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.

Annie earned her B.S. in Early Childhood Education & Child Services from Montana State University. Annie worked in early childhood programs, camps, and nanny settings. She received her Nature-based Teacher Certification from Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools. Annie enjoys sewing, hiking, and boating with her family.

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.

Madalyn is an Early Childhood Special Ed Teacher at Minnetonka Public Schools and a graduate student at Mankato State University. She is from North Carolina and moved to Minnesota to obtain her Bachelor’s from University of Minnesota Duluth in Early Childhood Education with licensures in general and special ed. She enjoys time with her family and friends, reading, cooking, and the outdoors.

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 Elementary 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.

Jennifer began teaching at Dodge in 2013. 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.

Dan graduated from Bethel University in 2000 and has since been an Early Childhood teacher for toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarteners. His background is in Montessori, Reggio, and Creative Curriculum. Dan’s passions include his family, friends, and teaching. He enjoys nature, camping, and rock climbing and has lived in the house his grandmother grew up in South Minneapolis for the past 22 years!

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.

Marlen moved to Saint Paul from Seattle, Washington, where she worked in early childhood education for 12+ years. She has a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and a M.A. in Human Development, specializing in leadership in education and human services. She enjoys traveling and exploring new places, reading, good coffee, and spending time with her husband and corgi.

Lydia joined the Dodge team in 2021. She has her B.A. in Educational Studies from the College of St. Scholastica. She nannied throughout college and worked with students of all ages during her practicum in the Duluth/Superior schools. Lydia enjoys traveling, hiking, snowboarding, and spending time outdoors with her husband and dogs.

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.

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 and Technical College. She has 8 years of experience working with children in various roles. Ella enjoys crafts, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her husband and cat.

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.