brookfield teachers
Patty K.
Infant Teacher
Education: CDA Credential, Early Childhood Education I & II, Infant & Toddler Certification, SIDS Prevention, Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention, Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED, First Aid, Child Abuse & Neglect Recognition & Prevention, numerous hours of additional professional development and training in Early Childhood Education.
Experience: Has worked in childcare since 1991 with children of various ages and continued with the Brookfield location as it became Apple Ridge Academy in January 2014!
"I chose to work with children because I enjoy watching children learn new things, seeing their struggles and accomplishments and seeing the smiles on their faces! I am married and have 3 children. I like the outdoors and the beach and I enjoy all types of music and cooking for my family and friends!"
Elana R.
Infant Teacher
Education: Bachelor's degree in Community Engagement and Education
Experience: I started at Apple Ridge in May, 2021. I have 8 years in the field working with agers 0-18. I have worked in childcares, before and after school programs, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and child welfare programs.
"I love supporting children in reaching their goals and being able to see their growth and progress I enjoy crafting and hanging out with my dog Emma."
rebecca H.
infant teacher
Education: Bachelors degree in Education from UW Whitewater; Early Childhood I & II; Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid; SIDS Prevention; Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention; Child Abuse & Neglect Recognition & Prevention; numerous hours of additional professional development and training in Early Childhood Education.
Experience: Trained and interned at several schools and centers throughout Wisconsin during college, with children of all ages, disabilities, and ethnicities. Joined the staff at Apple Ridge Academy in October, 2018.
"At age 4, I would line up all my dolls and stuffed animals and play 'teacher'; At age 6, it continued but I graduated to using my siblings and younger family members as my 'students' instead! I wanted to be everything, but being a teacher always stayed close to my heart. What I like most about being with children are the little surprises every day brings. There's never a dull moment when being with children, and it's those moments that make me smile and feel warm and enjoy what I do.
When I am not working with children aI can be found at home with a book. I also love to watch new shows on Netflix and go to the movies with my friends. I love to travel and have been to countless places, such as New York and Florida, as well as Mexico and Nicaragua. I love photography, art, and music."
Hannah K.
Infant teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse.
Experience: Hannah worked at a before and after school program providing supervision for children ages 5-12 for over 3 years. She also worked with children ages 3-7 on the Autism spectrum conducting ABA Therapy. She joined the staff at Apple Ridge in January of 2021.
“I choose to work with children because I love helping them learn and navigate the world. What I love most about working with children is watching them grow and learn new things. I also love the giggles and smiles.
I have a dog named Jordy who loves to snuggle. I like to craft by making plant hangers and crocheting.”
Vicky L.
toddler teacher
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Special Education; Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid; SIDS Prevention; Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention; Child Abuse & Neglect Recognition & Prevention; numerous hours of additional professional development and training in Early Childhood Education.
Experience: Vicky is a retired Elementary School teacher, who’d worked in schools for 28 years! She joined the staff at Apple Ridge in December of 2018.
“Working with children is the most rewarding job I’ve ever experienced. I love it! I enjoy the amazing learning that takes place both socially and academically with each child.
I have two wonderful children and two dogs. I enjoy gardening, hiking, and reading novels.”
Alex t.
toddler teacher
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Child Studies with an emphasis on child development from Northern Illinois University, Illinois ECE level 5 with Infant-Toddler level 5 credential. SIDS Prevention; Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention; Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid; Child Abuse & Neglect Recognition & Prevention; numerous hours of additional professional development and training in Early Childhood Education.
Experience: Has worked 5+ years in ECE mostly with Infants, Toddlers, and Twos at NIU’s Child Development Lab. Joined the staff at Apple Ridge Academy in May of 2020.
"I always enjoyed being around children and babysat when I was younger. I like to see their developmental milestones as they grow. I recently married my husband, Gavin, and have a black lab named Remington."
Briana D.
toddler teacher
Education: Graduated from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay in May of 2020 with a Social Work major and an emphasis on Child Welfare, and finished two minors in Human Development and Psychology.
Experience: Has worked with children in many capacities including being a nanny, volunteered at a YMCA Kids Korner throughout college, joined the staff at Apple Ridge Academy in November of 2020.
"I love working with children because it is fascinating to watch them grow, develop and learn so quickly. I love hearing their laughs and making a child smile. Every child should feel safe and loved, and I love working to make sure that each child I interact with feels that way. I have a 10 year old retriever/lab mix named Bella, who is the most gentle dog ever. I also have a crazy 7 month old Mountain Cur puppy named Chip. I also have a 3 year old hedgehog named Reggi!"
Tess H.
toddler teacher
Education: Took college courses related to nursing and psychology, originally planning on becoming a child life specialist.
Experience: Has over 4 years of childcare experience, and joined the staff at Apple Ridge Academy in October of 2020.
"I love working with all the different age groups! I knew from a young age I wanted to work with children. I have a lot of patience and enjoy seeing each child grow, learn and prosper. I am married with two lovely children, Olivia and Avery. We love spending time together and exploring different parks and different areas of Wisconsin."
kylie R.
