I am so happy to be here at MGNS. After 3 years as a MGNS parent, I am thrilled to be an MGNS teacher and the School Director. Before my two children were born, I taught for several years grades between kindergarten and fourth. Now my kids are all grown up, so I love spending time with the kids here at MGNS. I am also a happy resident of Monona and an active volunteer throughout the city. It is a busy and perfect combination—I am so pleased to be a part of this cooperative community.

 

My name is Juli and I am so excited to be here at MGNS! I am married with 2 active boys who are both MGNS alumni. I graduated from Drake University with a degree in Biology. In my free time I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family – camping, hiking, and playing pretty much any sport. I look forward to spending time with each child and helping them grow and learn. We’re going to have a great year!

 

Hello – My name is Jodi and it is my pleasure to be able to continue my teaching career at Monona Grove Nursery School. I have taught preschool for many, many years. In addition I have an Elementary Education degree from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, and currently hold a substitute license for the Madison Metropolitan School District. I’ve also taught first grade in Atlanta and Minneapolis prior to moving back to Madison. I am married to my wonderful husband and we have two amazing kids. I look forward to starting another exciting year teaching at MGNS.

 

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Pre K- 3rd grade teaching degree with an emphasis on birth to five. I fell in love with MGNS when my 2 children attended and knew I wanted to teach/work here! I love the play-based philosophy and how involved our families are in the school; it’s such a gentle transition from home to school. My husband, Paul, and I love to travel, which is perfect because our children are grown and attend school far from home! We are also on a quest to find the perfect beach. I love to read, snuggle my pets, laugh, hang out with friends and cook from scratch.

 

My name is Patrice and I am so happy to be one of the Toddler Time teachers at Monona Grove Nursery School. I received my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University. My husband, Dennis, and I have three daughters, Marissa, Ashley and Hannah. They are all MGNS alumni. We loved being part of a parent cooperative because it gave us the opportunity to be in our children’s classrooms and allowed us to get to know their teachers and friends. I jumped at the chance to teach at MGNS after my youngest daughter started kindergarten and I feel so lucky to work with such wonderful families!

 

I have four brothers, four sisters, 14 nieces and nephews, and 4 great-nieces and -nephews, so I’ve spent my whole life around kids. I enjoy talking and playing with young ones, because they’re so honest & genuine. I love art projects, and I believe all art tells a story. I have a BA in design from Southern Illinois University, and feel fortunate to be able to share what I learned there with children. I live in Madison with my family, including my two daughters who attended MGNS. I am honored to be a part of this exciting time in the lives of you and your child.

 

After moving from the west side of Madison to McFarland, we found MGNS for my youngest and in the 3 1/2 years she was here, it became like a family to us. I am so lucky that I got to come back and be a part of this wonderful staff. Working with the kids at MGNS puts a smile on my face every day – we have so much fun playing, cooking and creating masterpieces! I have a degree in Psychology from UW Madison. I am married and have two fabulous and very active daughters who enjoy swimming, soccer and crafting. In my free time I enjoy baking, walking, and I absolutely love to read (I have over 15 years of experience working with books). Please ask me about my favorite children’s books!

 

I’ve enjoyed my time at home with my three children all of whom have or are MGNS students. But, I also missed playing and working with other peoples children. Before raising my own kids, I earned a degree in special education and worked for 10 years in various environments with kids between two and six. I also took care of other peoples children in my home. I’m really excited to have the opportunity to teach part time at MGNS again this year. It’s very gratifying to be part of a wonderful team of teachers and surrounded by this friendly community. When I’m not spending time with my family outdoors, I enjoy rock climbing, running and cooking.

 

Hi — I’m Ellen Acker and am very excited to be at MGNS! After many years in the corporate world, I’m happy to be back doing what I love — working and playing with children. I’m married and have two adult children, a wonderful daughter-in-law and two wonderful grandboys! I love spending time with family, traveling, reading, baking/cooking, and the Badgers, Packers and Brewers. I’m looking forward to a fun and great year. Now…Let’s go Play!