Livonia South - Directors

• Valerie Conklin - Director

• Courtney Colomina - Assistant Director

• Karen Ballard - Regional Director

Valerie Conklin - Director

Valerie Conklin joined The Learning Tree team in September 2007 as Head Teacher in Transitional Preschool and was promoted to Assistant Director in February 2008. She has over nine years of experience in childcare and administration. 

Valerie has an Associate’s Degree in Child Care and Development and Family Services from Schoolcraft College. Aside from enjoying her time spent at the center with children and families, she enjoys spending time with her husband and step-children at football and baseball games, cheerleading practice, and cub scouts.

Courtney Colomina - Assistant Director

Courtney Colomina began her career at The Learning Tree in August 2007 as a part time floater. Courtney spend most of her time in the toddler and Pre-Kindergarten programs. When the position of Head Teacher in one of the Pre-Kindergarten classrooms became available, she jumped at the opportunity in October 2008. Courtney was promoted to Assistant Director in My 2010. She is currently pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Child Development at Madonna University. 

Aside from spending time at The Learning Tree, Courtney enjoys dancing, traveling, reading, and spending time with her family at their cottage in Clare, MI. Courtney is passionate about taking care of children and providing a loving environment for them.

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.