Jill@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com

Director
Little Canada

Educational Background:
College of St. Catherine Graduate, Early Childhood, Kindergarten, and 1-6 Education Degree

Employed with Children's Discovery Academy since 1981

"I began employment with Children’s Discovery in 1981 when the program was just 2 months old, so naturally my heart is deeply embedded in this company!  Children’s Discovery Academy has become a part of my family!  The people I work with, the children I interact with and the families that I encounter each day are all such an important part of my life!"

~Jill

AmyJane@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com 

Assistant Director
Little Canada

Educational Background:
A.A.S. in Early Child Development

Employed with Children's Discovery Academy since 1997

"I have worked at Children’s Discovery Academy for 15 years! Needless to say, it’s my home away from home, and I feel comfortable saying that.

Home is a place where you get that warm, fuzzy feeling. A feeling of comfort, a feeling of happiness, a feeling that you are safe and cared for. I feel that with my wonderful co-workers and that’s what I want all of our children and families to feel, too…and I think that they do!"

~AmyJane 

Julie@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com

Kindergarten Teacher
Little Canada

Educational Background:
Graduated from St. Paul College with a degree in Early Childhood Development.

Employed with Children's Discovery Academy since 1998

“The reason I work at Children’s Discovery is because it’s one, big family! All of the teachers work together to do their very best for each child.”

~Julie

CasiG@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com 

Lead Teacher, Pre-Kindergarten Room
Little Canada

Educational Background:
AAS Degree in Early Childhood Education at Rasmussen College - Eagan

Employed with Children's Discovery Academy since 2008

"It never ceases to amaze me the things I learn from my students each and every day. Having the opportunity to get to know not only the kids, but their families as well is such a rewarding feeling! My goal as an educator has always been to make an impact, but who knew I would be the one with that experience. Children's Discovery Academy is such a wonderful place where I not only feel safe, but loved and cared for by everyone I encounter. I started out here when I was young, and I have so many people to thank for helping me to become not only the educator, but person I am today."

~Casi

Lauri@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com 

Lead Teacher, Preschool Room
Little Canada

Educational Background:
A.A. from Lakewood Community College; Northeast Metro Technical College Child Development Classes; Early Childhood Director’s Credential from St. Paul College

Employed with Children's Discovery Academy since 1990

"I love Children's Discovery Academy for the small family feeling it has.  I started working here in 1990 because of my love for children and desire to help them become successful.  As time went on,  I experinced new and exciting rolls within the school, starting in the infant classroom and eventually moving into the Preschool classroom.   I really enjoy working with the preschool age group.  Since having my own children, I can't think of a better place for them to have grown.   As they say "it takes a village to raise a child."  Children's Discovery Academy has been the constant source of support and family that I know I can count on.  Family is important.  I consider the families and my coworkers at Children's Discovery Academy an extension of my own."

~Lauri

Kellie@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com

Lead Teacher, Toddler Room
Little Canada

Educational Background:
St. Cloud State graduate with a degree in Special Education.

 Employed with Children's Discovery Academy since 2012

"I worked for Children's Discovery about 9 years ago before moving to California. After moving back to Minnesota I returned to Children's Discovery because I enjoyed the positive working environment, the "team" support the staff have for each other, the overall sense of a fun, and being a part of a family-owned center where the needs of the kids and their families come first."

~Kellie

Stephanie@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com 
Lead Teacher, Young Toddler Room
Little Canada

Educational Background:
Enrolled at St. Paul College pursuing an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education

Employed with Children's Discovery Academy since 2006

"Since starting at Children’s Discovery, I’ve never felt as if I’m going to work, instead I feel that I’m going to spend time with my extended family. The staff at Children’s Discovery have been supporting in both my professional and personal life, making them feel more like family than co-workers. I love working at a family-run center where the owners are around everyday to work with the directors and teaching staff to make Children’s Discovery the fabulous place that it is!”

~Stephanie

Kristi@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com 

Lead Teacher, Infant Room
Little Canada

Educational Background:
A.A.S. in Early Childhood Development, working towards B.A. at the University of Minnesota

Employed with Children's Discovery Academy since 1998

“I enjoy working at Children's Discovery Academy because the teachers here are truly a family. We all work together ensuring that every child is given every opportunity to grow and learn throughout all stages of their development.

Teaching infants is so rewarding for me. Everyday I have the opportunity of watching the proud smile on each baby’s face when he or she learns and accomplishes something new. Receiving and giving hugs and smiles is truly a priceless reward for what I do.”

