Meet Our Team!

Each classroom is staffed by a team of professional key teachers, one of whom serves as the head teacher. All head and key teachers are college graduates educated in child development and the learning processes of children. Our head teachers share more than 135 years of experience in early childhood education. Head teachers are responsible for supervision of other classroom teachers and coordination of activities within the classroom. With child development principles in mind, the key teachers plan and implement The Discovery Center program as a team.

Supporting staff in the classroom include assistant teachers who support key teachers with program implementation.

At The Discovery Center, every employee is dedicated to providing a nurturing, fun, educational environment for children to learn and thrive.

Red Room

Credentials: Bachelors in Early Childhood Education from San Buenaventura University in Columbia
Why I love working at TDC: I love working at TDC because it allows me to nurture young minds in a loving, supportive, and engaging environment.
My favorite childhood toy: I loved dolls and stuffed animals.
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: It brings joy to my heart when I hear the children call me different variations of my name: Ms. Paro, Ms. Apalo, Ms. Ataro, Ms. Pavo…Karlo and a few more in between.
More about me: Hola! I grew up in Bogota, Columbia. I live in Dexter with my husband. I have a daughter who currently attends U of M. I have been working at TDC since 2000. I left the program briefly when I had my daughter and to assist my family when they moved to the US.
Working in The Red Room allows me to foster creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning in every child, build strong relationships with families, and ensure that each child's preschool experience is joyful and enriching.
I love introducing young students to the Spanish language in a fun, engaging, and interactive teaching style that creates a lively classroom environment where learning Spanish is fun and exciting.

Credentials: B.S., Children and Families from Eastern Michigan University
Why I love working at TDC: Teaching at The Discovery Center is an absolute joy for me. The atmosphere and welcoming environment foster a sense of belonging and creativity that is unparalleled. My team, filled with creative and innovative individuals, makes every day exciting and fulfilling. But what truly makes my heart swell with love for this place is witnessing the growth and development of the children we teach. Their smiles, their curiosity, and their progress are constant reminders of why I am passionate about education and why I love being a part of The Discovery Center.
My favorite childhood toy: My favorite childhood toy was a plush Strawberry Shortcake doll that even smelled like strawberries!
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: The most memorable thing a student of mine has said is, “Mrs. Galilea, I want to marry you at the airport! My family can be there, I don't know about yours.”
More about me: Since my sophomore year of college in 2020, I've been on an enriching journey at The Discovery Center, starting as an assistant and rising to the role of key teacher by December 2022. My passion for working with children has been a lifelong dream, and every day I find joy in learning from them as much as they learn from me. Being bilingual in English and Spanish allows me to weave cultural diversity into our classroom experiences, fostering understanding and inclusivity. Beyond the classroom, I treasure moments with my family, staying active to keep both mind and body sharp, and dedicating time to improving my home, creating a sanctuary for relaxation and creativity.

Pronouns: She/Her
Credentials: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology
Why I love working at TDC: I love watching the kids explore their imagination and how they grow at this age.
My favorite childhood toy: My Littlest Pet Shop! I collected so many.
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: For me, it’s the random hugs throughout the day.
More about me: I started teaching at TDC in November 2024. I absolutely love working with the kids. I am very excited to watch them all learn and grow. I received my Bachelor’s in Psychology. I am so happy to be here for you and your family!

Orange Room

Pronouns: She/Her
Credentials: BS in Early Childhood Education from EMU
Why I love working at TDC: Early childhood education is my passion.
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: “Holy cheeseballs, that is a lot of milk.”
More about me: I started teaching at TDC in 2001 in the Orange Room. I am married. I currently have a Dachshund named Charlie. I love bird watching.

Credentials: CDA, Associate degree in Child Care Professionals
Why I love working at TDC: The people here are kind and very professional in what they do.
My favorite childhood toy: My favorite childhood toy was a plush Strawberry Shortcake doll that even smelled like strawberries!
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: A child said, “I love you” after kissing my hand.
More about me: I’m so glad that I became part of the Orange Room in February, 2024. I graduated from Washtenaw Community College with an associate degree in childcare in 2018. I had 2 years of experience working in WCC’s Children’s Center as an assistant teacher. I also attended Eastern Michigan University for Child Development. I hope to instill kindness and joy in my students by providing them with a safe place to learn and stimulate their curious minds.

