Our team creates a fun and nurturing environment that enables children to learn through play and discovery

Michaela Twist, Director of Little Seedlings

Hi! I’m Michaela Twist and I am currently the director of Little Seedlings of Beverly Hills, Grosse Pointe, Berkley and Little Acorns of Bloomfield. Previously, I was the licensee at the Beverly Hills location for about 2 years. I started working at Little Seedlings back in 2017 and always came back every summer. During the school year, I taught Kindergarten at Fraser Public Schools for 3 years. In 2021, I made the jump to return to Little Seedlings full time and haven’t looked back since. Outside of Little Seedlings, I enjoy traveling with my husband, reading and playing with our 2 dogs, Nala & Riley.

I just love being a part of the LS community we have worked so hard to build and watching the children learn and grow.

Iman Bazzi, Director of Little Seedlings

My name is Iman Bazzi, and I am currently the director of Little Seedlings of Birmingham, Bloomfield, Livonia & Berkley. Previously, I was the licensee at the Birmingham location for over 2 years. Before entering the great community of Little Seedlings, I worked as a lead teacher at 3+ childcare centers. I have over 11 years of experience in childcare. I was lucky enough to begin this path my freshman year of high school when the director of the childcare, which was connected to my high school, offered me an early spot as an assistant teacher since my two older sisters were also her assistants. Working with kids has been a lifelong passion of mine. In my spare time, I love to be active, like biking and going on long walks. Spending time with my friends and family is something super important to me. I am so grateful to be a part of this community and for you to trust us with your precious little one.

Olivia Hack, Licensee at Little Acorns of Bloomfield

My name is Olivia Hack, I am currently the licensee of the Little Acorns location! Before my position here at the Little Acorns house, I worked at the Birmingham location for a little over a year! In 2020, I graduated from Rochester University with my bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education. I absolutely love watching children grow and achieve new things!

Amanda Bilan, Licensee at Little Seedlings of Livonia

My name is Amanda Bilan, and I am the proud licensee of the Little Seedlings of Livonia: Children of Castle Gardens location. Prior to my job with Little Seedlings, I worked for the state of Michigan with special needs children in home settings. This work helped to integrate children into society and with community inclusion. Aiding to help with their individual achievements and future goals with striving to help their independence and productivity each day.

I started working for Little Seedlings of Livonia last summer and fell in love with the job. I loved the job so much I was honored to be able to become the licensee of the Livonia location last month in September. I love being able to spend my days helping to enrich and watch each child learn.

In my free time, I love to cook, hike/spend time in nature, and spend time with my family and friends. I love my job so much, and I am so thankful I get to spend my days with your amazing children and work with an incredible group of women!

Jessica Garnett, Licensee at Little Seedlings of Grosse Pointe

My name is Jessica Garnett. I’m 49 years old, and I am the mother of 4 wonderful grown children. I’ve been in the childcare profession for many years. I was a childcare director for 5 years before joining the Little Seedlings team. I have also taught preschool for many years. I love working with all ages of children, and child development is my passion. My favorite activity is hiking and being out in nature discovering new things. I love sushi, quality espresso drinks and acoustic music. I look forward to making friends with you, and your precious little ones!

Shelby Matusiczky, Licensee at Little Seedlings of Berkley

Hi! My name is Shelby Matusiczky. My Little Seedlings career began as a co-teacher at the Birmingham location in 2022, then I became the licensee at the Beverly Hills location in 2023 and now I have found a new home as the licensee of our Berkley location in 2024. Prior to Little Seedlings, I worked in childcare since I turned 18 in various early childhood settings. I have been passionate about childcare since I was 12 years old, beginning with caring for babies that attended our family’s church. I graduated with my Associate’s degree in 2019 and began taking classes for my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood right away. In 2022 my husband and I got married and in 2024 we welcomed our daughter, Amelia Grace. In my free time, I enjoy reading, shopping with my 3 sisters, bike riding, baking with sourdough, and hanging out with my husband and daughter. I am so thankful for Little Seedlings and all the families and children I’ve met along the way.

