CARE AND EDUCATION CENTERS
ABOUT THE HOME-BASED PROGRAM
WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE
We strive to create a natural and safe environment where you and your child feel secure and comfortable. We believe that creating a transparent organic environment leads to being open minded to different ideas, thoughts and cultures. Home is the heart of our practice. Our team of Early Childhood Education Specialists work to improve not only their daily practice with young children but also influence current best practice through research-based professional and family development opportunities.
BRIDGES | East Lansing, MI
Abhirami Gunasingam has a B.Sc. in Biology from the University of British Columbia and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in childhood trauma from Pacific Oaks College. She successfully completed the Resources for Infant Educarers® (RIE®) Internship in February 2019 with RIE® Associate Ruth Anne Hammond and the Resources for Infant Educarers® (RIE®) Practicum Training Program in March 2017 with RIE® Associate Elizabeth Memel. Prior to working as a Teacher, she worked as a Researcher for five years and uses the skills gained to enable children in her care to become life-long learners. She believes that her role as a teacher is to build reciprocal, committed relationships with families and her community at large. In line with this belief she is actively involved in sharing educational resources by presenting at conferences, providing training sessions in her community, and publishing. Being present and engaged with the children in her care is the best part of her day. Abhirami has been working with young children since 2010.
ABHIRAMI GUNASINGAM, M. A.
VICKI WHELPLEY, B. A.
Vicki Whelpley has a Bachelor of Arts from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio and an Associates Degree in Child Development and Early Education from Lansing Community College. She successfully completed the Resources for Infant Educarers® (RIE®) Foundations: Theory and Observation™ in July 2022 with RIE® Associate Ruth Anne Hammond.
She has worked with children in many capacities from a young age; volunteering, teaching, substitute teaching and raising two children of her own. Since completing her Associates Degree in Child Development and Early Education, Vicki has focused as a teacher caring for infants and toddlers.
Vicki believes that building relationships with families is essential in providing respectful care for young children. She values that partnership in helping each child develop to their full potential. Vicki feels very passionate about her work with young children; she loves the authenticity children show as they make discoveries, master skills and learn about the world around them.
Vicki has been working in early childhood education caring for children since 2005.
MERAKI | Lansing, MI