Meet Our Staff
Director
Jennie
Director
Jennie has worked at Maple Tree since September 1992. She has a BA degree in Human Services (with focus work in Child Development) from Metropolitan State University.
She worked at Children’s Country Day School and A Children’s Place (sister schools) from 1972-1992. She has taught in toddler and preschool classrooms, while also directing programs since 1981.
In her leisure time, Jennie enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, going to restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.
Sara
Assistant Director & Preschool Teacher
Sara has worked at Maple Tree since March 2003. She has a BA degree in Psychology from Hamline University.
She worked with young children since 1991, serving as the assistant director of TLC and teaching school-age children.
In her leisure time, Sara enjoys watching Minnesota sports teams and spending time outdoors with her husband and son.
Our Lead Teachers
Kathy
Lead Infant Teacher
Kathy has been a teacher at Maple Tree since August 1998. She has a Child Care Specialist Degree from Rasmussen College.
She has worked with young children since 1989. She has served as a nanny and also taught at New Horizons.
In her leisure time, Kathy enjoys reading, bringing her dog to the dog park, swimming, fishing, and spending time with her husband and family.
Lisa
Lead Toddler Teacher
Lisa has been a teacher at Maple Tree since August 2002. She has a Child Development Degree from Saint Paul College.
She has worked with young children since 1999.
In her free time, Lisa enjoys being with her friends and family, walking the dog, and watching TV.
Cherra
Lead Preschool Teacher
Cherra has worked at Maple Tree since September 2003. She studied nursing at Maranatha Baptist Bible College and she took general education courses at Century College.
She has taught young children in Sunday School classes since 1993.
In her leisure time, Cherra enjoys reading, playing volleyball at the YMCA, having fun with her niece and nephew, thrift store shopping with friends, and going fishing.
Our Infant Teachers
Kathy
Lead Infant Teacher
Kathy has been a teacher at Maple Tree since August 1998. She has a Child Care Specialist Degree from Rasmussen College.
She has worked with young children since 1989. She has served as a nanny and also taught at New Horizons.
In her leisure time, Kathy enjoys reading, bringing her dog to the dog park, swimming, fishing, and spending time with her husband and family.
Abby
Infant Teacher
Abby has been a teacher at Maple Tree since May 2012. She has an AS degree in Child Development from St. Paul College.
She has been involved in childcare since 2008, working in private homes as well as in classroom settings.
In her leisure time, Abby enjoys reading, outdoor activities, and spending time with family and friends.
Kris
Infant Teacher
Kris has been a teacher at Maple Tree since May 1999. She has a Child Care Specialist Degree from Rasmussen College. She is also an Aveda licensed therapeutic massage therapist.
She has worked with young children since 1990. She was a nanny for various families and also worked at Tutor Time and New Horizons.
In her leisure time, Kris enjoys going on walks, traveling up north, fishing, and spending time with friends and family.
Nellie
Infant Teacher
Nellie has been a teacher at Maple Tree since October 2005. She studied Child Development at St. Paul College.
She worked as a nanny prior to coming to teach at Maple Tree.
In her leisure time, Nellie enjoys being on a hockey team and also playing the guitar.
Our Toddler Teachers
Lisa
Lead Toddler Teacher
Lisa has been a teacher at Maple Tree since August 2002. She has a Child Development Degree from Saint Paul College.
She has worked with young children since 1999.
In her free time, Lisa enjoys being with her friends and family, walking the dog, and watching TV.
Bailee
Toddler Teacher
Bailee has been a teacher at Maple Tree since November 2016. She attended Century College, where she completed general education courses.
She worked at New Horizons prior to coming to Maple Tree.
In her leisure time, Bailee enjoys playing hockey, Lacrosse, and golf.
Debby
Toddler Teacher
Debby has been a teacher at Maple Tree since September 1993. She has a Child Care Specialist Degree from Rasmussen College.
She has worked with young children since 1983, including 10 years at New Horizons.
In her leisure time, Debby enjoys photography, craft shows, Renaissance festivals, collecting pottery, fishing, and spending time in Lindstrom with family and friends.
Nancy
Toddler Teacher
Nancy has been a teacher at Maple Tree since September 2015. She has a BA in Psychology from Hamline University.
She has worked with young children since 1999, including Minnesota Reading Corps teacher, and Sunday School teacher.
In her leisure time, Nancy enjoys attending the theater (professional and children's performances), reading, traveling, attending her children's sporting events, and watching movies.
Sophia
Toddler Teacher
Sophia has been a teacher at Maple Tree since October 2018. She has a AA in Liberal Art/Science from Century College.
She previously has volunteered at Children's Hospital and here at Maple Tree Child Care.
In her leisure time, Sophia enjoys drawing, playing the ukulele, painting, and hiking.
Our Preschool Teachers
Cherra
Lead Preschool Teacher
Cherra has worked at Maple Tree since September 2003. She studied nursing at Maranatha Baptist Bible College and she took general education courses at Century College.
She has taught young children in Sunday School classes since 1993.
In her leisure time, Cherra enjoys reading, playing volleyball at the YMCA, having fun with her niece and nephew, thrift store shopping with friends, and going fishing.
Michele
Preschool Teacher
Michele has been a teacher at Maple Tree since October 1992. She has an AA degree from Lakewood (Century) College.
She has worked in early childhood programs since 1986, including 3 years at New Horizons.
In her leisure time, Michele enjoys scrapbooking, playing games, and watching TV.
Nick
Preschool Teacher
Nick has been a teacher at Maple Tree since April 2005. He has a Child Development Associate Credential.
He has worked with young children since 2005, caring for the children of relatives and serving here at the center.
In his leisure time, Nick enjoys arts & crafts, going to the theater, and watching the Golden Girls!
Sara
Assistant Director & Preschool Teacher
Sara has worked at Maple Tree since March 2003. She has a BA degree in Psychology from Hamline University.
She worked with young children since 1991, serving as the assistant director of TLC and teaching school-age children.
In her leisure time, Sara enjoys watching Minnesota sports teams and spending time outdoors with her husband and son.
Additional Teachers
Tara
Additional Teacher
Tara has worked at Maple Tree since May 1995. She studied Child Development at Century College.
She worked as a babysitter in her teen years and taught school-age children at a Stepping Stones program.
In her leisure time, Tara enjoys shopping, watching reality TV, spending time with friends, and watching Minnesota sports teams.
Elizabeth
Additional Teacher
Elizabeth has been a teacher at Maple Tree since August 2014. She earned a Child Development Associate Credential.
She has worked with young children since 1988. She taught in her local school district and in centers. For the 17 years prior to coming to Maple Tree, she was the owner and operator of a family childcare business.
In her leisure time, Elizabeth enjoys being in nature, walking, jogging, biking, snowshoeing, and working in her garden.
Cindy
Additional Teacher
Cindy has been a teacher at Maple Tree since February 1996. She has an AAS degree in Child Development from Century College.
She has worked in classroom settings since 1993 including work with infants through school age children at district programs as well as TLC and Time for Me.
In her leisure time, Cindy enjoys walking, hiking, and photography.