Elka Francisco, Director
Elka Francisco lives in Saline with her husband, Adam, their daughter Sophia (born August 2006), and son Michael (born August 2009). Sophia and Michael are enrolled at the center. Elka grew up in Charlevoix, Michigan and received her BA in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan and her MA in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Michigan University. She holds her teaching certificate for grades K-8 with an Early Childhood Endorsement.
Elka taught second grade in Detroit Public Schools for 6 years. For 5 years, she was the director of the Lenawee Intermediate School District’s PREP Academy, an alternative high school for pregnant and parenting teens with a licensed childcare for birth to 5.
She has always cared about quality in early childhood education, but having to choose childcare for her own children has intensified her belief that "quality" is primarily about the environment---both physical and emotional--and the variety of experiences that are provided for the children.
Her goal for the Vineyard Children’s Center is that every child feels delighted in, safe, and cared for; and that every parent feels good that their child is in the center's care.
Don Bromley, Administrator
Don serves as Administrator for the Vineyard Children's Center, as well as Executive Pastor for the Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor. Don is married to Julie Chilimigras; they live in Ypsilanti with daughters Eve (born August 2005) and Brynne (born November 2008), both of whom who are enrolled at the center. Don grew up in California and received his BS in engineering from UC Berkeley. Before joining the Vineyard staff in 1997, Don worked at Ford Motor Company. He received his MA (with thesis) in Biblical Studies at Ashland Theological Seminary.
Elizabeth Bauer, Preschool Lead Teacher
Elizabeth Bauer has her Associate Early Childhood Credential from the American Montessori Society and has worked for the past 5 years as either as assistant or lead Preschool Teacher. She's always had a love of children and especially enjoys creating environments and activities that challenge and inspire them.
Aubrey Kruzich, Toddlers & Two's Lead Teacher
Aubrey is currently working toward her Bachelor's in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Endorsement at Eastern Michigan University. She has 7 years of experience working in a childcare setting, and has been with VCC for 2 years. She loves how much she learns every day from the kids.
Sharon lives in Ann Arbor with her husband Kevin. She has two daughters who live in the area and are attending EMU and WCC. Sharon holds a BS in Elementary Education and worked in another Ann Arbor Childcare for 3.5 years before joining VCC in November of 2008. She loves working in the Infant Room and being involved in all of the changes and learning experiences of a babies’ first year.
