Angela Kapp
Position: Owner
Education: Bachelors of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from Metropolitan State University’s Urban Teacher Program and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood from Concordia University.
Early Childhood Experience: I started out my career as an aide in an infant classroom in 1995. I've worked as a teacher with all age groups from infant to school age. I became involved with the National Association for the Education of Young Children while I was directing a large center in Blaine, MN. After traveling across the US for two years assessing programs seeking NAEYC Accreditation I landed at Head Start. I left Head Start in September 2012 to open my first early childhood development center in St. Paul.
Future Goals: I would like to eventually focus my attention on staff training and coaching, as well as becoming more involved in the Early Childhood Professional Community.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: My husband Keith and I live in the house next door. Between us we have six children; Alexis, Nathan, Courtney, Ryder, Amber and Nick. We have two dogs, Olivia (American Pitbull Terrier) and Sadie (American Staffordshire Terrier). When we are not working, we enjoy family dinners, trips to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and cheering on the Twins and Vikings.
I love working with children because: Children view the world with fresh eyes, exploring everything around them, making connections and learning to understand the world around them.
Position: Owner
Education: Bachelors of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from Metropolitan State University’s Urban Teacher Program and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood from Concordia University.
Early Childhood Experience: I started out my career as an aide in an infant classroom in 1995. I've worked as a teacher with all age groups from infant to school age. I became involved with the National Association for the Education of Young Children while I was directing a large center in Blaine, MN. After traveling across the US for two years assessing programs seeking NAEYC Accreditation I landed at Head Start. I left Head Start in September 2012 to open my first early childhood development center in St. Paul.
Future Goals: I would like to eventually focus my attention on staff training and coaching, as well as becoming more involved in the Early Childhood Professional Community.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: My husband Keith and I live in the house next door. Between us we have six children; Alexis, Nathan, Courtney, Ryder, Amber and Nick. We have two dogs, Olivia (American Pitbull Terrier) and Sadie (American Staffordshire Terrier). When we are not working, we enjoy family dinners, trips to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and cheering on the Twins and Vikings.
I love working with children because: Children view the world with fresh eyes, exploring everything around them, making connections and learning to understand the world around them.
Ashley Lindback
Position: Director
Education: Attended St. Cloud State University pursuing my Early Childhood Education Degree. I have also completed my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
Early Childhood Experience: I was a Nanny for three years before joining The Learning Garden in February 2015. I started as a substitute and then became a toddler teacher before moving to administration in January 2018.
Future Goals: To continue to learn and grow with Midwest Child Development.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: Jordan and I have four children, Owen, Carson, Elliot and Natalie, who keep us busy. When I’m not working I enjoy playing with my puppy and attending sporting events.
I love working with children because: Children give us such a different perspective of the world. Their smiles and laughter are contagious!
Position: Director
Education: Attended St. Cloud State University pursuing my Early Childhood Education Degree. I have also completed my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
Early Childhood Experience: I was a Nanny for three years before joining The Learning Garden in February 2015. I started as a substitute and then became a toddler teacher before moving to administration in January 2018.
Future Goals: To continue to learn and grow with Midwest Child Development.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: Jordan and I have four children, Owen, Carson, Elliot and Natalie, who keep us busy. When I’m not working I enjoy playing with my puppy and attending sporting events.
I love working with children because: Children give us such a different perspective of the world. Their smiles and laughter are contagious!
Keith Kapp
Position: Finance and Operations Manager
Education: College coursework in business and accounting
Previous Experience: I left a management position at T-Mobile to join Midwest Child Development in 2016.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: Angela and I have six children between us and when we have some free time we enjoy traveling to visit family in Michigan and North Dakota and going to see local bands. I also love many competitive sports such as baseball, softball, football, basketball, darts. etc.
I love working at Midwest Child Development because: Every day is a new adventure. On any given day, I can be assisting staff with technology, running errands for the centers, making repairs, working on finances or interacting with the children.
Position: Finance and Operations Manager
Education: College coursework in business and accounting
Previous Experience: I left a management position at T-Mobile to join Midwest Child Development in 2016.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: Angela and I have six children between us and when we have some free time we enjoy traveling to visit family in Michigan and North Dakota and going to see local bands. I also love many competitive sports such as baseball, softball, football, basketball, darts. etc.
I love working at Midwest Child Development because: Every day is a new adventure. On any given day, I can be assisting staff with technology, running errands for the centers, making repairs, working on finances or interacting with the children.
Julie Harrington
Position: Opening Infant Teacher
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Position: Opening Infant Teacher
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Kathy Weidner
Position: Lead Infant Teacher
Education: Some college at Rasmussen College in Early Childhood Education.
