Meet the Team!
Jennifer Ruwersma
Director
Jen is the director here at our center and has dedicated 20 years to the childcare field. She holds a master’s degree in Business and Child Psychology, bringing both leadership and a deep understanding of child development to our program. When she is not working, she has a small hobby farm and enjoys taking care of her horses, chickens & pigs. She also loves camping and being outside. Jen grew up in Rockford and is a proud mom of four children and grandmother to one grandchild.
Stephanie Passage
Assistant Director/Office Manager
Stephanie is our Assistant Director and brings a strong background in both leadership and caregiving to our center. She has earned her CDA and is passionate about supporting children, families, and staff each day. Before joining childcare, Stephanie worked in hospice care for 6 years and also served as the office manager for MayDay Avionics, giving her valuable experience in organization, communication, and compassionate care.
Stephanie grew up in Cedar Springs and is married with three girls and a dog. In her free time, she enjoys cleaning and organizing, relaxing by bonfires, and spending time boating with her family.
Sarah Van Hoven
Food Program Coordinator
Sarah wears many hats here at The Village. She is the "lunch lady", administrative assistant, and substitute in rooms. She has worked in childcare for over 14 years. She also grew up helping her mom who started a childcare center when she was 9. She worked in childcare while attending Ferris State University, and while her BA is in Criminal Justice she stayed working in the childcare field because she loved it so much. She grew up locally in the Sparta/Cedar Springs area and still loves this community that shaped her. Her favorite hobbies include camping, planning weekend trips to Chicago, doing nails, and being the favorite aunt to her nieces and nephews!
Traci Traore
Infant Lead Teacher
Traci has worked in childcare for 6 years and loves helping children learn, grow, and feel supported each day. She grew up in Alma and is married with three children. Outside of work, Traci enjoys camping with her family and spending her time cheering on her kids at their sporting events.
Elizabeth Jones
Infant Room Teacher
Lizzy is an assistant teacher in the infant room. She grew up as one of nine children in her parents’ home located in between Ravenna and Kent City. She was homeschooled the majority of her childhood, though she did attend Kent City High School her last few years of school. She now lives in Sparta with her husband and three cats. She began working in childcare in 2021, and absolutely fell in love with it. Outside of work, she spends most of her time with her family or volunteering with both the children’s and music ministries at her church. She loves music and storytelling, and has participated in Sparta’s community theatre for several years now.
Allison Slater
Infant Room Teacher
Allison works in our infant room and has 13 years of experience in childcare. She has completed over 100 hours of continuing education, including earning her Montessori Assistant Certificate. Allison grew up in Clare, Michigan and is happily married with 4 dogs and several farm animals. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, off-roading, running her dogs in harness sports, and canning.
Stacy Jackson
Toddler Lead Teacher
Stacy has over 23 years of experience working in childcare and brings a caring, patient presence to our toddler room every day. She grew up in Rockford and is the proud mom of four children. In her free time, Stacy enjoys fishing, playing Scrabble, gardening, and spending quality time with her family and friends. She loves helping toddlers learn, grow, and explore the world around them in a safe and nurturing environment.
Danielle Piskun
Dani is a caring, patient, and creative person who loves helping your kids learn, grow, and have fun. She enjoys creating a positive and safe environment where every child feels loved and supported. In her free time, she enjoy nature walks, music, and spending time with family and friends.
Toddler Room Teacher
Ashley Duffing
Toddler Room Teacher
Ashley has been working in childcare since 2019 and loves creating a fun, caring environment where children can learn and grow. She grew up in Greenville and has one daughter along with a beloved cat at home. In her free time, Ashley enjoys reading, taking walks, cooking, photography, listening to music, and visiting farmers markets. She enjoys building strong connections with children and families and helping each child feel supported and encouraged every day.
Jamie Figley
3s Preschool Lead
Jamie has been working in childcare for more than 30 years and brings a wealth of experience, patience, and passion to our 3s preschool classroom. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science and loves helping children learn, grow, and build confidence each day. Jamie grew up in Houston, Texas, and is married with three boys. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys reading and spending time cheering on her boys at their sports games and band events.
Brianna Fisk
Teacher Aid
Brianna has 4 years of experience working with children and brings a caring, positive energy to the classroom each day. She grew up in Cedar Springs and enjoys building strong relationships with the children and families she works with. Brianna has one child and another on the way, and she loves spending time with her family. In her free time, she enjoys painting, going for walks, and relaxing around bonfires.
Rachel Smith
GSRP Teacher
Rachel works in our 3s classroom and has 21 years of experience in childcare. She holds her CDA and loves helping children learn through play, creativity, and hands-on experiences. Rachel grew up in Cedar and is married with four children. She and her family enjoy life on their farm, where they care for chickens, ducks, goats, cats, and dogs. In her free time, Rachel enjoys farming and spending time with her family and animals.
Rebecca Bruyn
Preschool Teacher
Rebecca is a GSRP teacher with 31 years of experience working with children. She holds her CDA and is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging classroom where children can learn and grow. Rebecca grew up in the Cedar Springs and Rockford area and loves being part of the community she calls home. She is married and has three children and a dog. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting, putting together puzzles, walking, and spending time boating with her family.
Heather Fraley
Senior Coordinator/ School Age Lead
Heather is a dedicated and passionate childcare professional with over 20 years experience. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating a safe, nurturing learning environment that supports growth, development and success. As both a lead teacher and senior coordinator she brings strong leadership, communication, and organization skills, along with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and staff. She holds a CDA and has hands on experience in curriculum planning and supporting team development. In addition to her professional experience she is also a proud wife and mother of 6 (3 boys & 3 girls), which has further strengthened her patience, compassion, and understanding of child development and family needs. She is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of children and helping create programs where both children, seniors, and educators can thrive.
Ranae Behrenwald
GSRP Lead
Ranae is a GSRP teacher with 23 years of experience working with children. She holds an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and is dedicated to creating a positive, supportive learning environment for every child in her classroom. Ranae grew up in Sand Lake and is married with two children and two cats. Outside of school, she enjoys being a sports mom, reading, and working out.
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Karley Knight
Teacher Aid
Karley has been with The Village Learning Center for about a year now. During her time here, she has truly found her passion for childcare. One of her favorite parts of the job is getting to watch the children learn, grow, and blossom over time. Karley moved to the area in May of 2025 with her now fiancé and her two dogs. She is originally from about two hours south of Carder Springs. She comes from an agriculture background and grew up on a farm, which taught her the importance of hard work, patience, and compassion.
Charlotte Irish
Teacher Aid
Charlotte, better known around the center as “Grandma Char,” has 9 years of experience working in childcare. She is widowed and has 3 adult children along with several grandchildren who keep her busy and smiling. Charlotte grew up in Conklin and loves spending time outdoors. Her hobbies include ATV riding, fishing, walking, and exercising.