GSQ Team

Assessor

Lisa Bremer

Hello! My name is Lisa Bremer.  I have been with Great Start to Quality since 2016. I earned my degree in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Emphasis from Western Michigan University, and I am a former preschool teacher and assistant director.

My Why

I am a mother to four children, all over 18 years of age. Watching them grow and develop into adults has been a beautiful journey.

A Few of My Favorite Things

I love being active, being outside, and all animals. I love gardening and flowers, even though I don’t have a green thumb. I love to travel and explore new places.

My Passion

I consider it an honor to play a small role in supporting programs and providers as they care for Michigan’s children. Being a mom, a former preschool teacher, and the daughter of a family childcare owner, I know your work comes straight from your heart. I know you work long hours and sometimes days are amazing and sometimes days are a struggle, and I absolutely know your love for children is the foundation of your work every day. As I visit your programs, please know I am continually impressed and humbled at the dedication and commitment you all show to the children and the families you provide care for.

Assessor

Rahni Bryant

Hello, my name is Rahni Bryant. I am an Assessor for Great Start to Quality. I joined the Great Start to Quality team in 2022 and have two decades of experience in education. I earned my degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University. As a classroom teacher, I have had the pleasure of serving students and their families in the early childhood grades. I have also taught in multiple states throughout the Midwest.   

My Why 

I have 3 children and treasure creating memories with them through adventures and new experiences. 

A Few of My Favorite Things 

I enjoy all things “Music”, traveling, and cooking. I like watching movies and a bit of sports! 

My Passion 

It is my privilege to support the programs throughout Michigan in providing an excellent and effective educational experience for all children. It is my endeavor to assist in strengthening programs by providing constructive feedback and suggestions that will help to create a rich educational experience. 

Assessment Manager

Kristen Howard

Hello! My name is Kristen Howard and I am the Assessment Manager with the Early Childhood Investment Corporation.  In this role, I provide oversight and leadership for the implementation of the Great Start to Quality On-Site Observation process.  I truly love working with the GSQ Assessment Team. They are amazing early childhood professionals that make my job a joy. 

I have been working in the early childhood field for 25 years and joined Great Start to Quality in 2021.  I am a dedicated early childhood professional with experience as a Preschool Teacher, Center Director and Trainer.   I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Michigan State University. 

My Why 

My family is the reason I do what I do.  I am happily married to my husband of 26 years and have 4 children (2 adults and 2 teenagers), that keep me extremely busy.  I honestly would not want it any other way! 

A Few of My Favorite Things 

I am a sports and theater mom, so if you don’t catch me at a ball field, you can find me at our local theater.  I love the performing arts and all things music.  I serve as a board member for our local high school Music Boosters organization and am a volunteer for several local organizations. I love traveling frequently to Chicago (where my oldest son lives) and enjoy beaches and sunshine any chance I get! 

My Passion 

Through my work and educational background, I have become passionate in the area of quality in early childhood programs.  It excites me to see programs working to improve quality even if it is just a little baby step at a time. It excites me to provide training to Early Childhood professionals, especially those just starting in their careers.  I truly want to see all of Michigan’s early childhood professionals, young children and their families thrive! 

Assessor

Amy Moreno

Hello! My name is Amy Moreno, and I am grateful to be a Great Start to Quality Assessor. Before working as a Great Start to Quality Assessor, I invested more than 25 years as a teacher and Early Childhood advocate. To say supporting children in all aspects of their growth is a passion of mine, would be an understatement. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an advanced endorsement in Early Childhood Education, and an Associates degree in the College of Arts and Sciences from the University of Michigan-Flint. In the beginning of my career, I worked in infant and toddler rooms all the way through older schoolage. Soon after, I began teaching Kindergarten and Middle School Language Arts. It wasn’t long before I realized my passion as a Kindergarten teacher and Pre-K Director where I spent 20 years serving children and their families. 

My Why 

My “why” for doing this work is not only to help the families in your program, but also to be there for my sweet family! I have 3 children and a wonderful husband of 20 years!  

A Few of My Favorite Things 

I love sports and the Michigan Wolverines!! (Go Blue!). I am also passionate about dance and gymnastics as I grew up competing in the sport. I am an animal and taco lover, but my favorite thing to do is garden and go to the beach (The ocean is my happy place)! 

My Passion 

I truly am honored to visit programs around the State of Michigan and work to help give families and children the best quality childcare possible where children can thrive and develop. 

Assessor

TaShanna Norrell

Hello! My name is TaShanna Norrell, and I am an Assessor for Great Start to Quality. I have been with Great Start to Quality since 2017, when I first began completing On-Site Observations. I received a Master of Art in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education with the focus of Teaching Early Childhood to Adults. I taught in a preschool setting, as a Head Start Teacher, GSRP teacher, and later moved on to Assistant Director, Site Leader, and then Educational Specialist for GSRP, which lead me into becoming an Assessor.  

