Meet Our Team
Let’s gro together.
At grō childcare academy, our team is committed to guiding our organization with passion, expertise, and dedication. With a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, our corporate team bring valuable insights and strategies to ensure the success and growth of our company. Get to know the individuals driving our vision forward below.
Karen Farr
Program Director
“Working with tiny humans isn’t for the faint at heart. You have to be strong to be able to face your fears, frustrations, biases, and insecurities every day, but if you’re brave enough to do it with your whole heart, these tiny humans will teach you more than you can ever teach them. “
Karen has taught for over 20 years. In the USA, she taught 4th/5th grade, Toddlers, and Two-year-olds. In China, she taught from 18months old to age 65. In Thailand, she taught toddlers through to high school students. In Mexico, she taught 2nd grade and Kindergarten. In Egypt, she taught adults.
A world traveler, Karen has climbed the Great Wall of China, eaten the smelliest fruit in the world, had lunch in front of the pyramids, and even ridden an elephant, but none of that compares to watching her children see the wonders of the world.
Education you’d like to share:
Karen has been with her amazing husband for 25 years. They have 2 children. A son, age 23, and a daughter, age 21. Her husband is a retired English/ History teacher, her son is a GSRP/Aftercare teacher, and her daughter is an Infant/Toddler teacher. For Fun, Karen loves to read, travel, garden, spend time with her husband and children.
Favorite Kids Book: Click Clack Moo. Cow that Type and Bed Hogs
LeAnne Ablin
Executive Director
LeAnne graduated from Ferris State University with degree in Early Childhood Education and has been a dedicated member of the Huntey’s Clubhouse team for over seven years. LeAnne’s journey has been a true testament to hardwork and dedication. She began as an Intern and advanced to Assistant Teacher, Lead Teacher, Director, and now serves as the Executive Director of all locations, as well as Meal Service Director. In this role, she oversees the CACFP (food program) and nutrition planning. LeAnne lives in Big Rapids with her husband and three children. Outside of work, LeAnne loves going on daytrip adventures with her family and spending summer days on the river.
Favorite Children’s Book: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.
I feel that working with children creates the foundation for development and education. I’m so thankful that I can work where I am fulfilled and where I can serve children and families in rural communities.
Phyllis Fagan
Executive Assistant
Phyllis grew up immersed in church life- singing in the choir and dedicated six years as a Sunday School teacher, fostering her love for nurturing others from a young age. As a devoted stay-at-home mom, she cultivated a deep understanding of the importance of family and community. Transitioning her nurturing spirit into her professional life, Phyllis ventured into daycare licensing and group home management. Seeking further growth and challenge, she became a skilled loan officer and IRA specialist. Driven by her desire to reconnect with what truly matters, Phyllis joined Huntey’s Clubhouse, drawn by the opportunity to prioritize time with her children and contribute to the well-being and growth of others. Her unwavering positivity and commitment to making a difference shine through in everything she does.
Favorite Children’s Book: Fox in Socks
“The best preparation for tomorrow, is doing your best today.- H Jackson Brown JR.”
Brandon Geyer
Co-CEO
Brandon brings relevant consumer service industry experience, along with an unique blend of analytical insight and passion for our mission. With a commitment to excellence and an approach grounded in data, Brandon is poised to help us make informed decisions, optimize processes, and elevate the experiences we provide for our communities. Brandon, his wife, and two daughters reside in Grand Rapids. As a graduate of United States Air Force Academy, where he played football, and a MBA holder from University of Southern California, he enjoys golfing and spending time with family. While he now calls Michigan home, his years in California cultivated a love for surfing that still tops his list of favorite activities.
Favorite Children’s Book: Dragons Love Tacos
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” – Frederick Douglass
Alexis Hunter
VP of Communications
At Huntey’s Clubhouse, Alexis wears many hats, managing marketing, event planning and community outreach, overseeing administrative tasks, and ensuring the smooth operation of our facilities. Before venturing into the childcare industry, Alexis spent many years in market research and property management. Alexis has strong administrative and organizational skills and loves to brainstorm on how to uplift our team, support the kids and our families, and beautify our facilities. As a proud visa sponsor of the cultural exchange J-1 program for several years, Alexis understands the enriching experience and value of working with people from diverse cultures. Alexis and Tyler reside in Stanwood with their sons, Jude & Will. In her spare time, Alexis enjoys reading, trying new restaurants, gardening, and spending time near the water with her family.
