Our Team
Julie Amy
Executive Director
That’s the most popular question that I hear from the kids at FKS. It’s important to them to know who is at the top of the hierarchy, but they are often taken by surprise by the answer. My answer to them…“No, I’m not the principal…I’m a teacher who has some other jobs to do too.” While I did create the policies, program descriptions, and handbooks, and I did secure a space for us to work out of, I still see myself as one of the teachers. FKS has a very talented staff that depends on each other’s strengths to make a well-rounded team. These professionals not only care for each child as an individual, but they can also explain our programs, share our philosophy of caring for the whole family, and welcome friends into our safe and loving environment that we all work hard to make fun and educational.
Heather Newberry
Central Administrator, FKS Program Director
Heather’s familiar smiling face has been a friend of FKS since she was in elementary school. Now, as a mom of Camille & Bentley and a wife to Justin, Heather is considered specially connected and has worked with all of the age groups at FKS since 2016. Heather likes to spend time with her husband and kids. In their spare time, they travel to do as many family fun activities as possible. Her favorite place to eat is El Patron in Howell. While Heather is mostly trained with young children by being so closely connected to FKS, her mom is also an early childhood veteran & she is a combat-trained mom of 2 young children of her own. Formally, Heather is also attending training so that soon she will receive a Child Development Associates Degree. When Heather thinks of how she would like for children to remember her, she says, “I want children to remember me as fun & trustworthy.” Where parents are concerned, she says, “I would like parents to recognize that I’m welcoming and will be sure to show their children love.”
Amanda Hall
Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher
I have worked at FKS for almost 18 years now and have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Although I’ve worked with all age groups along the way, the Infant/Toddler class has been the core of my career. I live in Howell with my husband and 3 children, ages 16, 10, and 5 years old. I’ve always felt like working with children is where I belong and I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with so many families in the community to teach, support, and love the little humans that they share with us. I want parents to remember me as someone who loved their child(ren) unconditionally, celebrated their growth and learning with them, as well as supported them through the challenges.
Josie Hoisington
Building Specialist
I’m married and have 4 grown children, 3 sons and 1 daughter. We have 3 grandchildren; a 7 1/2-year-old and twins, a boy and a girl who are 28 months old. I was with FKS for 15 years and then took a hiatus during covid then returned part-time last year. My time at FKS has been so rewarding over the years, learning from every little friend who has come through our program as well as continuing to grow as a teacher. I want parents to remember me as their children sharing something Ms. Josie said or did to make them giggle (the robot), feel safe, and acknowledged their feelings in good times and challenging times. That I did something to help build their child’s self-esteem and confidence.
Jill Hegarty
Program Director & GSRP Specialist, 4 yr old preschool teacher
Jill has been a welcomed addition the our FKS Family since March of 2019. Jill was born in Lincoln Park, MI, has been married for 30+ years, and has a son and daughter who have both graduated from Pinckney. For fun, Jill enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family. Her favorite place to eat is Outback Steakhouse. Educationally, Jill majored in Early Childhood Education and has worked locally for the last 30+ years with pre-schoolers and kindergarteners. Jill would like for children to remember her as loving, fun & comforting. And she would like parents to think of her as welcoming, knowledgeable, approachable & caring. Please feel free to say hello and welcome her to our FKS family.
Michelle Bucci
Infant/Toddler Teacher & IT Specialist
Michelle was born in Southfield, Michigan, and is glad to have joined our FKS team in September 2022 as an Infant/Toddler Teacher. Her family includes her parents, step-parents, and a dog. For fun, Michelle says that she enjoys reading, dancing, and trying new foods. Her favorite place to eat is El Nibble Nook in Livonia. “They have the best Mexican food and I have been going there since I was a child.” Educationally, Michelle has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. She has worked as a nanny and she enjoys taking care of kids. She would like for kids to remember her as someone fun that gives them great hugs. Michelle wants parents to remember her as someone who cared for and gave attention to their children while they were away from home.
Lisa Ashba
infant teacher
I started in childcare when I was 8 years old and knew at age 11 that this was my life’s ambition when I held my first newborn. I attended 2 years of college studying Early Childhood Education and have 30 years of experience in the industry, specializing in infant care. I want parents to remember me as someone who is knowledgeable and cares for their child with an open heart, having only their best interest at heart.
