Apple Ridge Academy

Education: Leadership Credential (UW-Milwaukee), PDAs training, Master Trainer Certification from the Wisconsin Registry, The Wisconsin Professional Credential for Child Care Administrators (UW-Milwaukee), Early Childhood Education I & II (Mount Mary College), Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/ Sociology with Early Childhood emphasis (UW-Whitewater), Associate of Arts & Sciences in Psychology (UW-Barron County), 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 & Administration.

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Experience: Taught in Preschool & 4K Classrooms beginning in 1997. Began administrative duties as Assistant Center Director, in addition to teaching, in 1999. From that point on, have held the position of Center Director in a nationally accredited early childhood learning center, as well as Director in a non-profit, academic learning center.

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"My passion is Early Childhood Education, and Apple Ridge Academy is the realization of my dreams! I am always grateful for the opportunity to share in the growth and education of the children who became a part of our "family."

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with Minors in Music and Early Childhood Education from Carroll College; additional coursework toward the Administrative Credential from WCTC; 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.

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Experience: Employed in the Early Childhood field for over 15 years as a teacher and assistant director, and now as a director. Prior to working in ECE, was a substitute teacher in a 4th-grade classroom for a year. Joined the team at Apple Ridge in November of 2019!

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"I have always been passionate about working with children. As I grew in my career, I began to find my purpose of working with teachers to help them be the best they can be for the children in their care! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Pete, our son Lincoln, and my stepsons, Aidan and Theron. I love anything Broadway and Disney-related, and have found joy in using my Cricut to create all kinds of cool things!"

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Education: Wisconsin Professional Educator License- Early Elementary PK-3; The Wisconsin Professional Credential for Child Care Administrators; Advanced Technical Certificate- Childcare Administration; Bachelor of Arts- Economics, Associates Degree of Arts & Sciences; Adult/ Pediatric CPR/ AED & First Aid; SIDS Prevention; Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention; Child Abuse & Neglect Recognition & Prevention; Infant/Toddler Certification; numerous hours of additional professional development and training in Early Childhood Education.

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Experience: Taught in Early Childhood and Kindergarten classrooms since 2002, taught as a substitute teacher in various school districts and was a gymnastics instructor for 15 years. Joined the teaching staff at Apple Ridge Academy in June 2012!

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"I have a genuine love for children and it shows with the connection I am able to make with each child and their family. I enjoy being able to provide an environment that makes students feel a sense of comfort, where they have the ability to extend their imagination, but are still able to enjoy just 'being a kid.' My passion is in working closely with the staff at Apple Ridge to ensure that each child is able to reach their fullest potential and has a love of learning through play. I live with my husband, Dave, and daughter, Tayla. We have loved watching her grow and achieve new milestones. I am also very close with my friends and family. I enjoy active and outdoor sports and am always a kid at heart! I have the ability to lend a hand, to jump into any situation and am known to have quite the silly side."

Education: Early Childhood Education I & II; Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid; SIDS Prevention; Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention; Child Abuse & Neglect Recognition & Prevention; Smart Beginnings-Early Brain Development & The Wonders of Preschool; Infant and Toddler Certification; numerous hours of additional professional development and training in Early Childhood Education.

 

Experience: Owner/Teacher of an in-home child care center for 5 years; began teaching in a Preschool classroom in 2008. Joined Apple Ridge Academy in February 2010, from the beginning!

 

“I am honored to work in an environment where I am able to watch children grow and thrive every day! I’m fascinated by how children think and reason, and I love to learn about how a child’s brain develops – and to see that development first hand. It’s so rewarding to know that the interaction I have with children may impact them through their entire life! Knowing this makes me especially cognizant of *how* I approach children. My husband, Rob, and I are parents of a blended family of 4 children – all grown. We also are blessed to be grandparents of a smart, beautiful 11-year-old granddaughter, and an energetic and handsome 8-year-old grandson! I enjoy learning about health, experimenting with food and cooking, and traveling and boating with my husband and family.”

Education: Childcare Administrators Credential (Waukesha County Technical College), Bachelors of Business Administration (UW-Whitewater), 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 & Administration.

 

Experience: Started with Apple Ridge Academy upon its opening in February 2010! 

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"I chose to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education because I whole-heartedly believe in the importance of the early years in a child's development and I wanted to help create a place where children are safe, loved and celebrated! I love being a part of their early learning journey and helping foster a genuine life-long love for learning! In my free time I LOVE being outdoors- fishing, hunting, hiking, boating or just sitting around a campfire :) I love spending time with my friends and family- I am very close with all of my cousins! I also travel upnorth a lot to spend time with my family in northern WI. I have 3 dogs and 10 chickens and love animals of all sorts!"