Staff Bios

Cedar Kids is a Safe, Fun, Education Focused Childcare with an Encouraging Spiritual Foundation

Staff Bios

Staff Bios

Cedar Kids is a Safe, Fun, Education Focused
Childcare with an Encouraging Spiritual Foundation

Preschool & Childcare Serving the Greater Owatonna, MN Area

We're the Cedar Kids, Inc. Team & We're Committed to Lifelong Learning in a Caring Environment

Ms. Leslie

Assistant Director

I’m Ms. Leslie the Assistant Director and therefore I wear a lot of ‘hats’ around the center. In addition to my administrative duties you might find me substitute teaching, helping in the kitchen or whatever else might be needed on any given day. I have been with Cedar Kids for fifteen years in a variety of roles. I have a degree in Art Education from Mankato State. You’ll frequently find me at my desk by the door where I have the opportunity to greet everyone who enters the building and make them feel welcome. I really get a kick out of running into our students, past and present, out and about in the community and having them recognize me. My hobbies include weaving and spending time with family. I am very involved in my church including serving, alongside my husband, as armor bearers for the pastor.

Ms. Faith

Behavior Guidance Specialist

Hello, my name is Ms. Faith. I'm the center’s new Behavioral Guidance Specialist. I love to see children thrive at Cedar Kids and get satisfaction from the connections that come with understanding children's needs and development. My role is helping children navigate behavioral issues to the greatest degree possible right in their classroom setting. To me, every child can succeed given the right tools. I believe this is best achieved by training and mentoring classroom staff in behavior guidance strategies while assisting them with their daily routine. As we work together progressing children's intellectual growth I also share tools and strategies with both staff and children that stimulate children’s social maturation and emotional growth. At Cedar Kids we learn and grow right alongside your children in order to provide the children best care possible.

"When one teaches, two learn." - Robert Heinlein

Ms. Christine

Teacher

Hi! I'm Ms Christine, the preschool teacher in the 4-5 year old room. I've been working at Cedar Kids since 2005 - my first and only job - which I love. I've taught so many kids throughout the years. I love nurturing them and watching them grow. It’s so amazing how things start to click in their heads as they prepare for Kindergarten. I may not see all of them after they graduate from Cedar Kids into the school system but they will always be close to my heart. In my free time I serve at my church where I teach and lead the 0-6 year olds every Sunday. I also enjoy being with my family, going for walks, traveling, theater, playing video games, and being a huge goofball. I relate really well to Bandit from Bluey the TV show. I find I do a lot of the same things he does.

“Even if we forget the faces of our friends, We will never forget the
bonds that were carved into our souls.” – Otonashi Yuzuru

Ms. Heather

Teacher

I’m Ms. Heather and I have been with Cedar Kids for almost two years, working first as a teacher with toddlers and now in the Preschool 3-4 Room. I believe fostering in children a sense of balance between self-care and showing care and concern for others is a valuable life skill. I encourage both individually and teamwork in my classroom. I love to teach through music, hands-on learning and art. One of the favorite parts of my job is planting seeds of love, respect and kindness within the children that they will carry with them forever. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my son and cat, Scotch. I enjoy activities such as bowling, nature walks or just watching my son play video games. Other interests include gardening, crafts and photography. I’m also very involved in my church with everything from worship team to office administration.

Ms. Becca

Teacher

Hi! My name is Ms. Becca and you’ll find me all over the center working with different age groups in my role as an assistant teacher. Cedar Kids is my second position in the field since obtaining my certificate degree in early childhood education and I have been with the company for one year. I love working with and caring for children in a fast paced environment. I find that interacting with them is a fantastic way to look at the world through different eyes. It’s been so rewarding the personal growth I have experienced working in the childcare field. When I am not at work I love spending time unwinding with my family and friends watching a wide variety of movies and TV shows.

Ms. Monica

Teacher

Hi, I'm Ms. Monica! I am the new teacher for the school age room. This is my first year at Cedar Kids, but having seven nieces and nephews, gave me a jump start working with children at a very young age. I recently completed my bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Throughout college, I worked as a tutor in a school setting for students K-10th grade so I am definitely ready to jump in and help with any homework your child brings to the center. My favorite part of working with children is seeing them make new discoveries and helping them to make connections between their learning and real-life experiences. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my fiance, family and friends. When I can find the time I also enjoy crafting and reading!

Ms. Abby

Substitute Teacher

Hi! I’m Ms Abby and over the past 4 years at Cedar Kids I have worked with all ages from toddler to school age and have helped in the kitchen. My current role is as a substitute teacher while earning my degree in Early Childhood Education. I love working with children - It truly brings joy to my heart. Each milestone a child reaches is such a blessing to watch and a blessing to be a part of. In my freetime I enjoy doing bible studies, spending time with my fiance Ben and traveling to new places.