Toddler Teacher
Education: Currently attending Carroll University for Business.
Experience: Interned at a preschool for 5 months gaining experiences with administrative duties as well as every age group. Joined the staff at Apple Ridge Academy in May, 2020
"I enjoy watching children so much, earlier this year I made the decision to make working with children my career."
Danielle R.
Twos teacher
Education: Bachelors in Biology from UW Green Bay, Certificate in Sustainability from the Environmental Management and Business Institute, Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention, Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED, First Aid, Child Abuse & Neglect Recognition & Prevention, Introduction to Child Care Profession course.
Experience: Is very excited to start her early childhood education work at Apple Ridge Academy! Became a teacher here in October 2020!
"I chose to work with children because I have a one year old daughter and I enjoy nothing more, than teaching her and watching her grow. I have a passion for animals too. I have 2 dogs at home, and I worked with animals for the past 10 years."
Emily M.
Twos teacher
Education: Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education (Rasmussen College); Early Childhood Education I & II; Infant & Toddler Certification; SIDS Prevention; Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention; Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid; Child Abuse & Neglect Recognition & Prevention; numerous hours of additional professional development and training in Early Childhood Education.
Experience: Has worked with children of various ages for over 10 years in a group childcare setting. Joined the teaching staff at Apple Ridge Academy in May 2015!
"I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher! During my senior year of high school, I volunteered working with children and that is when I realized that I loved working with young children. I think that children are so much fun and I love that all things are good in their worlds. I love dance and all types of music. I have a mini Australian Shepherd named blue, a super awesome husband named Brian, and a totally cool son named Brantley. I also love to camp and hang out with my dad. I recently started scrapbooking and I am obsessed with all things Disney!"
Alicia v.
twos support
Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Early Childhood; Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid; SIDS Prevention; Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention; Child Abuse & Neglect Recognition & Prevention; numerous hours of additional professional development and training in Early Childhood Education.
Experience: 2 years in the field working with children of all ages; Joined the staff at Apple Ridge in September of 2019.
“I have always loved little kiddos. They are so funny. It makes my heart feel full to see kids learning.
I have a 15-year-old Jack Russel mix named Coconut. She keeps my life interesting.”
Cori d.
Junior Preschool Teacher
Education: Early Childhood I & II; Fundamentals of Infant & Toddler Care; Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid; SIDS Prevention; Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention; Child Abuse & Neglect Recognition & Prevention; numerous hours of additional professional development and training in Early Childhood Education.
Experience: Has worked in several group childcare centers, with children ages 4 months to 2 years. Joined the staff at ARA in March 2018.
"I love to make a difference and it all starts with children. What I like most about working with children is watching them grown as little independents. Learning new things and being a part of those achievements is the most amazing feeling!"
Candi s.
Junior Preschool Teacher
Education: Associates Degree & Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education; Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid; SIDS Prevention; Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention; Child Abuse & Neglect Recognition & Prevention; numerous hours of additional professional development and training in Early Childhood Education.
Experience: Has worked with ages 8 weeks to 5 years in a childcare setting; Had worked at Apple Ridge for 8 years, prior to taking a short break, and returning to ARA in January, 2021
“I love with children because they are amazing little creatures that are full of life and curiosity. I am always so intrigued by their ability to grow and develop their skills in such a short period of time. Children are the heart of our present and future, they enlighten our days and bring so much joy to our lives. As a parent I always wondered how I could improve my parenting skills and understand what my children need from me. This is what inspired me to want to work with children and have a career in education. As an educator I understand the importance of first being a role model for the children, as well as a nurturer that can provide an environment where the kiddos can feel safe.
I enjoy spending my summers at the Racetrack, checking out all the different cars and watching my dad race his car. I have a wonderful fiancée and two awesome boys, one that is now out of the nest and bought his first car and the other is getting prepared for high school. I have two male dogs Buster & Koko. I am the oldest of three and the only girl in the family and the Leader of the Pack.”
Kerry L.
Support teacher
Education: Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, numerous hours of additional professional development and training in Early Childhood Education.
Experience: Over 11 years of experience working with ages birth though school age. 2019-2020 4K assistant teacher in Muskego Norway School District. Joined the staff of Apple Ridge in August, 2020
“I choose to work with children because of the experiences I had with many of my own school teachers. I wanted to teach, just as they taught me. I love when you see children learning and doing something for the first time. I love seeing the look on a child's face when they do something 'all by themself.'
Cassie P.
preschool teacher
Education: Working toward Early Education degree; Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid; SIDS Prevention; Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention; Child Abuse & Neglect Recognition & Prevention; numerous hours of additional professional development and training in Early Childhood Education.
Experience: Nanny for several years; Joined the staff at Apple Ridge in October of 2019.
“I have always enjoyed working with children and helping them learn. They bring smiles to your face and are learning new things every day, which is so enjoyable to watch and be a part of.
