Meet Our Teachers

Director of Kinder Village

Kristen Tonda

Education:

Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on pre-primary education from Minnesota State, Mankato.

Experience:

16 years of experience in early childhood.
5.5 years at Kinder Village.
2 years elementary experience.
11 years working as a CNA.

Fun Facts:

I have 4 children: Natalie, Charlotte, Macy, & Louie
I am powered by coffee and chaos!

Favorite Children's Book: A Monster at the End of This Book

Asst. Director | Preschool Teacher

Ms. Kayla

Education:

Degree in Individualized Studies with an emphasis on Early Childhood from Metro State University.

Experience:

7 years at Kinder Village.
Began as a helper in my mom's family childcare center, then an assistant teacher.
I have taught church school, assisted with bible camps, and been the nursery coordinator since 2014.

Fun Facts:

I love anything Disney and Superheroes!
I enjoy reading books.

Favorite Children's Book: The Giving Tree

Young Infant Teacher

Ms. Alice

Education:

Teacher Qualification

Experience:

10+ years in childcare including 2 years experience in infant care.

Fun Facts:

My hobbies are reading, painting, & crocheting.
I saw the 2024 solar eclipse totality in Vermont.
I have been to Asia 4 times.

Favorite Children's Book: Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins

Morning Infant Teacher

Ms. Caitlin

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in English and Theatre with a minor in Secondary Education.

Experience:

3.5 years as lead preschool teacher.
2 years as substitute teacher for early education.
1 year as lead toddler teacher.

Fun Facts: I am the Director of Education at CLIMB Theatre. I have a pet kitten named Eloise who I adopted after she fell into my window well. I love drinking lemon ginger & hibiscus tea.

Favorite Children's Book: Giraffes Can't Dance

Older Infant Teacher

Ms. Cassie

Education:

Working on my CDA.

Experience:

New to childcare but have been working at Episcopal Homes for 4 years prior to Kinder Village.

Fun Facts:

I love to play floor hockey, basketball, & bowling.
I love being around kids.
I met my fiance at bowling & we are planning a bowling themed wedding.

Favorite Children's Book: I Love You Forever

Preschool Aide

Mr. Mark

Education:

Early Childhood courses through Think Small.

Experience:

3 years at Kinder Village.
Previous youth hockey coach.
Children's book illustrator.

Fun Facts:

I love to draw & paint. I just recently started sculpting.
I love everything hockey related & own 31 hockey jerseys.
I enjoy buying & collecting vinyl records.

Favorite Children's Book: The Little Prince

Lead Early Preschool Aide

Ms. Zoe

Education:

Early Childhood courses through Think Small.

Experience:

New to childcare.
Wants to gain experience to become a lead someday!

Fun Facts:

I love to do my nails
I have two dogs

Favorite Children's Book: The Rainbow Fish