ABBY ADAMS
School Nurse & Program Manager
Education: Bachelor of Science in Cellular Physiology from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in Primary Care Pediatrics from Marquette University
I have four years of experience working in biomedical research and have been a registered nurse since 2011. I am privileged to be able to advocate for the health and well-being of the children in my care. If you have a health concern or question please feel free to reach out to me.
TAMI ADAMS
Administrator & Director
Education: Bachelors of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in Early Childhood Education & Special Education, Graduate work in Early Childhood and Business
My husband and I live in Elkhorn and have three grown children of whom we are extremely proud. We enjoy spending time with family and traveling. I love working with children and have done so for my entire career, starting out teaching in Middle School and then, after having my first child, I helped to open Lakeland's Little Learners. It's been an exciting adventure seeing our program grow from 12 children and 3 employees to 350 children and 36 employees. I'm extremely privileged to have been able to work with so many wonderful families along the way!
CINDY BAKER
Assistant Teacher
Education: Introduction to the Childcare profession, Fundamentals of Infant and toddler care.
My husband Brian and I live in Elkhorn with our two children, Blake who is 11 years old and Alex who is 9 years old. I am the youngest of 4 siblings. I have always loved working with children. I have love and passion of helping and educating children. I am also going into my third year of being a Sunday school teacher at my church.
I started working at Lakeland little learners in February of 2023. I am looking forward to helping the children learn and grow. Additionally, I am looking forward to bonding with the children and families, and to continue growing my education in childcare.
In my free time I love spending time with my family and friends. I love doing outside activities, bike riding, swimming, going on adventures to different parks, growing/ planting plants and flowers, watching my boys excel in their sports, and church activities. I also have a passion of working with children of all abilities.
PATTI BERLEY
Four-Year-Old KindergartenTeacher
Education: Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies from Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, TN.
My husband and I moved to Burlington 7 years ago with our three children Garrett (14), Mason (12) and Olivia (9). I have worked at Lakeland's Little Learners since that time. The majority of my time has been spent as the Lead Teacher in one of our 3 year old classrooms and I fell in love with this age. In my free time, I enjoy running, going to the movies, and hanging out at the lake with my family. I have a passion for teaching and look forward to coming in every day to hear what funny things the children have to say and to see the excitement on their faces when they achieve something new.
CORI
Two-Year-Old Room Lead Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation Management with emphasis in Inclusive Recreation from Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts with emphasis in Graphic Design from Columbia College Chicago, Wisconsin Teacher Certified in Early Childhood Education, Wildlife/Conservation Certification.
I have been the Lead Teacher in the 2.5 room since August 2019. Previously, during my 14 year career as a Park Ranger, I learned that the most enjoyable and meaningful days there to me, were when I was teaching young children the value of all living things and the importance of their connection with nature. What really lights kids up? Nature! Early Childhood Education has always been my passion as well. We as teachers, have the most precious and valuable opportunity in being with your children on a daily basis, loving them, guiding them and giving them a healthy foundation as they continue on in this world. I absolutely treasure and enjoy being a part of their world in such a positive way.
During my leisure time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, my horse Banjo, kayaking, camping, and wildlife. I have been married for 24 years and have two grown children. My son gave me my first grandchild last year who I am lucky enough to have attending here at LLL as well!
NICOLE ERICKSON
Four-Year-Old Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from National-Louis University in Chicago.
My husband and I live in Genoa City and have 2 delightful children and one exuberant dog. In my free time, I enjoy reading, puzzles, snowmobiling, and doing crafts with my children.
I am excited to join LLL and to be teaching 4K. I have had a lot of experience working with young children and have been teaching for over 11 years. I hope I can instill my love for reading in each of my students! I welcome all my students into our classroom filled with fun, discoveries, and learning!
KELLY FREEMAN
Cook
Education: Food Service Personnel Training, Nutrition Training, Early Childhood classes from Gateway Technical College
To stay up-to-date on nutrition I attend yearly food shows. In addition, I am married and have four children. I enjoy spending time with my family and camping. I enjoy working at LLL because I like to cook for others and the teachers here are awesome!
