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Our Story
Our Story
Trae and I have both had dreams of offering in-home child care so when an opportunity presented itself, we couldn't pass it up. We purchased the center in March of 2022 and submitted paperwork shortly after to get licensed in the state of Nebraska. We opened our doors on Monday, August 15, 2022. We are excited about being able to provide another child care option in Chadron and look forward to helping raise future generations!
Co-Director & Floating Teacher
Co-Director & Floating Teacher
Hi, my name is Rachel Girard! I was born and raised in Chadron. I am super excited to be opening a child care center and fulfilling a need in our community! I have nine years of teaching experience with Chadron Public Schools- seven years as a 9th/10th grade English Teacher and two years as the K-4 School Counselor. I also have a Bachelor's in Psychology with a minor in Child, Youth, and Family Studies from UNL. I am married to Brandon Girard and we have three littles- Riley (6), Landon (4), and Sawyer (2). I am a 6W5 on the Enneagram and a type 1 diabetic (20+ years) . I enjoy camping, family dance parties in the kitchen, reading, listening to podcasts, cleaning/organizing, and any show on the Magnolia Network!
Co-Director & Lead Infant Room Teacher
Co-Director & Lead Infant Room Teacher
Hi, my name is Trae Gruver. I am originally from Lingle, Wyoming but came to Chadron to run track in 2008. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Family Consumer Science with a Child and Family Studies option and the plan to someday open my own in-home child care. My husband and I met on the track team and have been married since 2014. We have 5 kids- Addisyn (12), Braelynn (8), Colton (6), Dawsyn (4), and Emersyn (2). In my free time I like to crochet and play Mario Party with my kids. I have always had a passion for young children and look forward to teaching them and watching them grow!
Our Staff
Our Staff
Preschool Teacher
Preschool Teacher
My name is Melissa Martin and I have spent many years working with children. I raised two children of my own, who are now wonderful young adults (my son a nurse, my daughter a phlebotomist). Besides being a daycare director and teacher for many years, I have planned, hosted, and helped with numerous children's programs. Events such as a Children's Book Clubs, Children's Extreme Vacation Bible Experiences, and Children's 10-day Camping Field Trips (one around three states in the Mid-west & the other through eight states in route to the Grand Canyon and back). I enjoy inspiring young minds to try new things and explore the possibilities of their creativity and skill. As the wife of a Christian pastor, I love sharing ideas for spiritual and emotional health. It is my great honor and such a personal blessing to serve your family by caring for your precious children!
3 Year Old Assistant Teacher
3 Year Old Assistant Teacher
My name is Chase Mestas, and I am currently a senior at CSC. I am studying Criminal Justice with a minor in Military Science. I am also in the ROTC program at the college and the Nebraska Army National Guard. My girlfriend and I have three dogs: Marco (pictured), Jack, and Waylon. I love hunting, fishing, reffing high school football, and anything with family!
Floating Teacher
Floating Teacher
Hello! My name is Michaela Hill. I am from Eaton, Colorado. I am currently attending Chadron State College and getting a degree in education with endorsements in special education and coaching. I am officially in my senior year, so my last year of classes before my student teaching. The past three years I was a sprinter on the Chadron State Track team. My events were the 100, 200, and 400 meter dashes. I decided to hang up my spikes my last year of classes due to some amazing opportunities the Lord has blessed me with. Alongside working here at G & G’s, I am a children ministry intern at Chadron Christian Church. At Chadron Chrisitian Church, I share God’s love and help create a relationship with Jesus through the avenue of children. Children have always held a special spot in my heart, I think it is because I am a child at heart! Some of my hobbies are drawing, painting, reading, hiking, shopping and sleeping! :)
Toddler Teacher
Toddler Teacher
Hi! My name is Tyleigh Strotheide! I was born and raised in Chadron. I graduated from Chadron High School, and I am now attending Chadron State College studying Business with a minor in Family and Childcare. I have worked in childcare for about 4 years now and absolutely love it! Watching children learn and grow every day is what excites me! Some hobbies that I love to do outside of working with wonderful children is golfing with my friends and family, traveling to tropical places, reading, working out and going on outside adventures!
3 Year Old Assistant Teacher
3 Year Old Assistant Teacher
My name is Jacie Lussetto and I'm a junior at Chadron State College. I am studying Elementary and Early Childhood Education. I run Cross Country and Track. In my free time, I like to run, hike and read. On campus, I’m active in HUDDLE and the Newman House.
Infant Assistant Teacher
Infant Assistant Teacher
Hi, my name is Julie Price. I was born and raised in Chadron, Nebraska. I am the mother of three sons and grandmother of four ages 7 months to 14 years. I have worked in Early Childhood since 1992. I worked for Headstart 16 years, then I did home daycare 4 years. After that, I returned to Headstart until taking a position at G & G Little Rascals. I really enjoy learning and working with children. My interests include family time, walking, cooking, cleaning, organizing and crafts with my grandchildren.
Floating Teacher
Floating Teacher
Josie
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