Preschool Staff

Amy has her M.A. in Early Childhood Education from Sonoma State University and her B.S. in Business from the University of Minnesota. Before Dodge, Amy taught preschool using a Reggio Emilia approach, managed family, preschool, and camp programs in nature and environmental centers, and was an Adjunct Child Development Professor.

Joey has been a part of the team at Dodge Nature Preschool since 2003. She holds a B.A. in history from Macalester College and an M. Ed. in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Minnesota. Joey is a regular contributor to the podcast “Teaching with the Body in Mind.”

Beki has been at Dodge Nature Preschool since the fall of 2016. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Beki has worked as a newscast producer and in public relations. Most recently, she spent eight years teaching cake decorating classes.

Allison has been part of the team since 2017. Allison is alumni preschool parent and has experience as a lunch bunch, substitute and float teacher. Allison has a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Cornell University and continues to grow her knowledge of early childhood and nature education through continuing education.

Kristin began teaching at Dodge Nature Preschool in 2008. She is an alumni parent and volunteer. She has a B.A. in Biology with minors in chemistry and math from the University of Minnesota Morris and a M.Ed. in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota. She enjoys spending time outdoors, camping, geocaching, cooking, and spending time with her family.

EJ holds a B.A. in History from Macalester College. In recent years, they have worked as a scenic carpenter, farmer, camp counselor, nanny, and most recently as a teacher at a Montessori Preschool. They enjoy spending time outside and making things with their hands.

Kristi is so excited to begin her time at Dodge this school year! She brings 15+ years of experience in childcare, and holds an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education from Moorpark College, a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Augsburg University, and most recently a master’s degree in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College. In her free time, Kristi is usually reading a book, gardening, and spending quality time in nature.

Danielle has worked as a naturalist with Minneapolis Parks and Recreation, collaborated with Minneapolis Nature Preschool, and teaches prairie ecology classes at Green Wisdom School of Botanical Medicine. Danielle received her B.A. in Gender Studies and a minor in Environment, Society, and Culture from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire.

Liz is an alumni parent who joined the Dodge team in 2022. She also works part time as a substitute paraprofessional at Garlough Environmental Magnet School, and has enjoyed experiencing Dodge’s beautiful grounds and programs with all ages. In her free time, Liz loves gardening, swimming, and exploring state parks.

Angélica is excited to begin her time at Dodge this school year as a substitute teacher! She brings 8+ years of experience in youth education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in teaching from her country of birth, Colombia, and 2 years of progress towards a Master’s in Education from the University of Minnesota. In her free time, Angélica enjoys reading, writing, and spending time in nature.

Katie came to Dodge Nature Preschool in the fall of 2020. She worked as a Naturalist at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, has a B.A. in Biology from the University of Minnesota Morris, and a Certificate of Environmental Education and Sustainability from Antioch University New England. Katie enjoys cross-country skiing, biking, baking, and crafts.

Jillian is married with two teen daughters and loves to go on adventures with their family. They graduated from Concordia University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Jillian's passion is watching littles learn and grow—playtime is their favorite part of the day! They're excited to spend their school year at Dodge Nature Preschool.

Kristenza began teaching at Dodge Nature Preschool in 2009. Kristenza has a B.F.A. in Photography from the San Francisco Art Institute and attended the University of Minnesota Master Gardener Core Program. She completed her Child Development Associate through the National Council of Professional Recognition. A parent of two Preschool alumni, Kristenza has taught art and photography for the Girls Scouts of Saint Croix Valley and for the YMCA.

Kari began teaching at Dodge in 2014. She has 15+ years of experience as an early childhood teacher with extensive study in the Reggio Emilia Approach. She has a B.A. from Hamline University in Communications & Psychology and Early Childhood credits from St. Catherine University. Kari enjoys spending time with her family hiking, exploring, and making music.

Julia is a former Dodge Nature Center Naturalist Fellow. She holds a Master's of Education in Natural Science and Environmental Education and a Bachelor's in Elementary and Special Education. She enjoys hiking, crafting, cooking, and spending time outside with her family.

Mikaela graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with B.A.S in Environmental and Outdoor Education with coursework in Childhood Nature Studies. Mikaela previously guided canoe trips and was an Assistant Director at a wilderness camp on Lake Superior. In her free time, she enjoys cooking over a fire, sleeping under the stars, and making wall art.

Dasha is an alumni parent and has been at Dodge since 2016. She has her Master’s in Early Childhood Education from the University of Minnesota. She is excited to spend time with children in nature and utilize her growing knowledge of early childhood education. Dasha enjoys spending time outdoors biking, skiing, kayaking, and traveling.

Melissa received her M.A. in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University and her B.S. in Human Services from Geneva College. Melissa taught at the Concordia University campus and was a Youth Director at the YMCA in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Melissa enjoys biking, fishing, hiking, and spending time with her husband, cat, and poodle.

Melissa received her B.A. of Education from the University of Wisconsin and her Masters at Lesley University. She joined Dodge in 2015. She has experience developing curriculum for children K-8 about wellness and sustainability, curriculum built around gardens, greenhouses, and schoolyard chickens. Melissa enjoys yoga and exploring local parks with her family.

fionn graduated from Hampshire College with a concentration in Critical Media Studies and Filmmaking, and holds a Child Development Associate teaching certification. fionn taught in various early learning settings including Reggio Emilia & Montessori-inspired spaces. They enjoy biking, outdoor adventures with their dog, and spending time near water.

Anna holds a Master's in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University, a Bachelor's of Music Education from Cornell University, a diploma in Montessori Early Childhood, and has a deep passion for Reggio-inspired learning. She has experience teaching children of all ages—infant, toddler, preschool, K-8, and high school—in public, charter, and private settings. Anna enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, playing board games, listening to and making music, and all things art.