The Gardner School of Minnetonka

How long have you been with TGS?
I started with TGS in November 2022.

Roles served with TGS:
I was lucky enough to be a preschool/pre-Kindergarten teacher for a few months. Then I was offered the role of Assistant Director. 

What is your educational background?
I am currently enrolled at Minnesota State Mankato to earn my B.S. in elementary education with a double minor in environmental science and geology. 

What made you decide to pursue a career in education?
Both of my parents were teachers, so the apple did not fall far from the tree on that one! I always loved engaging with kiddos, setting up fun lessons for them, and even learning with them. It was a natural fit to move from my original degree plan, which was science, to education! 

What makes you laugh about kids?
The way that the kiddos process information and make connections with the lesson is a really fun thing to experience. They will completely take in the material and make the most off-the-wall connection to it that can only make you chuckle a bit. 

What do you love most about working with infants through the age of 5?
My favorite part about working with such young kiddos is that we are here for major life moments: first steps, that puckered face after a toddler’s first taste of a lemon, when a preschooler is finally able to ride the tricycle outside, or when our older kiddos master a math problem. These are all firsts that we are really lucky to be part of. 

What is your favorite part of the day at TGS?
The best part of the day is when all of the kiddos have arrived, and you are ready to teach your lesson. The kiddos are all excited about what they are about to learn and so perceptive. That first Group Time of the day is when I get the best answers and the highest level of engagement!

What do you love most about TGS?
A learning environment that supports personal exploration and the importance of being lifelong learners with the goal of our kiddos being prepared for Kindergarten.

What is your fondest memory of TGS thus far?
My fondest memory of TGS so far is probably one of that best lessons that I taught while in my classroom. We were learning about books and how they can take us to new worlds or even back in time. We read a few books about medieval times and then dressed up in our own knight outfits and hosted a jousting tournament, complete with some red and blue tricycles. The kiddos were so into it that they were cheering each other on, and we even had a mini bracket going so that all of the matches were fair. Not only were the kids entertained, but the parents loved it also! 

What inspires you?
Knowing that I am a part of each and every one of these children’s learning journeys inspires me to find new ways to teach them in engaging ways. 

What is your passion or passions?
I am huge on everything science and sensory. In a perfect world, I would teach a space lesson for half of the year. My classroom always had a large sensory activity going which usually led to a large mess. Because of that, my students were very good at cleaning up! 

What does the term “Where Learning Begins” mean to you?
I think that we are not only teaching children how to thrive in a classroom, but we are also showing them what it means to be lifelong learners. They should always ask questions and be excited to learn, which is exactly what we teach them at TGS.

How important is early childhood education?
It’s very important! We are setting the foundation for their educational journey and making sure it’s a happy and successful future. 

What would you tell new parents who are apprehensive about leaving their infant in the care of someone else for the first time?
I completely understand any hesitancy that you may feel. Every family goes through this. Our teachers and staff here believe in open communication and partnering with you to ensure that your little one is loved, happy and safe.