Isabel Cashin
Infant/toddler teacher
I am 52 years old and have been working at FKS for 14 years. I have been married for 22 years. I have a beautiful daughter named Heather who is 24 years old. I also have 2 wonderful grandkids, their names are Camille, age 6, and Bentley. age 5. I want parents to remember me as that bubbly person who welcomes their kids in every morning.
Michelle Colvia
2 Year Old Preschool Teacher
I have worked at FKS for 14 years and have worked with every age group from infant through school age. I am currently enrolled at WCC where I’m pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education to support my years of experience. I have a degree in Nursing and I manage the medications and allergy plans in the building as well as, most other things related to Health safety. A child’s brain develops connections faster in the first 5 years than at any other time in their life and I am so glad to get to be a part of this growth every day. I want parents to remember me as someone who encourages their child’s learning and supports their BIG 2-year-old emotions.
Melissa Steel
Preschool teacher
I’m a wife, a mother of 2 amazing sons, and a stepmom to a beautiful daughter. I have many years of experience in childcare and I look forward to many more years of continuous learning in child development. I want parents to remember me as a caring and loving teacher who enjoys teaching in fun ways!
Christine Tracy
3 Year Old Preschool Teacher
This is my very first year as a preschool teacher and I love it. I’ve been in Nursing my whole life and made the switch to be with my son who is currently in Ms. Jill’s class! I’m so thankful to learn and work alongside the best group of teachers and for the opportunity to teach these precious kids! I want parents to remember me as an always smiling and positive person in their kid’s daily life. I’ll always be their supporter, and cheerleader, and love every single one as my own!
Sarah Martin
3 year old Preschool teacher
Sarah has been working in childcare for 24 years. She has 3 children, a 21-year-old stepson named Zack, a 12 (almost 13) year-old son named Rowan, and a 6-year-old daughter named Hyla-Rose. They have two pets; a dog named Ash and a car named Truffle. Sarah wants parents to remember her as an open, communicative, compassionate, and kind teacher. Some fun facts about Sarah are she enjoys going camping when the weather calls for it and she also has discovered a new love in Kayaking. When she isn’t being active outdoors Sarah can be found lounging at home.
Emily Kovenich
3 Year Old Preschool Teacher
I am 20 years old, I am currently attending Washtenaw Community College to get my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. After this school year, I plan to attend Eastern Michigan University to start on my Bachelor’s Degree. I knew this would be my career choice because I have loved tending to children since I was a child. I want parents to remember me as the teacher who kickstarted their child’s education and gave them the drive to learn! I also want parents to remember me as the teacher who met all their child’s needs.
Hollie Nowak
Infant/toddler teacher
I am 44 years old. I have been married for 18 years. I have two wonderful boys, Austin (28) and Bryce (23). I have a blue Shar-Pei dog named Brittney. I want parents to remember me as a loving, caring person who enjoys being a part of their child’s life. Some fun facts about me are I was a clogger in high school and while I have a tattoo of a frog, I am afraid of them.
Isabella Revitzer
preschool teacher
I am 21 years old. My first job was as a nanny. I love working with kids. I also am expecting my first baby in May! I want parents to remember me as someone who loves their kids and is always willing to help them grow and learn. Some fun facts about me are I have a black lab named Charlie and I have 2 younger brothers.
Kyleigh Chambers
Preschool teacher
I am 20 years old and this is my first childcare job, I also worked at Zant Zone Summer Camp. I am in school for criminal justice and want to focus on juveniles. I have always enjoyed being around kids and I’m excited to not only teach them and help them learn but also I hope to learn some things from them. I want parents to remember me as a friendly and inviting face. I also want them to remember me as someone who was always there for their child when they needed support.
Erica Pankow
Infant/toddler teacher
Erica Came to FKS in December of 2022 and is enjoying her time in the infant/toddler room. Erica was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is the youngest of 3 siblings. She has an older brother and sister and her mom is a kindergarten teacher at Pinckney Community Schools. For fun, Erica likes to travel and coach field hockey at Pinckney High School. Her favorite place to eat is Chick-fil-A. Educationally, Erica has an associate’s degree in healthcare preparation. Erica would like for kids to remember her as a loving and caring role model. She would like parents to recognize in her that she is committed to helping their children grow and learn.