Ms. Grassle
Lead Preschool II Teacher
Ms. Grassle is the Lead Teacher in the Preschool II classroom. She has achieved a degree in Early Child Development and will be furthering her degree in the Child Life Specialist field. She has worked with children since first taking a babysitting class at the age of 11.
Ms. Grassle has a wonderful family with whom she looks for every available moment to see. She has one brother, sister, and brother in-law (who are expecting their first baby in March- and therefore making her a first time “Auntie”!) Her parents are the solid rock in the family and are extremely caring, loving and supportive. She also has an amazing fiancé and is busy planning her wedding and looking forward to spending their lives together. Outside of work, she goes to school and oil paints in her studio. She enjoys camping, hiking, home improvement projects, shopping and playing golf! She is also in the process of publishing a children’s book about picky eaters.
When asked what she enjoys about working with children, “I love working with children because I am learning something new about children every day. Therefore- it never gets boring! I never feel old, because I can be a child right along with them! Seeing kids accomplish milestones is also an amazing thing to be a part of!”
We are excited to have Ms. Grassle on our team because of her creativity and sweet personality.
Photo courtesy of www.olivejuicestudios.com |
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Ms. Swenson
Lead Infant Teacher
Ms. Swenson is our Lead Teacher in our Infant classroom. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Stout with a Bachelor’s degree in Service Management.
She has lived in Rochester most of her life. She lived in Orlando, Florida for 7 months after graduating from college. She loved the weather, but returned to Rochester. There are 5 people in her family, including her parents and 2 brothers, who are attending college. In her free time she enjoys traveling, watching sports games, being outdoors on the water and hanging out with friends and family.
When asked what she enjoys about working children, “I enjoy working with children and watching how much they grow and develop in such a short period of time.”
We are excited to have Ms. Swenson on our team because of her fun-loving personality and positive attitude!
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Ms. Benson
Lead Preschool I Teacher
Ms. Benson is our Lead Preschool Teacher in Preschool I. She graduated from Winona State University with a degree in Elementary Education and an Early Childhood emphasis. She has had many experiences working with children including working as a Preschool teacher at a childcare center, working in a mentoring program for four years, student teaching and working as a substitute teacher after graduating.
Her parents live in Peterson and she has a brother and sister that both live in Winona. Her hobbies include rollerblading, reading and spending time outside with family and friends.
When asked what she enjoys about working with children, “I love working with children because it allows me to see the uniqueness of each child. I love to have fun with them which will give me the opportunity to teach them something new everyday!”
We are excited to have Ms. Benson on our team because of her wealth of experience working with children and her calming personality. She has a warm smile that is sure to put children and families at ease!
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Ms. Dvorak
Lead Private Pre-Kindergarten I Teacher
Ms. Dvorak is our Lead Private Pre-Kindergarten Teacher in our Private Pre-Kindergarten I classroom. She graduated from Wartburg College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in Early Childhood and Special Education. She has had a variety of student teaching experiences with a variety of age group and has been working as a Preschool teacher for the past 2 years at an Early Childhood Development Center in the Twin Cities.
She has family in the area and is excited to return to Rochester to be closer to them! In her spare time she enjoys taking pictures, scrapbooking, listening to music and spending time with friends and family.
When asked why she enjoys working with children, “I love their curiosity about life and their strong desire to learn. I love how they always know how to make you smile, especially on your ‘not so sunny’ days.”
We are excited to have Ms. Dvorak on our team because of her experience with this particular age group (4-5 year olds). She is a great communicator and is able to effectively build positive relationships with co-workers, parents and children!
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Ms. Mulvihill
Lead Young Toddler Teacher
Ms. Mulvihill is our Lead Young Toddler Teacher. She was born and raised in Rochester. After graduating from Mayo High School she went on to attend Alexandria Technical College. She graduated from Alexandria with a Level 2 Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education. After completing her certificate, she returned to Rochester and worked at a local childcare center and as a Lab Assistant at a local medical facility. After having her first child, she opened her own in-home daycare. She has been a Licensed Family Childcare Provider for the past 6 years.
Ms. Mulvihill has been married for 8 years and has 3 beautiful children and a black lab. She loves camping, fishing and reading, as well as, scrapbooking, shopping and spending time with family and friends.
When asked what she enjoys about working with children, “Watching a child’s face light up with excitement with every new experience they encounter is one of the most rewarding aspects of working with children.”
We are excited to have Ms. Mulvihill on our team because of her motherly instinct and her dedication to the children in her care. She is a people-person and will be a great communicator in our Infant program and put our Primrose families at ease!
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Ms. Eggert
Lead Early Preschool I Teacher
Ms. Eggert is our Lead Early Preschool Teacher in our Early Preschool I classroom. She has worked in childcare for 22 years with children ages 16 months through 5 years of age. She started as a parent volunteer and made advancements as a Teacher Aide, Assistant Teacher and then Lead Teacher. With each advancement, she continued her education at RCTC to further enrich the lives of the children she was working with.
Outside of work, Ms. Eggert enjoys spending time with her husband, two grown sons and grandchildren. She also enjoys spending time during the summer at their place in Wisconsin and reading.
When asked what she enjoys about working with children, “Everyday is a different day. My day begins with hugs and ends with hugs. In a child’s eyes I am the best artist, singer and storyteller.”
We are excited to have Ms. Eggert on our team because of her many years of experience and her kind, caring heart. She is a natural care-giver and will be a great asset to our Early Preschool program. One of her greatest gifts is a knack for potty training! We are excited for her to partner with our Early Preschool parents on the potty training journey.
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Ms. Reed
Lead Private Pre-Kindergarten II Teacher
Ms. Reed is our Lead Private Pre-Kindergarten Teacher. She graduated, with honors, with a Degree in Elementary Education and a Preprimary Emphasis and is licensed to teach children age 3 years through 6th grade. She has worked with children in a variety settings! Some of her experiences include: student teaching (3-5 year old classrooms and First Grade), working as a teacher for 4 and 5 year olds in a childcare center for 3 years, over 13 years as a licensed in-home provider, nanny, Sunday School Teacher and a youth group volunteer. In high school she spent time as an exchange student in Germany and had the opportunity to work in a fourth grade classroom teaching English.
Outside of teaching, Ms. Reed enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. Often times she claims she is also a taxi driver for her children- getting them to and from sports practice, games and friends houses. She is a huge Ice Hawks fan, enjoys watching the Vikings and Timberwolves, prefers watching a Twins game in person and is still waiting to go to a MN Wild game! Her hobbies include volleyball, scrapbooking, stamping cards, camping and reading a good book.
When asked what she enjoys about working with children, “Working with children allows me to impact the future. Children are a gift and it is a blessing to see them grow and change while they are in my classroom.”
We are excited to have Ms. Reed on our team because of her wealth of experience with children and specifically, her experience with 4 and 5 years olds. She has a positive outlook and we feel her positive attitude will be a great asset to our Primrose Team. Her smile is warm and welcoming to all!
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Ms. Kropp
Curriculum Coordinator
Ms. Kropp will be helping cover the front desk this summer during Ms. Manguson’s maternity leave. She will transition into her new role as Curriculum Coordinator upon return from her maternity leave. After graduating from Century High School, she went to St. Cloud State University and earned a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. She has worked in a School Age Child Care program since high school and has also worked as a Long Term Substitute in a First Grade classroom. She has worked for the past year as our Lead Explorers teacher.
Ms. Kropp is married and will be celebrating her third anniversary in September. She has a Wheaten Terrier, which continues to be a learning experience for her and her husband! She and her husband are expecting their first child in August! She enjoys camping, fishing and being outdoors
When asked why she enjoys working with children, “I like watching each child grow into their very own person by developing their own likes and dislikes and making important life changes.”
We are excited to have Ms. Kropp on our team because of her experience working in a school age setting and her excitement to help our teachers reach their fullest potential with the Primrose curriculum! She has a high level of energy, is very personable and has wonderful ideas to help bring the Primrose curriculum alive!
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Ms. Johnson
Substitute Assistant Teacher
Ms. Johnson is an Assistant Teacher and substitutes throughout the school. She is currently going to school for Nursing and is hoping to become a Registered Nurse and work in pediatrics. She has her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. She began to build her work experience when she was 14 and it was while working in a childcare facility that her love for children really began!
Ms. Johnson has enjoyed playing volleyball since the fifth grade and has recently begun playing in a pool league. She also has a large family- some living here and some in Indiana, but loves them all and would do anything she could to help them!
When asked what she enjoys about working with children, “It’s fun to see their eyes light up over the little things. They get excited over something so small, which is nice to see. They appreciate the little things. Their honesty is sometimes hilarious as well!”