CASEY FURGER
School-Age Lead Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services from Minnesota State University - Mankato
I was born and raised in Wisconsin and have been making Elkhorn my home since 2016. My husband and I have two young children. We love fishing, going on walks, and getting to the beach and pool as much as possible. I've always enjoyed working with children and as a young adult I loved all my time spent as a playground leader, summer camp counselor, swimming instructor, and lifeguard. I also have eleven years of recreational management experience with Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) at Naval Station Great Lakes in Waukegan, IL. I look forward to getting to know each child and their families.
BARB GILE
Assistant Teacher
Education: Early Childhood courses from Gateway Technical College required for teaching in the state of WI, CDA from NAEYC
I originally started working for LLL when we were at the “old” Lakeland Nursing Home—great intergenerational experience! I grew up on a dairy farm with pigs, cows, cats and dogs. I enjoy going to the movies, Christian concerts, teaching Sunday school and visiting historical sites. I love reading books to children and helping the children learn about their world through play!
EMILY HASS
Assistant Teacher
Education: Teacher, Assistant Teacher, and Infant and Toddler courses through the State of Wisconsin
I have worked in the childcare field since 2019. I love working in childcare and building bonds with the children so they look forward to coming to school everyday. In my spare time I love relaxing and spending time with family.
JASMINA
Jackson Wrap-Around and School-Age Lead Teacher
Education: Teacher, Assistant Teacher, and Infant and Toddler courses through the State of Wisconsin
I have worked in the childcare field since 2007. I love to work in the child care field, because I believe each child deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive in an atmosphere in which they feel safe.
JACINTTA KEMP
School-Age Lead Teacher & Four-Year-Old Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science from York College in K-12 Art Education
I have six years of experience working with children from birth to 18 years old. During the last year, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of age groups at Lakeland’s Little Learners. I live at home with two cats, Alko & Numi, as well as, my parents. I enjoy reading, art, outdoor photography and spending time with my friends and family. I am excited to get to know you and your children. I am looking forward to laughing and playing with them while helping them to learn new things. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
KATHY KRONWALL
Toddler Room Assistant Teacher
Education: Early Childhood classes through Work and Family Consulting
I have lived in Wisconsin my entire life, but currently live in Williams Bay. I am married to Andy. We share our home with our two cavaliers, Divot and Putter. Together we share 4 daughters, 2 grandsons and 3 granddaughters. In addition to my love for children, family and friends, I enjoy motorcycling, boating, traveling and crafts.
MARIAH
Assistant Teacher
Education: Introduction to the Child Care Profession, Fundamentals of Infant & Toddler Care
I have always adored working with children. I am the oldest of four siblings and have an amazing daughter as well. Elkhorn is my home town and where I graduated high school. I enjoy activities such as photography, reading, art, and love getting involved with nature. I also have a passion for working with animals!
MIKE
Lead Teacher Williams Bay Wrap-Around
Education: Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Iowa State University, three years of K-8 Education (science emphasis) from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
I have worked at LLL in the school-age and preschool classrooms as well as in other various roles, most recently as a 4K co-teacher. I also taught in the Elkhorn Area School District for four years. I have always enjoyed working with younger children. I feel I can help both my school-age and 4K students to grow and develop into respectful citizens by providing a safe educational environment that is both fun and relaxing.
SAWYER MOORE
Tibbets Wrap-Around Lead Teacher
Education: Wisconsin Teacher Certified in Early Childhood Education, several college courses in early childhood, child growth and development, child psychology, and many art classes, professional development classes
I was a lead facilitator at the before and after school program with the YMCA before joining LLL. I enjoy watching the children grow from when they join the wrap-around (often times kindergarten) until they leave, many are with me for all six years of their elementary schooling. We have fun and learn through several opportunities such as: doing art projects, playing board games, playing organized games and free play both indoors and out doors. These experiences give children from age 5-11 the challenge of working together as a team and developing social skills. I love the fact that I get to interact with each child individually, in small groups, and in whole group. We enjoy our time and have fun!
DEBBIE NEHS
Assistant Director
Education: Bachelors of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in History with graduate work in Education at both the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
I have had a variety of job experiences prior to joining Lakeland's Little Learners in 1992. I enjoy coming to work each day knowing I will be with children and getting to work with their families, in a place where we all get to learn and grow. Outside of work I am blessed with a husband, four children and two grandchildren.
