Meet Brooke Ryan
Early Childhood Educator ♥ Professional Development Specialist
Brooke Ryan has dedicated more than 25 years to the field of early childhood education. Her passion for teaching, leadership, and professional development began in 2000, when she enrolled in the Teens for Tots Early Childhood Education Program at the Frederik V. Pankow Center while still in high school.
What began as an early interest in working with young children grew into a career focused not only on supporting children and families, but also on helping early childhood professionals strengthen their knowledge, confidence, and skills.
Education & Professional Credentials
After beginning her career in high school, Brooke completed an Early Childhood Apprenticeship through Macomb Community College, where she was recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and earned a Child Care Development Specialist Certification.
She also earned:
- Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development — Macomb Community College
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education Administration — Ashford University
- Professional Development Specialist — Council for Professional Recognition
- Level 1 Instructor Certification — Health and Safety Institute
- MiRegistry Trainer Career Pathway Professional Level Three – A
Brooke believes that professional growth never stops. She continues to participate in early childhood education training each year so that her knowledge remains current and relevant to the educators she serves.
More Than 25 Years of Early Childhood Experience
Brooke’s experience extends across many roles within early childhood programs. Throughout her career, she has worked directly with children, supported educators, managed programs, overseen employees, and helped create environments where children and early childhood professionals can thrive.
Her experience includes working as an assistant teacher with children of all ages, serving as a lead teacher in toddler and preschool classrooms, and spending more than 20 years as a program director.
She also brings experience in human resources and early childhood administration and has worked in both privately operated and government-funded child care programs.
This combination of classroom, administrative, and leadership experience gives Brooke a practical understanding of the everyday responsibilities and challenges early childhood professionals face.
Program Development & Leadership
From 2013 through 2026, Brooke also served as a project manager, helping create a new child care center and overseeing several renovation projects within the program.
Her work included balancing the needs of children, families, educators, administrators, licensing requirements, and the physical learning environment.
Brooke is familiar with Michigan Child Care Licensing rules and standards and understands the importance of putting regulations into practice in ways that support high-quality early childhood programs.