Favorite Children’s Book: The Snowy Day
“Our responsibility lies in creating a safe atmosphere for the children in our care; a place for parents to rest easy, knowing their child is loved and cherished.”
Tyler Huntey
Co-CEO
In October of 2021, Tyler joined the family business as the CEO of Early Learning Company. After graduating from Central Michigan University with a Bachelors in Business Management, Tyler was the the Director of Business Development at Detroit Trading Company and then worked in consulting with Coretek Services. Tyler is adept at analyzing, managing, and delivering multi-faceted projects, and has a strong track record in developing business cases and improvement strategies. Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife Alexis and sons Jude and William. Outside of family time and work, Tyler enjoys golfing and exercising.
Favorite Children’s Book: If you give a Mouse a Cookie
“I’m thankful to be apart of a team that is passionate about bringing high quality child care services to the communities we serve. I enjoy applying my business development background to the childcare industry to grow our reach and be a positive force in the world.”
Trisha Kwant
Instructional Advisor
Ms. Kwant” has over 30 years of early childhood experience, most recently teaching Pre-K at our Big Rapids location. Her wealth of knowledge now empowers our teachers and classrooms with personalized guidance and hands-on support. Trisha lives in Big Rapids with her husband Paul, and their three children, Mackenzie, Nash, and Murphy. Their family is completed by a very large German Shepard named Bailey and an adorable Bernese Mountain Dog named Tucker. Trisha enjoys being outside in the sun, preferably at the beach, reading, watching her son play hockey, and attending music concerts in her free time.
Favorite Children’s Boos: Owl Babies and The Monster at the end of this Book
I am very blessed and excited for this opportunity to continue to serve the Huntey’s team and our families as we foster development and as well as grow our commitment to our children.”
Kylie Miller
Administrative Assistant
Kylie is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Small Business Management at Ferris State University. Growing up as the oldest of a large family on a farm, Kylie learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and compassion from an early age. She has always had a deep love for children and a natural ability to connect with them, which has inspired her dream of one day opening her own childcare facility.
Kylie is also deeply rooted in her faith and strives to reflect God’s love in all she does. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their two dogs, as well as crocheting and baking. Kylie is passionate about creating a nurturing, joyful, and faith-filled environment where children feel safe, loved, and supported. She’s honored to be a part of the Huntey’s Clubhouse family.
Favorite Children’s Book: Horton Hears A Who!
I’m not just chasing my dreams—I’m creating a space where little ones can chase theirs too.”
Missy Smeets
Director of Enrollment
Missy brings experience of over 7 years in early childhood, most recently teaching Preschool in Stanwood. In addition, she has 25 years in financial support and data management. She has a Child Development Associate-Preschool (CDA) credential. She has a passion for working with families and young children in the community.
Originally from the Grand Rapids area, Missy lives in Canadian Lakes with her husband, son, and daughter. Outside of work she spends time with family and friends camping, cruising, and summer days on the lake. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and planning adventures for her family.
Missy is committed to providing a friendly, inclusive, and compassionate experience for families. She believes in building relationships with families to provide the best outcome for children.
Favorite Children’s Book: The Wonkey Donkey, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, and Llama llama Misses Mama.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive our hate, only love can do that.”-Martin Luther King, Jr.”
Viviana Vargas
Marketing Director
Viviana is a marketing professional with over six years of experience in digital marketing, branding, and project management. As the Marketing Coordinator at Huntey’s Clubhouse, she leverages her expertise in content creation, social media management, and web development to enhance the brand’s presence and connect with the community. With a strong background in graphic design and SEO, Viviana ensures that every campaign reflects the warmth and mission of Early Learning Company . Bilingual in English and Spanish, she is passionate about storytelling and using digital strategies to engage families and promote a fun, enriching environment for children.
Favorite Children’s Book: “The Little Price”
“Creativity and connection are at the heart of every great brand, and I love bringing stories to life in meaningful ways.”
HŌM Flats
Gro at HoM.
Grō Childcare Academy is proud to partner with HōM Flats to bring high-quality childcare directly to their residential communities. Together, we create enriching, convenient, and supportive environments for families, providing a nurturing space where children can grow and thrive just steps from home.
