Ashley Lindback
Position: Site Supervisor
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 two boys, Owen and Carson, who keep us busy and we are expecting a new baby in February 2020. When I’m not working I enjoy playing with my puppies 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: Site Supervisor
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 two boys, Owen and Carson, who keep us busy and we are expecting a new baby in February 2020. When I’m not working I enjoy playing with my puppies 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!
Hareen Lankford
Position: Curriculum Coach
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: Curriculum Coach
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
Ashaley Nickerson
Position: Lead Toddler Teacher
Education: Graduated High School and obtained a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
Early Childhood Experience: 7 ½ years working with children as an Aide or Assistant Teacher with Toddlers before starting with The Learning Garden in April 2018.
Future Goals: My long-term goal is to open my own childcare for School Age children.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I enjoy going to parks, children’s museums and walking around the lakes. I also enjoy family nights, board games, eating popcorn and watching movies.
I love working with children because: I’ve been working with children for over 7 years and have loved every minute. The smiles and enjoyment that the children bring on a daily basis make my job so worthwhile. I enjoy knowing that I am instrumental in lives for our children and knowing I am helping their parents as well.
Position: Lead Toddler Teacher
Education: Graduated High School and obtained a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
Early Childhood Experience: 7 ½ years working with children as an Aide or Assistant Teacher with Toddlers before starting with The Learning Garden in April 2018.
Future Goals: My long-term goal is to open my own childcare for School Age children.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I enjoy going to parks, children’s museums and walking around the lakes. I also enjoy family nights, board games, eating popcorn and watching movies.
I love working with children because: I’ve been working with children for over 7 years and have loved every minute. The smiles and enjoyment that the children bring on a daily basis make my job so worthwhile. I enjoy knowing that I am instrumental in lives for our children and knowing I am helping their parents as well.
Emily Kettering
Position: Toddler Aide
Education:
Early Childhood Experience:
Future Goals:
Family, Interests & Hobbies:
I Love working with children because:
Favorite Quote:
Position: Toddler Aide
Education:
Early Childhood Experience:
Future Goals:
Family, Interests & Hobbies:
I Love working with children because:
Favorite Quote:
Laura Sergeant
Position: Toddler Afternoon Teacher
Education: I have a AS degree in Early Childhood from MCTC and I am currently attending Hamline University to earn my BA degree in Psychology.
Early Childhood Experience: I have worked in two different programs for a total of four years before joining the team at The Learning Garden in September 2018.
Future Goals: I would like to work as a child psychologist.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: My mom and older brother live in Richfield. I like to read and do yoga!
I love working with children because: They are so fun and energetic! I love their creativity!
Position: Toddler Afternoon Teacher
Education: I have a AS degree in Early Childhood from MCTC and I am currently attending Hamline University to earn my BA degree in Psychology.
Early Childhood Experience: I have worked in two different programs for a total of four years before joining the team at The Learning Garden in September 2018.
Future Goals: I would like to work as a child psychologist.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: My mom and older brother live in Richfield. I like to read and do yoga!
I love working with children because: They are so fun and energetic! I love their creativity!
Lasandra Salgado
Position: Lead Preschool A Teacher
Education: Studied psychology at St. Cloud State University, earned a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
Early Childhood Experience: I have experience babysitting and working at MCD is my first experience working in a child care center. I started at the Learning Garden in November 2017.
Future Goals: To return to school to complete my degree and become a child psychologist.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have one brother and one sister. I have 2 nieces and 1 nephew. I enjoy playing softball, watching Netflix and Chicken Alfredo is my favorite thing!
I love working with children because: They keep you on your feet and make you feel like a kid again.
My favorite thing about working with children is: The opportunity you have to watch them develop…they are our future and it’s all about helping them grow.
Favorite Quote: “Grow through what you go through” ~Unknown
Position: Lead Preschool A Teacher
Education: Studied psychology at St. Cloud State University, earned a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
Early Childhood Experience: I have experience babysitting and working at MCD is my first experience working in a child care center. I started at the Learning Garden in November 2017.