Yellow Room/Pre-K

Credentials: Bachelors in Elementary Education
Why I love working at TDC: Every day is different, never a dull moment.
My favorite childhood toy: Fisher Price Little People House
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: “Where do you sleep at The Discovery Center? Where’s your bed?”
More about me: I started working at TDC in 2006. I started in the Green Room as an assistant but have worked in all of the classrooms. I graduated from EMU with a degree in Elementary Education. I started as a key teacher in 2007 in the Yellow Room and just recently became head teacher. I have always loved kids and babysat before teaching. I enjoy spending time with my family and my dog Parker, and reading in my spare time.

Pronouns: She/Her
Credentials: BA in Social Science with Education concentration
Teacher Certification, Eastern Michigan University
Why I love working at TDC: I love the school community.
My favorite childhood toy: Polly Pocket and Barbies
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: A child referred to their pockets as snack holes.
More about me: I have worked at TDC since 2016. I started as a key teacher in the Orange Room. In 2024, I moved to a key teaching position in the Yellow Room. I am passionate about teaching Pre-K and building a positive classroom environment.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, bird watching, camping, and playing tennis.

Pronouns: She/Her
Credentials: Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education
Why I love working at TDC: I love seeing the children grow and develop
My favorite childhood toy: Barbie dolls
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: “You wear glasses.”
More about me: I started working at TDC in June of 2025. I love spending time with family. I enjoy all Detroit sports and I am a huge U of M fan!!! I enjoy cooking. I also enjoy spending time with my friends. I have been teaching since 2020, and have been in the field of early childhood education since 2005.

Green Room

Credentials: Bachelors Degree in Education, minor in ECE and Children’s Literature
Why I love working at TDC: The people, families, children and staff. I have made many life long connections at TDC.
My favorite childhood toy: Lite Brite
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: I had a child ask me, “Are you going to have another birthday?”
My reply, “I hope so.”
More about me: I began my career at TDC student teaching in the Orange Room. I officially became a TDC staff member in January, 1988. I started as an assistant teacher and worked my way up to my current position, as head teacher in Green Room.
I am married to my childhood sweetheart, we met in kindergarten. I have 1 daughter and 2 grandchildren. My hobbies include reading, gardening, cooking, and paper crafting.

Credentials: BA in Elementary Education with Early Childhood (ZA) endorsement
Why I love working at TDC: It feels like home. I student-taught here in 2007 and realized this is where I belong. I love working with a great team and with those who get just as excited about new learning activities for the children as I do.
My favorite childhood toy: American Girl dolls
More about me: I started working at TDC in August of 2023. Before coming here I was a nanny and then most recently a lead teacher for a 2 year old class. I live with my dog Chily and cat Lincoln.
When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my fur babies and family, especially my 2 nieces. I also enjoy gardening, DIY projects around the house, and learning about genealogy.

Credentials: Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood minor
Why I love working at TDC: I love the teachers I work with.
My favorite childhood toy: Strawberry Shortcake Bake Shoppe
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: When asking a child to identify a shape (semicircle), he said it was a half a wheel of cheese.
More about me: I started working at The Discovery Center in April of 2024. I love to read and scrapbook. I am a mother of 3 children, 2 boys and a girl. My youngest graduated in 2024! I love to travel and watch basketball and baseball. I plan to visit all of the major league baseball stadiums.

Blue Room

Credentials: Degree in Psychology, minor in Justice and Families Studies with a certificate in Child Advocacy
Why I love working at TDC: I love that TDC understands the importance of learning through play.
My favorite childhood toy: My favorite toy growing up was the Easy Bake Oven.
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: One of the funniest and most memorable moments I have had is when complimenting one of my students on their cuteness, the child responded by saying, “it’s genetics!”
More about me: originally lived in New Jersey but moved to Michigan with my husband and 2 fur babies! I started working at TDC in 2018. I enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures, with a focus on incorporating it in the classroom. I love adding art into learning and watching children create their own masterpiece.

Credentials: BA in Elementary Education, K-5, all subjects, 6-8 Art Education
Associates degree in Early Childhood Education specializing in Pre-K through kindergarten, Siena Heights College
Why I love working at TDC: It is a warm and caring environment where children are able to grow and excel each day.
My favorite childhood toy: Sit and Spin
More about me: I have worked at TDC since 1999. I started out in the Orange Room, where I taught for 16 years, and then moved to the Blue Room, where I am currently team teaching. My time spent outside of TDC is with my family and my extended family at the horse stables. I love riding horses and taking care of their needs. I also enjoy kayaking around the lake for some quiet time.