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” - Philippians 4:13

Ms. Maggie

Teacher

Hi my name is Ms. Maggie! I’m a new teacher in the toddler room. While I may be new to Cedar Kids I have worked in another daycare setting when I was attending college. Although I graduated with my bachelor of arts in English last year from Southwest Minnesota State University my true passion is working with children. I love watching them learn and grow. When I’m not working with children I also love reading, art, and spending time with friends and family.

Ms. Kianna

Assistant Teacher

I’m Ms. Kianna, the head teacher in the toddler 2 classroom. I'm a recent addition to the Cedar Kids Team, although I’ve been working with children the past two years while pursuing my teaching degree. Growing up I moved around a lot and therefore have been exposed to a number of different cultures. I feel this background has influenced my teaching style by cultivating the values of inclusiveness and acceptance. I strive for a supportive atmosphere in the classroom where kids can feel free to be kids. In my spare time I enjoy watching movies, spending time with family, volleyball, and camping.

Ms. Jina

Part Time Teacher

Hi, I’m Ms. Jina and my Cedar Kids career began five years ago. I am now a part time teacher who is generally found working with preschool aged children. I received my early childhood education at South Central College in Faribault. My favorite part of being a teacher is engaging with children. Fun and engaging circle times are my forte. I find it so rewarding to hear them repeat what I’ve taught them. I love the enthusiasm, spirit and the true desire to learn that children demonstrate. Away from the center I love being with my family, which includes my husband and our three wonderful sons. We are blessed to live on a small acreage in the country. Anything outside, especially camping, is my go-to happy place.

"Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss

Ms. Eman

Assistant Teacher

Hey there! I'm Eman, or you can call me "Ms. Eman" like the kids do. Currently, I'm a college student who has developed a strong interest in working with children. My lifelong dream has always been to become a teacher and to inspire young minds, just like my own teachers did for me. I find great joy in engaging with kids, helping them discover their full potential, and guiding them on their educational journey. Although I've just recently started working in this field, I'm already planning to stay here for many more years to come! When I'm not busy with teaching, I love immersing myself in nature, going on refreshing walks, and exploring breathtaking national parks. It's a great way for me to recharge and appreciate the beauty around us. Additionally, I have a passion for painting and sketching, which allows me to express my creativity during my free time.

Mr. Bryan

Operations Coordinator

I'm Mr. Bryan, the Operations Coordinator which is a fancy title for a part time helper behind the scenes - most often in a supporting role in the digital realm. Policies and procedures, spreadsheets, budgets and website work are my frequent haunts. However, when you do encounter me around the center you may recognize me as “the milkman” delivering fresh milk and a bevy of snacks to the center for the kiddos. I’m a local farm boy with an MA in History. After 25+ years of “big” retail management and loss prevention roles, I'm enjoying the impactfulness of contributing to a close knit team within a hometown business. I’ve been with Cedar Kids 3+ years. In my spare time I enjoy country living, watching F-1 racing, adding to my digital music collection and hoarding up vintage audio gear to play it back on.

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend
the first four sharpening the axe.” - Abraham Lincoln

Our Core Values Bear FRUIT

Faith

We believe all things are possible through Christ.

We know God has a plan & purpose for each life.

Respect

We treat others how we want to be treated.

We are aware of others' individuality.

Unity

We work together.

We complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Integrity

We are honest, trustworthy & make moral decisions.

We always do the right thing.

Thriving

We prosper in all arenas of life.

We pursue personal growth.

Hear What Parents Have To Say...

"This is a wonderful place"

Wonderful center for children. My son has been there for two weeks and he’s been talking so much and absolutely loves it there. This is a wonderful place.

– Brianna S

"They love, care and invest in my child"

As a mom, feeling safe and secure leaving your child with people you trust is #1! They love, care and invest in my child and I couldn’t be more grateful.

– Kirsten C

" I always know she is safe and learning!"

Wonderful place. I always know she is safe and learning! Overly ready for preschool when it's time & learns/sings/prays about Jesus

– Elizabeth W

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Giving back to the Community

Cedar Kids, Inc. has provided volunteers & financial support to the Owatonna Community Easter Egg Hunt since 2018.

View Event Informational Poster

Giving back to the Community

Cedar Kids, Inc. has provided volunteers & financial
support to the Owatonna Community Easter Egg Hunt since 2018.

View Event Informational Poster

Discover Our Values

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