
Aliya Bari
Position: Lead Toddler A Teacher
Education:
Early Childhood Experience:
Future Goals:
Family, Interests & Hobbies:
My favorite thing about working with children is:
Favorite Quote:
Position: Lead Toddler A Teacher
Education:
Early Childhood Experience:
Future Goals:
Family, Interests & Hobbies:
My favorite thing about working with children is:
Favorite Quote:

Ari Cunningham
Position: Toddler A Teacher
Education:
Early Childhood Experience:
Future Goals:
Family, Interests & Hobbies:
My favorite thing about working with children is:
Favorite Quote:
Position: Toddler A Teacher
Education:
Early Childhood Experience:
Future Goals:
Family, Interests & Hobbies:
My favorite thing about working with children is:
Favorite Quote:

Emma Thompson
Position: Lead Toddler B Teacher
Education: Asssociate’s Degree with an Early Childhood Certificate
Early Childhood Experience: This is my first experience in a center
Future Goals: Working on finishing Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Development
Family, Interests & Hobbies: Born in Wisconsin and I moved to the Twin Cities for school. I live with 2 roommates that moved with me, and my lovely cat Gigi. We just introduced a new cat, Cabbage and are hoping it will work out!
I love working with children because: The curiosity and intelligence that each child brings every day.
Position: Lead Toddler B Teacher
Education: Asssociate’s Degree with an Early Childhood Certificate
Early Childhood Experience: This is my first experience in a center
Future Goals: Working on finishing Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Development
Family, Interests & Hobbies: Born in Wisconsin and I moved to the Twin Cities for school. I live with 2 roommates that moved with me, and my lovely cat Gigi. We just introduced a new cat, Cabbage and are hoping it will work out!
I love working with children because: The curiosity and intelligence that each child brings every day.

Lasandra Salgado
Position: Lead Preschool A Teacher
Education:
Early Childhood Experience:
Future Goals:
Family, Interests & Hobbies:
My favorite thing about working with children is:
Favorite Quote:
Position: Lead Preschool A Teacher
Education:
Early Childhood Experience:
Future Goals:
Family, Interests & Hobbies:
My favorite thing about working with children is:
Favorite Quote:

Alec Podulke
Position: Preschool A 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: Preschool A 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

Emily Kettering
Position: Lead Preschool B Teacher
Education: Some College, currently working on obtaining my 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 Preschool B Teacher
Education: Some College, currently working on obtaining my 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

Tajae Salgado
Position: Lead Toddler B Teacher
Education: I have my CDA (Child Development Associate) from the YWCA Program
Early Childhood Experience: I have previously worked at The Learning Garden for 3 years.
Future Goals: I would like to become a kindergarten teacher.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have two children, a boy and girl, both in elementary school.
I love spending time with my family and going to new places.
I love working with children because: Children can teach you new things in life. They are our future leaders and the better you educate them the better the world will be.
Favorite Quote or Saying”: “Big hearts help shape little minds!” and “Treat others the way you would like to be treated”.
Position: Lead Toddler B Teacher
Education: I have my CDA (Child Development Associate) from the YWCA Program
Early Childhood Experience: I have previously worked at The Learning Garden for 3 years.
Future Goals: I would like to become a kindergarten teacher.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have two children, a boy and girl, both in elementary school.
I love spending time with my family and going to new places.
I love working with children because: Children can teach you new things in life. They are our future leaders and the better you educate them the better the world will be.
Favorite Quote or Saying”: “Big hearts help shape little minds!” and “Treat others the way you would like to be treated”.

Jonathan Estep
Position: Preschool B Teacher
Education:
Early Childhood Experience:
Future Goals:
Family, Interests & Hobbies:
My favorite thing about working with children is:
Favorite Quote:
Position: Preschool B Teacher
Education:
Early Childhood Experience:
Future Goals:
Family, Interests & Hobbies:
My favorite thing about working with children is:
Favorite Quote:

Virginia (Bebe) Salgado
Position: Float Teacher
Education:
Early Childhood Experience:
Future Goals:
Family, Interests & Hobbies:
My favorite thing about working with children is:
Favorite Quote:
Position: Float Teacher
Education:
Early Childhood Experience:
Future Goals:
Family, Interests & Hobbies:
My favorite thing about working with children is:
Favorite Quote: