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Andrea Deibler, Kitchen Director BA University of Missouri-Kansas City, English Language and Literature The Children's House experience (2021- present): Andrea@traversechildrenshouse.org Andrea joined the Children’s House community as Kitchen Director in October 2021. Previously she has worked as a chef, restauranteur and whole animal butcher, focusing on sustainably sourced and local food. She lives in Traverse City with her young son Henry, husband Ben and cat, Mr. Waffles. Other than cooking she enjoys knitting, biking and gardening. |
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Alison Hoffman, Art Specialist B.A. Northern Michigan University, Art Education 2002 The Children's House experience (2007- present): Alisonh@traversechildrenshouse.org Alison grew up in Traverse City but spent time in Marquette, Boulder and Massachusetts, before moving back. Alison has been the art teacher here at TCH for ten years and feels blessed everyday for being able to teach these students and be a part of this community. She enjoys ALL things artistic and loves spending time trying out and practicing new techniques and mediums. Other hobbies include gardening, spending time with her dog Rocco and being on the water. |
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Brooke Kartje, Della Terra BFA Western Michigan University Frostic School of Art with emphasis in Print Media The Children's House experience (2024 present): In August 2024, Brooke Kartje joined The Children’s House as Della Terra. She has experience as an art and technology coordinator at a library, a farmhand on an organic farm, and a Program Coordinator for a non-profit art center. She is new to Traverse City and was originally from Milan Michigan: a small town over on the east side of the state. The motivation for her work comes from her belief in food sovereignty and her love of plants. When she’s not in the garden she enjoys looking at antiques, camping, and traveling.
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Heather Kidd, Spanish Specialist
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Angela Lickiss-Aleo, Music Specialist Bachelor of Music, Middle Tennessee State University 2006 The Children's House Experience (2016- present): Angela@traversechildrenshouse.org Angela has been a substitute at The Children's House since 2016 in nearly every classroom, including music. She has been teaching music in the Traverse City area since moving here in 2015 and an active music educator since 2006. Her primary instruments are piano and oboe. When Angela is not making music she enjoys working in the garden and spending time with her daughter, husband, and dog outdoors. |
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Steve Maas, Physical Education Specialist B.A. Spring Arbor University, Family Life Education The Children's House experience (1992- present): Steve@traversechildrenshouse.org Steve began his employment at The Children's House in the fall of 1992 in Suttons Bay as an assistant in Nadine's Primary classroom. The following school year he transferred to the Traverse City location, then being housed in the First Congregational Church at the base of Old Mission Peninsula. He worked with three to six year old students for several years until TCH began offering daily physical education in 2003. |
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Vida Ruggero, Spanish Specialist B.A. Spanish, Latin American Studies Certificate: Michigan State University Vida has been teaching Spanish for over 30 years. She has taught preschool - AP high school Spanish. Vida has lived in Michigan her whole life and has traveled to many Spanish speaking places: Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Costa Rica and in Guatemala. She loves to use music & movement to teach Spanish. She moved to Traverse City with her husband 4 years ago to take a job at TCAPS Montessori and the opportunity to work with elementary school aged children again. Vida is looking forward to working with the lower elementary students at The Children’s House Montessori this year. She enjoys SUPing, cross country skiing, hiking, reading on the beach & working around the yard. Vida & her husband enjoy boating & fishing together. Together they have 3 adult children.
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DiAnn Service, Learning Lab Guide BA Grand Valley, English and Elementary Education DiAnn@traversechildrenshouse.org DiAnn has been a part of The Children's House community since 1995. From summer programs and primary assistant, to Master Gardener training and elementary guide, she has participated in many different aspects of school life. Currently DiAnn is providing academic support for the elementary community in a variety of ways. |