Howell - Directors

• Alyssa Sullivan - Director

• Beth Dreffs - Assistant Director

• Karen Ballard - Regional Director

Alyssa Sullivan - Director

Alyssa Sullivan joined The Learning Tree in September of 2008 as lead teacher in the Transitional Preschool room at the Livonia - South location. She was promoted to Assistant Director in March of 2009. In May of 2010, Alyssa was excited to have the opportunity to take on the role of Director at The Learning Tree - Howell. 

Alyssa graduated from Xavier University in May of 2008 with her BS in Early Childhood Education. She has always loved working with children and has for the last eight years. Alyssa loves being a part of the Learning Tree Family!

Beth Dreffs - Assistant Director

Beth Dreffs joined The Learning Tree in August of 2003 as an Assistant Teacher in the Infant classroom at the South Lyon location. She moved in the Lead Teacher role and remained with The Learning Tree until 2006. Beth is excited to return as the Assistant Director.

Beth graduated from Central Michigan University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation with a concentration in childhood disabilities. She has been working with children for nine years in a variety of roles, from being a nanny to working as an Assistant Director. Beth has 2 children that joined The Learning Tree in July 2011. She is looking forward to getting to know all of your families. 

Karen Ballard - Regional Director
Karen Ballard is the Regional Director of The Learning Tree Child Care Centers. 

Karen began her career with The Learning Tree in August of 1998 as a Head Teacher in a toddler classroom. Her passion for early childhood education was fueled in that class and her love for children and their families grew. In June of 2002 she switched gears a bit and transferred to The South Lyon Learning Tree as Director. It was as a Director that she became enthusiastic about watching children and teachers grow and learn. In December of 2003 she was given the opportunity to be Regional Director, overseeing the operations of all three Learning Trees. 

As Regional Director she has the pleasure of traveling from center to center throughout the week, talking with parents, training the administration at each center and still finds time to do what her heart loves most- play  with the children. She graduated from William Tyndale College in December of 1998 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and is continuing her education at Madonna University. She looks forward to being a part of each child’s early learning experience and knows that The Learning Tree is the perfect fit for you and your family.