We are excited to have Ms. Johnson on our team because of her energy and fun-loving attitude. She will become a familiar face throughout all of our classrooms at the school, but will spend a lot of time with our Explorers! Photos courtesy of www.olivejuicestudios.com |
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Ms. Andring
Summer Assistant
Ms. Andring works at Primrose School of Rochester as a Summer Assistant Teacher. She attended Dover-Eyota High School, where she was involved with volleyball, basketball, concert band, jazz band, concert choir and was Student Council President during her senior year. She is just completing her junior year at University of Wisconsin- La Crosse where she is majoring in Elementary Education and working on a minor in Special Education. With nine nieces and nephews, she has had many wonderful experiences with children. She has babysat for the last 8 years and was a Lead Counselor for a local science camp last summer. Currently, she is working with children at a campus childcare center.
Ms. Andring comes from a very large family- she is the youngest with 6 older brothers and 1 older sister. In addition to the immediate family, she also has five sister in-laws, five nephews and four nieces. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, playing sports, shopping and playing games.
When asked why she enjoys working with children, “I think children have a wonderful sense of humor that is unique. The amount of knowledge and creativity they have always impresses me. They are so energetic and cute that it is hard not to smile when you are in their presence.”
We are excited to have Ms. Andring on our team because of her experience and flexibility working with a variety of age groups. As a float in our building she will be working in all of the classrooms throughout any given week and will be able to share her fun-loving personality with everyone!
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Ms. Ellis
Summer Assistant
Ms. Ellis is one of our Summer Assistant Teachers! She is currently majoring in Elementary Education and Child Development at North Dakota State University. She graduated from John Marshall High School.
Ms. Ellis has two sisters, one younger and one older. She was born in Iowa, but raised in Rochester. She enjoys being outside, doing activities outdoors, swimming and playing sports. She loves animals- she has a dog, an awesome fish and 2 cats.
When asked what she enjoys about working with children, “I love working with children because they make me happy!”
We are excited to have Ms. Ellis on our team because of her energy and willingness to step in and help out with anything that is needed! She has a fun personality and will be a great asset to all classrooms she is working in!
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Ms. Schafer
Assistant Teacher in Infants
Ms. Schafer is our Assistant Teacher in our Infant program. She will also be working with our Young Toddler room. She is currently finishing coursework at RCTC and will have an AAS degree in Child Development at the end of the fall semester. She has worked for 2 years in a childcare setting.
Outside of work she enjoys gardening and cooking. She enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also keeps herself very busy with wedding planning!
When asked what she enjoys about working with children, “I enjoy their smiles and hugs. You never know what the day will bring- children are so full of surprises!”
We are excited to have Ms. Schafer on our team because of her calming demeanor. She is a natural with Infants!
Photo courtesy of www.olivejuicestudios.com |
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Ms. Arthur
Early Preschool II Assistant Teacher
Ms. Arthur is our Assistant Teacher in our Early Preschool II classroom. She graduated several years ago from Westmar College in Iowa with a B.A. in Education. She taught Physical Education and coached for 5 years and worked as a Lead Teacher in a Toddler classroom for a couple years. Working with the 16 month olds to 36 month olds was her favorite job ever!
In 2009 she had the opportunity to spend more time with her granddaughter, volunteered in a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) program and volunteered at Season’s Hospice. She is married to her husband Scott, and has 2 grown daughters. She comes from a family of 5, with an identical twin sister, a brother and 2 more sisters. Reading, working out, card making and socializing are things she enjoys doing in her spare time.
She enjoys working with children “because they are like sponges and want to learn. I am thrilled to get to work with 2 and 3 year olds again!”
We are excited to have Ms. Arthur on our team because of her enthusiasm for life and genuine love of children!
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Ms. Parks
Assistant Teacher, Preschool I and II
Ms. Parks is currently working as the Assistant Teacher in our Preschool I and II classrooms. She has a Bachelor of Music Degree in piano teaching from the University of MN, Duluth. She also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Winona State University. She teaches private piano lessons and has done substitute teaching in the school district.
She has been married to her husband, Tobias, for 10 years. They have no children, but enjoy the companionship of their 5 rescued dogs and 3 rescued cats. She enjoys going to movies and eating out.
When asked what she enjoys about working with children, “I love working with children because their innocence and joy is fascinating to me. Being with children make the joy and adrenaline come alive in myself. I can’t imagine a more rewarding profession for myself than teaching and nurturing children!”
We are excited to have Ms. Parks on our team because of her dedication to children and spirit she brings to the classroom!
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Ms. Berg
Toddler Assistant Teacher
Ms. Berg is our Assistant Teacher in the Toddler classroom. She graduated in May 2009 with an Associates degree in Child Development. She has many experiences working with children including: babysitting, volunteering at a Summer Camp, and vacation Bible School teacher.
