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 (4), and Natalie (3). 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 (4), and Natalie (3). 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.
Camille Neu-Tompkins
Position: Assistant Director
Education: Finishing BA in Anthropology Dec. 2024. COA in Nutrition, Infant/Toddler Coursework.
Early Childhood Experience: I started in 2020 as an assistant teacher for a Tutoring center in San Marcos, CA. During my husbands deployment I nannied until I moved to Minnesota where I got my first job at a center as a lead infant teacher. After several months I found myself teaching young toddlers. In 2023 I had Amelia and took an extended maternity leave. In August 2023 I joined the learning garden team and quickly felt at home. I moved up from lead infant teacher to site lead and have begun to switch into an assistant director position over the year.
Future Goals: My future goals are growing into my new position, completing college and pursing homesteading.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: My family includes my husband Spencer and our 1 year old, Amelia. We have 2 dogs Jameson & Luna. We love to take Luna to run & Jameo on car rides. I love to workout, be outside and spend time with Amelia and my family. We have extended family all over and frequently travel to visit them.
I love working with children because: Children grow and explore so much and change so fast.
Favorite Quote: "Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world" Nelson Mandela
Position: Assistant Director
Education: Finishing BA in Anthropology Dec. 2024. COA in Nutrition, Infant/Toddler Coursework.
Early Childhood Experience: I started in 2020 as an assistant teacher for a Tutoring center in San Marcos, CA. During my husbands deployment I nannied until I moved to Minnesota where I got my first job at a center as a lead infant teacher. After several months I found myself teaching young toddlers. In 2023 I had Amelia and took an extended maternity leave. In August 2023 I joined the learning garden team and quickly felt at home. I moved up from lead infant teacher to site lead and have begun to switch into an assistant director position over the year.
Future Goals: My future goals are growing into my new position, completing college and pursing homesteading.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: My family includes my husband Spencer and our 1 year old, Amelia. We have 2 dogs Jameson & Luna. We love to take Luna to run & Jameo on car rides. I love to workout, be outside and spend time with Amelia and my family. We have extended family all over and frequently travel to visit them.
I love working with children because: Children grow and explore so much and change so fast.
Favorite Quote: "Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world" Nelson Mandela
Emily Kettering
Position: Lead Pre-K Teacher
Education: Some College, Child Development Associate’s Credential (CDA)
Early Childhood Experience: I’ve been with The Learning Garden since October 2019,I started as an Aide, and am now the lead in the pre-k room! I obtained my CDA through TLG, and have experience in babysitting as well.
Future Goals: My long term goal is to one day have my own classroom in an elementary school setting. My more immediate goal is to create a pre-k classroom environment that is fun, educational, and full of love.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: My immediate family consists of my mom, dad, and older brother. I currently live with my boyfriend and am close with his parents. I love to go camping, we have a small camper we take with us. I also love finding new crafts/projects to start, going on bike rides, and playing video games.
I love working with children because: Children are active, imaginative, creative, sweet, funny, so many things. They inspire me every day! I love watching them discover the world and make strides in learning. And I always feel so loved when in class with my students. No matter what they make my life an adventure.
Favorite Quote or saying: “You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." – AA Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
Position: Lead Pre-K Teacher
Education: Some College, Child Development Associate’s Credential (CDA)
Early Childhood Experience: I’ve been with The Learning Garden since October 2019,I started as an Aide, and am now the lead in the pre-k room! I obtained my CDA through TLG, and have experience in babysitting as well.
Future Goals: My long term goal is to one day have my own classroom in an elementary school setting. My more immediate goal is to create a pre-k classroom environment that is fun, educational, and full of love.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: My immediate family consists of my mom, dad, and older brother. I currently live with my boyfriend and am close with his parents. I love to go camping, we have a small camper we take with us. I also love finding new crafts/projects to start, going on bike rides, and playing video games.
I love working with children because: Children are active, imaginative, creative, sweet, funny, so many things. They inspire me every day! I love watching them discover the world and make strides in learning. And I always feel so loved when in class with my students. No matter what they make my life an adventure.
Favorite Quote or saying: “You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." – AA Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
Alec Podulke
Position: Toddler Teacher
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
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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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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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
Education: Graduated in 2023 with an AA in ASL & an AA in English: Creative Writing. Working to a BA in English.
Early Childhood Experience: I started teaching in 2021, working for 6 months as an Autism Behavioral Therapist then did 1 year as a Preschool Assistant Teacher for Lake area Discovery Center where I became a lead. I have now been teaching as a lead for a year . I started in 2023 at The Learning Garden.
Future Goals: My goals include finishing my Bachelors in English, Obtain CDA, start to Tutor/TA American Sign Language, become an Elementary school teacher and finish my fiction book.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: My family consists of my fiancé, Sol and our dog Sam. We have two kitty cats Indy and Micho. My mother recently moved in so we could help take care of her and her health.
I love working with children because: I love the way children see the world. There's so much awe and admiration for things us adults have overlooked and forgotten.
Favorite Quote or saying: Memento mori, memento vivere. Latin for "remember death, remember life."
Position: Lead Preschool Teacher
Education: Graduated in 2023 with an AA in ASL & an AA in English: Creative Writing. Working to a BA in English.
Early Childhood Experience: I started teaching in 2021, working for 6 months as an Autism Behavioral Therapist then did 1 year as a Preschool Assistant Teacher for Lake area Discovery Center where I became a lead. I have now been teaching as a lead for a year . I started in 2023 at The Learning Garden.
Future Goals: My goals include finishing my Bachelors in English, Obtain CDA, start to Tutor/TA American Sign Language, become an Elementary school teacher and finish my fiction book.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: My family consists of my fiancé, Sol and our dog Sam. We have two kitty cats Indy and Micho. My mother recently moved in so we could help take care of her and her health.
I love working with children because: I love the way children see the world. There's so much awe and admiration for things us adults have overlooked and forgotten.
Favorite Quote or saying: Memento mori, memento vivere. Latin for "remember death, remember life."
Heather Rose
Position: Lead Infant Teacher
Education: Graduated in 2014 with an associates In Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Experience: I started my career in childcare in 2012 as an aide during my externship in college and worked my way up to being a lead teacher. I took a break from childcare to become a nanny. I have worked with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school age children.
Future Goals: My personal goals are to start a family of my own and travel. My career goals are to continue doing what I love and continue working with children.
Family, Interests & Hobbies:I enjoy spending time with my fiancè, our families, and friends. I enjoy spending time outdoors in the warmer months, traveling, playing games, and watching movies and tv.
My favorite thing about working with children is: I love working with children and seeing how much they grow and develop throughout my time teaching them!
Favorite Quote: "You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." A.A. Milne
Position: Lead Infant Teacher
Education: Graduated in 2014 with an associates In Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Experience: I started my career in childcare in 2012 as an aide during my externship in college and worked my way up to being a lead teacher. I took a break from childcare to become a nanny. I have worked with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school age children.
Future Goals: My personal goals are to start a family of my own and travel. My career goals are to continue doing what I love and continue working with children.
Family, Interests & Hobbies:I enjoy spending time with my fiancè, our families, and friends. I enjoy spending time outdoors in the warmer months, traveling, playing games, and watching movies and tv.
My favorite thing about working with children is: I love working with children and seeing how much they grow and develop throughout my time teaching them!
Favorite Quote: "You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." A.A. Milne