Hilton Head Nannies
The Lowcountry's Gold Standard
for Childcare since 2007.
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Meet Jennie
Founder & President of Hilton Head Nannies and America’s Best Nannies
Jennie Krogulski is the Founder and President of Hilton Head Nannies, a premier childcare agency dedicated to providing exceptional service to families on Hilton Head Island, Savannah and beyond. With over two decades of experience in the professional nanny industry, Jennie remains deeply involved in the day-to-day operations, often personally answering calls to ensure that every client receives the highest level of care and service.
Jennie’s journey in childcare began long before she launched Hilton Head Nannies. After traveling across the country and working with families with diverse needs, she found her home in Hilton Head Island while working for a family in Sea Pines—a relationship that remains strong even as the children have grown. Known affectionately as "Jen-Jen" by the local children she worked with, Jennie transitioned from full-time nannying after facing a significant health challenge. However, her passion for quality childcare never wavered, leading her to establish Hilton Head Nannies (HHN) in 2007. Since then, the agency has proudly served tens of thousands of families, creating lasting connections along the way.
Jennie firmly believes that Hilton Head Nannies is about people—the dedicated nannies, the wonderful children, and the families who entrust their care to the agency. Beyond her work in the nanny industry, Jennie has worn many hats, including dorm parent, elementary school teacher, missionary, parent coach, freelance writer, board member of the Professional Nanny Association of Atlanta, children’s church teacher, youth pastor, and Sunday school teacher. She has also dedicated time to volunteering with senior citizen outreach programs, homeless ministries, child advocacy organizations, a home for unwed mothers, and children's after-school programs.
As an industry leader, Jennie has been a member of several professional organizations, including APNA (Association of Premier Nanny Agencies), NAN (National Association of Nannies), INA (International Nanny Association), and Christian Nannies. She has been consulted by national media regarding the vacation nanny industry and has worked as a specially trained supervisor for parents in family court systems.
Expanding Excellence: America’s Best Nannies
In 2025, Jennie expanded her mission with the launch of America’s Best Nannies (ABN), a national division of Hilton Head Nannies, dedicated to providing elite permanent nanny placements across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. With the same dedication to excellence and care that Hilton Head Nannies is known for, America’s Best Nannies helps families across the country find professional, trustworthy, and experienced nannies tailored to their unique needs. Whether a family is seeking a part-time or full-time nanny, a newborn care specialist, or a specialized childcare provider, America’s Best Nannies upholds the highest standards in the industry, ensuring peace of mind for families nationwide.
A Legacy of Care and Giving
At its core, Hilton Head Nannies and America’s Best Nannies exist to give. A significant portion of both agencies’ profits is donated to local, national, and international charities benefiting children and families. This includes the international sponsorship of 16 children (and growing), providing food, clothing, clean water, education, medical care, and support to help their communities become self-sufficient. Hilton Head Nannies and America’s Best Nannies currently sponsor children in Kenya, Ethiopia, Burundi, Cambodia, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Uganda, Bolivia, and Tanzania.
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Through both Hilton Head Nannies and America’s Best Nannies, Jennie continues to set the standard for excellence in childcare, helping families find the best care providers and making a meaningful impact in communities worldwide.
Meet Lucinda
Lucinda Hudgins
Executive Assistant & Lead Recruiter
Lucinda Hudgins is the extraordinary specialist and key administrator of Hilton Head Nannies and America’s Best Nannies, working alongside Jennie to ensure both agencies operate seamlessly. As the Executive Assistant and Lead Recruiter, Lucinda plays a vital role in selecting top-tier nannies, bringing her keen eye for talent, warm professionalism, and unwavering dedication to excellence.
Lucinda and her husband relocated to Bluffton from the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where they lived for 24 years. There, they owned and operated the longest-running specialty natural food store and café, employing hundreds of students and working closely with international exchange students. Through this experience, Lucinda mentored numerous young people, helping to shape their futures and forming lasting relationships. She has cherished being part of their lives, finding immense joy in seeing them grow into successful adults and start families of their own.
Beyond her experience in business and mentorship, Lucinda is a Certified Instructor and National Trainer for the International Network for Children and Families. In this role, she facilitated training programs and provided support for thousands of parents, educators, and health professionals over a decade, helping create the largest network of trained professionals in the country.
Lucinda’s compassionate nature, leadership skills, and attention to detail make her an invaluable part of Hilton Head Nannies and America’s Best Nannies. She is a proud mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother of seven, and in her free time, she enjoys being near the water, traveling, and continuously learning new things. Her passion for people and commitment to excellence help make Hilton Head Nannies and America’s Best Nannies the premier agencies they are today.
