Meet Our Center Team

Jennifer Gray
Center Director

Ms. Jennifer is a loving and compassionate leader who has been our Center Director since 1998. It's important to her that OH is a place where everyone feels like family and that each member knows how much they are loved by God. At home, Ms. Jennifer and her husband of nearly 30 years, Stew, have two college-aged kids (Jakob & Sara).

The Gray family enjoy golfing together, spending time outside, and attending Michigan football and basketball games. Ms. Jennifer is an avid runner and loves to exercise. While she does have a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan, she is currently working on her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Administration. Ms. Jennifer loves high fives and hugs, so when you see her, make sure to say hello! "May the god who gives you endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude and mind toward each other that Jesus Christ had, so that with one mind and one voice, you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15: 5-6
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Becky DuBois
Assistant Director

Ms. Becky is a proud grandma aka, "Bugaboo" to her grandson and granddaughter, has been married to her husband for 20 years, and together, they have two daughters. She is the owner of a fluffy golden retriever named Lucky, too! OH has held a special place in her heart for many reasons, one of which is back in 2005; while she was a teacher here, the community of OH carried her through a cancer journey and later celebrated the joy of adopting her daughter.

These life-altering moments anchored her heart here, and she is thrilled to be back! Since 2010, Becky has taught preschool at AnchorPoint Christian School and continues to teach there two mornings a week. She thoroughly enjoys teaching and feels blessed to be a part of both communities. Becky has worked at OH in previous years and returned to OH as Jennifer’s assistant in the summer of 2021. She enjoys watching the children discover who God has created them to be and developing a lifelong love for learning! She received a degree in early childhood development from GRCC and a bachelor’s degree in family studies from Western Michigan University. Becky loves traveling, golfing, being with friends and family, and going to the beach! Her favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9: For I command you ( insert your name), Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged for I, the Lord your God is with you always.
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Emily Dykstra
Curriculum/Assessment Specialist and Fireflies Lead Teacher

Ms. Emily, a mother to a beautiful daughter, is a self-disciplined, reliable, and loyal teammate. She's devoted to achieving goals and pushing us to be even better. During the school year, she is our Curriculum and Assessment Coordinator, keeping us up-to-date and informed so we can educate our students to the best of our ability.

In the classroom, Ms. Emily enjoys watching the kids master new skills and grow throughout each school year- it's even better when she can watch them grow year by year! She's always known she wanted to work with preschool-aged students and received her Associates in Early Childhood Development from CC in 2016. One of Ms. Emily's favorite things about OH is building lasting relationships with families, and she does that SO well. When she's not at the Center, Ms. Emily goes on many adventures with her husband, Josh, and their dog, Mia. Together they hike, fish, swim, and more. She is extremely close with her sister and parents. Family, to her, is the most precious and important thing. While Ms. Emily does love to shop at Home Goods, she's also made it her goal to support as many small businesses as possible. You'll see her sporting her favorite clay earrings (Stafford Collective), headbands (Marie and Mae), and more from local artists and creatives! "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
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Emily Anderson
Giraffe Assistant Teacher/Latchkey Teacher

Emily began working at OH in September of 2024 and is the lead teacher for our latchkey program and afternoon assistant teacher in the Giraffe classroom. She enjoys helping kids learn and grow, sharing God's love, and teaching Biblical truth. She also enjoys building relationships and having fun with the kids.

She grew up as a pastor's kid, has three sisters, and, interestingly, is a triplet. She graduated from The Moody Bible Institute and acquired her CDA. Her experience includes being a lead preschool teacher for four years and working at a childcare center for 10 years. Her hobbies include playing the guitar and singing. She enjoys playing with her dog, journaling, and spending time with her husband and family. Her favorite Bible verse is found in Isaiah 41:10: Fear not for I am with you. God helps me do hard things and gives me His wisdom and peace.
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Brooklyn Bowman
Latchkey Assistant Teacher

Miss Brooklyn started working here at the Hill in September of 2023. She is an assistant teacher working with our school-aged children in the latchkey room. She loves the community atmosphere among staff and the families and appreciates knowing she can be a positive role model for the children she is with daily!

She is currently a Kenowa Hills High School junior living with her parents. Her sister worked here over the summer and is another employee who fills in part-time while attending Calvin University. Her hobbies include playing sports, working out, and being with friends and family. She also enjoys her involvement with the Orchard Hill Church youth group. Her favorite thing about God is that He never stops working and always replaces whatever He takes away with something even better!!!
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Emma Cornish
Assistant Latchkey Teacher

Emma has been employed at OH since July of 2023 and has worked with our latchkey kids. She enjoys the one-on-one interactions with the kids, and you will find her often helping them with their homework. She states the staff is so nice, and we work together to make the best experience possible for our children.