~Kristi

Andrea@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com 

Director
Vadnais Heights

Educational Background:
A.A.S. in Early Childhood Development from St. Paul College

Employed with Children's Discovery Academy since 2000

"One of the hard parts about being a working parent can be missing out on some of the things your child learns and experiences during the day. While sometimes hard for parents, this is the best part of our job here at Children's Discovery. We have the opportunity to be a part of each child's life in a big way. We get to celebrate all those successes big and small and provide an environment for both children and families that we are proud of.  We nurture, educate, and provide lasting memories.  And we do it all because we love it. As a mother myself, I can't think of anything more important than what we do here.  We get to make a difference and have a positive impact on the lives of children."

~Andrea

Kristen@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com

Assistant Director
Vadnais Heights

Educational Background:
B.S. in Marketing from Metropolitan State University, with a minor in Interpersonal Communication.

Employed with Children's Discovery Academy since 2008

"The first time I visited Children’s Discovery Academy, I had no idea it would be my future place of employment. During my tour I remember thinking to myself, “This is not what I expected.”  The teachers were so welcoming and friendly. The kids were smiling and engaged. The building was very clean and it smelled good.

A year after that initial visit, I was offered an Assistant Director’s position. I cannot express how thankful I am everyday to have said, “YES!” Children’s Discovery Academy is such a great environment to work in. Everyone genuinely cares and is wonderful to work with.

Since accepting my role at Children’s Discovery Academy, my family has grown! I have two young children who are enrolled at our school. Speaking as a parent, I am thrilled with the quality of care and education my kids are receiving. My kids LOVE their teachers and friends and they are excited to come to school each day. It makes me feel good as a mom knowing my children enjoy Childern's Discovery Academy."

~Kristen

Darci@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com 

Lead Teacher, Pre-Kindergarten Room
Vadnais Heights

Educational Background:
B.A. in Elementary Education with Pre-Primary from Bethel University

Employed with Children's Discovery Academy since 2003

“I have been lucky enough to enjoy my career here at Children’s Discovery Academy since 2003. I can honestly say that I LOVE my job!

As a teacher that has been here all these years, I think my favorite part are the families that have come through my class. I enjoy the personal relationships that have been formed and it’s especially rewarding to hear from them for years after they’ve already gone.

As a parent of a child that has gone through the program, I was always impressed with the amount of knowledge my son came home with daily. I sometimes thought “What else could my child possibly learn when his own mother is a teacher?” But with the fabulous curriculum, there was always something new to learn. He was always safe, well taken care of, and he always enjoyed school.”

~Darci

Michelle@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com 

Lead Teacher, Preschool Room
Vadnais Heights

Educational Background:
B.S. in Early Childhood Studies/Psychology from Metropolitan State University.

Employed with Children's Discovery Academy since 2008

"Teaching preschool is a rewarding career. My favorite moments are watching each child’s excitement as they learn and discover new concepts and ideas. I love to hear from the parents about how happy their son or daughter is at school and how learning experiences at school are shared with them at home. There is nothing better than the feeling I have knowing that I’m making a positive influence in each of my students’ lives."

~Michelle

Lindsay@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com 

Lead Teacher, Toddler Room
Vadnais Heights

Educational Background:
Graduated with a Certificate in Early Childhood Development from Rasmussen College; General Education Courses from Century College.

Employed with Children's Discovery Academy since 2003

"Working exclusively with toddlers since 2003, I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful children and families.  Children grow so much during this stage of life and I feel so lucky to be a part of such an important time in their lives.

Working for a family owned company is wonderful because it makes the center feel very welcoming and warm.  I really feel close to the families that attend Children’s Discovery Academy.  It is great to work in such a close partnership with parents and grandparents to ensure their little ones succeed.  Watching that success is the most rewarding part of my career!"

~Lindsay 

Kacy@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com
Lead Teacher, Young Toddler Room
Vadnais Heights

Educational Background:
Child Development Associate Degree (CDA)

 Employed with Children's Discovery Academy since 2012

"I love Children's Discovery Academy for many reasons but being able to build positive relationships with so many great families and educators is the greatest!  It is so heart-warming to watch the children grow and to be a part of the many milestones that they achieve daily.  There is nothing better than the natural reward of the hugs and appreciation that the children show us everyday."

~Kacy

DawnP@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com

Lead Teacher, Infant Room
Vadnais Heights

Educational Background:
Graduated 916 Vo-Tech/Lakewood Community College in Child Development Course

Employed with Children's Discovery Academy since 2001

"All I've ever wanted to be is a mom and raise kids.  In my job, I have been able to help raise so many babies throughout the years.  It's not very often that people can say they love their career.  I can honestly say that I absolutely do LOVE my career!  It gives me such great joy to watch each and every baby grow and learn everyday.  I love to encourage them, teach them and help them accomplish tasks such as sitting, crawling, walking and saying their first words!

I am calm, loving, and I have a positive attitude.  I think these attributes reflect onto the babies as well as other staff in our classroom." 

~Dawn