About
Welcome to Gabby's Guppies!
At Gabby’s Guppies, we believe in the power of play, the importance of nurturing care, and the magic of childhood. We’re a locally owned daycare rooted in community values, offering high-quality childcare with a personal, family-like feel.
Whether you’re joining us in Lake Linden or our new center in Hancock, you’ll find a safe, loving space where your child can grow, learn, and thrive.
Our Story
Gabby’s Guppies was founded in 2023 by Gabby Hodges after her family’s childcare provider tragically passed away—and the search for high-quality care came up short. Seeing the need in her community, Gabby opened an in-home daycare that quickly filled with families seeking the kind of personal, attentive care she envisioned.
In 2024, Gabby’s husband Nick Hodges stepped back from his 7-year career to expand their in-home daycare business.
With growing demand and long waitlists, Gabby’s Guppies is now expanding into a second, larger location in Hancock to continue providing exceptional care for more families in Houghton County.
What Makes us Different
What sets Gabby’s Guppies apart is our commitment to providing high-quality, personalized care in a warm, family-centered environment.
- Locally owned and operated by a lifelong community member
- A warm, at-home environment—whether in our in-home or center location
- A focus on early education using the Creative Curriculum
- Participation in Great Start to Quality, ensuring we exceed state standards
- Open Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM, including most school breaks
- Daily meals provided: breakfast, lunch, and a healthy snack
- Small group sizes and low child-to-teacher ratios for individual attention
Our Approach to Childcare
We follow a play-based approach to early learning and are committed to meeting—and exceeding—high standards for quality, safety, and child development.
Creative Curriculum®
We follow the Creative Curriculum®—a research-based, play-centered approach that supports the whole child’s development. Through hands-on activities and guided exploration, children build confidence, curiosity, and essential skills in language, math, science, and social-emotional growth. Every lesson is thoughtfully adapted to meet each child’s needs, helping them feel supported and excited to learn.
Great Start to Quality
In addition to our curriculum, we are proud to participate in Michigan’s Great Start to Quality program. This quality rating and improvement system ensures that early childhood programs meet—and exceed—state standards in areas like health and safety, curriculum, staff qualifications, and family engagement. Our commitment to this program reflects our dedication to providing not just care, but high-quality early education that helps children thrive both now and as they grow.
Meet our Teachers
Gabby Hodges
Director & Owner
Gabby Hodges, founder and owner of Gabby’s Guppies, has a degree in Business Administration and is currently completing her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education at Central Michigan University.
Her passion for child development, combined with a deep commitment to her community, drives everything she does—from curriculum planning to creating an environment where families feel truly supported.
Nicholas Hodges
& Co-Director
Kaitlyn Gilmore
Kristen Bourdeau
Madisyn Stevens
Cassey Doneau
Let’s Make Waves Together!
Interested in enrolling at Gabby’s Guppies? We’d love to hear from you.