Our Staff
Meet the passionate educators and staff who create a warm, welcoming, and engaging learning environment for every child at MGNS.
Penguin Teachers
yrs with
MGNS
Sue
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.
yrs with
MGNS
Jodi
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.
Starfish Teachers
yrs with
MGNS
Sarah
I am delighted to be teaching preschool at MGNS! My three children are all alumni and I couldn’t be happier to now be working at the school that felt like family to us for all of those years. I have a Master’s of Education and previously taught in elementary school for many years until I took some time off to stay home with my children. I love to read, visit art and children’s museums, and hike and bike with my family. I am thrilled to be able to be a part of your child’s learning journey! Play is so important in so many ways to the whole development of young children and I am excited for how much they will learn and grow this year!
yrs with
MGNS
Dawn
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!
4K Teachers
Dolphins and Sea Otters
yrs with
MGNS
Juli
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!
yrs with
MGNS
Kate
I am so honored to be a part of the teaching staff at MGNS! My husband and I have two sons who have both attended MGNS and LOVED learning through play in such a welcoming environment. I earned my master’s degree in Special Education from UW-Madison. Before staying home with my children, I spent several years teaching children from kindergarten through 5th grade. When I’m not trying to keep up with my husband and sons on outdoor family adventures (biking, hiking, etc…) you can find me reading, painting, gardening, dancing or watching a movie with my family. I am excited to work in partnership with the parents and staff of the MGNS community and to watch the children learn and grow through play. We are going to have a fun year!
Toddler Time Teachers
yrs with
MGNS
Patrice
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 and I have three lovely daughters who 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!
yrs with
MGNS
Rebekah
I’m thrilled to be teaching toddler time. I was a Spanish teacher for several years before taking time off to stay home with my children, both of whom are MGNS alumni. Being part of the MGNS community was so helpful as a first time parent, and the school gave my children a wonderful introduction to education. In my free time I enjoy reading, baking, and hiking with my family. I’m excited to work with the amazing teachers and families at MGNS!
yrs with
MGNS
Maria
My name is Maria and I have been a proud part of the MGNS family for five years, serving four of those years on the board of directors. All four of my children have walked through our doors, making me a long-time advocate for our community and a firm believer in the power of hands-on, play-based learning. My previous experience includes 12 years teaching kindergarten in MMSD and currently an active substitute teacher in both MMSD and at MGNS. I am excited to transition my love for early childhood education into the TT classroom this year! Outside of school, our family stays busy by cooking, crafting and camping together. I look forward to a wonderful year together!
Lunch Bunch Coordinator
yrs with
MGNS
Robin
What a joy it is to be subbing at MGNS and coordinating the school’s favorite midday social hour — Lunch Bunch! I look forward to packing our time together with laughter, social connections, and lots of playful experiences. When I’m not sharing a meal and playing games with your little ones, I can be found riding my bike, reading mysteries, and playing games with my little ones.
Yoga Teacher
yrs with
MGNS
Kathryn
Since 2016, I have worn many hats at Monona Grove Nursery School, from parent to fundraiser, board president to Toddler Time Teacher. Now, I’m happy to continue as the Kids Yoga teacher at MGNS! All 3 of my children are MGNS alumni and LOVED their time in Toddler Time, Preschool, and 4K. When I’m not teaching Kids Yoga, you’ll find me teaching group fitness classes at the YMCA, cooking, baking, organizing community events and the Capitol View Farmers’ Market, and trying to improve my Wordle streak! I am excited to move, flow, breathe and HAVE FUN with our MGNS kiddos in yoga!
11
Teachers
12 YRS
AVERAGE TENURE
5
groups
Quick Links
Why MGNS
A fantastic way to gently introduce young children to the preschool environment, without having to separate from a parent/caregiver.
Take a tour
A fantastic way to gently introduce young children to the preschool environment, without having to separate from a parent/caregiver.
Meet the Board
Get to know the dedicated members of the MGNS Board of Directors.