Claire Baushke

When is your birthday? November 28th. Sometimes it falls on Thanksgiving!
What is your favorite color? I'm a Spartan... go green!
Who inspires you? Other preschool teachers, especially those I work with and those who taught at the Co-op before. It is humbling to teach a curriculum so carefully crafted by loving and skilled educators.
What is your favorite season and why? Spring is my favorite season because I love getting my gardens ready to grow. It's both inspiring and peaceful to watch the world come alive again!
What is your favorite food? Granola, yogurt, and fresh fruit.
What do you do for fun? I like to read, garden, and camp with my family.
What is your favorite children’s book? I love Shel Silverstein books, especially Where the Sidewalk Ends.
Where do you go to relax? My hammock or the beach.
Who lives at your home with you? My husband, my two middle school children, our two dogs, two guinea pigs, three chickens, and hermit crab.
When did you start working at the Co-op? I started as the Young 5s Teacher Aide in 2013, and I've been teaching the 3s and 4s programs since 2014.
What do you like about teaching preschool? I love the opportunity to teach young children through play and exploration. I love encouraging children to try new experiences and hearing the words, "I did it!" And mostly I love the joy and wonder preschoolers bring into the classroom every day. 

Charissa Keller

When is your birthday? March 25

What is your favorite color? Yellow
Who inspires you? My grandparents. They were married 75 years, lived through challenges, yet persevered.
What is your favorite season and why? Spring, because it is consistently exciting to hear the birds chirp again and see spring flowers pop up, sometimes even through the snow, to once again brighten the landscape.
What is your favorite food? Sushi and strawberries
What do you do for fun? Read, spend time with friends, try to make the perfect latte and play board games and cards with my family
What is your favorite children’s book? I Love You, Stinky Face. So many memories of reading this book to my boys when they were little.
Where do you go to relax? Anywhere outside for a brisk walk in the fresh air, but lounging on the beach is always a relaxing treat.
Who lives at your home with you? My husband, our two sons and our pet cat Max.
When did you start working at the Co-op? 2022
What do you like aboutteachingpreschool? Watching the excitement and fascination in the children's eyes and the families here are so friendly and welcoming as well.

Laura Koch

When is your birthday? My birthday is November 27th. I'm almost birthday buds with Mrs. Baushke!
What is your favorite color? Green is my favorite color!
Who inspires you? -my sister for her steadfast love (no strings attached), commitment to hard things, playful spirit, and the difference she makes in her community building spaces for all and vision for more inclusive communities. All my parents for the ways they show up and are present for their family, friends, and neighbors. Grandma moo-moo for her unending creativity, craftiness, and wild flowers. Aaron, he fixes all the things I break and makes some visions real-life (chicken coops, babies, garden, home etc). So many teachers: Shelley/Linda/Mary/Rebekah (teachers from Kentwood), Lori/Brittney/Christian (U of M Towsley), Kari (Grass Lake), Claire/Sue, Deb at Tantre, and Cindy (yurt school). I hope to take little bits of their magic and incorporate it in my teaching. In this "mom-of-young-children" season I am especially inspired by the families (shout out to the MOMS!!) I meet seeking to do the best they can for the children in their lives. There's some amazing solidarity in raising tiny humans with others raising tiny humans.

What is your favorite season and why? Summer. Summer brings bare feet, family time, Lake Michigan and Clear Lake swims, camping under the stars, fresh food from the garden, and lots of time playing outside.

What is your favorite food? Mama Beth’s apple pies. The real deal tacos. La Torre Taqueria in Ypsilanti is one of my favorites in the area.

What do you do for fun? Be with family or friends. Share meals together. Camp! One of my favorite spots is Lake Michigan Rec Area in the Manistee National Forest. I also love hiking with friends and family, crocheting, cooking, and reading too.

What is your favorite children’s book? I have so many favorites. Right now loving Chirri & Chirra by Kaya Doi. The sisters and their adventures are delightful and they remind me of my own sister and our childhood fun. So many of Cynthia Rylant’s books are at my top. The Lighthouse Family series is one of my favorites.

Where do you go to relax? Relax? I’m not in a season of incredible rest, but I sneak away for yoga for some relaxing. I like to hike in Waterloo.

Who lives at your home with you? My love Aaron, our wee toddler Mercy (nearly 2), Alma (4), and Everett (6). We have a goofy assortment of critters: two old goats, a flock of crazy chickens, a cuddly leopard gecko, a pudgy goldfish named 8-9-10, a quarter-sized map turtle named Poppy, and a few minnows and crayfish.

When did you start working at the Co-op? 2023 and I am so thrilled to be here leading playgroup at the cooperative! I have been caring for my kids the last five years full time. Before that I’ve taught English Language Learners, Kindergarten, Preschool, and substitute taught. The cooperative feels like such a culmination of dreams for my children’s early childhood education.

What do you like about teaching preschool? The play, wonder, joy and supportive community.

Kristin Bingham

When is your birthday? I am a winter baby! I was born during the epic snowstorm in 1978 on January 25th. 

What is your favorite color? Blue! 

Who inspires you? My 15 year old son, Brett! He is autistic, and works hard every day to fit into a world that he doesn't always understand. Brett has the most beautiful soul and his love for nature and animals never ceases to amaze me. He wears his heart on his sleeve and loves his family and friends fiercely ♥️ Despite the challenges he faces, he never gives up and continues to teach us what really matters in life.

What is your favorite season and why? Definitely fall! I love the freshness in the air, the beautiful fall colors, and watching my youngest play soccer. Bon fires are also the best this time of year!

What is your favorite food? I love food so this is a hard one, ha! Probably my most favorite though is mashed potatoes. Silly right? They are just so good, especially with roasted chicken and veggies!

What do you do for fun? Go on walks, journal, spend time with my family and friends, read, garden, and volunteer at the Barn Sanctuary here in Chelsea. 

What is your favorite children's book? One of my favorite children's books is If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff. It is such a fun and light hearted story, and every child I've ever read it to has loved it!

Where do you go to relax? In the warmer months, I love to sit on my deck or porch to enjoy the wild life and read. During the colder months, I love to cozy up by the fireplace and watch movies or work on puzzles. 

Who lives at your house with you? I live with my husband Kyle, our two boys, Brett and Camden, our dog Oliver, and our four cats (yes 4!) Callie, Bella, Bear, and Rain. As you can tell, I not only adore children, but animals too!

When did you start working at the Co-op? I just started working here this September (2024), and I absolutely love it! Both of my boys went here for preschool, and I've always loved working with children, so it is a perfect fit ♥️

What do you like about teaching preschool? I love guiding young children as they learn about the world around them through play and exploration. To see such joy and wonder in their eyes when they discover something new or accomplish a new task is such a gift! And the best part of all? I get to join in on the fun too!

Gus

When is your birthday? I’m not sure because every day at school is like a party.
What is your favorite color? Green, like my veggies.
Who inspires you? My friends at preschool.
What is your favorite season and why? Summer, I just love fresh veggies from the garden.
What is your favorite food? All of the veggies I can find.
What do you do for fun? Scurry through block mazes my preschoolers make for me, scamper around my cage, and nibble on yummies.
What is your favorite children’s book? Peanut Goes for the Gold by Johnathan Van Ness
Where do you go to relax? My box in my comfy home.
Who lives at your home with you? Bachelor for life.
When did you start working at the Co-op? Two years ago.
What do you like about teaching preschool? I like teaching the kids about being caring and gentle with animals.