Hero Story

Gretchen exemplifies the word hero. Living her whole life in Essexville, she always steps up for her community and state. She is an advocate for those who truly need a voice. Gretchen doesn't shy away from a challenge especially if it is for the good of others. Along with her career as the Director of Early Childhood Education for the Bay-Arenac ISD, she is an important part of numerous groups:

State of Michigan Poverty Taskforce education workgroup
Bay City Morning Rotary
Early Childhood Administrators Network, Chair
211 NorthEast Michigan Board Member
Bay County Human Services Collaborative Committee Board Member
Arenac Co Multi-Purpose Collaborative Body Board Member
YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region-Finance Committee Board Member
Early Math Task Force Committee Member
Bay-Arenac Diaper Bank Board Member
Bay-Arenac Trauma Informed Communities Task Force
COVID Community Response Coalition Member
United Way of Bay County-Volunteer and Former Board Member
Early Childhood Standards of Quality Review and Revision Committee for Infant/Toddler and PreKindergarten
MI ACE Initiative Master Trainer
Bay & Arenac Handle with Care Coordinator

As you can see Gretchen is an unstoppable force in her community serving all, specifically our youth and ALICE population. Her willingness to serve and volunteer is overwhelming. She is a true Hero.