My Why 

I am a mom to two lovely girls who are my “why” for doing this work.  

A Few of My Favorite Things 

I enjoy watching my girls play sports and coming home to tell me what else they have joined. I am also the mother of a Chihuahua Yorkie mix name Spice and a Guinea Pig name Diego. My girls keep me busy and I for one understand functional chaos, it’s my life. 

My Passion 

The best part of my job is being part of the process to help families find affordable, high-quality childcare. I appreciate the willingness of programs to take the extra time to go through the Great Start to Quality process and for allowing me to come out and visit programs throughout the State! 

Assessor

Hayley Norris

Hello! My name is Hayley Norris.  I have been with Great Start to Quality since 2013, when I first began completing On-Site Observations. I received my degree in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood minor from Western Michigan University. I have been the lead teacher in both toddlers and multi-age preschool rooms and was also an interim co-director before I began my role as an assessor.

My Why

I am a mom to two busy boys who are my “why” for doing this work.

 A Few of My Favorite Things

I enjoy watching my boys play sports, traveling to tropical destinations, and Michigan summers! I have two dogs-an English Bulldog and a French Bulldog.  My family life is constant chaos, trekking from one sporting event to the next, but I would not have it any other way!

My Passion

Being a parent is a tough job within itself and finding childcare for your children should not be stressful. The best part of my job is being part of the process to help families in Michigan find affordable, high-quality childcare.

Assessor

Stacy Trelewski

Greetings! My name is Stacy Trelewski. Although I have been a part of ECIC for a short time, my career in Early Childhood Education began a long time ago! I have worked in the field since 2001, when I fell in love with ECE after accepting my first role as an Infant Caregiver. My passion grew from there and I have worked with children of all ages in the past twenty years! After teaching preschool for most of my career, I spent some time coaching Head Start teachers before finding my way to the License Exempt Provider Team, and now the Assessment team. In 2020, I earned a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Central Michigan University. Fire Up Chips!

My Why

Ever since I was young, I have enjoyed being with children. Their innocence and excitement for life has been such an inspiration to me. As a moved through my career, I realized that I also had a passion for helping those in the field. I enjoy seeing all of the different ways that ECE professionals use their creativity, and helping those around me to be the best they can is incredibly fulfilling, no matter their age!

A Few of My Favorite Things

My husband, daughter and I love to be outside, exploring all the amazing things that Michigan has to offer. Spring and summertime bring camping, boating, hiking, lying on the beach, and just enjoying each other. Fall brings hunting season where we enjoy cozying up together in a deer blind!

We are also very involved with our church family. I am a Sunday school teacher on the weekends. I also serve as the chairperson for the Board of Parish Life, and love being a part of our annual Vacation Bible School!

My Passion

I am incredibly passionate about helping children and families thrive. Whether I am sharing Bible stories, hanging out with my girl and her friends, or coaching a fellow Early Childhood Professional, I believe my passion for helping shines through every step of the way. I am so excited to be a member of the Assessment team and share my passion with others!

Assessor

Amber Vanderzalm

Hello! My name is Amber Vanderzalm. I have been with Great Start to Quality since 2013, when I first began completing On-Site Observations. I received my degree in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood minor from Western Michigan University. I taught Head Start for eleven years before being promoted to Education Coach, which allowed me to mentor new and existing teachers. Mentoring gave me an opportunity to help teachers and classrooms thrive!

My Why

I have two children that are my “why” for doing this work.  As a parent, when I couldn’t be with my kids, I wanted to know they were safe, loved, and well taken care of.  I love being able to play a small part in helping other parents find quality care for their children!

A Few of My Favorite Things

I love reading, being outdoors, and warm weather!  I have a dog and a cat but love all animals. I love to travel and watch sports, both in person and on TV. I’m a huge Green Bay Packers fan, even though we live here in Michigan. (Go Pack Go!)

My Passion

I’m excited to be part of a process that makes finding quality childcare easier for parents and gives them peace of mind as they leave their children in someone else’s care each day! I am passionate about helping programs and providers create safe, loving, enriching environments for Michigan’s children.

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Tracie Guild

Hello! My name is Tracie Guild. I have been with Great Start to Quality since 2017. I received my Bachelor of Science in Family Community Services with minors in Youth, Kinesiology, Health and Leadership Management from Michigan State University. I have worked in the field of youth and early childhood for almost 20 years in multiple facets.  

My Why 

I have three children who are my “why” for doing this work. As a parent, I want to know that my children are safe, loved, and well cared for when I am not with them.  I love that I am part of a process that helps families in finding quality care for their children. 

