Program Directors

  • Book cover with pink and white color scheme, titled 'work in progress' in pink cursive font, author Sasha Brown, with a pink background and a white rectangle for the title.

    Linden Rd, Flint, MI

    Bachelor of Science, Family Studies, Western Michigan University

    Associate Degree, Early Childhood Education, Lake Michigan College

    Joined Happy Elephant in 2023

  • Book cover with pink background, white rectangle with pink cursive text saying 'work in progress,' and author name 'Shaniqua Lee' in bold black text at the bottom.

    Beecher Rd, Flint, MI

    Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Studies, Rochester University

    Joined Happy Elephant in 2024

  • Book cover titled 'Work in Progress' by Melissa Janetzke, with pink cursive text on a light pink background and a white centered rectangle.

    W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI

    Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education, Ashford University

    Joined Happy Elephant in 2025

  • Book cover with a light pink background and a white square in the center. The title 'Work in Progress' is written in pink cursive font in the center, and the author's name, Tanea Smith, is in bold black text below.

    36th St., Wyoming, MI

    Childhood Development Associate, CDA National Credentialing Program


    Joined Happy Elephant in 1990

  • Book cover with pink background, white square in center with pink handwritten text 'work in progress', and author's name Kelly Maldonado in bold black font below.

    Aurelius Rd, Lansing, MI

    Child Development Associate, CDA National Credentialing Program


    Joined Happy Elephant in 2012

Corporate Office

  • Book cover titled "Work in Progress" by Lora LaBean, with pink cursive text on a white background and a pink border.

    Corporate Manager

    Early Childhood Associate, CMU and U of M, Flint


    Lora has provided care and leadership for our organization for three generations of children at Happy Elephant. Lora started as a director at one of our first centers in 1980 and became company Manager in 1990.

  • Book cover featuring the title 'Work in Progress' written in pink cursive, with the author's name 'Aimee Ferris' below in bold black font on a pink background.

    Program Coordinator

    Bachelor of Science with Early Childhood Endorsement, EMU


    Aimee joined Happy Elephant in 2015 as the director at Linden Road. She is now our Program Coordinator at our corporate office.

  • Book cover titled 'Work in Progress' by Marie Acre with pink cursive text on a cream background, framed by a pink outer border.

    Food Program/CDC Handler

    Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration

    Joined Happy Elephant in 1989