Jessica (Co-Director) lives in Royal Oak. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, crafting, reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors.
She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics and a Masters in Math Education that she used during her seven years of classroom teaching experience. She joined Olive Branch in 2014 and continues to pursue content in Early Childhood. She loves spending time with the staff and children, the diversity of each day, and experiencing the joy children have as they learn and grow.
Maria (Co-Director) lives in Hazel Park and enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors and caring and learning about animals.
She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and started working in this field in 2014. She joined Olive Branch in early 2022 as the assistant director and moved up to this position in 2025. She loves having a positive impact on families and their children. Seeing children grow and thrive in a learning environment is so rewarding to Maria. And she brings joy into her job by being silly with the children often.
Trissa (Preschool Lead Teacher) lives in Oak Park. She enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with her family and pets.
She has been working with children since she started babysitting at age 11. She is certified in early childhood and has been working at Olive branch since 2001. She enjoys interacting with the children and helping them achieve new goals.
Marissa (Toddler Lead Teacher) lives in Roseville and enjoys going to concerts, exploring new foods and watching movies.
She joined Olive Branch in 2024 and is completing her degree in Early Childhood. She has worked in this field for several years and loves creating new relationships with children and families. Marissa appreciates the opportunity to create spaces for children to grow and be themselves.
Candia (Older Infant Lead Teacher) has lived in Royal Oak for her whole life. She loves the zoo, baking and spending time with her family.
She has an Associate’s Degree in early childhood and began working here as a high schooler in 1999, earning her many years on staff at Olive Branch. She loves her colleagues and the parents and children with which she works.
Asalya (Young Infant Lead Teacher) lives in Detroit and enjoys spending time with her family, reading and crocheting.
She has worked at Olive Branch since fall of 2018 and transitioned to a leadership position in 2024. She studied abroad in Korea for about 7 months which has brought a global perspective back to her teaching. She takes a personal interest in the children and enjoys interacting with them.
Assistant Teachers: In addition to these staff on the leadership team, Olive Branch employs assistant teachers to work across the center, based on the staffing needs for the children enrolled. There are morning and afternoon shifts and all teachers obtain professional development each year to stay current on practices in the field of Early Childhood and Child Development.
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