Owner of Macomb Twp. child care facility accused of creating hostile environment

Lawsuit alleges racial discrimination, religious bias, and retaliation against employees

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The owner of a Christian-based child care facility in Macomb Township, Michigan is accused by four former employees of creating a toxic, retaliatory work environment through racial and religious bias, violating state employment law. The lawsuit alleges the owner made racist comments, treated Black clients worse than others, required off-the-clock workplace prayers, and fired employees for seeking paid time off after work-related injuries.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about workplace discrimination, particularly in the childcare industry where employees and families place significant trust in facility owners. The allegations raise questions about oversight and accountability for discriminatory practices that may impact vulnerable children and their families.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Laura Warrick, the owner of God's Love Overpowers Child Care LLC, allegedly created a hostile work environment through a pattern of racist comments and discriminatory treatment. The plaintiffs claim Warrick used a racial slur in front of children, called Child Protective Services on Black families but not white families, threatened to turn away a Black family, called the police on a Black family without provocation, and referred to Black people using derogatory terms. Warrick is also accused of firing employees Carla Baldrica, Megan Hunt, and Tracey Penzien in retaliation for work-related injuries and requests for paid time off. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges Warrick required mandatory, off-the-clock prayer sessions and fired employee Elizabeth Schwartz for missing one.

  • Baldrica started working as a 'lead teacher' in May 2024.
  • Hunt started as a lead teacher in September 2024.
  • Baldrica was injured in May 2025 and fired on August 6.
  • Hunt was injured on July 29 and fired the same day.
  • Schwartz was fired on August 6 after missing a mandatory prayer session on August 5.

The players

Laura Warrick

The owner of God's Love Overpowers Child Care LLC, a Christian-based child care facility in Macomb Township, Michigan.

Carla Baldrica

A 48-year-old Black woman from Macomb Township who worked as a 'lead teacher' at God's Love Overpowers Child Care starting in May 2024.

Megan Hunt

A 35-year-old woman from Harrison Township who worked as a lead teacher at God's Love Overpowers Child Care starting in September 2024.

Tracey Penzien

A 51-year-old woman from Chesterfield Township who worked as an assistant teacher at God's Love Overpowers Child Care.

Elizabeth Schwartz

A 35-year-old woman from Chesterfield Township who worked as an assistant director in charge of various operations at God's Love Overpowers Child Care.

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What they’re saying

“Laura Warrick's behavior towards both her patrons and employees of her business is unacceptable and illegal. We hope not only to hold her and God's Love Overpowers Child Care accountable, but also to illuminate to Macomb County parents this business' discriminatory practices. Families are placing their trust into Warwick, and they deserve transparency.”

— Channing Robinson-Holmes, Plaintiff's attorney (macombdaily.com)

“While working at God's Love Overpowers Child Care, we were passionate about our positions and the children we taught. We would all still be there, continuing to teach, if it weren't for the mistreatment we were subjected to. We seek justice for ourselves and to ensure that no other employee, parent, or child endures the shameful and discriminatory behavior we faced.”

— Plaintiffs (macombdaily.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed and potentially grant the plaintiffs' requests for restoration of their prior positions, compensatory damages, and other relief.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability in the childcare industry to prevent discriminatory practices that can harm vulnerable children and families. It underscores the importance of transparency and fostering inclusive, equitable environments where all employees and patrons are treated with dignity and respect.