A Few of My Favorite Things 

I enjoy spending time with my family whenever possible.  We especially love our family movie nights and going for walks and bike rides to the local ice cream shop.  We love all things Michigan State, going to and watching MSU football and basketball games. I also love watching my kids play their sports and participate in their school events. 

My Passion 

As a parent and previous early childhood educator, my passion is helping Michigan’s children and families by advocating for quality, equitable and affordable childcare.

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Nicole Kretzschmer

Hello! My name is Nicole Kretzschmer. I have been with Great Start to Quality since 2013. I received a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Great Lakes Christian College. I have worked in the field of early childhood serving children and families in settings including family child care, child care centers, faith-based centers, summer camps, and Head Start. 

My Why 

My intentions for my work are framed by my commitment to helping all children and families thrive. Because of this, I am enthusiastic about supporting programs to understand why providing quality child care is important. It gives me purpose when I can help programs learn that improving quality might be hard, it will take time and effort, but it is worth it. I appreciate having opportunities to engage with programs to help them learn and grow on their path to quality. 

A Few of My Favorite Things 

I love spending time with my family and friends, especially when it involves a road trip to visit a state or national park. I enjoy sharing silly dad jokes and puns. 

My Passion 

I am passionate about anchoring equity and inclusion in my work to produce better outcomes for marginalized communities, address disparities, and support belonging.  To that end, my intentions for my work include listening to diverse perspectives to gain understanding, working on identifying and mitigating my biases, and developing goals that have tangible and actionable steps.

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Makenna Lopez

Hello! My name is Makenna Lopez. I have been with Great Start to Quality since 2024. I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Concentration in Development from Aquinas College. I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Spring Arbor University. I have worked in the field of early childhood serving children 0-12 years old.

My Why

My “why” is my family. I am the third generation in my family to work with children. I have loved working with children and engaging with families from a very young age; which is the foundation of my work in early childhood.

A Few of my Favorite Things

I love spending time with my family and friends, playing pickleball, traveling to sunshine, and reading.

My Passion

I am passionate about creating strong relationships with children and their families. I believe that every child deserves to feel loved, cared for, and safe with their caregivers. I am also passionate about development and helping educators to learn more about each child’s individual development. I believe it is important to work with diverse populations to better understand how we can help all children, families, and educators in Michigan thrive.

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Candice Lewis

Hello! My name is Candice Lewis. I have been with Great Start to Quality since 2013. I received a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Brigham Young University, Provo. I have worked in the field of early childhood for over 20 years serving children ages 0-12 years in multiple settings and positions. 

My Why 

All children and families deserve a place where they feel safe and cared about, where their individuality is respected, and where their culture is valued and honored. 

A Few of My Favorite Things 

I enjoy reading, journaling, studying the scriptures, and spending time with my family. These activities are elevated when my cat is curled up in my lap. 

My Passion 

I am passionate about creating an accessible and equitable environment where information is communicated in multiple ways to meet the different learning styles of families and those who serve in the Early Childhood field. This includes advocating for the importance of creating accessible materials and presenting them in diverse ways to ensure the information communicated is understood by all. 

Validation Manager

Melissa Mosley

Hello! My name is Melissa Mosley. I have been with Great Start to Quality since 2016. I received a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Child Development with a minor in Youth Studies and a Master of Applied Arts in Early Childhood Education from Central Michigan University. I have worked in the field of early childhood serving children and families in settings including a NAEYC-accredited child care center, a faith-based center, and before and after school programs. 

My Why 

I will always remember my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Windella, she inspired me to work with young children. My hope is that I can help providers be the person to inspire Michigan’s children to reach their full potential. 

A Few of My Favorite Things 

I enjoy reading, doing puzzles, and spending time with my family and friends, especially when it involves boating or tubing down the river in northern Michigan. 

My Passion 

My passions for the work include centering equity and inclusion in the work to increase outcomes for marginalized communities, address disparities, and support belonging. My intentions for the work include ensuring diverse perspectives are included and heard, identifying and mitigating my biases, and committing to helping all children and families thrive in Michigan. 

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Allyson Page

Hello! My name is Allyson Page. I have been with Great Start to Quality since 2017. I received my Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a minor in Health Education from Grand Valley State University and I am pursuing a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Northern Michigan University. I have worked in the field of education for more than 10 years serving children of all ages in multiple settings and positions. 

My Why 

I have two children who are my “why” for doing this work. As a parent, I want to know that my children are safe, loved, and well cared for when I am not with them.  I love that I am part of a process that helps families in finding quality care for their children. 

A Few of My Favorite Things 

I enjoy anything where I get to use my creative side, traveling anywhere sunny and warm, watching my children play sports, and playing sports myself! 

My Passion 

As a parent and past educator, my passion is helping all of Michigan’s children and families by advocating for their social, emotional, and physical well-being. My intentions for my work include supporting programs to provide families with equitable and quality care for children where they can build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and growth.