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's degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri Columbia. Beki has worked as a newscast producer and as a cake decorating instructor. She recently launched her twin boys off to college! Beki enjoys wildflower hikes, baking and snuggling her cats.

Allison has been part of the preschool 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 a minor 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.

Kristi has been at Dodge Nature Preschool since 2023. She holds an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education from Moorpark College, a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Augsburg University, and a master’s degree in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College. Kristi is usually reading a book, gardening, and spending time in nature. 

Danielle joined Dodge Nature Preschool in 2019 and worked as a naturalist with Minneapolis Parks and Recreation, and teaches prairie ecology classes at Green Wisdom School of Botanical Medicine. Danielle received her B.A. in Gender Studies with a minor in Environment, Society & Culture from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. She loves reading and spending time by the river.

Sophie joined Dodge in 2024. She has a degree from St. Olaf College in Exercise Science. Sophie has six years of experience as a patient care assistant (PCA) for individuals with disabilities and taught as a literacy instructor. She is working on obtaining her birth & postpartum doula certification. In her free time, Sophie likes crocheting, thrifting, and spending time outdoors.

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 master’s in Education from Antioch University, New England. Katie enjoys cross-country skiing, biking, baking, and crafts.

Judy has a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Minnesota and M.A. in Teaching, Science & Inquiry from Hamline University. Judy joined the Dodge team in 2017 after she supported Bud, the Dodge Nature Center eagle, as he made his home here. She is an Education Presenter for the University of Minnesota Raptor Center and a Master Gardener.

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.

Ella has a B.S. in Wildlife Biology with a minor in Environmental Science from the University of Minnesota, and Early Childhood Education credits from Minneapolis Community & Technical College. She has over 10 years of experience working with children in various roles, most recently at Country Day. Ella enjoys crafts, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her husband & cat.

Julia is a former Dodge Nature Center Naturalist Fellow. She holds a master’s in Education in Natural Science and Environmental Education and an B.A 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 master's from 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 Queer Studies and Filmmaking, and holds a Child Development Associate teaching certification. they have experience in Reggio- and Montessori-inspired teaching spaces and enjoy making art with children. they love big bodies of water, animal documentaries, and spending time with their partner & two dogs.

Anna holds a master's in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University, a bachelor's of Music Education from Cornell University, and a diploma in Montessori Early Childhood. She has experience teaching children of all ages in public, charter, and private settings. Anna enjoys time with her family, cooking, playing board games, listening to & making music, and all things art.

Alyssa is from Rochester, Minnesota, and is an experienced environmental educator with her bachelor’s from Concordia College Moorhead. Most recently, she worked at a small nonprofit teaching 3rd Grade Science at a Saint Paul charter school and taught for 2 years at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center. Alyssa enjoys exploring nature, reading, and playing guitar.

EJ holds a B.A. in History from Macalester College and a graduate certificate in Early Childhood Education Pedagogy from the University of Colorado Boulder. They enjoy spending time outside, gardening, and making things with their hands.

Liz is an alumni parent who joined the preschool 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.

Lauree is a Substitute Teacher currently working towards their associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Dakota County Technical College. She is fascinated by nature-based learning and enjoys studying how children thrive through hands-on exploration. Lauree is super excited about what Dodge Nature Center can teach her! She is also an aspiring author, writing children’s books inspired by the wonders of early childhood. Outside of the classroom, Lauree loves cooking, making homemade jam, farmers markets, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Kat is excited to start their time at Dodge Nature Preschool in the Oak Classroom. They earned their bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and have been working as an environmental educator ever since. They spent last year as a Dodge Nature Center Naturalist Fellow.

Jenni has a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the College of St. Benedict and M.A. in Education from the University of Minnesota Duluth. She’s been an early educator since 2013 and worked at Macdonald Montessori and Country Day schools. She was a Seasonal Naturalist at Dodge Nature Center and helped plant the preschool’s prairie. She enjoys spending time with her family outside.