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Meet Our Staff

Each of our energetic, knowledgeable instructors combines rigorous training with personal experience in childbirth and motherhood. Our instructors are required to participate in continuing education programs and many are actively involved in related professional organizations, as well.

Instructors for childbirth classes with the credentials LCCE are Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators, a certification offered by Lamaze International.

Andi Bergstrom

Working with little ones has always been a passion of mine but it was after working in the Infant and Toddler room at a preschool/ daycare that I really found my calling. Being an Infant/ Toddler teacher brings me so much joy and I hope to bring that love and excitment to Lamaze! I also plan to become certified in childbirth education so that I can pursue my dream in educating women.

Classes This Instructor Teaches

Becoming Brothers and Sisters

Deborah Busick, IBCLC, MS, RD

After 10 years of working with young families as a dietitian teaching nutrition and feeding during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood, I finally had my first child (of two so far).David, we discovered at birth had Down Syndrome.Having a child gave me ample opportunity to put all my theories regarding feeding (and parenting) to practice.Having one with special needs only reinforced my commitment to prevention and education as the cornerstone of raising healthy families.Through early feeding, particularly breastfeeding we learn to bond and listen. Breastfeeding provides great nutrition, but more importantly mother and child learn to build trust. This early feeding experience is, I have found professionally and personally, the beginnings of healthy, happy parents raising healthy, happy children.

Classes This Instructor Teaches

Cara Genisio, LCCE, CD(DONA), CLC

I learned first-hand how much of an impact childbirth preparation classes can make when I was a student. The class I took here at LFCAA made a fundamental contribution to the profound, wonderful birth experience that I had with my daughter. This is when my passion for childbirth education began, and I joined LFCAA as a staff member when my daughter was four months old. Before her arrival, I was an Elementary school teacher.

Classes This Instructor Teaches

Lisa Hartmann, BS, IBCLC, RLC

After 20 plus years in social work and the mental health field, a career switch just happened. I started working for the Dexter School system as a parent educator and several budget cuts later found myself job searching again. Even though I bleed BLUE, I began working for MSU as a Mother to Mother Peer, working with low-income women to help increase breastfeeding rates in the WIC population. I found so much joy working with mothers and their newborns that I continued to research and learn all I could about human lactation. I passed the board in 2007 and received my IBCLC. I have two teenagers at home. Both of them were breastfed. My son was a constant challenge, presenting me with every possible lactation problem there could be. My daughter, on the other hand came out ready to latch and seemed to know just what to do. She was breastfed 15 months longer than my son. I believe that the differences they presented me enabled me to be successful doing what I truly love.

Classes This Instructor Teaches

Breastfeeding Private Class

Jodie Hughes, LCCE

Becoming a mom has changed my life in countless and amazing ways! After completing a degree in English at the University of Michigan I thought that I would return later to pursue a career in academics. My own birth experiences, which started here when I took my Lamaze class in 2003, were the beginning of a new passion for me. When we welcomed our son and later our daughter in 2006, I was in awe of them and the beautiful process of pregnancy and birth! The knowledge, strength and empowerment, as well as the life-long friendships I made in Lamaze helped to prepare me for parenting and shifted my focus in this new direction. I realized that I had to pursue my dream and work with pregnant families. I am proud to say that last year I began working towards a degree in nursing. I know that I have found my path through continuing my education as well as by sharing in the mission here at the Lamaze Family Center. I am thrilled and so honored to be a part of such an incredible time in the life of a family.

Classes This Instructor Teaches

Karen Kairys

I am a psychiatric nurse who lives in Ann Arbor with my husband Michael. We have three ‘almost-grown’ sons. I have been co-facilitating the Miscarriage and Newborn Loss group since 2001.

Maggie Kelly, LMSW, MPH

Maggie is a facilitator for the Miscarriage and Newborn Loss Support Group.

Bonnie Kerber, Marketing Manager, Instructor

Bonnie first became involved with Lamaze Family Center with the birth of her daughter in 2001. In the years to follow she would have two more children and would develop a true connection to the special place that Lamaze is. Her participation in Mothers’ Group and Toddler Group provided much needed support, friendship and inspiration. She joined the Board of Directors in 2009 serving primarily in the role of special events and fundraising. In 2012 she moved into the position of Marketing Manager. Her role involves marketing Lamaze and our classes throughout the Ann Arbor community. She also teaches Infant Care. She considers one of the biggest perks of her job getting to see the many adorable babies come through the door each day as her own, sadly, are no longer so little.

Classes This Instructor Teaches

Infant Care

Julie Leonard

I started with Lamaze after attending a New Mother’s Group with my first child in 1997. My wonderful experience with that group led me to work for Lamaze, leading Mother’s Groups, Childbirth Classes and Becoming Brothers and Sisters Classes. After a hiatus to be home with my two children, and earn a Social Work degree from EMU, I am thrilled to be back at Lamaze. I truly love helping to guide new parents through the amazing maze of parenting. I believe that having a strong, supportive community is one of the most important factors to being a parent, and I hope to help build that community for our new families.

Classes This Instructor Teaches

Judy Lynch-Sauer

Judy has been a facilitator for the Miscarriage and Newborn Loss Support Group since 1985.

Jennifer Mann, MLIS, BA

Jennifer has a Teaching Certificate from Eastern Michigan University for K-5 and 6-8 Science. Jennifer has a Master's in Library, Information Science and Youth Services Specialization. She also has a Bachelor's in Sociology and Social Welfare. Jen grew up in Michigan and is a lake person. Along with being a Teacher during the school year Jen has spent many summers working at camps in a variety of instructor positions teaching sailing, arts n crafts and outdoor science. Her goal is to one day hike the Appalachian Trail.

Classes This Instructor Teaches

Marlene McGrath

Marlene McGrath worked as a clinical social worker and as a yoga teacher before the birth of her three children. After her first pregnancy and birth, she completed additional training in prenatal and postnatal yoga instruction. Since 2001, she has taught hundreds of women in her prenatal and postnatal yoga classes. Marlene’s own study and practice of yoga during each of her three pregnancies, births, and postpartum periods has significantly informed her teaching. She also has a special interest and training in pelvic floor health and yoga, and teaches yoga and pelvic floor workshops for women. She has a passion to empower women with understanding of their own bodies and to embrace the transformational changes that motherhood brings.

Kim Mitchell, BS

I have a B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education and have worked with young children in various settings for the past twenty years. My family of four children enjoy camping, gardening, and being involved in all types of sporting events- soccer, football, track, wrestling, and Lacrosse. I have taught the Becoming Brothers and Sisters class at Lamaze Family Center for eight years and I teach Parent-Toddler Playgroups. Each time I teach I marvel at the unique and special qualities each child and family brings to the group. This is a career I find most satisfying.

Classes This Instructor Teaches

Parent Toddler Play Group

Julie Morrison

I was first introduced to Lamaze Childbirth when I was pregnant with my son in 1991. Since then I have had two more children and through all three birth experiences learned how important it is to have access to research based information and first hand experiences shared by knowledgeable childbirth educators. I learned so much about myself along the way and I want to help women to learn to trust in their bodies and in the natural process of giving birth. I have a degree in Child Development and Teaching from Michigan State University and am trained as a Birth and Postpartum Doula. I also love to tie in the beauty of pregnancy, newborns and family through photography.

Donna Murphy, LMSW, CLS, TRS

Donna has been a facilitator for the Miscarriage and Newborn Loss Support Group since 2008.

Melissa Neill

I am a registered nurse with a true passion for helping expectant Mom’s and Dad’s on their journey to parenthood! In January 2013 I began my exciting adventure in this direction with the DONA Birth Doula Training course presented by Doulas Care. I am currently pursuing my CAPPA Childbirth Educator certification as well as my CAPPA Lactation Educator certification. I am a mom to two amazing children who have enriched my life more than words can say. Through my own birth experiences, and from helping many women through labor, I see the profound positive impact childbirth education and labor support can have on a family. It is my hope to prepare families whom I teach, for the road that lies ahead. What an exceptionally important and exciting time this is for you – we are truly privileged and honored to be a part of it.

Classes This Instructor Teaches

Mary Piereson, BS

Classes This Instructor Teaches

Lee Rosenblum

Lee has been a facilitator with the Miscarriage and Newborn Loss Support Group since 1994.

Elizabeth Satterley, LCCE, CD(DONA)

I became fascinated with pregnancy and birth while pregnant with my son in 2005. I had an amazing birth experience and couldn’t get over how changed I felt. So much so, that I was inspired to help other new moms to have their own powerful birth experience. I left my career as a wedding cake decorator and pastry chef to train with and work for the Lamaze Family Center as a childbirth educator. I am a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE) and a certified birth doula with DONA International (CD(DONA)).

Classes This Instructor Teaches

Ashleigh Shiffler, ABSN

Ashleigh first began working in maternal and infant health through an internship while studying abroad in hte Dominican Republic and during her two-tear service as aPeace Corps Volunteer in Guatamala. Her experiences abroad inspired her to continue working with organizations that support women and girls. Upon returning to the U.S., Ashleigh served as the director of Girls On The Run of Greater Detroit, before returning to school to pursue a bachelor's degree in Nursing. Ashleigh is trained as a birth doula and hopes to one day become a Nurse Midwife.

With a passion for helping women gain knowledge and feel empowered throughout their pregnacy and birth. Ashleigh is excited to be a part of the team of childbirth educators at the Lamaze Family Center of Ann Arbor.

Classes This Instructor Teaches

Tim Terpening, M.Ed., BA

Tim has a Master's in Education, a Bachelor's in Psychology and an Associate's in Business Administration. He has over 25 years experience as an Administrator, Teacher and Coach in a school setting for ages K-12 including Pre-K. Tim is also an Administrator, Counselor and Mentor to Veterans. He helps organize and assist homeless Veterans and their families in securing housing, employment and health insurance benefits. Tim has been a resident of Oakland County, MI for the 30 years where he lives with his wife and 7 children. Tim is a Foster Parent and he is a proud Grandfather of 4 Grandchildren.

Classes This Instructor Teaches

Ellen Terpening, Ph.D., M.Ed., BECE, Executive Director

Ellen has over 20 years experience in the educational field and over 8 years experience in the non-profit sector. Her skills and areas of expertise are in program development, operations, community relations and sales/fundraising. She has a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, a Master’s in Education and a Bachelor’s in Early Child Development. Ellen’s role as the Executive Director is to forecast, design, develop and implement the annual budget and strategic plans for the Lamaze Family Center in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner. She is responsible for fundraising, the day-to-day operation of the organization, including managing committees, staff (paid and volunteer) and developing business plans in collaboration with the board for the future of the organization. She also oversees and develops community partnerships, program development and educational courses reaching families throughout the state of Michigan. Ellen has been a resident of Oakland County, MI for over 25 years where she lives with her husband and 7 children. Ellen is also a Foster Parent and she is a proud Grandmother of 4 Grandchildren.

Sue Wintermeyer-Pingel

I have worked at the University of Michigan since 1985 in Hematology/Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplant, Gynecology/Oncology, and in Patient Support Services.
My area of interest includes psychosocial support of those facing a serious illness and loss related to this experience. I developed and coordinate the U-M Cancer Center’s Coping Through Transitions Grief and Loss Program for which I received the Ford Motor Company "Partners in Health" award in 2003. I have been a facilitator for the LFC’s Miscarriage and Newborn Loss group since 2000.