Pronouns: He/Him
Credentials: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
Why I love working at TDC: The students, teachers, staff, and families.
My favorite childhood toy: Nintendo GameCube
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: “I need a hug.”
More about me: I began working at The Discovery Center in July of 2024. I love teaching and watching how my students learn and grow every year! I’ve been teaching preschool since 2021 and see myself teaching at this level for several more years. I received my bachelor’s degree from Defiance College in May of 2022. I moved to Ann Arbor in July of 2024 and really like living here!
I like playing video games, watching TV shows and movies, running, hiking, camping, drawing, reading, and spending time with my dog, Chopper. I’m happy teaching at TDC and I’m excited for its future!

Purple Room

Credentials: BS, with a major in American and English Language and Literature, and a minor in Children’s Theater
Why I love working at TDC: A supportive family friendly environment
My favorite childhood toy: My Golden Books and baby dolls
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: “More cheese please, Miss Louise!”
More about me: I started my tenure at The Discovery Center in 1996 as a key teacher in the Purple Room. I moved into my current role as head teacher in 2000. I have developed close relationships with many families of the Purple Room and have enjoyed hearing about their successes in life after they move ahead from the walls of the Purple Room. Their success is my success.

Credentials: Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Eastern Michigan University
BA in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Spring Arbor
Associate Degree in Piano Pedagogy, Spring Arbor
Why I love working at TDC: Team teaching and multi-age classes provide great opportunities to build long-lasting relationships.
My favorite childhood toy: Dollhouse made by my dad
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: (The day after seeing a family at the grocery store) “Remember when I saw you at the store? We should do that again!”
More about me: After graduating from college in 1999, I began teaching at The Discovery Center that fall. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Purple Room ever since! In my spare time, I enjoy relaxing with a good book, movie, or TV show; playing the piano; and spending time with family and friends.

Pronouns: She/Her
Credentials: BS, Health Promotion, from Central Michigan University
Why I love working at TDC: I love the children, their families, and my classroom’s overall feel; great teamwork!
My favorite childhood toy: Little People
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: “You’re back!” Day after day my first month. It was said so enthusiastically and like it was such a surprise to see me.
More about me: I am married and have 2 sons, along with a pair of crazy Labradoodles. I am a lifelong Michigander except for a few years spent in San Diego. After years of staying home with my boys, I returned to working in 2022 at a daycare in South Lyon. Working with various ages there, I found my passion with preschoolers. I returned to school to work on my CDA. I started at TDC in March of 2024 and love working in a mixed-age environment. Outside of work and family, I enjoy traveling, reading, and time in nature.

Assistant Teachers

Pronouns: She/They
Why I love working at TDC: An amazing community that truly care about the children!!
My favorite childhood toy: Littlest Pet Shop, tea sets, Twilight Barbies
More about me:I started working at TDC in May, 2025. I’ve always had a connection with children, working with them has felt like second nature to me for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I helped raise my younger brother, which taught me everything I know. Outside of work, I have a strong love for nature and spending time outdoors. One of my biggest dreams is to be a farmer and live off the land. I already have around 40 fruit trees. It’s amazing to watch things grow, whether it’s plants or children, I love being a part of both. :)

Credentials: CDA certificate
My favorite childhood toy: Stuffed white bear
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: A few years ago, I had to wear a walking boot after an ankle injury. While having story time on the carpet, I noticed that a little girl was wearing an athletic leg sleeve. I asked her if she was doing any sports. Her response was, " No, I wanted to be like you."
More about me: I have worked as an assistant teacher at The Discovery Center since 2018. I enjoy reading to the children, playing games, creating artwork, teaching them new facts, and discussing their favorite superheroes/Disney characters. It is truly rewarding for me to see how the children grow and develop new skills throughout the school year. My goal is to provide the children with a quality education and skills that will help them throughout the rest of their lives.

Pronouns: She/Her
Credentials: Pursuing a degree in Psychology at Washtenaw Community College
Why I love working at TDC: I love listening to the kids talk about their days.
My favorite childhood toy: A stuffed rabbit named Hop Hop
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: “Ms. Leni you smell so good! Are you wearing perfume?” ::leans in closer:: “Your hair smells good too!”
More about me: I started working at TDC in 2024. TDC is a great environment.
In my free time, I enjoy drawing and painting. I started playing the violin when I was 10 and it continues to be one of my favorite activities.

Pronouns: She/Her
Credentials: Currently in school for Elementary Education (Birth-3rd). I’m also the eldest child (I have 8 siblings).
Why I love working at TDC: I love the environment and kindness at TDC. I love watching the kids grow every day, playing games with them, and hearing about their days.
My favorite childhood toy: I loved my stuffed monkey
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: There is another Assistant Teacher named Mya at TDC. A student asked me what my middle name was when I first started working at the center. They still call me by my middle name!
More about me: I started at TDC the end of January, 2025. I love it here! I have met so many kids in the different classrooms and have created special bonds with each of them. I’m in school full time and enjoy being able to implement what I’m learning into the classrooms at TDC.

