Administration - The Children's House

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

Administration

	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.
	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. Renee enjoys running with friends, playing the cello, and exploring the great outdoors with her family.
	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 Marty and his family live in Lake Ann, and his daughter has been a student at TCH for about a year. 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.
	Sheri Novak, Director of Finance B.A. Michigan State University, Financial Administration M.A. University of Michigan, Health Services Administration The Children's House experience (2017- present): Director of Finance sheri@traversechildrenshouse.org Sheri has loved The Children’s House since her first son attended the Primary program in 2005. In addition to spending time with her two grown sons, she enjoys stand-up paddleboarding and spending time in nature. She has had a lifelong passion for natural health and healing and is a Certified Naturopath.
	Kim Gallagher, Director of Operations, Summer Program Director 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 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.
	Arielle Sika, Media Coordinator & Historian B.F.A. Kendall College of Art and Design, Graphic Design and Photography 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 is also a TCH parent--her son is in the Young Children's Community.
	Trisha Short, MA, LPC, IMH-E (II), School Counselor 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.
	Norie Warnke, Administrative and Friends Club Coordinator Norie grew up in central Michigan and moved to Traverse City in 2004. She enjoys crocheting, hiking and kayaking, and being at the beach. She is a self-proclaimed rock hound. She has two dogs (“her kids”) and loves all animals. Norie began working at TCH in 2011 and has supported the school in almost every area of the school.
	Peter Spaulding, Head of Custodial and Maintenance
	Eric Bork, Custodian