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. Leah
Education
I received an associates degree in Biblical Studies in 2011. In 2017 I received a certificate from the Children at Risk School which is an outreach program by the Youth With A Mission organization. I’m currently completing my lead teacher requirements here at Kids Junction.
Experience
In middle school I started babysitting and volunteering at various children ministries in the area. Ive nannied on and off over the years and was a school bus driver for 7 years. Ive also helped out at various church daycares and worked part time as a para educator between my bus routes.
Personal
In my free time I enjoy painting, writing, poetry, digital art and various projects. I also enjoy spending time in nature such as hiking, biking and camping. I spend a lot of time with friends and family and at my church.
Ms. Debbi
Education
I graduated in May of 2019 from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood/Middle Childhood Education.
Experience
I have been working at Kid’s Junction on and off since 2017.I have worked as a 4K teacher in a Spanish Immersion program in Minnesota. I love working with this age group—I love where they are at developmentally and academically!
Personal
In my free time, I love traveling, dancing, exploring outside and spending time with my family and friends!
Ms. Melissa
Education
I received all my lead teacher certificates in 2008. In 2012 I started Kaplan Uniersity to receive my Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education.
Experience
I have worked in child care for 10 years throughout the years. For about 2 years I worked at a portrait studio taking pictures of children and families. I have also been in the customer service field as a manager.
Personal
I’m a mom of 6 and love to spend all my free time with my family. I love to read, bake, watch movies and go for walks.