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OUR PURPOSEIXL Learning Center is an innovative community of childcare centers that embodies love, trust and exceptional care. Our committed team provides children with opportunities for growth and purposeful play through a wide variety of social and developmental experiences. We strive to create strong relationships with our children, families and teachers to build a solid early childhood foundation and a love of learning.
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OUR STORY
OUR ADMIN TEAM
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IXL INNOVATION
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IXL DIRECTORS
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KERRY MCSHANE |
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OUR TEACHING TEAMOur team of committed teachers is comprised of educated, nurturing providers who truly love what they do and are passionate about kids. With educational levels ranging from early childhood field training to master’s degrees, you can rest easy knowing that your child is in loving and dependable hands.
All staff members are trained in infant, child, and adult CPR as well as basic first aid and bloodborne pathogens. Additionally, all teachers are required to complete a comprehensive state and federal fingerprint based criminal history record check and be deemed eligible. |
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A few personal things about me; I am married with two children. I read lots of books on spirituality, leadership, business and self help. When I first had my children I was a stay at home mom, which was hands down the hardest time of my life. What I love about that time in my life, was it gave me the insight that every mom has to do it their own way, with no judgement.
IXL came into my life in 2004 with the purchase of a four room center in Hamburg, Michigan. I quickly fell in love with all the babies, parents, and teachers. It felt as though we had something special, and over time we grew alongside the children we loved. A few years into my life with IXL, something tragic happened in my family and it redefined what my space in this world would look like. Though it was difficult, ultimately that event changed my view of life and that flowed into how IXL would grow. I wanted to create an atmosphere where teachers had an opportunity for growth and the ability to become a business partner and share in the development of other teachers. A space where Growth Mindset is part of the culture and learning from your mistakes is embraced. Melissa Sell and Jamie Miller became the first partners and creators of this vision. They are the brains behind the mission. We plan to thoughtfully continue to grow in the coming years. |
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Melissa was born and raised in northern michigan where she still enjoys all of its beauty and being surrounded by her family. She can be described as a kind and passionate leader. This passion for people and love for children came early in life, through coaching, nannying and mentoring.
She holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, as well as minors in early childhood and integrated creative arts earned from Western Michigan University. In 2006 she joined IXL as a lead teacher and shortly thereafter became the director of our Hamburg location. In the years to follow, she became the director and had ownership in Howell and Birmingham IXL. Melissa currently oversees all of the IXL locations and loves the role she plays working with Directors, families and children of all IXL locations. Melissa has spent her life surrounded by children and continues to invest herself in early childhood. Her experience with IXL has given her a deep appreciation for authentic, genuine communication, connection and loving relationships. |
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Jamie Miller is a leader of IXL Learning Center, who has expanded her focus to all IXL locations; working on the “big picture” of IXL, as well as, HR responsibilities. Her career began in 2006 when she graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Jamie joined IXL shortly after graduation and has had the pleasure of working her way up from Assistant, Lead Teacher, Director, and most recently, as an Owner. Not only has IXL become her passion, but an extended family of inspiring people, and a place for personal and professional growth.
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” (Steve Jobs) Jamie is extremely appreciative for the path her life has taken; to a place to do “great work” with love and gratitude. |
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Her colleagues refer to her as a “woman who wears many hats.” Kristen has been with IXL since 2008, where she started as a Lead Pre-K Teacher. Throughout the years, her skill set broadened and evolved into many other roles within IXL; Assistant Director, Curriculum Director, and Center Director, to name a few.
Kristen’s current role within IXL is the Director of Innovation which is IXL’s growth and development division. Kristen graduated from Central Michigan University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, with a major in Child Development and minors in Reading and Mathematics. She is committed to developing and training teachers to bring out the best in each child, while also working with families to help them prepare for their child’s journey ahead. Kristen is dedicated to IXL, as well as dedicated to her husband and five daughters. |
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Danielle fell in love with early childhood education when she was fresh out of college. Inspired by her work with special needs children at a residential summer camp, she quickly developed a deep passion for working with younger children who had varying abilities and challenges.
In 2008, armed with her BS in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Sciences and Sociology, as well as a multitude of knowledge from courses in Special Education and Early Childhood, she began working in the childcare setting. Her journey with IXL has sharpened her skills in the classroom and focused her passion towards leadership and continuing to create a strong partnership between parents, staff, and children. |
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As a senior in high school, Lindsay completed an internship in a kindergarten classroom. She recalls the first time she saw a child glowing with pride after they tied their own shoe. Her love of children began long before that, but it was at this time she knew she wanted to dedicate her life to working with young children and their families. Lindsay attended Western Michigan University, where she graduated in 2005 with her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with minors in math, science and integrated creative arts.
