Ann - Infant Teacher in our Bambino Room
Ann is a Lead teacher working with our younger infants. Her calm, nurturing and sunny personality make Ann the quintessential infant teacher. She shares her sense of humor, generosity, and spirit with everyone. Ann is a "crafty" lady, making beautiful quilts and album covers. She is a terrific baker as well and enjoys bringing tasty treats to share. We love hearing her sing to the babies throughout the day.
Jen - Infant Teacher in our Bambino Room
Jen started working at Love To Grow On in November of 2005. She is currently completing college courses to become lead teacher qualified. Jen is involved in church activities. A missions trip to Mexico, especially the children she met, made a huge impression on her. Art is one of the things Jen most enjoys sharing with the children. She also loves scrap booking, bowling, traveling, and camping. Jen enjoys being a part of the childrens' lives. Jen and her husband Travis have a son, Oliver, who attends Love To Grow On.
Nicole - Lead Teacher in our Waddler Room
Nicole attended St. Cloud State University for four years. She hopes to return to school to complete her Early Childhood Education Degree with a minor in Special Education. Nicole joined our Love To Grow On faculty in January of 2004. Nicole and her husband, Josh, have two children, Samantha and Chase. Nicole enjoys scrap booking the fun memories that she is busy creating. Nicole enjoys working with our older infants and watching them grow and develop. Her hope is to build strong supportive relationships with both children and their parents.
Lyuda - Toddler Teacher in our Sonshine Room
Lyuda grew up in the Ukraine and has degrees in Early Childhood Education, German, and English Communication. Lyuda has been a part of our Love To Grow On faculty since 2003. She has worked in the early childhood field for over ten years and has a passion for her career. Lyuda's daughter, Tanya, is the pride and joy of her life. Gardening, biking, and campfires with friends are things Lyuda loves, and art and music speak to her soul. Lyuda loves sharing the beauty of Jesus with our adorable toddlers. The toddlers' well-being and successful development are always the number one priority in Lyuda's heart.
Sharon - PreKindergarten Teacher in our Reflections Room
Sharon has a BS Degree in Family and Child Development with a Pre-K license, a duel license in Parent and Family Education, and many years of experience. Sharon, the daughter of missionaries, was raised in Zaire, Africa. Sharon enjoys planning and implementing new ideas and activities that encourage children to learn and have fun while they are doing it. Her relationship with, and love for, Jesus are central to her identity. At home, Sharon is truly outnumbered! She and her husband, Jeff, have three sons, Logan, Bryson, and Braedon. Sharon's hobbies include scrap booking, rubber-stamping and card making, reading and camping.
Jacy
I have been working in childcare since I graduated from Winona State University in 2006 with my teaching degree in Elementary Education and Pre-Primary Education. I have had experience working as a Director as well as a pre-school and school-age teacher. I am an active member in our church, and I enjoy being able to incorporate the Christian faith into the classroom. I enjoy teaching because I am able to work "behind the scenes" at helping a child progress. It never ceases to amaze me what children can do on their own, given the proper environment and guidance.
I live in Shoreview with my husband, Kyle, and our son, Erza. Erza attends Love To Grow On. Even thought we stay very busy ( and LOVE) taking care of Erza, in my free time I also enjoy playing with our black lab, Riley, going for walks outside, yoga, eating at new restaurants, traveling, teaching confirmation and doing home improvement projects.
Working with children is a passion of mine, and I look forward to getting to know your child and family.
Cathy - title to Food Prep/Float Assistant Teacher
Cathy started working in the toddler room at Love To Grow On in the fall of 2003. She began teaching our older preschool/school age class in the fall of 2008. Cathy previously worked at the Billy Graham Association for seven years. Her other work experiences include working at a preschool and in a kindergarten room, and she is still in touch with some of her former students and their families. Cathy has four adult children in her life, two daughters, a son, and a beautiful daughter-in-law. Cathy enjoys spending time with her children and friends. Walking an hour each night with her neighbor helps Cathy feel young and energetic. Her greatest passion is to know Jesus more each day and to teach the children that Jesus loves them. Cathy currently works with our school-agers before school.
Ashley
I graduated in 2008 from the College of Saint Benedict with a degree in Sociology. After graduation, I was fortunate to begin working in a toddler room at a child care center in Plymouth. I came to Love To Grow On in August 2010 and I am so happy I made the decision to join this wonderful staff! I love all the wonderful opportunities we have here and being able to teach the children about God! I love being able to watch children grow and see their excitement when they learn something new!
I am originally from Morris, MN and I moved down to the Twin Cities shortly after graduating from St. Ben's. I am currently living with my boyfriend, Tyler, in Hugo. We have a cocker spaniel named Cooper and a grey tabby named Lilly. We stay very busy with pets alone, but we love to travel! Tyler races motocross so our weekends are spent camping! I love to read, travel, and spend quality time with my family!
Cara
I joined Love to Grow On in March 2011 as one of the toddler teachers. I have an Associate's degree and I am pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education Administration. My daughter, Emma, also attends Love to Grow On. In my free time, I enjoy playing all sports, the outdoors, scra booking, and spending time with my family in Cambridge, MN.
Jan Merrell, Center Director
In April 2011, I feel that all my paths led me to Love to Grow On. I am an Early Childhood and Elementary Education teaching degrees from Winona State University and a Master's degree in Family Education from the University of Minnesota. I am passionate about quality early childhood education and love sharing this wonderful journey with parents, children, and teachers. I am active member in our church, PTA and serve on a couple early childhood boards.
My husband, Mark, and I live in Mounds View with our boys, Tyler and Nathaniel. We love to play outside, observe nature, and play sports. I also love to read, swim and go on long walks with my family and friends.
