Kaitlin Klein / Lead Preschool Teacher
Kate joined Little Puzzlers in September of 2010 and we are very excited that she will be teaching in our preschool room! Kate brings several years of experience in child care with her as she joins the Little Puzzlers team. Kate's enthusiasm and love of children are evident as she ready's our preschoolers for kindergarten. Kate has earned her AAS degree and is persuing a bachelors degree at St. Cloud State University. She has received training in SIDS, Shaken Baby Syndrome, and is certified in CPR and First Aid. Kate and her husband, Keith, have an adorable son, Logan and are expecting their second child in March.
Maranda Olson/ Preschool Teacher
Maranda joined Little Puzzlers in March of 2007. She has 13+ years in the child care field. Maranda started as a teacher in our infant room but decided a change was in order after spending 3 years with our youngest charges. Maranda can now be seen in our preschool room where she delights in readying our preschoolers for kindergarten. Maranda received her Child Care Specialist Certificate from Rasmussen College. She is certified in CPR, First Aid and has been trained in SIDS and SBS. Maranda also has training in infant and toddler mental health. She furthers her knowledge in Early Childhood Education and Child Development by attending workshops and seminars. Her love of children is evident in her attentive and nurturing manner.
Saria Parent/ Preschool Assistant Teacher
Saria officially joined Little Puzzlers in September of 2011 after starting her internship, in Special Education, with us earlier in the year. Saria received her AAS degree Early Childhood from Rasmussen College and is currently pursuing a second AAS Degree in Special Education. She is a definate asset as an Assistant Teacher in our Preschool Room but may also be seen on occasion in the Toddler and Infant Rooms. Saria is trained in SIDS and SBS and is certified in CPR and First Aid.
Rachel Klemmer/Toddler Teacher
Rachel returns to Little Puzzlers after a brief absence and we are thrilled to have her back! Rachel received her AAS Degree in Child and Adult Care and Education as well as her Paraprofessional certificate from St. Cloud Technical College. She has training in SIDS and SBS as well as certification in CPR and First Aid. Rachel can be seen in our preschool room working to ready our children for Kindergarten or our toddler room teaching and caring for our adorable tods!
Amy Younkin/ Lead Infant Teacher Amy joined Little Puzzlers Child Care Center in January of 2007 while attending St. Cloud State University. Amy has since graduated with a BS degree in Child and Family Studies. She has training in infant and toddler mental health, SBS, SIDS, CPR and First Aid. Amy furthers her knowledge in Early Childhood Education and Child Development by attending various workshops and seminars. Amy attends to each baby with gentle and nurturing attention; applying visual, auditory, and sensory stimulating activities to aid in the development of your infant. Babies are read to, learn sign language, take part in art projects, and listen to a variety of music. Amy, and her husband Nathan, are proud parents of three beautiful children; Scott, Serra, and Seann.
Hannah Lindberg/ Infant Teacher
Hannah joined Little Puzzlers in the Spring of 2010 after graduating with her 4 year degree from Bethel College. She had previously worked for Little Puzzlers on a part time basis during her summers off from school. Hannah is a wonderful asset to any room she works in but is most often seen in our infant room. Her love of children is evident in the gentle and caring attention she gives to each baby. Hannah is certified in CPR and First Aid, and has been trained in SIDS and SBS. Hannah furthers her knowledge in Early Childhood Education and Child Development by attending workshops and seminars.
Michaela Dahlke/ Infant Teacher
Michaela joined Little Puzzlers in May of 2010 after graduating with her AAS Degree in Child and Adult Care and Education from St. Cloud Technical College. Michaela assists in all of the rooms but is most often seen in the infant room in the afternoons. Michaela's bright and caring personality shines as she cares for our babies! She has been trained in SIDS, SBS, and is certified in CPR and First Aid. Michaela continues to further her education in Early Childhood and Special Education at St. Cloud Technical College and SCSU.
Luanne Loken/ Cook
Luanne has been part of the Little Puzzlers family since 2007. Her nutritious and delicious meals are a delight to all of the staff and children. She makes wonderful homemade breads, muffins, soups, hot dishes etc. as well as helping children when necessary and keeping our center clean. Luanne loves to decorate the center for the holidays.
Dennis LacQuay/CFO
Little Puzzlers Child Care Center, Inc/Co-Director
Dennis is the CFO of Little Puzzlers Child Care Center as well as our licensed kitchen manager, General Contractor, Director of HR, and maintenance. Dennis is an endless source of entertainment for the children at Little Puzzlers! They delight in his visits and teachers are often asked where he is if he has been absent from the center for any length of time. He makes it a point to say "Hi" to all of the children and frequently is seen on one knee having a conversation with a preschooler or toddler or walking the hallway with an infant in his arms just to get his "grandpa" fix.
Dennis is a Commercial Insurance Consultant and owns DKL & Associates. Dennis has been in Insurance for 36 years and was one of the youngest Insurance Agents hired in the State of Minnesota. He attends continuing education workshops and seminars. Dennis facilitates various workshops for our staff, bringing his 36 years of managerial and adult teaching experience to his trainings which include civil rights, professionalism, HIPPA, CACFP, workplace safety, etc.