Meet Coco
Coco Jozic
Reservation Specialist
Coco Jozic is a vital member of the Hilton Head Nannies and America’s Best Nannies administrative team, working closely alongside Jennie and Lucinda to ensure seamless operations and exceptional service for families. As the Reservation Specialist, Coco is often the first point of contact for our vacationing clients, guiding them through the process of securing the best nanny for their needs. With her warm demeanor, attention to detail, and deep understanding of childcare, she ensures that every family receives personalized support from the moment they inquire about services.
Coco brings a strong background in education and childcare, holding a Master of Early Childhood Education degree from the University of South Carolina. Before joining Hilton Head Nannies, she spent ten years as the Director of PlayCare, a well-loved,
church-based preschool in Bluffton, where she played an integral role in shaping young minds and fostering a nurturing environment for children. Prior to moving to the Lowcountry in 2011, Coco taught at a Montessori school and was instrumental in launching a Pre-K program for a public school, demonstrating her passion for early childhood education and development.
Coco’s expertise in working with children and her background in education make her an invaluable asset to Hilton Head Nannies and America’s Best Nannies. She understands the importance of pairing families with caregivers who meet their unique needs, ensuring a stress-free and seamless experience.
Outside of work, Coco and her husband stay busy with their two teenage children, who are active in sports. She loves attending their games, spending time at the beach, and enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Her love for the Lowcountry and its community is evident in everything she does, making her a perfect fit for Hilton Head Nannies and America’s Best Nannies.
Grace Van Devender
Meet Grace
Customer Service Specialist
Grace Van Devender is the Customer Service Specialist at Hilton Head Nannies and America’s Best Nannies, bringing warmth, efficiency, and exceptional client care to the team. As a key point of contact for families and nannies, Grace ensures that every interaction is handled with professionalism and a personal touch. Her commitment to excellent service and passion for working with children make her an invaluable asset to the agency.
Before relocating to Hilton Head Island from Colorado, Grace successfully ran her own business as a hairstylist, honing her skills in client relations, attention to detail, and customer satisfaction. Her deep love for children led her to roles in preschools and child ministry, where she found joy in working with young minds and supporting their development.
Three years ago, Grace made the Lowcountry her home, where she continues to work as a hairstylist for weddings while also dedicating her time to Hilton Head Nannies and America’s Best Nannies. Her ability to connect with families, assist with reservations, and ensure a smooth experience for both clients and nannies makes her an integral part of the team.
Outside of work, Grace embraces the beauty of Hilton Head Island, enjoying its stunning coastal scenery and the welcoming community she now calls home. Her love for the area, combined with her kind-hearted nature and dedication to exceptional service, makes her a perfect fit for Hilton Head Nannies and America's Best Nannies.
Michelle Merkel
Meet Michelle
Community Engagement Liaison
Michelle Merkel serves as the Community Engagement Liaison for Hilton Head Nannies and America’s Best Nannies, bringing her warmth, kindness, and passion for building meaningful connections. In this role, Michelle fosters relationships with the local community, ensuring a seamless and welcoming experience for everyone who partners with our agency. Her genuine heart for people and ability to make others feel valued make her an essential part of our team.
Originally from central Pennsylvania, Michelle has always prioritized family and community. She loved being a stay-at-home mom when her children were young, cherishing the time spent nurturing and guiding them. Now an empty-nester, she and her husband, Jon, have been happily married for nearly five years and relocated to Bluffton in 2021 when Jon was hired at Lowcountry Community Church. They have two grown children—Mark (26), who lives in Montana with his wife, Monica, and Melanie (22), who is completing her senior year studying radiology at Morehead State University in Kentucky. Michelle is also a proud grandmother to Merle (2 ½) and Mattie (1), finding immense joy in her growing family.
Michelle joined Hilton Head Nannies in May 2024, drawn to the agency by her love for engaging with families and children. She finds fulfillment in connecting with families, listening to children, and actively participating in their world through play and conversation.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband, biking, organizing, gardening, cooking, and baking. She has a passion for traveling, both across the U.S. and abroad, and volunteering in her church nursery. She also loves being in nature and living near the water, embracing the beauty and serenity of the Lowcountry.
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Michelle’s warmth, professionalism, and dedication to meaningful relationships make her a perfect fit for Hilton Head Nannies and America’s Best Nannies.