STAFF
Get To Know Us!
Erin Korte
Title
Interim Director, Children's Enrichment Center
Education
B.S. Grand Valley State University; Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychology
About
Erin joined the Children’s Enrichment Center (CEC) in the summer of 2022 as an Assistant Teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychology, with a minor in Criminal Justice, from Grand Valley State University in winter 2023. Following graduation, Erin transitioned into the Assistant Director role, allowing her to continue supporting the wonderful families and staff at the CEC. In fall 2024, she began pursuing a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and is expected to graduate in winter 2026. Erin is passionate about lifelong learning and is dedicated to positively impacting the education and development of GV’s Little Lakers. In January 2026, Erin stepped into the role of Interim Director and is excited to continue her work at the CEC.
Shelbi O'Brien
Title
Lead Preschool 1 Teacher, Children's Enrichment Center
Education
B.A. Grand Valley State University; Comprehensive Sciences and Arts of Teaching
About
Shelbi O’Brien started working at the Children’s Enrichment Center in October 2018 as an Assistant Teacher. She is a GVSU alumni and graduated in the Fall of 2022 with a Bachelors in Comprehensive Sciences and Arts of Teaching with a Minor in Early Childhood. She started as the Preschool 1 Lead Teacher in October of 2022 and has been caring for the 2.5-3 year olds at the center ever since. Shlebi also sits on the Division of Student Affair's Fun Committee.
Shelbi enjoys being active with her friends, whether it’s hanging out downtown or attending GVSU Football games. Recently, She has been trying out Zumba classes at the GVSU rec center and bringing CEC staff along with her!
SARAH LORD
Title
Lead Preschool 2 Teacher, Children's Enrichment Center
Education
B.A. University of Southern Indiana; Early Childhood
M.A. Grand Valley State University; Instruction and Curriculum - Early Childhood
About
Sarah Lord began working at the Children’s Enrichment Center in August of 2012. She is the Preschool 2 Lead Teacher at the center which involves the day-to-day teaching of the 3 to 4-year-olds. Prior to coming to GVSU, Sarah attended college at the University of Southern Indiana, where she was one of the first participants in their new B.A. program in Early Childhood. After graduating in Fall 2005, she accepted a lead teacher position at the Bloomington Developmental Learning Center, a non-profit child-care center in Bloomington, Indiana. She worked with children aged one to three years old in a continuity-of-care environment and served as the faculty representative on the Board of BDLC for four years. In the summer of 2012, she relocated to Allendale and was the P1 lead teacher from 2012- 2020, the interim program administrator from 2015-2019 and is now the lead Preschool 2 teacher.
Sarah is married to Richard Lord, a faculty member in chemistry at GVSU. Sarah and Richard have two little ones named Thea and Freya. We have three other fuzzy children who eat, sleep, and meow. Sarah enjoys gardening, knitting, reading, brewing, and hiking in her spare time.
JENNY EVERT
Title
Lead Preschool 3 Teacher, Children's Enrichment Center
Education
B.A. Grand Valley State University; Sociology
M.A. Grand Valley State University; Instruction and Curriculum - Early Childhood
About
Jenny Evert graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2002 with a B.A. in Sociology. Ever since graduating she decided that her passion was working with children and helping them learn and grow. She has had the opportunity of working with children in a variety of settings such as daycares, before and after school programs, preschools and even as a nanny. She is very excited to be part of the GVSU Children’s Enrichment Center and hopes to continue to play an important role in the lives of children.
Outside of working with children, Jenny enjoys spending time with her husband, another GVSU alumni and their little ones Betty Lu and Max. Together they like watching college sports either on television or in person.
The GVSU Lakers and the Michigan State Spartans are their two favorite teams. Jenny also enjoys reading a good book, hanging out at the lake at the family cottage, and spending time with her nieces and nephews.
ASSISTANT TEACHERS
Our Assistant Teachers are all Grand Valley State University students pursuing a degree in a child-related field. Many of our teachers are in education, hoping to be elementary teachers one day! They support lead teachers in daily functions such as lesson planning, preparing activities, and assisting children and families. We take pride in having a team of caring and compassionate assistant teachers. Our assistant teachers are all CPR certified and First-Aid trained. They also go through extensive training to learn licensing and Michigan Food Program guidelines.