I am a mom of an almost 2-year-old little girl, and my husband is about to graduate from the Milwaukee Police Academy, which is a very exciting time for our family.”
lilly l.
preschool teacher
Education: Early Childhood Education Teaching License (Alverno College); Bachelors of Science degree from Alverno College; Early Childhood Education I & II; SIDS Prevention; Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention; Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid; Child Abuse & Neglect Recognition & Prevention; numerous hours of additional professional development and training in Early Childhood Education.
Experience: Has worked with children of various ages within several school districts, group childcare settings, and in church classes. Joined the teaching staff at Apple Ridge Academy in April 2015!
"For as long as I can remember, I have always loved working with children. My 2nd grade teacher inspired me to one day become a teacher! I love working with children because of their eagerness to learn. I find enjoyment in teaching them new things and helping them reach their goals! Family is very important to me! I spend most of my free time with my family. I also love dogs. I have a pit-bull named Belle!"
Meagan C.
Support teacher
Education: Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Governors State University with an active teaching license.
Experience: Preschool and Kindergarten experience. Joined the staff at Apple Ridge Academy in November 2020.
"I choose to work with children because I had one teacher who completely changed my mindset about school.. I want to be that teacher for my students. I love being able to witness student growth and development firsthand!
I love spending time with my son, my family, and my friends!"
Irene H.
pre-k teacher
Education: Coursework from Fox Valley Tech. for Early Childhood Education; SIDS Prevention; Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention; Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid
Experience: I have worked at the YMCA as an assistant in the three's classroom, then as a lead teacher with the 1 year olds. I joined the Apple Ridge Academy staff in June, 2021.
"I love forming relationships with children and knowing that I make a difference in their lives every day. I have 1 son, Carter, and a dog named Luna. I"m engaged and I like watching movies and spending time with my family."
andrea b.
Pre-K teacher
Education: Early Childhood Education I & II; Infant & Toddler Certification; SIDS Prevention; Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention; Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid; Child Abuse & Neglect Recognition & Prevention; numerous hours of additional professional development and training in Early Childhood Education.
Experience: Has worked with children of various ages in various child care settings for over 5 years. Joined the teaching staff at Apple Ridge Academy in February 2016!
"My favorite part about teaching is that 'learning moment.' The moment when it really clicks for a child and all of the hard work we put in really shows! To see a child so proud of something they did means the world to me. I love the honesty, kindness, and innocence of children. They are so wonderful! I have a two year old daughter, Teagan, and was just recently married this year!"
beth m.
Support teacher
Education: Skills & Strategies for the Childcare Teacher; Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid; Child Abuse & Neglect Recognition & Prevention; numerous hours of additional professional development and training in Early Childhood Education.
Experience: Has worked with children of various ages in various child care settings for over 10 years. Joined the teaching staff at Apple Ridge Academy in August 2020!
"My grammy was my role model and the biggest influence on my life. She taught me grace and I hope to inspire and teach with that same grace. I have 4 adult children, and love to laugh with friends and family as often as possible."
Mary Liz B.
4K teacher
Education: Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education (Cardinal Stritch University); Early Childhood Education I & II; Infant & Toddler Certification; SIDS Prevention; Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention; Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid; Child Abuse & Neglect Recognition & Prevention; numerous hours of additional professional development and training in Early Childhood Education.
Experience: Has worked with children of various ages within the school district as well as group childcare settings. Joined the teaching staff at Apple Ridge Academy in March 2014!
"I chose to work with children because I love watching children grow from the beginning of the year to the end. Watching them come to school with certain skills and then leaving full of knowledge is amazing! I love teaching young children because they have such a passion to learn. I love teaching children their fine motor skills along with teaching them their life skills . I have a huge family! I have two loving parents and six brothers and two sisters. Our family is still growing, I also have two brother-in-laws and three sister-in-laws along with three nephews and a niece. I married my husband, Jake, in August 2014. We had our first daughter, Madelyn in June 2019 and then Ella and Eli were born in June 2021!"
Dawn H.
Kitchen Manager; Infant Support
Education: State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services Division of Public Health Food Manager License; Successful completion of The Food Safety Manager Certification Examination; Building Relationships with Families Registered Training; National Nutrition Initiatives to Promote Wellness Among Children and Adults Training; WDPI Making Nutrition Come Alive; It’s Up to You Registered Training; WDPI Meal Production Registered Training; WDPI Food Allergies and Other Special Diets Registered Training; Adult/Pediatric CPR & AED & First Aid; SIDS Prevention; Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention; Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition & Prevention; Food Service Training.
Experience: Has worked for over 7 years as a cook in an Early Childhood Center. Joined the staff at Apple Ridge Academy in April, 2014.
“I love working with children because I love seeing all of their smiling faces and hearing them laugh and play!
I have 2 children and 2 granddaughters, and one fur baby - our dog, Shelby; My husband Glen and I were married on Sept. 13, 2014. We love camping, going for motorcycle rides, and I also enjoy reading and doing crafts.”