Building belonging inside and out in early childhood education

JaneAnn is a passionate early childhood educator, coach and consultant who specializes in working with leaders and educators to support all aspects of their work.  Her areas of expertise include quality initiatives, curriculum, assessment, community building, advocacy and leadership development. 

During her 40 plus years in early childhood education, JaneAnn has worked as a Teacher, Assistant Director, Director, Coach and Instructor.  She served as the Director for 20 years at Grand Rapids Community College leading the Early Childhood Learning Laboratory (ECLL).  

In September 2019 she started Early Childhood Ally Instagram and monthly newsletter resource to engage and connect with early childhood professionals highlighting best practices. 

Anissa earned her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from Michigan State University, focusing her research on ethnic-racial identity development and socialization in early childhood. She is a Policy Fellow with the National Black Child Development Institute and a Pritzker Fellow with the National Collaborative for Infants and Toddlers.

With a Bachelor of Social Work from Calvin University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, she has worked as a school-based social worker, outpatient therapist, and adjunct professor.

Through Liminality Consulting, she offers leadership coaching, facilitation, project management, research, evaluation, grant writing, and cultural consulting for children’s media. Anissa lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her partner, three sons, and their dog, Toffee.