Emma Laurent

Hi, my name is Emma Laurent. I have been at YRLC since 2018. I graduated Spring of 2022 with my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Studies. In my free time I run my own Learn to Skate Program in Oregon, WI. As well as having my own individual figure skaters! Figure skating has taught me a lot of skills that I can correlate into the early childhood field. My coach has said that I’ve followed in her footsteps, running my own Learn to Skate and working in early childhood education. When I am not running around between ice rinks I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and my cat Nova. I have always loved working with children and am happy I am able to do it both at YRLC and at the ice rink.

Tina Hanson

Hello! My name is Tina Hanson, I have been at YRLC since June 2021; I come bringing almost 9 years of experience in ECE. I have a dog named Buster, and have a photography business called Honestly Captured that I run on the side. I love to paint, draw and spend time with my family. I enjoy working with children of all ages and watching them make new discoveries and reach their goals. I am excited to continue to get to know the families and the kiddos here at YRLC.

Jenna Lemke

I am so excited to spend the 2021-22 school year with you! I have worked in the Early Childhood field for 12 years and have experience with every age group, but my heart always leads me back to Preschool. Making learning fun and creating a positive environment where children feel loved and safe is my utmost priority. When I’m not in the classroom, I like to spend my free time outside in the sunshine! Taking trips to the lake and hiking on trails are some of my favorite activities. I also enjoy all things crafty! My favorite rainy day activity is a cup of coffee and a stitching project in my hand.

Laura Diaz

Hi, I’m Ms. Laura! While growing up, I always had a passion for art and for working with children. I had a wide variety of jobs that ranged from babysitting to working kids summer camps while in high school. For college, I had decided to take the art route and graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Graphic Design from University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. Upon starting a family of my own back in 2014, I decided to revisit my passion of working with children. I have now been in the childcare field for 7 years, and have had experience of working with children for roughly 15 years.

In my freetime, I love getting my daughter Emery (7) outside to experience the beauty of nature. We go for hikes, kayak, boat, fish, camp, ski, explore state parks, anything really that will get us outside. My favorite hobbies are wood burning artwork and fly fishing in the Driftless region of Wisconsin. I feel right at home in our nature based center, where we are centered around the belief that all kids need nature in their lives.

Michelle Brown

Hi, my name is Michelle Brown. I work as a float during the school hours; assisting with preparing snacks and giving teachers planning time. I live in Waunakee with my husband of 27 years Mark. I have three kids; twin boys and a daughter. I am a proud grandma of 4 granddaughters but have a huge passion for teaching.

Judit Tuttle

Hi, I’m Ms. Judit but all the kids call me Judi. I was born in Spain and have two daughters -Juliette and Eleanor. We love taking walks to the park, playing soccer and watching Disney movies together. I have had a wonderful experience so far working with kids and I look forward to continuing to learn from the children, families and other staff at the center. I work as a float primarily supporting Ginkgo and Dogwood classrooms.

Amy Gajda

Hi, my name is Amy Gajda and I have been working with children for the last 15 years. I am married to my husband Jeff and we had our daughter in March 2021. We recently moved back to Wisconsin from Idaho. I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and am currently working on receiving my Bachelor’s Degree.

Cody Maier

My name is Mr. Cody, I have been with YRLC since we opened in 2017. I have my associates degree in early childhood education from Madison College and have been in the early childhood field for around 7 years. I have experience working with all ages as I have been a lead teacher for anywhere from 1’s -Schoolage.  I married my wife in May of 2021 and our daughter was born April 2022.  In my free time I enjoy playing and watching sports including the Brewers, Bucks, Packers, and Duke basketball.

Katie Grove

Hello! I’m Katie Grove and I have been working in Early Childhood Education for the majority of the last 22 years. I have lived in 5 states, 2 countries and attended 9 different schools as my dad was in the air force. I now live in Columbus with my husband (Mike) and our two children 0 Will and Annabelle. I have taken the Inclusion Credential, Preschool Credential and I’m currently finishing the Professional Development Credential and the Nature Based Learning Credential. My goal is to have my Bachelors Degree finished by 2023. In what little spare time I have, I enjoy camping, hiking, bike riding, watching movies (especially horror) and cooking/baking.

Sydney Rotondo

Hello, my name is Ms. Sydney. I have been working at YRLC since it opened in 2017. I have my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Madison College. I am currently in school at UW-Whitewater to receive my Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. In my free time, I enjoy coloring, reading and watching Netflix and I have a cat named Severus. (I am a huge Harry Potter fan!) I am getting married to my high school sweetheart Labor Day weekend of 2022.

Wendi Sommerfeldt

Ms. Wendi has been teaching 4K for 15+ years in the Madison area.  I earned my Teaching Certificate from Edgewood College in Early Childhood Regular and Special Education.  Before I was a teacher, I was a Commercial Interior Designer in Seattle and Madison.  I have been married to Mr. Myles for 25+ years.  We have been the favorite Aunt and Uncle to our 30+ nieces and nephews.  We love to travel, golf, sail, and watch Badger Women’s Hockey and Volleyball.  Working with children this age has helped to keep me young!

Ginger Pippert

Hello, my name is Ginger Pippert and I work with the School Age program in the afternoon. I am a retired reading teacher and have lived in DeForest for over 30 years. I have two daughters here in DeForest who now have their own families. I have three grandsons and a granddaughter in college. I live with my husband Walk and our lab named Boomer. I love working with the school agers, going on hikes with Walk and Boomer, spending time with family and friends, going to church and supporting local businesses and restaurants.

Lisa Parker

Hi there, I’m Lisa Parker and for over 20 years I have been caring for adults and children. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my aunt and mom. I am a Elvis and Johnny Depp fan. I have lived in DeForest my whole life. I work as a float primarily supporting Dogwood and Aspen.

Lea Larsen

Ms. Lea graduated from Uw-Whitewater in 2014 with her Bachelor’s Degree and Teaching License in Early Childhood Education, in both Regular and Special Education.  I have been teaching 4K for 7 years now.  Every year I learn so much (I often say the kids teach me as much as I teach them!)

I live in Madison with my son, Oliver. He sure keeps me busy!  We like to go to the park, visit the Children’s Museum, go on nature walks, and read books.  I like to make art and take photographs.  I also like scrapbooking, going to antique shops, and drinking coffee!  I love being a mama and a teacher.  My favorite part about working with kids is helping them explore this big world around them, and watching them blossom into who they are.  I am honored to be your child’s teacher.