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.

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 this year. 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.

Sue has a B.A. in Child Psychology, Early Childhood teaching license from the University of Minnesota, and a Parent Education teaching license from St. Cloud State University. Sue has taught preschool using the Reggio Emilia and Montessori approaches. She has extensive experience teaching Early Childhood Family Education & therapeutic preschools.

April has been at Dodge since 2018. She taught preschool at Fraser School and was a Special Education Teaching Assistant in Saint Paul Public Schools. She has an A.S. in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s in Natural Sciences & Environmental Education from Hamline University. April enjoys camping, hiking, and canoeing with her family.

Justin Jones is a composer, early childhood educator, and dance educator. He earned his BFA in Dance at New York University in 2001 and worked as a professional Modern Dancer. He moved to Minneapolis in 2004 and began teaching at Temple Israel Early Childhood Center where he worked from 2006-2020. Justin enjoys spending time with his children, Lucy and Henry, and pursuing his two hobbies, skateboarding and Karaoke.

Sally holds an Master's in Early Childhood Education from the University of Minnesota. She has taught preschool and elementary students and holds licenses for birth through 6th grade and certification through the Minnesota Master Naturalist program. She volunteers as a teacher/naturalist, serves on the MAEE board and enjoys family hiking, canoeing, and more.

Katie came to Dodge Nature Preschool in the fall of 2020. She worked as a Naturalist at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center and 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.

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 has been an Education Presenter for the University of Minnesota Raptor Center and is a Master Gardener.

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.

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.

Marty has been part of Dodge Nature Preschool since 2008 and served as the Director and a Lead Teacher. She has a M.S. in Education from Bank Street College in New York City. Work experiences in New Jersey included directing full day childcare, founding director or an afterschool program, and Head Start Supervisor. Marty’s passion for nature comes from her years growing up on a farm in Western South Dakota.