Antonia Barthlow, Licensee at Little Seedlings of Beverly Hills

Hi! My name is Antonia Barthlow. I am the licensee at the Beverly Hills location! I have worked in child care for over 8 years! I worked for an elementary school doing before and after care. I’ve also worked at two daycare centers, and was a nanny for four children under five years old !

Fun things I love to: Traveling, nature walks, sports games and spending time with friends and family! I am so grateful to be apart of the Little Seedlings family!

Jill Sadler, Teacher at Little Seedlings of Bloomfield

Hello! My name is Jill Sadler. My daughter Emerson and I live in the Birmingham area with her dad, Chris, our dog, Panda and cat, Ben. My degree in Early Childhood Development taught me what to focus on and the best techniques for getting the most out of my time with children, but my twenty-ish years nannying and teaching pre school established my understanding of what they need and how to make them feel safe. The families I have nannied for in the past have since become a much larger extended family for me, as I cherish those relationships dearly.

Thank you for sharing your children with us- every single one of them is a delight and I am very lucky to spend their early childhood with them. It is a very important time in their life (and yours) and I take that very seriously.

Sherrie Reed, Teacher at Little Seedlings of Livonia

Hi, my name is Sherrie Reed. I have worked in Child Care since 1998. Before I came to Little Seedlings, Livonia I was a Montessori Preschool teacher. And before that I was a lead teacher in Infants and Toddlers. I love working with every age group. Every stage is so unique and so fun!! Working at Little Seedlings is so enjoyable. I love the smaller class size, the personal attention I can give your children and the team of women we have is amazing. We all love what we do and work together to give your children the best care and experiences we can. Outside of work, I’m a wife and mother. My family keeps me busy. I love to spend time with them and our friends. I like to travel, go on outings and just enjoy life.

Alison Frisby, Teacher at Little Seedlings of Grosse Pointe

My name is Alison Frisby. Before moving to Grosse Pointe Woods, in late 2022, I lived in Boston, MA for 20 years and was a private nanny for 17 of those years. I enjoy working with kids of all ages but especially love working with babies and toddlers. Childcare is my passion and I’m so excited to be doing what I love and to be a part of the Little Seedlings family!

In my free time I enjoy hiking, reading, gardening and am a houseplant enthusiast.

Samantha Fredette, Teacher at Little Seedlings of Birmingham

Hello! My name is Samantha Fredette, I recently moved here from Germany and I am so glad to be a part of Little Seedlings. I completed 3 years of school and have a certificate in childcare. After that I worked as a teacher at Educcare for 2 years, were I spoke english with the kids (6month-3years). Working with this age group is amazing, to watch and help them grow! To be in these kids lives is the best part because we learn from them just as much as they learn from us. In my free time I love doing crafts for my small business like crochet, knitting, sewing, t-shirt printing and jewelry making.

Millie Flinders, Teacher at Little Acorns of Bloomfield

My name is Millie Flinders and I love being a part of the team here at Little Acorns of Bloomfield! I was born in the United Kingdom and moved here in February of 2018. I recently became a dog momma to Obi who is now 9 months old and is a cockapoo. I am currently in college and studying pre law with hopes to attend law school. In my free time I enjoy going on a run, being at the lake, spending time with my friends, and of course getting ice cream.

I have been a babysitter/nanny for many years whether it be for family or friends and it is something I love to do. I really enjoy seeing children learn and grow into their own little person, I find great passion in assisting them on their journey and helping them develop to be the best versions of themselves.

Grace Beamer, Teacher at Little Seedlings of Beverly Hills

Hi! I am Grace Beamer! I am currently in college. I have 6 years of childcare experience! I am the oldest of three siblings and have previously nannied for a family of two children that were 3 years and under! I also helped assist my aunt at her daycare, and I have assisted in coaching youth cheerleading, gymnastics, and dance! I look forward to getting to know you and your children!

