Early Preschool Teacher Bios, Madison
Ms. Mary Jane
Education
I graduated from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in 2020, from the Administrator Credential with a GPA of 4.000. This was 18 Credits I did while working full time. Many moons ago in 1995 I earned the CDA -Child Development Associate Designation, while doing Family Child Care. I have taken the WMELS – Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards in 2020
Experience
I have been at Kids Junction since August 2017, I started as a receptionist, and now I help in the classrooms as needed and in the office on the Early Preschool side.
Way, way back in 1981 I started Mary’s Little Lamb’s Family Child Care until 1999. I was licensed and accredited through the City of Madison. Later I was a Respite Provider for Satellite Family Child Care/ Reach Dane 2010 to 2017.
Personal
What I do for fun is: go RV camping with my husband Ed of over 40 years, with that comes ATV trail riding. I also like to Swim for my breaks, and I ride my new electric bike in the evenings. I love reading, collecting books and antiques. I am thankful to be working here at Kids Junction with your children. We will soon be getting a Newfoundland puppy, they add to the fun at my home! We have had two giant Newfies so far.
Ms. Sami Jo
Education
I Graduated in 2004 from New Glarus, WI.
Experience
I’ve babysat throughout my middle and highschool years. Ive also been in the restaurant industry as a general assistant manager. I’m excited to be part of the team here at Kids Junction.
Personal
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my daughter Zoey and my family. I enjoy camping, canoeing, fishing and anything outdoors.
Ms. Regina
Education
I started my journey of education for childcare at West High School, where I took child development courses. From there, I continued my education at Madison College where I then went to complete an Early Childhood Continuing Education certification. After that, I furthered my education at UW-Platteville where I completed my Infant/Toddler credential and my Inclusion credential.
Experience
My passion for childcare developed early on in my life. During my pre-adolescent years, I often volunteered during the summer at my grandmother’s childcare center and spent time with various age groups and babysat for many years. This began to make me realize how much I enjoyed watching children develop, grow, and be a positive influence in their lives and journey forward. I am a mother of three and many friends and family members would complement me on the way I handle my children both at home as well as in public. I realized my interest in classroom activities and development milestones was strong and I began researching different careers and childcare was my calling. I am so much more at peace in life knowing that I can wake up and positively influence someone’s life every day. I started my childcare career at a Montessori childcare center in Madison and worked there for 4 years with children ages 6 weeks to 2 years.
Personal
I am a mother of three. I love taking care of children and watching them grow. This has been my passion my whole life and I am loving every bit of it.
Ms. Krystyna – Pumpkin Seeds
Education
I’ve taken intro to child care, infant and toddlers, skills and strategies classes. I hope to further my education.
Experience
I started babysitting when I was 15 years old. In the summer of 2013, I started working at St. Peters for the summer. I came back to child care in 2019 as an assistant teacher for 2 year olds then became a lead teacher in 2021 with the 1 year olds.
Personal
In my free time I enjoy reading, hanging with friends, shopping and going to the movies.
Ms. Ellie
Education:
I spent one year at North Central Bible College as a music major and elementary education minor. I then attended Waukesha County Technical College and graduated with a child care degree.
Experience:
After college I worked as a nanny for two different families over four years. Next, I worked for a company that writes and publishes children’s music for eleven years. I was then able to stay home to raise my three children. Through all of this I also taught kids and church, ages infant through sixth grade.
Personal:
I enjoy spending time with my husband, two daughters, and my son. We enjoy taking trips together as well as taking hikes and going out for dinner. I also enjoy reading and being part of the worship team at my church.
Ms. Kielley
Education
Experience
I volunteered at a school called Feller School where they specialize in helping kids with dyslexia and other learning challenges.
Personal
I enjoy baking, reading, and spending time with my friends. I love to hike and be outside in nature.
Ms. Ann
Education:
Coming Soon
Experience:
Coming Soon
Personal:
Coming Soon
Ms. Erika
Education:
Coming Soon
Experience:
Coming Soon
Personal:
Coming Soon
Ms. Rafaela
Education:
In 2022 I graduated from the University of Southern Santa Catarina with a Bachelor’s in Physical Therapy. After that I completed courses in Infant and Toddler Care, Positive Discipline, Toddlers: Terrific or Terrible, and Taming the Temper Tantru
Experience:
I worked in a daycare for 4 years full time taking care of kids 0-4 years old. In College I did an internship at Center of Health/Palhoca for almost 5 years, working with kids with Disabilities. After that I moved to the US and worked as a live in nanny for 3 years.
Personal:
I am from Brazil and my favorite things to do is reading books, being outside and hiking, going to the beach and traveling. Fun fact: I always loved baking, When I was 19 years old, I opend a bakery as a hobby and it was a success.