She lives in Stewartville. She has 3 Godchildren and a niece, that she loves spending time with! She grew up in a family daycare. When she is not at school or working, she loves spending time with family and friends camping, canoeing or just watching movies.
When asked what she enjoys working with children, “I like seeing them learn and seeing them incorporate something you taught them into their play.”
We are excited to have Ms. Berg on our team because of her fun-loving personality, willingness to help out wherever needed and the fun she brings into the classroom! She is a natural with children!
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Ms. Fleming
Private Pre Kindergarten I Assistant Teacher
Ms. Fleming is our Assistant Teacher in our Private Pre-Kindergarten I classroom. She attended Lourdes High School and then continued her education at University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. She graduated in December 2008 with a degree in Journalism and minor in Sociology. She spent some time working as an intern at a magazine publishing company and then worked as a substitute paraprofessional in the Pine Island School District. While working as a paraprofessional, she remembered why she loved working with children!
She lived most of her life in Rochester, so after 4 years in Missouri, she is glad to be back in her hometown. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her boyfriend, friends and family. She also likes to swim, scrapbook and practice her Spanish skills.
When asked what she enjoys about working with children, “I enjoy a child’s constant curiosity and am elated when I can assist with their discovery and education.”
We are excited to Ms. Fleming on our team because of her calm demeanor and ability to put the children at ease. Her warm smile welcomes children and families to the classroom! Photo courtesy of www.olivejuicestudios.com |
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Ms. Fisher
Young Toddler Assistant Teacher
Ms. Fisher is our Assistant Teacher in our Young Toddler classroom. She attended Kirkwood Community College in Iowa to earn her A.S. in Early Childhood Education. She worked as an Assistant in an in-home childcare setting for the past three years, working with children of all ages.
She grew up in Iowa, but recently moved to Rochester. She enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, going to movies, camping, fishing and riding motorcycles. She enjoys running and reading an occasional mystery book.
When asked what she enjoys about working with children, “I enjoy working with children, because of the impact I have on them. It is so important to help children grow- I love knowing and seeing that I am a part of that!”
We are excited to have Ms. Fisher on our team because of her positive attitude and warm smile!
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Ms. Lewis
Assistant Teacher Early Preschool
Ms. Lewis is our Assistant Teacher in the Early Preschool 1 and 2 classrooms. She is currently taking classes online to earn her Associates Degree in Elementary Education and then plan on working towards her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She was the Assistant Director at a center from May 2007 until March 2010. She has worked with children since she was 13, when she started babysitting.
She grew up in Plainview Minnesota and recently returned to Plainview to be closer to her fiancé. She is getting married November 6, 2010! Outside of work, she enjoys four wheeling, hanging out with friends, and spending time with her fiancé and family.
When asked what she enjoys about working with children, “I enjoy seeing children grow and seeing the children figure things out. It makes me happy that I have a role in their growth!”
We are excited to have her on our team because of her positive attitude and ability to take charge! She is a natural with the children and an effective communicator!
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Ms. Will
Toddler Assistant Teacher
Ms. Will is our afternoon Assistant Teacher in our Toddler classroom. She graduated 2 years ago from Luther College, where she studied Anthropology and Classical Studies. She even got the opportunity to study abroad in Tanzania! She took several art classes, where she discovered her love of painting.
While in college, she worked at a camp in Northern Minnesota during the summers. It was there that she realized how much she truly loved working with children. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband and two cats, as well as friends and family. She enjoys reading, watching movies, painting, drawing and many other crafts.
When asked what she enjoys about working with children, “It is very rewarding to look in a child’s face, see a change and know that I had a hand in helping that child grow.”
We are excited to have Ms. Will on our team because of her calm demeanor and her caring attitude towards the children. She is very flexible and willing to help out throughout the school!
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Ms. Sexton
Infant and Young Toddler Assistant Teacher
Ms. Sexton is our Assistant Teacher in the Infant and Young Toddler classroom. She is from the Rochester area. She operated her own in-home daycare for 5 years.
She currently lives in Racine with her husband, Buck and their 2 children. They spend a lot of time together as a family outside of work. Some of their favorite activities include snowboarding and golfing.
When asked what she enjoys about working with children, “I am very excited to be working at Primrose School! I love working with children and watching them grow and learn.”
We are excited to have Ms. Sexton on our team because of her genuine love of children! Her caring personality shines through in everything she does in the classroom!
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