Circle Pines Center is currently being directed by co-founder Linda Bartos King. She has a wonderful faculty of dedicated, seasoned teachers and aides.
Paula - Toddler Teacher in our Sprouts Room
Paula, a Bethel College graduate with a degree in Early Childhood and Family Education, has worked in early childhood education for over fifteen years. Paula resides in Circle Pines with her husband and four children, Rylee, Tyler, Emma and Owen. All of her children attend Love To Grow On and consider it their second home. Paula's parents play a very active grand-parenting role and Rylee and his grandpa have a special bond. Paula excels in creating loving relationships between the children, parents, and staff. Paula is waiting for that spare moment when she might be able to scrapbook or play a round of golf!
Jenny - Infant Room Experienced Aide
Jenny has been with us since the fall of 2006. Creative and funny, Jenny adds her unique style to the life of the center. Jenny is currently assisting in our Seedlings Room and provides loads of art and sensory ideas. Jenny has three daughters, Yasmine, Arianna and Audrina, all of whom attend Love to Grow On.
Kelly - Toddler Teacher in our Sprouts Room
Kelly received her Child Development Diploma from Anoka Hennepin Technical College. Kelly joined Love To Grow On during the summer of 2002. The toddlers are experiencing Kelly's favorite stage of development and she is a perfect match for their energy and enthusiasm! Outside of work, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family. Kelly enjoys riding her motorcycle, watching NASCAR races, and going to MN Wild hockey games. Kelly has a Rottweiler, and occasionally brings her pet snake, Jethro, to visit the center. Kelly is the proud mom of daughter Journey.
Helen Meissner
Hello! My name is Helen Meissner and I have worked at LTGO since April 2001. I am a lead teacher in the Son Flower Room. I have been in the child development field since June 1986. I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in English Literature. I am currently a student at the Institute of Children's Literature working on becoming a published author. I am interested in having children's literature published as well as publishing books on child development and early childhood education for parents. I have been married to my husband Kevin for 5 years. We have two cats: Calamityjane and Annie Oakley. In my spare time, I love to write, draw, take photographs and scrapbook, as well as knit, and crochet. I have received many ribbons and awards at the Anoka County Fair and Minnesota State Fair. My two Nieces, Elizabeth, Isabelle, and I love to spend time sharing these hobbies and entering items in the fairs together.
Sherie Voss - PreKindergarten Teacher in our Sonshine Room
Sherie grew up by Cloquet in northern MN. She cherishes memories of snowmobiling with her two sisters and parents to the middle of the woods, building a campfire, and roasting hot dogs! Sherie graduated from St. Cloud State University with a Degree in Recreation. However, something always drew her back to teaching. Sherie is passionate about sharing her love of music with children. Sherie and her husband, Craig, love watching their son, Matthew, grow and thank God daily for His gifts! Sherie enjoys scrap booking with friends, bead work, reading mysteries, and keeping quotes from children.
Renee - School Age Teacher in our God's Garden Room
Renee has been with us since March 2000. She has a great sense of humor and always keeps the school age children busy. Working with children from Kindergarten through 5th grade, Renee is able to plan fun learning opportunities for all the children in her class. The summers are spent exploring the woods next to the church, taking field trips and diving into messy art activities. Renee enjoys reading stories to the children each day. She has a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from the U of MN. Renee is married and has an adorable son, Ayden.
Amy
Hi! My name is Amy and I co-teach the Sonflower Pre-school classroom. I have my A.A. degree in Early Childhood Education, and 19 years of classroom experience. My husband and I have three children and we live north of the Cities. When I am not at Love To Grow On, I like to sew, garden, read, and I teach Sunday School at my church.
Jodie Bunish
My name is Jodie, and I am the Center Manager at Love To Grow On. I have my Elementary Education (K-6) degree, and over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and Education. I enjoy kids, singing on the worship team at my church, playing piano and guitar, gardening, writing, getting together with friends, and public speaking. I live in Circle Pines with my husband and 2 daughters, whom I currently home-school.
Shannon
My name is Miss Shannon and I have enjoyed working with children for the past 15 years. I have been at Love to Grow On since May of 2011, and it is my favorite place to work! I love teaching children about God's love and watching them grow. On my personal time I enjoy outdoor adventures, singing, dancing, riding horses, going to church and spending time with friends and family.
Whitney
My name is Whitney, and I am a recent graduate of Bethel University. As an early childhood education student, I worked as an infant teacher at the Bethel Child Development Center. I am originally from Redwood Falls, MN and I love spending my free time with my family and friends. I also love cheering on MN sports teams - especially the Twins and Vikings!