Pronouns: She/Her
Credentials: BFA in design from the University of Michigan/Co-op Preschool (parent assist & Board President & VP - 8 years)
Early Childhood Coursework at Eastern Michigan University/taught Child Development Associate courses at Washtenaw Community College
Why I love working at TDC: The children, facilitating their growth, the families, support from coworkers, longevity of the staff, and the building is designed for our program.
My favorite childhood toy: Not a toy, but my favorite thing to do as a child was to take a book and climb the willow tree in our backyard, munching on a few concord grapes from the nearby arbor - reading for hours!
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: Green Room child: “Jan’s here, so it must be Wednesday.”
More about me: I grew up up in the 50’s and 60’s in small town Romeo, Michigan; a typical family for that time with a stay-at-home mom. After college, I worked in the design field. I was the Education Coordinator at The Scrap Box, a non-profit providing manufacturing and household discards for creativity. This position combined my love for the environment, children and open-ended art. After presenting an in service to the TDC staff, I knew that if I went back to the classroom, I wanted to be at TDC. After 12 years here, I nannied with a former family, for several years. I am back very part-time because I missed the young children! I have 2 adult children who work in the medical field, with 5 wonderful grandchildren who are growing up so fast!
I love nature, go hiking any time I can - we love finding new trails and I swim for exercise and meditation.

Pronouns: She/Her
Why I love working at TDC: I love watching my little friends develop new skills
My favorite childhood toy:‍ Littlest Pet Shop
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: A student once convinced his classmates that I turn into a mermaid when I go home.
More about me: I’ve been working in childcare since 2019. I have three brothers and I’m the second oldest. I have a grey kitty named Winnie, who is the center of attention. One of my favorite things to do alone and with my students is to read! My favorite book is Fancy Nancy or The Magic Treehouse series. A fun fact about me is that I drive a Volkswagen Beetle named Valentine!

Pronouns: She/Her
Credentials: TA training
Why I love working at TDC: TDC is very loving, welcoming, and positive
My favorite childhood toy:‍ Bratz dolls and stitch toys
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: Funniest - skunk stripe in my hair
Most memorable - Ms. Imaria, you’re a good person
More about me: Hello, I’m Imaria. I love working with new people, building connections, and being open. I love to dance, try new food, and travel. I went on my first cruise in 2025 to the Bahamas and faced my fear of the water. My favorite colors are black, magenta, and turquoise. I enjoy doing things I’ve never done before. I love painting, coloring, and anything that keeps me active. One day I would love to go to Dubai to experience their way of living and Japan to do the real life Mario Karts. I would love to start a non-profit for kids and one for homeless people.

Admin

Pronouns: She/Her
Credentials: Masters in Education with a focus on Early Childhood Education
BA in Elementary Education
Why I love working at TDC: I love the strong relationships I have built with students and families. I love seeing students smile and receiving hugs every day as I watch them grow and learn.
My favorite childhood toy: A dollhouse my grandfather hand-crafted for me
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: It warms my heart to remember some of my youngest students calling me ‘My Heidi’.
More about me:In 2009 I began my tenure at The Discovery Center as a key teacher in Red Room. In 2012 I became the head teacher in Blue Room. I started my new position as director, July 1, 2024. Before coming to The Discovery Center, I was a teacher and director for 12 years at Shepherd of the Lakes in Brighton.
I have been married since 1994 and have 2 adult children. In my spare time I enjoy reading. During the summer months I love boating on the chain of lakes in Pinckney.

Why I love working at TDC: The ability to provide an excellent early childhood education for families in the Ann Arbor area is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
My favorite childhood toy: The bicycle I purchased with the money I made from mowing my neighbor’s lawn
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: “Good morning, Mr. Mayor!” (I think they thought that was my name.)
More about me: I have been affiliated with The Discovery Center since it was founded in 1974 by my wife, Jacki. I provide overall leadership guidance to the center and try to stay out of the way of the work of the excellent teaching and administrative staff. While staying out of the way, I work as an operations researcher, conducting health systems research for a local non-profit research institute. In my free time, I enjoy eating, hiking and bicycling (to compensate for the eating), traveling, and playing the clarinet in local community bands. My daughter Kathryn is a 1991 graduate of The Discovery Center, and my 3 grandchildren also attended the center.

