversechildrenshouse.org Andrew joined the TCH community in 2025 as both a parent and administrator with a background in non-profit leadership and operations. He was born and raised on the Leelanau peninsula but spent the first 12 years of his professional career in the entertainment and hospitality industries of NYC. You can find him throughout the year performing his original music at local venues as A.S. Lutes with his twin sons dancing around the stage.
	Martin Miklos, Office Manager B.S. Business Administration, Central Michigan University RPCV Community Economic Development, Mongolia The Children's House experience (2020-present): Office Manager martin@traversechildrenshouse.org Marty and his family live in Lake Ann, and his daughter has been a student at TCH since 2018. His background is in business, and he's worked with a variety of nonprofit organizations both domestically and abroad. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing hockey, fishing, and cozying up to Excel spreadsheets.
	Trisha Short, MA, LPC, IMH-E (II), Mental Health Consultant Social Emotional Learning at The Children's House and Compass Montessori Masters in Counseling Education, Clinical Mental Health Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan Bachelor of Arts in Developmental Education, Human Development Specialization in play, language, and literacy Pacific Oaks College, Pasadena, California MI Infant Mental Health Endorsed Level II Trisha is a clinical mental health counselor and early childhood specialist. Her practice is built on the belief that a holistic approach must be taken to mental health and well-being with a focus on hope and healing. As a therapist, she focuses on individuals' strengths and helps them develop coping skills to deal with stress, anxiety, mood, and behavioral issues. At The Children’s House, Trisha provides reflective consultation to our guides seeking to enhance their own ability to work with their students.
	Arielle Sika, Media Coordinator & Historian B.F.A. Kendall College of Art and Design, Graphic Design and Photography The Children's House experience (2021-present): Media Coordinator arielle@traversechildrenshouse.org Arielle started at The Children's House as the Media Coordinator in the Fall of 2021. She is often found behind the camera, in classrooms and at events, capturing the photos seen in Waypoints. She also manages the school's website, social media channels, and advertising. Arielle and her husband, Tyler, live in Traverse City with their son and three dogs!
	Norie Warnke, Operations Specialist