Lindsay taught middle school science for four years before joining the IXL family as Lead Pre-K teacher in 2010. She has been the Program Director at IXL Birmingham since 2011. In 2018 Lindsay opened our 6th location, IXL Berkley. Lindsay loves spending time with her husband, Randy and their three children. She also loves to be outside and enjoys running. Lindsay is passionate about creating a loving environment for the kids in her care, their families and her staff who work tirelessly each day. |
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Dee Kelly struggled in Elementary School. Reading and writing were difficult and she was falling behind her classmates. This was until Dee’s third grade teacher saw the potential in her and advocated for her education. By the time she finished third grade, Dee was reading, writing in cursive, and had even learned how to balance a checkbook. Dee has been driven to create lasting impact in the lives of children since her 3rd grade teacher made such a profound impact in hers.
“Education is the key to success in life, and teachers make a lasting impact in the lives of their students.” -Solomon Ortiz This desire to influence children during their younger years led Dee to IXL Learning Center. Her career with IXL began in August of 2015, when she was hired as an assistant teacher. Dee’s ability to take initiative and her commitment to IXL and it’s families had her quickly growing within the company; from assistant to lead, lead to admin, and from admin to director. Dee is a confident, and loving leader. Her journey with IXL has fortified her passion to advocate for children and their families while providing a safe and loving environment. |
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Melissa Lagona brings a wealth of creativity and a sincere devotion to our IXL Team. She joined our group of likeminded educators after graduating from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in applied arts, focusing on family & youth studies.
In 2013, Melissa didn’t hesitate to accept the role of Lead Pre-K teacher at IXL South Lyon. With ease, she made lasting bonds with the children, families and staff at IXL, all while continuing to fall in love with curriculum planning and the education process. Melissa’s love quickly evolved into a passion. This passion led her to a new role as an IXL Director. Our team is grateful to have Melissa to share her knowledge by developing and implementing IXL’s Social Emotional curriculum, co-creating the Little Smarties curriculum and supporting the Smart Start Team. While she is dedicated to IXL, she also values time spent with her “other” team. Melissa’s husband and three children enjoy experiencing new adventures and make lifelong lasting memories while doing so. |
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Sara joined IXL in 2007 after graduating from Grand Valley State University with her bachelor’s degree in English/Language Arts for Elementary Education. She worked at the Hamburg IXL, teaching preschool and young preschool, and then worked at the Northville center in the office. After that, her teaching journey took her down a different path, before returning to IXL.
During her time away from IXL, she received a master’s degree in the art of teaching with a focus on reading from Marygrove college and taught at the elementary school level for four years. More recently, she was the Director of Christian Education at the First Presbyterian Church in Brighton working with infants through young adults. Her professional journey has given her over 14 years of experience working with children and families, and 10 years in director and leadership roles. She is passionate about learning and committed to partnering with parents to create a successful and enjoyable learning experience for their children. Sara lives in South Lyon with her husband and two children, both of whom attended IXL as infants and toddlers. She is an avid reader, loves to learn new things, and spending time with her family and friends. |
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Much of Ms. Kerry McShane’s childhood was spent passionately observing her mom, a second grade school teacher. It was during this time, when she discovered that she too shared a passion for teaching. This love of education led her to Western Michigan University and an internship at a local daycare. This experience began her early childhood education journey.
After graduation, Kerry spent many years as a lead toddler teacher, an experience that has led to several leadership roles within IXL including a member of Little Smarties Curriculum development, Assistant Director and most recently the Director of IXL Northville. Creating a loving and caring environment for the teachers of IXL while providing attention and compassion to the children and the families of our center is a priority for Kerry. This mission makes her an amazing leader for the IXL Northville team. Kerry shares the same level of passion for her little family of four. Year round outdoor activities are where you’ll find them! From camping and mountain biking to skiing in the winter, her family is always ready for an adventure. |
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Nicole can be described as someone who is ambitious, charismatic, and dedicated. Working with children was always a life long goal of hers. To achieve these goals, Nicole attended Eastern Michigan University where she received her bachelor's degree in Children and Family Studies. She has been with IXL since 2008 and little did she know that IXL would be her forever home.
IXL has provided her with many opportunities to grow within the field, but to also share her love for child development. Before becoming a director in 2016, Nicole spent over 5 years as the lead preschool teacher. She values building strong relationships with the children, parents, and staff. Her job allows her to witness and be a part of the individual growth of each child who walks through IXL’s doors. Outside of IXL, Nicole enjoys reading, spending time with her husband and baby girl, and singing to the latest hits on the radio. |
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Megan has worked with kids from a young age, through babysitting and working in her church nursery at the young age of 11 years old. She originally planned to work with high school kids teaching music, until having her own son made her quickly realize her love and passion for early childhood. Megan attended Baker College where she received her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education. It wasn't too much longer until she found IXL Learning Center. Megan has been with IXL since October 2010, and has played many different roles, ranging from lead teacher to assistant director. She is also a member of our Little Smarties Team using her Associates degree to help build IXL’s curriculum to fit the needs of our infants and toddlers.
Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending time with her family, watching her son play baseball and canoeing/kayaking. |