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 working in a center. Shortly after having my oldest son I began working at Midwest Child Development, I started working for Teachers for Tots as a substitute and then I worked at Beaver Lake Child Development Center before transferring to Arona Child Development Center.
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 working in a center. Shortly after having my oldest son I began working at Midwest Child Development, I started working for Teachers for Tots as a substitute and then I worked at Beaver Lake Child Development Center before transferring to Arona Child Development Center.
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 and infant only program. We had 60 babies! From there I moved to toddlers and schoolage, 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 and infant only program. We had 60 babies! From there I moved to toddlers and schoolage, 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 recently obtained a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
Early Childhood Experience: 7 ½ years working with children as an Aide or Assistant Teacher for Toddlers before starting with The Learning Garden in 2017.
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 recently obtained a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
Early Childhood Experience: 7 ½ years working with children as an Aide or Assistant Teacher for Toddlers before starting with The Learning Garden in 2017.
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.
Olivia Taylor (Liv)
Position: Toddler Aide
Education: Complete High School.
Early Childhood Experience: Before joining The Learning Garden in March 2019 I worked for 6 years in a program that had students ages 2 – 12 years.
Future Goals: Build a tiny home and become an American Sign Language interpreter.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have a mom, dad, one younger brother who lives in Texas and an older brother who lives in Missouri. I enjoy cycling, writing, camping, napping, rock climbing and traveling.
My Favorite Thing about Working with Children is: Watching them develop and grow!
Favorite Quote: “Never cruel or cowardly. Never give up or give in.” Dr. Who, The Day of the Dr.
Position: Toddler Aide
Education: Complete High School.
Early Childhood Experience: Before joining The Learning Garden in March 2019 I worked for 6 years in a program that had students ages 2 – 12 years.
Future Goals: Build a tiny home and become an American Sign Language interpreter.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I have a mom, dad, one younger brother who lives in Texas and an older brother who lives in Missouri. I enjoy cycling, writing, camping, napping, rock climbing and traveling.
My Favorite Thing about Working with Children is: Watching them develop and grow!
Favorite Quote: “Never cruel or cowardly. Never give up or give in.” Dr. Who, The Day of the Dr.
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
Marnita Willis
Position: Preschool A Aide
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 started with New Horizon and then moved to Rainbow Child Development Center 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: Preschool A Aide
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 started with New Horizon and then moved to Rainbow Child Development Center 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?”
Sophie Cameron
Position: Lead Preschool B Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and Theatre from College of the Atlantic
Early Childhood Experience: I have worked in Early Childhood for the past six years. I started as an intern at a Nature Preschool and have since worked in a play-based program, a Waldorf program, and a Montessori program. I hope to use the experiences I have had in varying philosophies to the advantage of each child in my class so that each child’s innate ingenuity and creativity can be used to the benefit of their own growth development and learning, and to the benefit of the class as a whole.
Future Goals: I want to help children learn to be confident, kind, creative, and happy!
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I live with my partner Jacquelyn and am an active part time actor, director, and playwright. When I’m not involved in the theatre I love to go hiking and to read good books in my time off!
I love working with children because: Young children teach me new ways to look at the world that help me to be more creative, colorful, and fun.
My favorite thing about working with children is: That I can laugh with them! I find that my absurd sense of humor is right in line with the burgeoning and illogical humor of a 3-year-old!
Favorite Quote: Haven’t heard it yet!
Position: Lead Preschool B Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and Theatre from College of the Atlantic
Early Childhood Experience: I have worked in Early Childhood for the past six years. I started as an intern at a Nature Preschool and have since worked in a play-based program, a Waldorf program, and a Montessori program. I hope to use the experiences I have had in varying philosophies to the advantage of each child in my class so that each child’s innate ingenuity and creativity can be used to the benefit of their own growth development and learning, and to the benefit of the class as a whole.
Future Goals: I want to help children learn to be confident, kind, creative, and happy!
Family, Interests & Hobbies: I live with my partner Jacquelyn and am an active part time actor, director, and playwright. When I’m not involved in the theatre I love to go hiking and to read good books in my time off!
I love working with children because: Young children teach me new ways to look at the world that help me to be more creative, colorful, and fun.
My favorite thing about working with children is: That I can laugh with them! I find that my absurd sense of humor is right in line with the burgeoning and illogical humor of a 3-year-old!
Favorite Quote: Haven’t heard it yet!
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
Laura Sergeant
Position: Preschool B 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: Preschool B 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!
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
Virgina Jorge-Salgado (Bebe)
Position: Preschool B 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 B 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
Erica N.
Position: Experienced Aide/Float
Education: Child Development Associate Credential (CDA).
Early Childhood Experience: I have over 15 years of experience working in child care centers and working as a nanny. I started out volunteering in different centers and loved it so much that I decided to start the process of having my own in-home daycare. It was then that I was offered a position in a center and enjoyed it so much that I decided to stop my plans of having my very own in-home daycare. I started with the Learning Garden in September 2013.
Future Goals: In the future I would like to be more involved in the day to day operation of running a child care center.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, watching movies and shopping.
I love working with children because: I love watching them grow and reach new milestones. They really do say the darndest things!
Position: Experienced Aide/Float
Education: Child Development Associate Credential (CDA).
Early Childhood Experience: I have over 15 years of experience working in child care centers and working as a nanny. I started out volunteering in different centers and loved it so much that I decided to start the process of having my own in-home daycare. It was then that I was offered a position in a center and enjoyed it so much that I decided to stop my plans of having my very own in-home daycare. I started with the Learning Garden in September 2013.
Future Goals: In the future I would like to be more involved in the day to day operation of running a child care center.
Family, Interests & Hobbies: In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, watching movies and shopping.
I love working with children because: I love watching them grow and reach new milestones. They really do say the darndest things!
Ceicelia Anderson (CC)
Position: Float Aide
Education:
Early Childhood Experience:
Family, Interests & Hobbies:
Future Goals:
My favorite thing about working with children is:
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.