Owner Heather Mills
I was born and raised in Memphis where I graduated from Evangelical Christian School in 1996 and then attended the U of M and Southwest. I have been married 11 years to an amazing man and have two wonderful children that are 2 and 7. I started working with In a Pinch in 2006. I absolutely love working with children and always wanted to be a stay at home mom so I could be with my own children. When Wanda, the previous owner, approached me about buying the business, after much thought and prayer, my husband and I decided it would be a wonderful way for me to stay at home with my children and be able to help other families as well. I bought In a Pinch in January 2010 and have enjoyed placing families with nannies/babysitters that are trustworthy, reliable and that I would trust with my own children. I love what I do because it is so fulfilling for me to make families happy and know that their children are in good hands. My staff and I are here to put your mind at ease.
Founder + Lead Childcare Wanda Whaley
Wanda Whaley was the originator of In a Pinch . After teaching English and working in Infant Daycare, she saw the need for the kind of personal services we offer. Widowed in 2010 after 41 years of marriage, Wanda has three adult children and seven grandchildren. She enjoys keeping a connection with In a Pinch by taking assignments when she is available. Her area of expertise and her greatest love is newborns and infants. Everyone needs a Wanda in their life!
7 Year Team Member Julia Johnson
I love working for In a Pinch ! I have four children; a daughter who teaches at Riverdale Elementary, a son who recently graduated from Yale University, my youngest daughter who lives in Boulder, and youngest son who studies nursing at U of M. In A Pinch gives me the flexibility to spend time with them, my three grandchildren, and my husband of 39 yrs. I love to ride and work with my rescue horse, Woody, while at my cabin on the Tennessee River. Life is good!
5 Year Team Member Courtney Sage
I was born and raised in Memphis and acquired a BFA from Kansas City Art Institute. I've worked at McGehee Clinic for Animals as a receptionist since 2001 and In a Pinch since 2007. I enjoy traveling and have a love for children and animals, like my cat L’Baby and parrot Cleo, who live at the clinic. I really enjoy babysitting and I'm proud to call many of my clients friends. My goal is for the children to wake up in the morning and tell the parents how much fun I was and that they want me to come back. I am affectionately known as “Miss Courtney” to many dear children.
4 Year Team Member Lola Wilson
I have been with In a Pinch for 4 1/2 years along with the same clients for exactly that long. I am originally from Missouri and have two daughters ages 18 and 19, one in college in North Carolina and the other in Arkansas. I started In a Pinch when I decided to home school my daughters and have the freedom to do so. Customer Service and Culinary, both come in handy when I am with my clients. I love to cook and I like the excitement of meeting new people that comes along with working for In a Pinch !
2 Year Team Member Kelcie Johns
I was born in Memphis, TN and raised in Ponte Vedra, FL. However, my family moved back to Memphis before I entered high school. I graduated from White Station High School in 2008 and attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for part of my undergraduate studies, and now I will be attending nursing school at Southwest Tennessee Community College in January 2014. I am 23 and the oldest of 4 children. I began babysitting 10 years ago and have been a nanny for almost 5 years now. The majority of my experience has been with infants and toddlers, but I also love to be with elementary aged children. In my off time, I love spending time with my fiance, friends and family, reading, and being a Young Life leader at Collierville High School.
1 Year Team Member Jenna Lee Granios
I was born in Africa and went to school in the UK for a few years, but have lived most of my life in Memphis, Tennessee. I graduated from Saint Agnes Academy in 2011 and I am currently a Nursing Student at the University of Memphis. In the past, I have worked for a daycare, a special needs program for teenagers, and currently teach Sunday School. I have experience with all ages, as well as large groups of children! I've been babysitting and nannying for several years. I love introducing kids to new games and fun ways of doing not-so-fun tasks, like homework and cleaning up. I also love to bring activities and a treasure box with me! I have many, many repeat clients, who have become like family.
New Team Member Elle Mihnovich
My name is Elle Mihnovich and I am a junior at The University of Memphis. My major is International Relations and Pre-Law. I am from Franklin, Tennessee and I am the oldest of seven children. My passions are justice and mercy for the poor and underprivileged. I have traveled extensively serving on the mission field, and recently completed a year studying abroad at the University of Botswana in Botswana, Africa. After graduation I plan to attend law school and practice international law. I love traveling, horseback riding, running, mission work, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
New Team Member Minna Zhao
I am 23 years old and currently in my last year in graduate school at the University of Memphis obtaining my Master's degree in Social Work, with my specialty being in medical social work. I am also working as an intern at The Med Regional Hospital in the NICU. I received my bachelor's degree in psychology at Christian Brothers University. My previous experience with children include working as a private nanny, volunteering in after school programs, and tutoring underprivileged children. I have been with In a Pinch for almost a year now and every family that I've sat for has been both a rewarding and memorable experience. My favorite part of babysitting for In a Pinch is being able to take a break from being an adult and being able to embrace my inner childhood for a few hours.