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Paula - Toddler Teacher in our Sprouts Room
Paula, a Bethel College graduate with a degree in Early Childhood and Family Education, has worked in early childhood education for over fifteen years. Paula resides in Circle Pines with her husband and four children, Rylee, Tyler, Emma and Owen. All of her children attend Love To Grow On and consider it their second home. Paula's parents play a very active grand-parenting role and Rylee and his grandpa have a special bond. Paula excels in creating loving relationships between the children, parents, and staff. Paula is waiting for that spare moment when she might be able to scrapbook or play a round of golf!
Jenny - Infant Room Experienced Aide
Jenny has been with us since the fall of 2006. Creative and funny, Jenny adds her unique style to the life of the center. Jenny is currently assisting in our Seedlings Room and provides loads of art and sensory ideas. Jenny has three daughters, Yasmine, Arianna and Audrina, all of whom attend Love to Grow On.
Kelly - Toddler Teacher in our Sprouts Room
Kelly received her Child Development Diploma from Anoka Hennepin Technical College. Kelly joined Love To Grow On during the summer of 2002. The toddlers are experiencing Kelly's favorite stage of development and she is a perfect match for their energy and enthusiasm! Outside of work, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family. Kelly enjoys riding her motorcycle, watching NASCAR races, and going to MN Wild hockey games. Kelly has a Rottweiler, and occasionally brings her pet snake, Jethro, to visit the center. Kelly is the proud mom of daughter Journey.
Helen Meissner
Hello! My name is Helen Meissner and I have worked at LTGO since April 2001. I am a lead teacher in the Son Flower Room. I have been in the child development field since June 1986. I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in English Literature. I am currently a student at the Institute of Children's Literature working on becoming a published author. I am interested in having children's literature published as well as publishing books on child development and early childhood education for parents. I have been married to my husband Kevin for 5 years. We have two cats: Calamityjane and Annie Oakley. In my spare time, I love to write, draw, take photographs and scrapbook, as well as knit, and crochet. I have received many ribbons and awards at the Anoka County Fair and Minnesota State Fair. My two Nieces, Elizabeth, Isabelle, and I love to spend time sharing these hobbies and entering items in the fairs together.
Sherie Voss - PreKindergarten Teacher in our Sonshine Room
Sherie grew up by Cloquet in northern MN. She cherishes memories of snowmobiling with her two sisters and parents to the middle of the woods, building a campfire, and roasting hot dogs! Sherie graduated from St. Cloud State University with a Degree in Recreation. However, something always drew her back to teaching. Sherie is passionate about sharing her love of music with children. Sherie and her husband, Craig, love watching their son, Matthew, grow and thank God daily for His gifts! Sherie enjoys scrap booking with friends, bead work, reading mysteries, and keeping quotes from children.
Renee - School Age Teacher in our God's Garden Room
Renee has been with us since March 2000. She has a great sense of humor and always keeps the school age children busy. Working with children from Kindergarten through 5th grade, Renee is able to plan fun learning opportunities for all the children in her class. The summers are spent exploring the woods next to the church, taking field trips and diving into messy art activities. Renee enjoys reading stories to the children each day. She has a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from the U of MN. Renee is married and has an adorable son, Ayden.
Amy
Hi! My name is Amy and I co-teach the Sonflower Pre-school classroom. I have my A.A. degree in Early Childhood Education, and 19 years of classroom experience. My husband and I have three children and we live north of the Cities. When I am not at Love To Grow On, I like to sew, garden, read, and I teach Sunday School at my church.
Jodie Bunish
My name is Jodie, and I am the Center Manager at Love To Grow On. I have my Elementary Education (K-6) degree, and over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and Education. I enjoy kids, singing on the worship team at my church, playing piano and guitar, gardening, writing, getting together with friends, and public speaking. I live in Circle Pines with my husband and 2 daughters, whom I currently home-school.
Shannon
My name is Miss Shannon and I have enjoyed working with children for the past 15 years. I have been at Love to Grow On since May of 2011, and it is my favorite place to work! I love teaching children about God's love and watching them grow. On my personal time I enjoy outdoor adventures, singing, dancing, riding horses, going to church and spending time with friends and family.
Whitney
My name is Whitney, and I am a recent graduate of Bethel University. As an early childhood education student, I worked as an infant teacher at the Bethel Child Development Center. I am originally from Redwood Falls, MN and I love spending my free time with my family and friends. I also love cheering on MN sports teams - especially the Twins and Vikings!
