MEET THE TEACHERS
Director of Kinder Village
Kristen Tonda
Education:
Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on pre-primary education from Minnesota State, Mankato.
Experience:
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16 years of experience in early childhood.
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5.5 years at Kinder Village
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2 years elementary experience
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11 years working as a CNA
Fun Fact:
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I have 4 Children: Natalie, Charlotte, Macy, & Louie
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I am powered by coffee and chaos!
Favorite Children's Book: A Monster at the End of This Book
Assistant Director | Lead Preschool Teacher
Ms. Kayla
Education:
Degree in Individualized Studies, where I combines my skills of Graphic Design with Early Childhood from Metro State University.
Experience:
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7 years at Kinder Village
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I have always worked with children in some form. I began as a helper in my mom's family child care center. I eventually became a assistant teacher.
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I have also taught church school, assisted with bible camps, and have been the nursery coordinator since 2014.
Fun Facts:
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I love anything Disney and Superheroes!
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I enjoy reading books.
Favorite Children's Book: The Giving Tree
Young Infant Teacher
Ms. Ihya
Education:
Bachelors of Science in Family Social Science from the U of M.
Experience:
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9 years at Kinder Village
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3 years working as a part time social worker
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Volunteering at U of MN Masonic Children's Hospital, People Serving People, YMCA Literacy Mentor.
Fun Facts:
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French is my 1st language
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I love everything banana flavored!
Young Infant Teacher
Ms. Alice
Education:
Teacher Qualification
Experience:
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10+ years in childcare including 2 years experience in infant care.
Fun Fact:
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My hobbies are reading, painting, and crocheting.​
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I saw the 2024 solar eclipse totality in Vermont.
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I have been to Asia 4 times.
Favorite Children's Book: Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins
Older Infant Teacher
Ms. Cassie
Education:
Working on my CDA
Experience:
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New to childcare but has been working at Episcopal Homes for 4 years prior to Kinder Village
Fun Fact:
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I love to play floor hockey, basketball, and bowling
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I love being around kids
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I met my fiance at bowling and we are planning a bowling themed wedding.
Favorite Children's Book: I Love You Forever
Toddler Teacher
Ms. Mai See
Education:
B.A. in Elementary Education from St. Benedict
Experience:
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Experience teaching English in Thailand
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Summer School Teacher
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Volunteer as a literacy mentor, student teacher, and intern at AmeriCorp.
Fun Fact:
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​Good at baking
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Studied abroad in Rome
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I like gardening
Favorite Children's Book: Harry Potter Series
Infant / Toddler Float
Ms. Emily
Education:
B.A. in Music Education
Experience:
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4 years teaching elementary music
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5 years experience in foster care
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1 year in early childhood
Fun Fact:
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​Studied abroad in South Africa
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Excels in making shaped pancakes
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Completed 4 half marathons
Favorite Children's Book: Frog and Toad
Young Preschool Lead Teacher
Ms. Calli
Education:
3rd year at U of M for Early Childhood Education
Experience:
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3 years early childhood experience
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1.5 years at Kinder Village
Fun Fact:
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I have two cats!​
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I love to read
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Halloween is my favorite holiday
Favorite Children's Book:
Preschool Aide
Mr. Mark
Education:
Early Childhood courses through Think Small
Experience:
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3 years at Kinder Village
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Previous youth hockey coach
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Children's book illustrator
Fun Fact:
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​I love to draw and paint. I just recently started sculpting.
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I love everything hockey related and own 31 hockey jerseys.
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I enjoy buying and collecting vinyl records
Favorite Children's Book: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Young Preschool Aide
Ms. Zoe
Education:
Early Childhood courses through Think Small
Experience:
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New to childcare
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Wants to gain experience to become a lead someday!
Fun Fact:
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​I love to do my nails
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I have two dogs
Favorite Children's Book: The Rainbow Fish
Afternoon Preschool Float
Ms. Alex
Education:
Certification of Paraprofessional
Experience:
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5 years as a special education paraprofessional.
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Experience as a student and family liaison.
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Experience as a teacher’s assistant.
Fun Fact:
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Favorite Children's Book: