About the Staff

Sharonda - Owner and Program Director

I knew education was my passion when I first stepped into a kindergarten classroom and saw all of those curious eyes shinning up at me almost 17 years ago. I was a freshmen in college working as a classroom aide in Lansing Elementary Schools. Since that time I have worked with children in various capacities like tutoring, after school programs, and summer camps. I greatly enjoyed those experiences, however, my passion lies with early childhood education. I have about 13 years of experience in early education, including four years as a teacher's assistant and four years as a Preschool Teacher. I received my associates degree in Child Development from Grand Rapids Community College. I went on to obtain a bachelor's degree in Public and Non-profit Administration with a focus in community development at Grand Valley State University.

I started this program because I wanted to create a space where children are free to learn and explore without being pressured to "get ready" for the next stage of life. I believe childhood should be celebrated and children should be encouraged to enjoy each moment as it happens. My program is built to provide children with a nurturing literacy rich environment where they can build a foundation of emotional and intellectual strength. I support children's social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive developmental needs and provide them with the opportunity to become independent critical thinkers.

Program Director's Statement on the Environment (and the meatless menu 🌍)

Our relationship with the Earth should be one of respect and gratitude. The Earth provides humanity with soil to grow our food, resources to build our homes, and water to sustain our lives. At Curiosity First we know that reducing our carbon footprint is one way to show gratitude to the earth for all it continuously gives. Curiosity First is committed to reducing the amount of plastic materials we purchase, recycling and reusing materials, and purchasing sustainable, recycled, organic products when possible. We are also committed to providing a meatless menu to help reduce greenhouse gases. Sustainability looks different for everyone - this is what it looks like for us.

Ms. Mallory (Mal) - Preschool Aide

Hi everyone! I’m Ms Mal! I grew up on the East side of Detroit and I went to Ferris State University to get my associate degree in early childhood and social work! I love to read books, I love Bike rides, and I love dogs. Fun Fact I have a twin brother. His name is Owen. We both were adopted! My twin brother is special needs.

I was a paraprofessional for 2 years in a public school working with autistic students. Being a teacher assistant can leave joy in the students and a positive impression that can stay a lifetime!

Ms. Kendra - Infant/Toddler Aide

At a young age I knew I had the love for all things art and creation; I also had the love for teaching and have always had the drive and willingness to learn new things that would feed my curiosity.

I grew up in West Michigan where I found myself somewhere in the middle of six siblings. Being one of seven had its ups and downs; but no matter the circumstances it formed me and made me into the person I am today.

I have my Associate’s of Arts Degree and I am currently working on my Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Management. I have three classes to go; so wish me luck!

While serving twelve years in the United States Navy I was able to learn more about diversity and hone in on my leadership skills. I was deployed overseas in 2010 to 2011 to be a part of the front line defence on piracy in the Persian Gulf. I’ve always loved being a part of a team and something bigger than myself.

I have twenty-two years of lived experience in assisting an individual who falls on the Autistic Spectrum. I possess five years of substitute teaching in various school districts along the lake shore of West Michigan. On my last substituting assignment I found myself in the role of a Special Educational Paraprofessional where I worked with kindergarteners and first graders in one of the ASD class rooms. There I fell in love with aiding in the growth of unique students that did not learn the way others did in this cookie cutter world.

I quit subbing and was hired full time to be an ASD/Special Education Paraprofessional for five years. I contributed to the lives of amazing unique learners; but I felt that pre-school and early child care/learning would utilize my desire to teach, learn and grow professionally while positively impacting the lives of the children in my care.

My passion, desire to learn and grow has brought me to the amazing opportunity to be a part of the team at Curiosity First Early Education Program.

Thank you so very much for trusting us with the education and care of your child/children.

Stay Curious

When you’re curious you find lots of interesting things to do.

~ Walt Disney

Ms. Celia - Preschool Teacher

Hello, my name is Celia Lopez. I earned my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education in Mexico, my home country. I have worked as both a kindergarten teacher and—for many years—in daycare centers, in both Mexico and here in the USA.

My passion lies in being with children and learning from them, guiding their learning in a way that is simple, fun, and play-based. My first language is Spanish, so I ask for your patience regarding my accent. I look forward to seeing you soon, and thank you for the opportunity to spend time with the little ones.

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