S.T.A.R.S. Latchkey
Students thinking, achieving, and reaching for the stars!
micah blanchard - south arbor S.T.A.R.S DIRECTOR
alissa adkins - chief operating officer
Our Staff
My name is Micah Cheyenne Blanchard, this is my 12th year as a S.T.A.R.S employee. I began my journey with S.T.A.R.S. as a classroom assistant from the ages 15-17, splitting that time between Keystone Academy and Plymouth Scholars. I became primarily a kindergarten classroom teacher for Canton S.T.A.R.S from ages 18-25, however, I have worked with all ages from Kindergarten-8th grade. From ages 22-25 I also filled in as Director (as needed) at Canton S.T.A.R.S.
Throughout my experience with this company at all four locations I’ve been blessed to have experienced so much and have a well rounded familiarity with our policies and procedures.
In 2024 I happily stepped into the role as Director at our newest location, South Arbor S.T.A.R.S. I have developed close relationships with the parents, students and staff at South Arbor and I am excited to continue to grow.
I earned my CDA and Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education/Applied Science at Washtenaw Community College.
"Micah's work ethic, leadership and initiative have created the makings of a model employee. Since earning her CDA, we've been working towards constantly preparing and training her for this position and I can't wait to see how she thrives as Director! Congratulations Micah, you've earned it!" -Kathleen Remus
Hello, my name is Alissa Adkins. I have been on staff with S.T.A.R.S. for 14 years in a multitude of roles: child care staff member, Director & Office Manager. I have worked on-site at 3 of our 4 locations over the years and forged close relationships and partnerships with our families and staff members. In 2024, my family and I moved to South Carolina, where I continued my Office Managing position remotely. In August 2025, I accepted the position as COO to continue maintaining the day to day operations of S.T.A.R.S. that ensure our programs operate seamlessly. As I focus my attention on these details, we have hired a billing manager that will oversee and manage all billing and invoicing processes. I am excited to apply my energy to overall program satisfaction and improvement and look forward to working with you!
"Alissa's knowledge of S.T.A.R.S. program procedures, licensing regulations, and child care policies has allowed me to bring my best ideas to life. I know her partnership will only continue to improve our processes and I can't wait to see what the future holds for S.T.A.R.S.!" -Kathleen Remus
My name is Rainey Sarasin, this is my eighth year as the Plymouth S.T.A.R.S. Director. I was a S.T.A.R.S. child care assistant for four years prior to taking on this role. I have developed close relationships with the parents, students and staff at PSCA and am excited to continue to grow them. I earned my Bachelor's in Elementary Education with a Double Minor in Math and Science from Eastern Michigan University.
"Rainey's knowledge and experience within the Plymouth Scholars community is invaluable as she has made the transition to director practically seamless. Her favorite quote is, "Logic will get you from A-Z, imagination will get you everywhere else."- Albert Einstein." -Kathleen Remus
rainey sarasin - plymouth S.T.A.R.S DIRECTOR
Kathleen Remus - Owner & ceo
Canton S.T.A.R.S. Interim director
Hello, my name is Kathleen Remus. I have over 31 years of experience owning and operating quality child care programs. I previously owned a licensed in home group daycare for 20 years. For the last 18 years I have been the owner and operator of the on-site before and after school program at Keystone Academy. Twelve years ago I opened the S.T.A.R.S. program at Plymouth Scholars, this is our eighth year at Canton Charter Academy and this is our second year at South Arbor Charter Academy.
I earned my CDA (Child Development Accreditation) at Washtenaw Community College. A CDA is a nationally recognized accreditation for the development of young children.
With my close ties to the National Heritage Academies, I have acquired extensive knowledge of their educational practices. I am a major advocate for the learning and moral based curriculum that NHA provides for our children. As a childcare provider, I intend to closely follow their principals as well as encourage the moral focus values and academic excellence that can be achieved.
"I am so fortunate and appreciative to have such devoted and enthusiastic staff here with me at S.T.A.R.S. I look forward to another rewarding, enjoyable school year with the National Heritage Academies."
My name is April Endicott and this is my 4th year as the S.T.A.R.S. Director. I was previously a lead child care teacher at Keystone S.T.A.R.S. for 11 years. I began my journey in child care as a group daycare owner in my home in 1995. My husband and I became pregnant with twins in 1998 and we decided that I would take a step back and direct my energy into creating a strong foundation of family in our home. The journey with our children continued as we decided homeschooling our twins from preschool through their senior year was our focus. When our twins turned 15 I began working at Keystone to be able to give back to the community and help create a strong foundation in the next generation of students by embracing Kathi’s mission of providing a safe, caring and supportive before and after care program. I continue to further my education in early childhood education annually to stay current with the ever changing knowledge of best practices. I am honored to be able to use my experience to build on Kathi’s focus of providing a quality program to create a strong relationship with the children and families at Keystone.
“April's been a huge asset to our program and applies her experience to helping our youngest students grow and thrive.” -Kathleen Remus.