Administration
Jess Waddell
- Center Director
- jess.waddell@gretchenshouse.com
- 906-487-3528
- Little Huskies Child Development Center
Kaeti Birondo
- Program Director, Lead Infant-Toddler Teacher
About Kaeti
Kaeti Birondo started at Little Huskies in September 2016 as an Infant Teacher. In May 2019, she was hired as Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher. She became Little Huskies’ Program Director in June 2021. Kaeti has a degree in Early Childhood Education and has over 10 years of experience in working with infants and toddlers. She enjoys dance parties, hiking, swimming, board games, traveling, and spending time with her daughter, Lilly.
Emily Ruohniemi
- Kitchen Manager, Cook
About Emily
Emily has been with Little Huskies since October of 2021. She has been in the food service industry since 2015. She resides with her husband, Mike, and their two black labs, which are the center of their world! They enjoy taking their pups to the beach, hiking in the woods and spoiling them. Emily also enjoys golfing, skiing, and hanging out with family and friends.
Infant-Toddler Rooms
Bethany Leonard
- Teacher
About Bethany
Bethany Leonard started in November 2007. She works as a Teacher in all of the Little Huskies classrooms. She has a degree and a teaching certificate. Bethany has more than 20 years of experience working with children. She enjoys music, reading and outdoor activities. Bethany plays in the Copper Country community Band during the summer. She also plays in a bell choir.
Preschool Rooms
Courtney Hendrickson
- Preschool Teacher
About Courtney
Courtney Hendrickson started working at Little Huskies as an intern in July 2013. She began as a fulltime Preschool Teacher in August 2014. Courtney has a degree in Psychology and Sociology with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education. In her free time, she enjoys seeing movies, staying active, being outside and spending time with family.
Nikki Kaufman
- Teacher
About Nikki
Nikki Kaufman started in August 2012 as an intern. She became a full time Preschool Teacher in 2017. Nikki has a degree in Early Childhood Education and enjoys working with children of all ages. She is passionate about working with and advocating for children with special needs. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, especially movie nights.