Future Goals: To return to school to complete my degree and become a child psychologist.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have one brother and one sister. I have 2 nieces and 1 nephew. I enjoy playing softball, watching Netflix and Chicken Alfredo is my favorite thing!
I love working with children because: They keep you on your feet and make you feel like a kid again.
My favorite thing about working with children is: The opportunity you have to watch them develop…they are our future and it’s all about helping them grow.
Favorite Quote: “Grow through what you go through” ~Unknown
Virgina Jorge-Salgado (Bebe)
Position: Preschool A Aide
Education: I am currently in the process of completing my CDA
Early Childhood Experience: I have previous experience caring for my nieces and nephews. I started with The Learning Garden in October 2018.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have five brothers and two sisters. I enjoy hanging out with family and coloring with my nieces and nephews.
Future Goals: I would like to complete my CDA and become a Lead Teacher.
I love working with children because: I love helping children achieve their full potential and helping them to feel good about themselves. I enjoy being able to laugh with them and help mold them and see things from a new perspective.
Favorite Quote: When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. -Helen Keller
Position: Preschool A Aide
Education: I am currently in the process of completing my CDA
Early Childhood Experience: I have previous experience caring for my nieces and nephews. I started with The Learning Garden in October 2018.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have five brothers and two sisters. I enjoy hanging out with family and coloring with my nieces and nephews.
Future Goals: I would like to complete my CDA and become a Lead Teacher.
I love working with children because: I love helping children achieve their full potential and helping them to feel good about themselves. I enjoy being able to laugh with them and help mold them and see things from a new perspective.
Favorite Quote: When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. -Helen Keller
Marnita Willis
Position: Lead Preschool B Teacher
Education: Currently working on completing my Child Development Associate Credential (CDA).
Early Childhood Experience: I have been in the child development field since 2014. I worked at two other centers before landing at The Learning Garden in May 2018. I am super excited to be part of the Learning Garden Family and plan on being here for a long time!
Future Goals: I would like to continue my education and own my own child care program someday.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I’m into horoscopes and zodiac signs. I am a Pisces which are known to be loving and compassionate beings, which are perfect traits for this field. I am a mother of three, my daughter is 9, and my sons are 4 and 1. My children are what led me to be a teacher. I am very open minded and love learning new things. I love cooking and baking too!
I love working with children because: of their unique personalities. I love watching them grow and learn new things. Helping them become successful is the best feeling in the world.
Favorite Quote: Teacher: “Why are you talking during my lesson?”
Student: “ Why are you teaching during my conversation?”
Position: Lead Preschool B Teacher
Education: Currently working on completing my Child Development Associate Credential (CDA).
Early Childhood Experience: I have been in the child development field since 2014. I worked at two other centers before landing at The Learning Garden in May 2018. I am super excited to be part of the Learning Garden Family and plan on being here for a long time!
Future Goals: I would like to continue my education and own my own child care program someday.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I’m into horoscopes and zodiac signs. I am a Pisces which are known to be loving and compassionate beings, which are perfect traits for this field. I am a mother of three, my daughter is 9, and my sons are 4 and 1. My children are what led me to be a teacher. I am very open minded and love learning new things. I love cooking and baking too!
I love working with children because: of their unique personalities. I love watching them grow and learn new things. Helping them become successful is the best feeling in the world.
Favorite Quote: Teacher: “Why are you talking during my lesson?”
Student: “ Why are you teaching during my conversation?”
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
Nick Gerst
Position: Preschool B Aide
Education:
Early Childhood Experience:
Future Goals:
Family, Interests & Hobbies:
I love working with children because:
Position: Preschool B Aide
Education:
Early Childhood Experience:
Future Goals:
Family, Interests & Hobbies:
I love working with children because:
Isaac Heieie
Position: Pre-K Lead 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: Pre-K Lead 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
Kyra Gerst
Position: Pre-K Aide
Education:
Early Childhood Experience:
Future Goals:
Family, Interests & Hobbies:
I love working with children because:
Position: Pre-K Aide
Education:
Early Childhood Experience:
Future Goals:
Family, Interests & Hobbies:
I love working with children because:
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.