Meet Our Team

SARAH HAWLEY

RN, BSN, PHN -Certified CPR Instructor

Sarah owns and operates Minnesota Child Care Health Consultants. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Creighton University, Sarah has been a Registered Nurse for 25 years and holds a certification in Public Health Nursing and is an approved American Heart Association CPR and First Aid Instructor. Sarah has the honor of serving in the role as a health consultant to The Center for Inclusive Childcare.

Sarah’s nursing experience includes working in-patient at The University of Nebraska Medical Center and The University of Minnesota. She also has experience in a pediatric clinic and pediatric home care. Sarah’s held various management and leadership positions throughout her career and received extensive specialized training in Child Care Health Consultation.

Personally, Sarah has three children who have successfully been through the childcare and preschool experience and why she is so passionate about quality childcare feeling a sense of commitment to programs and families in the community. Sarah’s greatest achievement is her children and in her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, attending and volunteering at her kids sporting events and activities.

KATHY JUSTUS

RN, BSN, PHN

Kathy Justus has worked as a Child Care Health Consultant Nurse in Minnesota for 30 years and received extensive specialized training in this field. Kathy’s been a leader and an integral part of Child Care Health Consultation in the state of Minnesota.

Kathy obtained a Biology degree from Wheaton College before earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from The University of Minnesota. Kathy worked at The University of Minnesota and Mount Sinai Hospitals before working as a Public Health Nurse. Kathy has held a variety of distinguished nursing positions including experience as a School Nurse.

Kathy enjoys working as a health consultant nurse to childcare centers now more than ever! She likes many aspects of consulting with childcare centers such as helping new programs with the licensing process, teaching, problem solving, developing long term relationships, and offering support and best practice recommendations. When Kathy’s not working, she enjoys reading, gardening, walking, traveling and sports.

JENNA C.

RN, BS

Jenna holds two degrees- a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood, Family Life Science from Minnesota State Mankato and a Nursing Degree. Jenna loved teaching young children and always had an interest in the health aspect of education. After teaching early childhood education for nearly twenty years in a licensed center in Minnesota, Jenna went back to school and obtained a nursing degree.

Jenna’s nursing background includes work as a RN on-site in an early childhood center, school nursing and community nursing. Jenna’s experience working in a licensed childcare, both as a teacher and a nurse, is invaluable experience to bring to the role of Child Care Health Consultant. Jenna’s favorite part about this work is the teaching and education of childcare staff as she still gets to be a “teacher” when visiting programs. In Jenna’s free time, she likes to play with her children, spend time with family & friends, work out/run and decorate her home.

CHRISTINE K.

RN, BST -Certified CPR Instructor

Christine has been a Registered Nurse for more than 20 years. She obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in teaching from Winona State University and later a nursing degree. She was a teacher in the Twin Cities area, including for a licensed childcare center and eventually as an Assistant Director. She held the role of Mentor Teacher and was recognized as an Honor Teacher. After Christine went back to earn her Nursing Degree, she worked as a Home Care Nurse before becoming a Child Care Health Consultant. Teaching is Christine’s passion, and she loves being a bridge from Rule 3 licensing to best practices for childcare centers. She has an extended background in reading state statutes and policy implementation and is also a certified American Heart Association CPR & First Aid instructor.

In Christine’s spare time she is busy with family activities and volunteering at community events. Christine and her family enjoy traveling and touring the country, especially visiting state parks. Christine is an avid reader and loves to follow Minnesota Sports.

Mary B.

RN, BSN, PHN -Certified CPR Instructor

Mary earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin and has a diverse background in pediatrics. Her experience includes pediatric nursing at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Bronson Children’s Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan, The Stillwater Medical Group, Woodwinds Hospital, and pediatric home care.

Mary worked as an aide in a childcare center infant room when in high school and has enjoyed working in pediatrics since early in her nursing career. Mary is pleased to work as a Child Care Health Consultant for MNCCHC which allows her the opportunity to use her vast knowledge of pediatric health.

Mary has three energetic boys and during the winter months may be found at a hockey rink or in the Summer at a baseball field. Mary enjoys traveling, boating, camping and simply spending time with her family.

Kim H.

RN – Certified CPR Instructor

Kim has been a pediatric nurse for over 35 years and her nursing experience includes working at the University of Minnesota Pediatric ICU, pediatric home care, pediatric phone triage and 20 years as a PACU/pediatric recovery room nurse. She has held various leadership roles including the head nurse of a pediatric clinic. Kim enjoys the rewarding work as a nurse in childcare health consultation including teaching childcare providers, and families. Kim is also a certified American Heart Association CPR and First Aid instructor.

In Kim’s spare time she keeps active with her growing family. After many fun years of cheering on her three children at sports events and activities, she and her husband look forward to more of the same with their three grandchildren. She loves family time at the cabin and sharing her expanding hobby farm with family and friends.

Pennie T.

RN, BSN

Pennie graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in communications and started her career working in marketing in Chicago. It was during this time that she volunteered at Children’s Memorial Hospital and enjoyed the experience and the children so much that she decided to go back to nursing school. After graduating with her nursing degree, Pennie worked at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago for 9 years. When a move brought her to Jacksonville, Florida she worked as a RN in the PACU at Wolfson Children’s Hospital and finally relocated to Minneapolis and spent the next 14 years at Children’s working in pre-op, PACU and post-op. Pennie has been a nurse for 24 years and can’t imagine doing anything else. She feels so fortunate to have a career that she loves and is happy to share her vast knowledge from her pediatric experience over the years as a childcare health consultant.

Pennie is married, has two children, a dog and keeps busy spending a lot of time at kids’ sports including hockey, baseball, and lacrosse. Pennie has a huge love for animals, especially dogs and enjoys pet sitting and volunteering at a local rescue. She also enjoys many outdoor activities, especially in warm weather such as boating, water skiing and running.

Susan N.

RN, BSN, PHN

Susan has been a Registered Nurse for more than 25 years. She’s worked in a hospital setting, was a Public Health Nurse for Anoka County and most recently has worked at Allina Health where she led community health improvement initiatives including Health Powered Kids™ and Change to Chill™. Susan’s favorite part about the nurse consultant role is providing health education and finding creative and inspiring ways to improve health and safety for all.

Susan is married to her high school sweetheart, and they have two college age sons. One attends Medical School at A.T. Still University in Missouri and the other is studying Mechanical Engineering at Iowa State University. In her free time, Susan enjoys being outdoors in nature, bass fishing and gardening. She also enjoys group fitness classes, swimming, and bike rides.

Michele M.

Michele has been a nurse for over 35 years. Her vast experience includes OBGYN, operating room, ICC nursery at Children’s Hospital Minneapolis and 26 years in the operating room at Children’s. Michele has a vast amount of pediatric nursing experience and also holds a national certification in the operating room and in laser safety.

Michele is married and has one child. She enjoys traveling, walking, working out, reading, crafts and spending time with family and friends.

Craig Hawley

Business Manager -Certified CPR Instructor

Craig brings leadership experience in business and is an experienced professional with a proven track record of running successful businesses. Craig is responsible for the non-nursing side of things including managing accounting & finances, sales, and IT. He helps plan and execute all activities using innovation to maximize efficiency. Craig is married to Sarah; together they have three children so Craig also has first-hand experience to know how important quality child care is. Craig keeps busy fishing and coaching his kids’ youth sports. He attended St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota where he played football and received a BA in Business Administration.