She is currently attending Grand Valley State University and pursuing a degree in Pre-K to 6th grade education. She has one younger sister, and they both attended OH for preschool years ago! She enjoys playing the piano and reading when she is not working or doing homework! Her favorite verses are: Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 30:2 Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.
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Amber Hergenreder
Fireflies Assistant Teacher

Amber joined OH as the nutritionist in March of 2021 and will begin a new role as a teacher assistant in October. She feels part of a family here and loves watching the kids be excited to attend OH.

After her youngest daughter attended here, she knew she wanted to work at OH but had to wait for the right opportunity. She is a lover of all things pickles and anything orange. Amber is newly married to Carl, a mother of three children, along with being an owner of a dog and a cat. She grew up in Ohio and graduated from Douglas J. Aveda in October 2012 with her cosmetology degree. She enjoys watching OSU football and driving her Jeep with the door and top off! Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
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Jenna Fate
Latchkey Teacher

Jenna has worked at Orchard Hill since July 2023 and enjoys witnessing the children learn new things. The children are so full of love and excited about the smallest things, which brings her joy! She grew up in Remus, Michigan, and has three brothers.

She is currently attending Grand Valley State University, studying respiratory therapy. When she is not working, she enjoys hiking, going to the beach, traveling, and playing disc golf. Other activities she plays are tennis and golf. “ and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” ~Romans 8:28
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Melanie Fox
Giraffes Co-Lead Teacher

Melanie has been employed at Orchard Hill since January 1998 and has played an instrumental role in the lives of many children who have attended our center. She thinks of the staff as a second family.

She loves it when the kids “have a light bulb moment, and as a teacher, I get a front-row seat to see that happen”! Mel has been married to her husband for 23 years and has three children, one of whom will graduate high school this year! She is a recent breast cancer survivor and thanks God for His provision and healing during her long and argus journey!  Outside of work, she enjoys activities like going to the beach, crocheting ( which she is amazing at), volleyball, and baseball. Mrs. Melanie said "I am amazed how the Bible "lives" and speaks to everyone throughout time. For example, the story of sowing the seeds- each time you read or hear this story you choose to be a type of soil. Depending on your season of life, your soil can change. It blows my mind."
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Jamie Gibson
Assistant Teacher & Spiritual Care Coordinator

Jamie Gibson is an Assistant Teacher and spiritual care coordinator. She loves the look children give when the light goes off, and something clicks with their learning and development. She also loves watching their love for God start to grow!

She has worked in childcare and preschool education for 10 years. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Charlie, and they have 7 angel babies and two dogs named Jax and Stella. She grew up in the country on a family farm with cows. Her hobbies include anything creative, such as painting, designing, crocheting, and baking. She also enjoys singing in the choir at Orchard Hill Church and antique hunting with her husband.  Her favorite Bible verse is from Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
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Rachel Gonzalez
Assistant Teddy Bear Teacher

Rachel is one of the caterpillar class's assistant teachers and has been employed here at Orchard Hill since March of 2023. She loves the work environment here because her coworkers are supportive and show love and passion for their work.

She enjoys hearing about the kid's days, families, pets, and funny stories they tell! She graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a master's degree. Her previous experience working with children has been in church ministry and other childcare settings for many years. Outside of work, she enjoys going to Hobby Lobby, a bookstore, and spending time with her family and my dogs. Her favorite stories from the Bible are Job and Noah's Ark because they show the test of faith and how God remained faithful through it all!
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Ashley Kloet
Caterpillar Assistant Teacher

Ashley Kloet began working here in the summer of 2024 and is currently an assistant teacher in the Caterpillar class. Her favorite thing about Orchard Hill is incorporating the love of Jesus into the curriculum and all the hands-on interactions with loving the kids.

Ashley is married and has four children and two golden retrievers. She was born and raised in Grand Rapids, attended GRCC, and has spent lots of time volunteering with her kids at their schools and leading the youth group at church. Her hobbies include reading, spending time with family, and walking her dogs. Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46:5: "God is within her, she will not fall." God is so faithful, and He is always there for us anytime. 
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Allison Lee
Bunnies Assistant Teacher/Latchkey Teacher

Miss Allison has been an employee here at the Hill since August 2013 and has played an important role in the lives of many children and families. She graduated from Kenowa Hills High School and completed her CDA at GRCC in June of 2017!

