Preschool Staff

Marty has been the Director of Dodge Nature Preschool since 2008. She has a M.S. in Education, Supervision and Leadership from Bank Street College, NYC, and comes to Dodge from an Early Childhood program in New Jersey, where she was the director and head teacher. While in this setting she studied and implemented the Reggio Emilia approach. Work experiences in New Jersey included directing full day childcare, founding an afterschool program, and supervising Head Start teachers. During the past 35 years Marty has worked with students of all ages, from infants to adults. Her passion for nature comes from growing up on a farm in Western South Dakota.

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. In 2014, she was the recipient of the Kate Davidson Tanner Award. 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.

Jennifer began teaching at Dodge in 2013. She grew up learning from nature and enjoys sharing her appreciation with young children. She has earned a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Film at the University of St. Thomas and a Master’s in Education: Natural Science and Environmental Education from Hamline University. Jennifer has worked in the Bloomington school district and at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.

April began teaching at Dodge Nature Preschool in 2017. Previously she taught preschool at Fraser school and worked as a special education teaching assistant in the Saint Paul Public Schools. She has a BS in Human Services and Early childhood and a Master’s in Education: Natural Sciences and Environmental Education from Hamline University. April enjoys camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, gardening, and generally spending time outside with her family.

Judy received her BA in Sociology and Masters of Arts in Teaching; Science and Inquiry from Hamline University. She has taught at Breck School and student taught at Mounds View School. She has been an education presenter for the University of Minnesota Raptor Center and is a Master Gardener. She supported Bud, the Dodge Nature Center eagle, as he made his home here at Dodge.

Julie received her BA in Psychology from St. Olaf College, completed a Pre-K licensure program at the University of Minnesota and has completed additional graduate work in Education and Social Work. Her professional experiences include working as a teacher/director at Neighborhood House Child Care Center, working as an early intervention coordinator/teacher at Families Together Program of Lifetrack Resource, and teaching Pre-K in the St. Paul Public Schools. Julie teaches an online course through the Center for Early Education and Development, University of Minnesota and is also a published author.

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 has completed her Child Development Associate through the National Council of Professional Recognition, and is currently working on a Masters in Environmental Education at Hamline. A parent of two preschool alumni, Kristenza has taught art and photography for the Girls Scouts of Saint Croix Valley and for the YMCA.

Wes earned his B.S. Degree and has nearly completed his M.S. in Plant Science from South Dakota State University. Previous to working at Dodge, he taught children and adults at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary. He grew up on a South Dakota farm and takes pride in the soil-stained crevices of his fingertips. He believes in teaching a respect for nature that is born in love rather than fear. This means smelling the earth, touching the plants, and mindfully stepping off trail to take a closer look.

Kari has 12 years of experience as an early childhood teacher with extensive study and experience in the Reggio Emilia Approach. Her educational background includes a B.A. from Hamline University in Communications and Psychology and early childhood credits from St. Kate’s.

Johannah has worked with young children most of her life, both in and out of school settings. She gained experience in nature education with a student teaching placement at Dodge Nature Preschool in the spring of 2016. Johannah is a graduate of the University of Northwestern, St. Paul with a degree in Early Childhood Education.

Britney began teaching at Dodge Nature Preschool in 2008. Britney is an alumni parent and was a volunteer at the preschool. Britney holds a B.S. in Life Science, Natural Resources from the University of Minnesota. Britney enjoys being outside and spending time with her family. Her hobbies include sketching, photography, and running.

Luzia began her teaching career early as a teacher at her church. She graduated from the State University of Goias, Brazil and has 16 years of experience with kindergarten, preschool and special needs children. She is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. She has a love for nature and outdoor life. She is eager to share her knowledge and skills with children, families and colleagues.

Melissa received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Wisconsin and her Masters at Lesley University, Cambridge, MA. She has had experience developing curriculum for children K-8 about wellness and sustainability-- curriculum built around a school garden, greenhouse and schoolyard chickens.

Kristin has worked with children since high school and 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 cooking, the outdoors, photography and spending time with her children.

Allison joined the Dodge team in 2018 as a lunch Bunch teacher and sub. Allison was a Dodge parent, active volunteer and classroom sub during the time her two children attended DNP. Her interest and enthusiasm for our work continued after her children finished preschool. Allison has a degree in hotel and restaurant management from Cornell University and looks forward to growing her knowledge in the area of early childhood and nature education.

Dasha started as a substitute teacher at Dodge in 2016 after her two children graduated from Dodge Nature Preschool. Dasha has a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Brno. She moved to the United States in 2002 and is currently studying Early Childhood Education at the University of Minnesota.