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
Gina Brandt
Position: Lead Toddler Teacher
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My favorite thing about working with children is:
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Position: Lead Toddler Teacher
Education:
Early Childhood Experience:
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My favorite thing about working with children is:
Favorite Quote:
Twyla Mowll
Position: Toddler Aide
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My favorite thing about working with children is:
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Position: Toddler Aide
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Tyra Wilson
Position: Lead Preschool A Teacher
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Position: Lead Preschool A Teacher
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Nick Gerst
Position: Preschool A Aide
Education: High School Diploma
Early Childhood Experience: Before I started working at The Learning Garden in October 2019, I worked at another program in St. Paul for five months.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I live with my sister. In my spare time I like to play games and put together 3D puzzles.
Future Goals: Working towards building relationships and communicating with families.
I love working with children because: I love their positive energy and the joy they bring
Favorite Quote or Saying: "No matter how bad things get, something good is out there, just over the horizon." -Green Lantern
Position: Preschool A Aide
Education: High School Diploma
Early Childhood Experience: Before I started working at The Learning Garden in October 2019, I worked at another program in St. Paul for five months.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I live with my sister. In my spare time I like to play games and put together 3D puzzles.
Future Goals: Working towards building relationships and communicating with families.
I love working with children because: I love their positive energy and the joy they bring
Favorite Quote or Saying: "No matter how bad things get, something good is out there, just over the horizon." -Green Lantern
Ahava Frike
Position: Lead Preschool B Teacher
Education: Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
Early Childhood Experience: I started working with children at the Boys & Girls Club in Bemidji where I worked for 5 years. I worked at another local child care program with infants and preschool for two years before joining The Learning Garden in March 2020.
Future Goals: To someday own and operate my own child care program.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have one sister and she has a daughter who I love to spend time with. When I’m not working, I like to hang out with my friends, learn new recipes and sing.
I love working with children because: I enjoy watching them grow.
Favorite Quote or saying: Live Your Life to the Fullest!
Position: Lead Preschool B Teacher
Education: Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
Early Childhood Experience: I started working with children at the Boys & Girls Club in Bemidji where I worked for 5 years. I worked at another local child care program with infants and preschool for two years before joining The Learning Garden in March 2020.
Future Goals: To someday own and operate my own child care program.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have one sister and she has a daughter who I love to spend time with. When I’m not working, I like to hang out with my friends, learn new recipes and sing.
I love working with children because: I enjoy watching them grow.
Favorite Quote or saying: Live Your Life to the Fullest!
Julie Xiong
Position: Preschool B Aide
Education: High School
Early Childhood Experience: Working at The Learning Garden is my first experience working in a child care and education program. I started working at The Learning Garden in August 2018.
Future Goals: My short-term goal is to learn to play the piano.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have 3 brothers and 3 sisters. I enjoy singing and playing the guitar.
I love working with children because: I get to see many smiles!
Favorite Quote: “The scariest moment is always just before you start.”-Stephen King
Position: Preschool B Aide
Education: High School
Early Childhood Experience: Working at The Learning Garden is my first experience working in a child care and education program. I started working at The Learning Garden in August 2018.
Future Goals: My short-term goal is to learn to play the piano.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have 3 brothers and 3 sisters. I enjoy singing and playing the guitar.
I love working with children because: I get to see many smiles!
Favorite Quote: “The scariest moment is always just before you start.”-Stephen King
Emily Kettering
Position: Preschool B Aide
Education: Some College
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: Preschool B Aide
Education: Some College
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
Isaac Heieie
Position: Lead Pre-K Teacher
Education: I have a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from the University of Minnesota.
Early Childhood Experience: Before joining The Learning Garden in June 2019, I worked for six years in a toddler classroom as an Assistant Teacher and then a Lead.
Future Goals: To work more directly with families and parents, providing assistance and resources.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have five siblings (I’m in the middle). I live in St. Paul with my boyfriend Zack and our cat Phoebe. I love going for walks around the lake and watching scary movies.
My favorite thing about working with children: Watching personalities emerge and helping them to learn how to engage cooperatively with others.
Favorite Quote or Saying: “We all can dance when we find the music that we love” Giles Andreae, Giraffes Can’t Dance
Position: Lead Pre-K Teacher
Education: I have a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from the University of Minnesota.
Early Childhood Experience: Before joining The Learning Garden in June 2019, I worked for six years in a toddler classroom as an Assistant Teacher and then a Lead.
Future Goals: To work more directly with families and parents, providing assistance and resources.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have five siblings (I’m in the middle). I live in St. Paul with my boyfriend Zack and our cat Phoebe. I love going for walks around the lake and watching scary movies.
My favorite thing about working with children: Watching personalities emerge and helping them to learn how to engage cooperatively with others.
Favorite Quote or Saying: “We all can dance when we find the music that we love” Giles Andreae, Giraffes Can’t Dance
Caitlin Burks
Position: Pre-K Aide
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My favorite thing about working with children is:
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Position: Pre-K Aide
Education:
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My favorite thing about working with children is:
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Kyra Gerst
Position: Float Aide
Education: I have some college courses at Concordia College in child development and plan to continue my education at Metro State to obtain my Bachelors in Elementary Education degree
Early Childhood Experience: Before joining The Learning Garden in October 2019, I worked at 2 other centers as an aide.
Future Goals: After I get my degree, I would love to teach 3rd grade. I also hope to publish books one day and be on the NY Times Bestseller’s List.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I live with my brother in St. Paul. I have a pretty large extended family and love spending time with them. In my spare time I enjoy reading, writing, watching movies, and traveling. My favorite so far is New York City.
My favorite thing about working with children: Working with children reminds me how amazing and exciting the world is. I love seeing things from their eyes.
Favorite Quote or Saying: In writing it down you realize, love is not a tragedy, or a failure, but a gift . You remember your first love because they show you, prove to you, that you can love and be loved, that nothing in this world is deserved except for love, that love is both how you become a person and why.
Position: Float Aide
Education: I have some college courses at Concordia College in child development and plan to continue my education at Metro State to obtain my Bachelors in Elementary Education degree
Early Childhood Experience: Before joining The Learning Garden in October 2019, I worked at 2 other centers as an aide.
Future Goals: After I get my degree, I would love to teach 3rd grade. I also hope to publish books one day and be on the NY Times Bestseller’s List.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I live with my brother in St. Paul. I have a pretty large extended family and love spending time with them. In my spare time I enjoy reading, writing, watching movies, and traveling. My favorite so far is New York City.
My favorite thing about working with children: Working with children reminds me how amazing and exciting the world is. I love seeing things from their eyes.
Favorite Quote or Saying: In writing it down you realize, love is not a tragedy, or a failure, but a gift . You remember your first love because they show you, prove to you, that you can love and be loved, that nothing in this world is deserved except for love, that love is both how you become a person and why.
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!
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.
Keith Kapp
Position: Finance and Operations
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
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.