Angela Kapp
Position: Founder/Education Coordinator
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: Founder/Education Coordinator
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: Owner/Director
Education: Attended St. Cloud State University pursuing my Early Childhood Education Degree. Some courses in business' management as well. 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 mentor training teacher in 2016. My role with administration began in 2018 as the site supervisor. In 2021 I became Director, and as of 2023 I am now Owner of The Learning Garden.
Future Goals: To learn the ropes of owning a business' on the back end.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have four kiddos. Owen (9), Carson (7), Elliot (3), and Natalie (2). I enjoy hanging out with my kids, spending time with Angela and Keith and attending concerts. I'm a huge Taylor Swift fan, and you can catch me cheering on the Vikes on Sunday's during football season! Skol!
I love working with children because: Children give us such a different perspective of the world. We play a vital role on who these kids are going to become as adults, and I can only hope my work is making a difference in them becoming productive members of society.
Position: Owner/Director
Education: Attended St. Cloud State University pursuing my Early Childhood Education Degree. Some courses in business' management as well. 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 mentor training teacher in 2016. My role with administration began in 2018 as the site supervisor. In 2021 I became Director, and as of 2023 I am now Owner of The Learning Garden.
Future Goals: To learn the ropes of owning a business' on the back end.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have four kiddos. Owen (9), Carson (7), Elliot (3), and Natalie (2). I enjoy hanging out with my kids, spending time with Angela and Keith and attending concerts. I'm a huge Taylor Swift fan, and you can catch me cheering on the Vikes on Sunday's during football season! Skol!
I love working with children because: Children give us such a different perspective of the world. We play a vital role on who these kids are going to become as adults, and I can only hope my work is making a difference in them becoming productive members of society.
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.
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
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
Julie Harrington
Position: Opening Infant Teacher
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Koket Duguma
Position: Lead Toddler Teacher
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Twyla Mowll
Position: Lead Toddler Teacher
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Camille Neu-Tompkins
Position: Lead Infant Teacher
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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!
Vanesa Montes de oca Correa
Position: Assistant Infant Teacher
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Virginia "Bebe" Salgado
Position: Float Teacher
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Jonathon Estep
Position: Assistant Preschool Teacher
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Ambria Upham
Position: Lead Preschool Teacher
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Erica Fry
Position: Lead Infant Teacher
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