Tabitha Myers, Teacher at Little Seedlings of Birmingham

Hi, my name is Tabitha Myers. I taught 3 year olds at my church for many years, and my first job in high school was at a daycare doing after school care. I was a nanny to a wonderful family for almost a year and then the lead teacher with infants - 2.5 year olds at a Lutheran school in Heartland for another year and a half, totaling nearly 14 years of experience. I absolutely love working with little ones, seeing them learn and grow every day! Outside of childcare I love to be active, hiking and camping in the summer, snowboarding in the winter, and I have spent a lot of time in rock climbing gyms the last few years. I love taking my cat Artemis out in her backpack or on her leash for short hikes or to get a treat at a drive thru.

Sasha Smither, Teacher at Little Seedlings of Bloomfield

Hello, I’m Sasha Smither, and I’m absolutely passionate about working with children. Growing up as the daughter of parents who run a children’s nonprofit organization in South Africa, I’ve had the privilege of working with kids from all walks of life. This has provided me with cross-cultural experiences and a deep understanding of the unique needs of children at every stage of their development.

I truly believe every child is special and unique, and I’m constantly learning something new as I interact with them. My dream is to one day be a stay-at-home mom, and I carry that vision with me in my approach to childcare—nurturing, patient, and always striving to create a loving and supportive environment.

In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, and during the summer, you’ll find me soaking up the sun at the Great Lakes beaches.

Allea Schneider, Teacher at Little Acorns of Bloomfield and Little Seedlings of Beverly Hills

Hi! My name is Allea Schneider and I’m a teacher at Little Acorns of Bloomfield and Little Seedlings of Beverly Hills! I am the mother of an incredible 9 year old girl named Adylen who has Type One Diabetes and dog mom to two boys Winston (4) and Duke (2). In my free time I enjoy being with my family, taking nature walks, going on adventures, trying new recipes and I have a passion for cleaning!

Prior to Little Seedlings my childcare experience included the last 3 years working at my daughter’s elementary school and various babysitting jobs. I’ve also been a licensed Esthetician since 2016 working as a lash extension artist. My ongoing love for working with and caring for children has led me here and I am so grateful to be a part of your child’s day to day development and learning journey.

Courtney Hahn, Teacher at Little Seedlings of Birmingham

Hi, my name is Courtney! I am a teacher at Little Seedlings of Birmingham. For the past few years I’ve had the pleasure of working at an assisted living & memory care community. There, I served in many roles including: caregiver, activities director, and manager. Caring for others has always been something that comes naturally to me both in and out of my workspace.

In my free time, I enjoy painting, listening to music, and spending time with my boyfriend and his son. I look forward to helping foster independence, build confidence, and provide support to the children I work with; as well as construct trustworthy and meaningful relationships with their loved ones alike.

Zoe Sell, Teacher at Little Seedlings of Livonia

Hi! My name is Zoe Sell and I am a teacher at Livonia. I am currently a junior at Eastern Michigan, studying Early Elementary Education. In my free time I enjoy trying new food, going on hikes, yoga, and spending time with friends!

I have always had a passion for teaching and working with kids, and I have absolutely loved being at Little Seedlings! I am very grateful to be apart of your children’s lives, it’s an experience I’ll never forget!

Francesca Buttazzoni, Floating Teacher

Madeline Kuerbitz, Floating Teacher

Hi! My name is Madeline Kuerbitz and I am currently the floater between Little Seedlings of Bloomfield, Birmingham, Beverly Hills and Little Acorns! I moved up to Michigan in 2018 from Ohio. I previously worked in a hospital for the last 5 years working with all age ranges and I have a degree in Radiological Technology.

I have an 18 year old step-daughter and 10 month old daughter at home! I enjoy going on walks with my husband, our 3 dogs and our girls, being with family and doing anything outside in my free time. I love being apart of the Little Seedlings family!

Christina DelPizzo, Founder of Little Seedlings

Hi! My name is Christina DelPizzo and as a mother of three amazing children (7,10,14), I know the importance of dependable, quality and trustworthy childcare. I started Little Seedlings based on those three pillars and am proud to provide enriching childcare to parents in the community.

My background includes a Masters in Early Childhood Education from EMU, and a Bachelors in Elementary Education from Oakland University.

The continued success of Little Seedlings is due to the amazing team of educators who bring their talent, expertise and passion for childcare to the classroom each and every day. I am so proud that we have been able to create a community where parents feel comfortable leaving their children.

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