Her experience includes working at Camp Geneva for two summers and all her committed years at OH. She has two sisters, one brother, and two nieces with whom she loves to spend time! A fun fact about Miss Allison is she is a twin. Activities she enjoys outside of work include traveling with family and anything outside! Her favorite verse is Isaiah 41:11, “ So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”.
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Kristine McClune
Nutritionist

Kristine started working as our nutritionist in October 2023. She loves it when the kids tell her they like to eat healthy food and thank her for making it. Kristine loves the work environment here and appreciates how positive and helpful the staff is.

She loves hearing the kids talk about God, too!  Kristine’s work experience includes working in the food program for GRPS. She is married and the mother of a beautiful daughter. She enjoys spending time with her family and getting all dolled up, and grabbing dinner together.  Teach me your ways, O Lord; lead me in a straight path.  ~Psalm 27:11
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Monica Nederhood
Bunny Lead Teacher

Monica began working here in August of this year. She is the lead teacher for the Bunny classroom. What she loves about Orchard Hill is sharing the love of Jesus with the children. The staff are so welcoming and supportive.

It's such an uplifting and positive environment to be a part of.  She has a BA in Child Development and has been married for 18 years to her husband Tom. She has one daughter, one son, and two bonus daughters, both of whom are married.  Her hobbies include spending time with her family at their cottage, walking her dogs in the woods, and playing board games. Her favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9: "For I command you to be strong and courageous, For I the Lord your God am with you always."
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Heather Onak
Caterpillars Assistant Teacher

Heather is an assistant teacher in the Caterpillar classroom who started working here at the Hill in August 2024. She enjoys seeing the children's growth and development. Every day, the children present a new discovery, and their excitement brings her joy!

Heather is a student at Northern Michigan University studying social work. Fun facts about Heather are she is a twin and a dog mom! Her hobbies include running, listening to music, and reading books! The Bible verses that speak to her are Jeremiah 29:11 and Matthew 19:13-15
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Jenny Perski
Caterpillars Lead Teacher

Jenny has been a part of the Preschool and Child Care team for quite a while. She’s been married to her husband, Jim, for over 20 years. They have two daughters: Kyleigh and Shelbie. As a family, they have a dog, Thomas, a cat, Leo, and a fish, Bubbles.

Outside of work, Jenny enjoys swimming, being outside, and reading. She loves to do these things with her family. Jenny is also a big football fan, and she loves her Ohio State Buckeyes and Detroit Lions. Here at Orchard Hill, Jenny loves to be goofy with the kids and lead them in hands-on learning experiences.
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Ambrosia Phillips
Lead Teddy Bear Teacher

Miss Ambrosia is a helpful and willing team member who is always on the lookout for others. She constantly shares her love for reading with the students in her class, and she says she "loves watching their minds grow."

Currently, Ambrosia lives with her grandparents and her sister, and they have resided in GR all her life. She's pursuing a degree in education and is a student at GRCC. Prior to working at our Center, she worked for 4 years at Kenowa Hills Daycare. Outside of OH, Ambrosia enjoys painting, volunteering, and spending time with her friends! "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 107:1
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Allison Wainright
Giraffes Co-Lead Teacher

Ms. Allie is a compassionate, organized, and resourceful OH staff member with 16 years of early childhood experience. She loves building relationships with the students and families. She finds joy and excitement in working alongside students as they learn new things.

She graduated with her Elementary Education degree from Grand Valley State University. She has been married to her husband Brett for 11 years, and they have three children together. Colin is 9 -years old, Julia 6, and Nora 3! Outside of OH, she enjoys exercising, taking hikes, reading, and cheering for her kids at sporting events! "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1
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Kendra Wright
Assistant Caterpillar Teacher

Kendra has been an assistant teacher in the Bunny class since November of 2021, and she enjoys “spreading the love of Jesus to the kids.” She loves watching and helping the kids grow socially, academically, and spiritually.

She has been married to her husband for ten years, and they have two beautiful boys who are 10 and 5 years old. She grew up in Wyoming with her grandparents and sister. Most of her family lives out of state, but she loves all of them dearly. Kendra attended GRCC and has been working with preschool-aged children for ten years. Things Kendra enjoys outside work include writing, reading, being with her hubby and children, worshiping, and praying with God. Her favorite thing about God is literally EVERYTHING!!
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