Meet The Team
Julie Amy
Executive Director
That’s the most popular question that I hear from the kids at FKS. It’s important to them to know who is at the top of the hierarchy, but they are often taken by surprise by the answer. My answer to them…“No, I’m not the principal…I’m a teacher that has some other jobs to do too.” While I did create the policies, program descriptions, handbooks, and I did secure a space for us to work out of, I still see myself as one of the teachers.
FKS has a very talented staff that depend on each other’s strengths to make a well-rounded team. These professionals not only care for each child as an individual, but they can also explain our programs, share our philosophy of caring for the whole family, and welcome friends into ours safe and loving environment that we all work hard to make fun and educational.
Heather Newberry
Central Administrator, FKS Program Director
Heather’s familiar smiling face has been a friend of FKS since she was in elementary school. Now, as a mom of Camille & Bentley and a wife to Justin, Heather is considered specially connected and has worked with all of the age groups at FKS since 2016. Heather likes to spend time with her husband and kids. In their spare time, they travel to do as many family fun activities as possible. Her favorite place to eat is El Patron in Howell. While Heather is mostly trained with young children by being so closely connected to FKS, her mom is also an early childhood veteran & she is a combat trained mom of 2 young children of her own. Formally, Heather is also attending training so that in the near future she will receive a Child Development Associates Degree. When Heather thinks of how she would like for children to remember her, she says, “I want children to remember me as fun & trustworthy.” Where parents are concerned, she says, “I would like parents to recognize that I’m welcoming and will be sure to show their children love.”
Jill Hegarty
Program Director & GSRP Specialist, 4 yr old pre-school teacher
Jill is a welcomed addition the our FKS Family since March of 2019. Jill was born in Lincoln Park, MI, has been married for 30+ years, has a son and daughter that have both graduated from Pinckney. For fun, Jill enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with friends and family. Her favorite place to eat is Outback Steakhouse.
Educationally, Jill majored in Early Childhood Education and has worked locally for the last 30+ years with pre-schoolers and kindergarteners. Jill would like for children to remember her as loving, fun & comforting. And she would like parents to think of her as welcoming, knowledgeable, approachable & caring. Please feel free to say hello and welcome her to our FKS family.
Sarah Martin
3-year-old Pre-school Teacher
Sarah has been working in childcare for 24 years. She has 3 children, a 21-year-old stepson named Zack, a 12 (almost 13) year-old son named Rowan, and a 6-year-old daughter named Hyla-Rose. They have two pets; a dog named Ash and a car named Truffle.
Sarah wants parents to remember her as an open, communicative, compassionate, and kind teacher.
Some fun facts about Sarah are she enjoys going camping when the weather calls for it and she also has discovered a new love in Kayaking. When she isn’t being active outdoors Sarah can be found lounging at home.
Erica Pankow
Toddler Teacher
Erica Came to FKS in December of 2022 and is enjoying her time in the infant/toddler room. Erica was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is the youngest of 3 siblings. She has an older brother and sister and her mom is a kindergarten teacher at Pinckney Community Schools. For fun, Erica likes to travel and coach field hockey at Pinckney High School. Her favorite place to eat is Chick-Fil-A. Educationally, Erica has an associate’s degree in healthcare preparation. Erica would like for kids to remember her as a loving and caring role model. She would like parents to recognize in her that she is committed to helping their child to grow and learn.
Michelle Bucci
Infant/Toddler Teacher & IT Specialist
Michelle was born in Southfield, Michigan, and is glad to have joined our FKS team in September 2022 as an Infant/Toddler Teacher. Her family includes her parents, step-parents and a dog. For fun, Michelle says that she enjoys reading, dancing and trying new foods. Her favorite place to eat is El Nibble Nook in Livonia. “They have the best Mexican food and I have been going there since I was a child.” Educationally, Michelle has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. She has worked as a nanny and she enjoys taking care of kids. She would like for kids to remember her as someone fun that gives them great hugs. Michelle wants parents to remember her as someone who cared for and gave attention to their children while they were away from home.