TERRY MICHEL
Preschool Lead Coordinator
Education: Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from the College of Lake County, additional credits from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
I have taught preschool for over 25 years. My initial position at LLL was as a preschool teacher. Now I over see the preschool and 4K programs, as well as mentor new teachers. I am married with three children. I have three wonderful grandchildren with whom I love spending time. I also love cats, books, and traveling.
JENNIFER O'CONNOR
4K Teacher
Education: Associates of Arts from Wilbur Wright Community College in Chicago.
Bachelors of Arts in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University.
Endorsement in Learning Behavior Specialist I
I have worked at Menta Academy in Waukegan, Illinois with high school students from 2010 to 2015. From 2015 to 2017 and 2019 to 2020 I worked at Harvard Junior High in Harvard, Illinois working with 8th grade students.
I was born and raised on the northwest side of Chicago. We moved to Delavan in 2010 then to Lake Geneva in 2018. My husband and I are proud parents of three beautiful girls. In our free time we are busy with our girls sports and extracurricular activities. We enjoy boating, fishing, camping and attending sporting events.
Since November of 2023, I have worked in the 4K room. Working with children has been a joy. I love helping them learn and achieve new skills throughout the day. It is rewarding to me when the kids learn something new and the excitement is on shown their faces.
KAREN O'DONNELL
Toddler Room Lead Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling PreK-12 from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Wisconsin DPI license
This year marks my 27th year working as an educator. Working with children has been one of my biggest joys; I love helping them make new discoveries about themselves and the world around them and appreciate each child for his/her unique gifts and personality.
I live in Whitewater with my husband, Kelly, and our 14 year old daughter, Emily. We share our household with a Sheltie named Duncan. In addition to my love for family, friends and animals, I also enjoy traveling, gardening and reading.
KRISTA PATRICK
Assistant Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Early Childhood classes from Work & Family Consulting
My husband and I live in Darien, WI with our two wonderful children, ages 2 and 4. I have a bachelor’s degree from UW-Stout and my last 15+ years of work experience has been in customer service. I have always had a heart to help others, both young and old. After years of trying for a family and now being blessed with two children of my own, I have especially found a passion for loving and educating little ones! I am celebrating my 1st year anniversary with Lakeland’s Little Learners and look forward to growing with them, and your children!
In my free time, I value quality time with my husband and children. We love creative play and to explore the outdoors, especially at our family cabin!
LOUISE PATRYN
Infant Lead Teacher
Education: Three years of Special Education classes at North Eastern Illinois University, Early Childhood classes from Gateway Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
I am originally from Chicago, Illinois, but I have lived in Wisconsin for 22 years. Working with children is rewarding. I love watching them accomplish their goals and really enjoy their hugs and smiles!
SHANDANA
Two's Room Lead Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Psychology from the University of Beshawar, presently working on Master of Science in Early Childhood Education at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
I am married and have three beautiful children. We have lived in Elkhorn since 1992, and I love and cherish the time I spend with my family and friends. I like to exercise, enjoy Zumba, and read books. I am also interested in exploring different cultures, and love to incorporate what I learn into my teaching. I strive to achieve a clean, friendly, and structured learning environment and look forward to each wonderful year of teaching!
KATHY JO REKASIUS
3K-2 Room Lead Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Wisconsin DPI license (Kindergarten - 3rd grade)
On a personal level, I am a parent of three wonderful children, ages 22,19, and 15. Some of my favorite activities include running, yoga and boating all summer long. Being able to teach young children has truly been a blessing in my life. I find I learn just as much from them as they do from me each every day.
LINDA VAN BUSKIRK
Substitute Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University, Graduate work in Early Childhood and Reading from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and EMU
I love working with toddlers! At LLL, I have worked mainly in the toddler area but also in the Four’s room and more recently in the Two’s room. I have recently retired, but still substitute as needed. I live in Lake Geneva with my dogs Annabelle and Lucy. I enjoy reading, sewing, and traveling. I also volunteer with the Girl Scouts as a Brownie & Daisy Leader and organize the product sales in Lake Geneva and Elkhorn.
KELLY WOLFE
Four-Year-Old Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Beloit College, Wisconsin DPI license in Middle Childhood-Early Adolescence and Early Childhood Adolescence Coaching
I love spending time with my friends, family and two dogs, Peanut and Lucky. I also love reading, traveling and horses.