Angela Kapp
Position: Owner/Director
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 recently moved to New Brighton from our long time home in Brooklyn Park so that we could live in the neighborhood we serve. Between us we have six children; Alexis, Nathan, Courtney, Ryder, Amber and Nick. 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: Every day you get to watch them experience new things, understand new concepts or develop their ability to express their thoughts and ideas.
Position: Owner/Director
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 recently moved to New Brighton from our long time home in Brooklyn Park so that we could live in the neighborhood we serve. Between us we have six children; Alexis, Nathan, Courtney, Ryder, Amber and Nick. 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: Every day you get to watch them experience new things, understand new concepts or develop their ability to express their thoughts and ideas.
Ashley Lindback
Position: Assistant 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 three boys, Owen, Carson, and Elliot 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: Assistant 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 three boys, Owen, Carson, and Elliot 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.
Hareen Lankford
Position: Education Coordinator
Education: I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child Psychology from the University of MN
Early Childhood Experience: I started in the field in 2004 at Children’s Home Society in an infant only program. We had 60 babies! From there I moved to toddlers and school-age, working in preschool for a short time. Most of my experience has been in the nonprofit/social service field working with children and families from a variety of backgrounds. I started with the Learning Garden in March 2019 and am excited to be part of the Learning Garden Family.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have a big family with seven siblings and 15 nieces and nephews. No pets, but I grew up with parakeets. I have three boys, one adult and two younger ones. They definitely keep me busy and moving. I enjoy watching movies and superheroes.
I love working with children because: I love children’s random sayings and their impressive ability to forgive and love you no matter what…until they become teenagers!
Favorite quote or saying: “Be the rainbow in somebody’s cloud” ~Maya Angelou
Position: Education Coordinator
Education: I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child Psychology from the University of MN
Early Childhood Experience: I started in the field in 2004 at Children’s Home Society in an infant only program. We had 60 babies! From there I moved to toddlers and school-age, working in preschool for a short time. Most of my experience has been in the nonprofit/social service field working with children and families from a variety of backgrounds. I started with the Learning Garden in March 2019 and am excited to be part of the Learning Garden Family.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have a big family with seven siblings and 15 nieces and nephews. No pets, but I grew up with parakeets. I have three boys, one adult and two younger ones. They definitely keep me busy and moving. I enjoy watching movies and superheroes.
I love working with children because: I love children’s random sayings and their impressive ability to forgive and love you no matter what…until they become teenagers!
Favorite quote or saying: “Be the rainbow in somebody’s cloud” ~Maya Angelou
Sadeah Doe
Position: Hiring Manager
Education:
Early Childhood Experience:
Future Goals:
Family, Interests & Hobbies:
I love working with children because:
Position: Hiring Manager
Education:
Early Childhood Experience:
Future Goals:
Family, Interests & Hobbies:
I love working with children because:
Nathan Stueber
Position: Lead 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: Lead 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!