Meet our TLE® Center team
Samantha Fulkerson
Center Director
Favorite TLE® Character:
Grace Charity
Hello, my name is Samantha Fulkerson, I have been the lead teacher in our Pre-K room for the past 6 years and have been with The Learning Experience for 9 years now. I’ve worked in childcare for over 14 years and have my CDA from Washtenaw Community College and plan to continue my education further to help better myself as an educator. I love working with children, everyday is a new and exciting adventure! I have a passion for books and art which I love to share and explore with my students. I believe the best way for a child to learn is to have fun, as a teacher I want all my students to be excited for school each morning. I was born and raised in South Lyon and stay active in our community, I enjoy spending time outdoors and with family and friends. I look forward to working with your child!
Ashley Etter
Center Director
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
My name is Ashley Etter, and I am one of the Center Director's at The Learning Experience South Lyon West. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education Administration and over 15 years' experience in the Early Childhood field. I love building relationships with families and teachers, and I have a passion for providing high quality care and education to children. When I am not at the center, I have 2 children of my own who keep me very busy! I absolutely love what The Learning Experience stands for, and I am so happy to be part of the family.
Mollie Blixt
Franchisee
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
I started with TLE in December 2006 and have dedicated many years in striving to be the best. It has been an exciting journey as we started in Michigan where we have 2 successful schools and excited to add our 3rd, as well as our location in the Northern Chicago area (Gurnee, IL). I graduated from CMU with a Bachelor's in Child Development and had been a Director for over 13 years before moving on to my role as as V.P. of Operations for our franchises. Prior to that, I was a preschool teacher for 5 years. I have a passion for working with children and enjoy mentoring the staff to ensure that we are providing the safest and most nurturing environment for all children in our care. I am a very busy mom to 3 boys! We travel all over the country for sports and I love every minute of it. Every one of our schools has a story, and I can't wait to continue writing them all!
Cynthia Umphrey
Owner
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Cyndi has a law degree from the University of Michigan and has practiced as a business and estate lawyer in Oakland County for over 20 years. She entered the early childhood education arena in 2006 when she, Mollie and Richard opened the South Lyon TLE. She still works as a lawyer, but makes frequent appearances at the school as characters like an alien game show host, a mermaid, “Sailor Sue”, Thing One, etc. Cyndi has a lifelong commitment to the importance of childhood education, enjoying mentoring opportunities with local grade schools. Still practicing as a lawyer, Cyndi’s primary role at TLE is to support Mollie and the teachers and to facilitate their growth and education so the care they provide to your children is the very best. Cyndi helped to adopt and lives by our mission of Providing the best for our children, our families & the community.
Alexzandria Barone
Assistant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Penny Polite
My name is Ms. Alexzandria, and I have been with TLE since November of 2021. I am currently going to school for Occupational Therapy. In my free time I love to hike, read, paint, swing dance, and work out. I love being with the kids each day and bringing laughter and fun in a positive learning environment.
Kayla Palmer
Assistant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Penny Polite
Hi! I am Ms. Kayla, and I am so happy to be here at the Learning Experience. I love working with the babies every day, and it is giving me lots of experience as I prepare for my own as I am pregnant with my first baby! In my free time I love to kayak, go on nature adventures, and build furniture.
Morgan Campbell
Assistant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Grace Charity
Hi, my name is Morgan and I am excited to be a new member of TLE. I am currently attending Oakland University for my degree in elementary education. I enjoy dancing, signing, and riding my three horses. I am from South Lyon and cannot wait for this new experience at The Learning Experience!
Lisa Calcut
Lead Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Miss Chievous
My Name is Ms. Lisa I taught toddlers for a year and then after completing my degree in Early Childhood Education I came here to work with toddlers. I love Kids and helping them to grow and experience the world.
Stacey Avis
Toddler Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Hello there! My name is Mrs. Stacey and I am very excited to be a part of South Lyon West TLE. I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and am eager to grow with TLE. I love to laugh and be silly and make every day great. I have always known I wanted to spend my time with children, to help nurture them so they can learn and grow. I'm ready to use my skills to help your children learn, play, and grow!
Lidia Gomez
Toddler Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Flexi Flamingo
Hi, my name is Lidia, and I am a toddler teacher! I have worked for TLE for 5 years and I have my Infant/Toddler CDA. My hobbies include drawing, painting, watching movies, playing video games and hanging out with family. I am here to inspire and be an awesome teacher and role model for all of the children. I am so happy to be part of this awesome TLE family!
Holly Lamanen
Assistant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Hi! My name is Holly, and I am from Brighton. I have more then 10 years' experience in the Early Childhood field, mainly as a nanny for infants and toddlers. I enjoy reading books, listening to music, walking, hiking and playing tennis! I am so happy to be part of this team at The Learning Experience.
Emily LaSure
Assistant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
My name is Emily, I have lived in Michigan my whole life. I have 2 older sisters and a younger brother and sister. I am currently working on my Bachelor's Degree in Health Science. Before I joined The Learning Experience, I worked with children with autism. In my free time I enjoy being with family and friends, fishing, and psychology. I look forward to giving the children a fun and enjoyable experience in the classroom.
Chloe Smith
Assistant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Penny Polite
Hey there! My name is Chloe and I am a South Lyon native. I love working with kids and helping them learn and grow. It brings me great joy working with these little kiddos!
Jessica Raymor
Preschool Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Hello, I am Jessica. I have always worked hard to strengthen my education in order to help others around me! I am very passionate about people, and it starts with the kids. I am so happy to be part of the TLE family and to work with all my kiddos. I have a Bachelors Degree in Behavioral Psychology and my Masters in Forensic Psychology.
Jennifer Whiteman
Preschool Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Hi, my name is Jennifer! I have my CDA in Infants and Toddlers as well as Preschool. While I have been with TLE for 7 months, I have over 10 years of experience in the early childhood field. In my free time I love to paint, sketch, and learn about astronomy. I love working with children, and I am so happy to be part of the TLE family!
Tracey Albee
Assistant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Lionstein
Hi TLE friends and families! My name is Tracey and I am excited to be a part of the TLE Family! I graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Degree in Communications and Education. I have been an educator for over 15 years. I have taught all grades from Pre-K to 12th grade. When I am not teaching I love kayaking, reading, playing with my son and dog.