Pronouns: She/Her
Credentials: MBA from the University of Michigan and BBA from Eastern Michigan University, both in human resources with an emphasis on strategic planning and business operations.
Why I love working at TDC: It’s such a joy when I go in to see all the children at play, and I love seeing them on the move in a happy little line as they head from the classroom to our nature playground or the Rainbow Room. So fun!
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: Actually, it was an entire classroom of children deciding to call me Grandma after I’d stopped in a few times to touch base with classroom teachers and say hello to my grandson while there. They were so thrilled with their own humor!
More about me: While most of my career has been in HR leadership roles with IT (technology) firms, I have been involved on a part-time basis with The Discovery Center since 1992, when I married George Miller (TDC’s co-founder and president). My TDC work has mostly focused on HR support and consultation, but I have also managed facility projects such as expansions and upgrades. When not at work, I can often be found puttering or concocting something in the kitchen or combing through new finds at the public library. Travel is another passion; George and I especially enjoy it when we can combine it with our other passions (other cultures, people, food, and cooking).

Pronouns: He/Him
Credentials: BM - Percussion Performance from Baylor University, MM - Percussion Performance from Michigan State University, Graduate Performance Diploma in Percussion from The Peabody Institute of the John Hopkins University
Why I love working at TDC: I’ve loved going through TDC as a parent of 3 former Green and Yellow Room students. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know and work with the other teachers and staff as I’ve taken on the administrator position.
My favorite childhood toy: Definitely Legos followed closely by NES, SNES, and N64
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: My youngest son being angry about missing mini corndog day because we were flying to Hawaii.
More about me: My background is in classical percussion performance and education. I teach private lessons in my home and also teach at Emerson School. In addition to those lessons, I’m also the Adjunct Percussion Professor at Concordia University Ann Arbor and the Percussion Director at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School. I preform regularly with the Ann Arbor, Flint, and Saginaw Bay symphonies.
I became a part of the TDC family when I married my wife, Kathryn, daughter of TDC founder Jacki Miller and current owner George Miller. We’ve recently begun working towards an eventual succession plan of TDC from George to Kathryn and myself. Kathryn will also be involved in the background, but her current position as General Manager of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra keeps her pretty busy. We’re looking forward to continuing the TDC legacy into the coming decades.

Pronouns: He/Him
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts, Honors with Distinction, The University of Michigan; QBN Certified Balloon Artist
Why I love working at TDC: TDC keeps me young and engaged!
My favorite childhood toy: Gyroscope
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: "You have hair like my grandpa!" (I am a grandpa.)
More about me: am an Ann Arbor 'townie' and a 1975 graduate of The University of Michigan. I have been with TDC since early 2023, coming out of retirement following careers as a professional magician, a balloon artist, a church administrator, and a community college instructor. I have a passion for historical research and writing, authoring many articles in the Ann Arbor Observer over the years. With my wife Kay, and with our daughter's family close by, we enjoy engaging in Ann Arbor life, day trips around our great State of Michigan, and adventures throughout the United States and beyond.

Pronouns: She/Her
Credentials: ServSafe
Why I love working at TDC: I’m passionate about providing our little learners with healthy, safe, and delicious meals.
My favorite childhood toy: Super Nintendo
More about me: I started my position as the kitchen coordinator at TDC in June of 2025, however, I've been in the food service industry for over 14 years. What started as an entry level position at a fast food chain, has over the years grown into a career leading to many management roles and lead cook positions. As a mother myself, I strive to build foundations of trust with not only the friends I serve, but their parents as well. I take pride in contributing to an environment in which our differences are celebrated and embraced. Outside of the TDC kitchen, you can find me in my own or spending time outdoors with friends and family.

Pronouns: She/Her
Credentials:
UX Design, Parsons 2020
UX Writing Certification, UX Writing Hub 2022
Why I love working at TDC: Every day I have the opportunity to be part of a community that cares deeply about the wellbeing of children.
My favorite childhood toy: Polly Pocket & Legos
Funniest/most memorable thing one of our students has said: “I love you, Ms. Alice!”
More about me: I started my professional journey in branding and marketing in 2016. I’m passionate about fitness and wellness. The most noteworthy companies I’ve had the opportunity to work with are Adidas and Sephora. These experiences taught me grit and self perseverance. Locally, my branding work consists of contract projects with the University of Michigan School of Social Work, Sparrow Salon, and a woman-owned insurance company, BakerHopp. I gained invaluable experience in digital marketing at ZingTrain, a small business under the Zingerman’s umbrella of businesses, also serving on the diversity committee for Zingerman’s.
In my free time, I love eating food from different cultures and spending time with my friends and family. I make candles and perfume. I enjoy hiking and working out. I have 2 kids and they’re my favorite people.