MEET OUR TEACHERS
Kristen Tonda
Director of Kinder Village
Education:
Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on pre-primary education from Minnesota State, Mankato.
Experience:
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10 years experience in early childhood.
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2 years elementary experience.
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11 years working as a CNA in nursing home and assisted living.
Fun Facts:
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Four Children: Natalie, Charlotte, Macy, and Louie
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I'm powered by coffee and chaos!
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Ms. Kayla
Toddler Teacher- Downstairs Assistant Director
Education:
Degree in Individualized Studies, where I combined my skills of Graphic Design with Early Childhood from Metro State University.
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Experience:
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4.5 years at Kinder Village
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As long as I can remember, I have worked with children in some form. I began as a helper in my mom’s family child care center. I eventually became her assistant teacher.
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I have also taught church school, assisted with bible camps, and have been the nursery coordinator since 2014.
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Fun Facts:
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I love anything Disney and Superheroes!
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I love being a toddler teacher.
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I enjoy reading books.
Ms. Ihya
Young Infant Teacher
Education: Bachelors of Science degree in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
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Experience:
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6 years at Kinder Village
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2 years working as a part-time social worker
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volunteer experience: U of MN Masoic Children's Hospital, People Serving People, YMCA literacy mentor
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Fun Facts:
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French is my 1st Language!
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I love everything banana flavored.
Ms. LaShawnda
Young Infant Teacher
Education: ​
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Associates in Child Development
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Experience:
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3 years infant experience
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6 years early childhood special ed. para
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Fun Facts:
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I make wigs!
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I started a novel!
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I am going back to school at Concordia!
Ms. Calli
Infant/Toddler Float Teacher
Education: ​
Currently attending University of Minnesota for Early Childhood Education.​
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Experience:
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2 years experience in early childhood
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Fun Facts:
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I have two cats!
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I love to read!
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Halloween is my favorite holiday!
Ms. Gabby
Infant Assistant Teacher
Education: ​
Currently working on completing her CDA and would eventually like to pursue a degree in criminal justice and psychology.
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Experience:
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1 year experience working in early childhool
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Fun Facts:
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I played soccer for 16 years!
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Sloths are my favorite animal!
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I love country music concerts!
Asia Owens
Young Preschool Teacher- Upstairs Assistant Director
Education:
Early Childhood Education major at Northwestern, MN.
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Experience:
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9 years experience in early childhood
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10 years experience coaching soccer
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Fun Facts:
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Proud dog mom!
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Played soccer in college.
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I love caffeine and sweets!
Jennie Torres
Preschool Teacher
Education:
Working on completing her CDA
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Experience:
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2.5 years at Kinder Village
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2 additional years of early childhood experience
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Fun Facts:
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Bilingual in Spanish and English and currently learning French
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I love to collect coffee mugs from places I've visited
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I am a plant enthusiast!
Mark Magnuson
Young Preschool Assistant Teacher
Education: ​
Currently working on his CDA
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Experience:
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1 year early childhood experience
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youth hockey coach
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children's book illustrator
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Fun Facts:
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I love anything and everything hockey!
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I enjoy buying and collecting records and vinyls