Early Childhood Experience: I have been working in early childhood since 2014 and I have worked with all age groups. I started with The Learning Garden in August 2021
Future Goals: My goal is to go back to college and finish my A.A. and become a Mentor Teacher.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have 2 girls and I got married in September 2021. I enjoy coaching my youngest child’s soccer team and watching my oldest daughter in band and track. We love camping and exploring the great outdoors.
I love working with children because: I love watching them learn new skills.
Favorite Quote or saying: “A persons a person no matter how small.” ~Dr. Seuss
Position: Lead Infant Teacher
Education: Some college at Rasmussen College in Early Childhood Education.
Early Childhood Experience: I have been working in early childhood since 2014 and I have worked with all age groups. I started with The Learning Garden in August 2021
Future Goals: My goal is to go back to college and finish my A.A. and become a Mentor Teacher.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have 2 girls and I got married in September 2021. I enjoy coaching my youngest child’s soccer team and watching my oldest daughter in band and track. We love camping and exploring the great outdoors.
I love working with children because: I love watching them learn new skills.
Favorite Quote or saying: “A persons a person no matter how small.” ~Dr. Seuss
Alyssa Jesperson
Position: Infant Teacher
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Position: Infant Teacher
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Koket Duguma
Position: Lead Toddler Teacher
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Position: Lead Toddler Teacher
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Alec Podulke
Position: Toddler Teacher/Site Lead
Education: High School. Aveda Esthetician.
Early Childhood Experience: I nannied for my cousin for 3 months. I also have a huge family and gained lots of experience babysitting for my relatives.
Future Goals: To grow in the profession of Early Childhood.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have 3 brothers and a sister, many cousins nieces and nephews. My interest is cosmetics and I also like to draw and paint.
I love working with children because: Endless energy and seeing their faces light up with joy.
Favorite Quote or saying: “Whatever will be, will be.” – Doris Day
Position: Toddler Teacher/Site Lead
Education: High School. Aveda Esthetician.
Early Childhood Experience: I nannied for my cousin for 3 months. I also have a huge family and gained lots of experience babysitting for my relatives.
Future Goals: To grow in the profession of Early Childhood.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have 3 brothers and a sister, many cousins nieces and nephews. My interest is cosmetics and I also like to draw and paint.
I love working with children because: Endless energy and seeing their faces light up with joy.
Favorite Quote or saying: “Whatever will be, will be.” – Doris Day
Julia Vang
Position: Preschool Mentor Teacher
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Position: Preschool Mentor Teacher
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Sara Lee
Position: Preschool Teacher
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Position: Preschool Teacher
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Emily Kettering
Position: Lead Pre-K Teacher
Education: Some College, Child Development Associate’s Credential (CDA)
Early Childhood Experience: Working at The Learning Garden is my first experience in a center, but I’ve always enjoyed playing and being around children. I joined The Learning Garden in October 2019.
Future Goals: I plan on finishing college while continuing to work at The Learning Garden.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: My family consists of my mom and dad and one brother. I’m currently living in an apartment with my friends, and I love photography, exploring nature and seeking adventure whenever I can.
I love working with children because: No matter what kind of day I’m having, the children’s smiles and goofiness always makes my heart happy!
Favorite Quote or saying: “Just keep swimming!” -Dory
Position: Lead Pre-K Teacher
Education: Some College, Child Development Associate’s Credential (CDA)
Early Childhood Experience: Working at The Learning Garden is my first experience in a center, but I’ve always enjoyed playing and being around children. I joined The Learning Garden in October 2019.
Future Goals: I plan on finishing college while continuing to work at The Learning Garden.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: My family consists of my mom and dad and one brother. I’m currently living in an apartment with my friends, and I love photography, exploring nature and seeking adventure whenever I can.
I love working with children because: No matter what kind of day I’m having, the children’s smiles and goofiness always makes my heart happy!
Favorite Quote or saying: “Just keep swimming!” -Dory
Nathan Stueber
Position: Cook
Education: High School
Early Childhood Experience: Working for Midwest Child Development is my first experience working with children in an early childhood setting and I started working in November 2015. I have previous experience working as a cook at a fast food restaurant and working with animals at a veterinary clinic.
Future Goals: To learn more about the child care business and cooking
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have two older brothers and an older sister. My mom is the owner, Angela Kapp. When I’m not working I like hanging out with my friends playing basketball, going to Twins games and watching football.
I love working with children because: They say the funniest things!
Position: Cook
Education: High School
Early Childhood Experience: Working for Midwest Child Development is my first experience working with children in an early childhood setting and I started working in November 2015. I have previous experience working as a cook at a fast food restaurant and working with animals at a veterinary clinic.
Future Goals: To learn more about the child care business and cooking
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have two older brothers and an older sister. My mom is the owner, Angela Kapp. When I’m not working I like hanging out with my friends playing basketball, going to Twins games and watching football.
I love working with children because: They say the funniest things!
