Our Team

 

Mrs. Macy Buhler - Owner/Director

I am the Owner and Director of Yahara River Learning Center. I started this center from Business Plan to Fruition from 2016 to 2017 and just recently purchased the property as a whole in 2021. I built this center not only for families and their children but for teachers too!  I have my masters in education and have had almost 30 years experience as a teacher/administrator/instructor in Early Childhood. I am a lifelong resident of Dane County and 25 years living in DeForest! I raised two sons here (Mitchell and Malachi) and have been married for over 27 years to Mike. We own a home here and have a little puppers named Monroe. I take an annual trip to work a week on a Habitat for Humanity home, love to camp, paddle board or kayak, swim, bike and hike in nature. I am also a bibliophile!

Mrs. Amy - 4K

Hi! I'm so excited to be part of your child's learning journey this year! I've been teaching for 15 years, and I truly love helping students learn, grow, and build confidence. I recently completed my degree in 2024, and I'm always looking for new ways to bring fresh ideas and effective teaching strategies into the classroom. When I'm not at school, you'll usually find me spending time with my husband and our daughter. We love being outdoors—whether we're biking, hiking, or just enjoying nature together. As the oldest of four siblings, I've always been a natural helper and encourager. That experience taught me patience, responsibility, and the importance of building a strong, supportive community—qualities I strive to bring into our classroom every day. I can't wait to get to know you and your family and make this a fun, successful year together!

Ms. Tina - Aspen Room

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, “Honestly Captured” that I do when I’m not teaching. 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.

Ms. Jenna - Ginkgo Room

Hello! My name is Jenna Lemke and I joined the YRLC team in the fall of 2021. I have worked in the Early Childhood field for 17 years, 7 of those years being dedicated to preschool and PreK aged children. DeForest is my hometown and I adore that I am able to serve the community that I grew up in. Making learning fun and creating a positive environment where children feel loved, heard, and, safe is my utmost priority. I completed the ECE Apprenticeship program through the DWD in 2023 and I am currently enrolled at UW-Green Bay and studying Psychology & Early Childhood. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my partner and our cat Relish, spending my time outside (preferably by any body of water), kayaking, hiking, and bird watching.

Ms. Hannah - Ginkgo Room

Ms. Hannah joined our team in 2025. She has been teaching in Early Childhood Education for almost two years and is currently attending NWTC to get her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She was also a dance/gymnastics teachers for three years as well as a Sunday School Art Teacher. She also cut hair for 10 years. She has three boys, who are all obsessed with hockey. She loves painting, cooking and baking, hiking, and spending time at the lake with her family.

Mrs. Jennifer - Dogwood Room

I am Jennifer Koss-Schildbach aka Mrs. K. I joined the team in 2024, completing early childhood courses through the College of St Catherine, meeting my lead teacher credential working toward my associate degree in Early Childhood. Over the past 30 years, I have taught the gamete of students from infant thru school age, my most treasured age being 2-3 years of age (potty training is my jam). I adore teaching young children to achieve their true potential through songs, exploring, play lead activities and most importantly learning with children through the whole child approach. When not teaching young minds, I enjoy attending Wisconsin sporting events with my husband, scrapbooking, baking and creating memories with our son Owen.

Ms. Addie - Cedar Classroom

Addie is going to UW-Whitewater to get her degree in Early childhood education. Addie has had 5 years of experience in childcare and is excited to keep doing it. I love all ages but I'm really loving the 1–3-year-olds! When im not working with kids, You can find me either at the gym or doing something crafty! ( most likely something for the kiddos).

Mrs. Michelle - Float/Kitchen

Hi, my name is Michelle Brown. I love kids and have been teaching for years. I am a mom of three; one girl and twin boys. I have been married to my husband for over 30 years. I enjoy knitting baby booties, hats, and blankets.

Ms. Tanmaya - Float

Ms. Tanmaya is a beloved substitute float that fills our souls with calm and is an amazing storyteller! She is an avid gardener, enjoys meditating and has 45+ years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education.

Ms. Kate - Float

Hi, I’m Kate Noack. I’m a college student studying Rehabilitation Psychology at UW-Madison with hopes of earning my doctorate and becoming an occupational therapist specializing in pediatrics. I’m a float and love working with all ages but I’m typically in the 4K room, my favorite age to work with! In my free time I enjoy crafting, traveling, hiking, and anything outdoors.

Ms. Catherine - Float

Hi my name is Catherine. I am going to be majoring in Elementary Education this fall. I gained my lead teacher license through my high school. I enjoy reading, dancing, and scrolling Pinterest for new ideas.

Mrs. Katie Davy - Assistant Director / Willow Room

Hi, my name is Katie Davy and I am the Assistant Director here at Yahara River Learning Center. Prior to accepting this role, I was a teacher and have been with the center since we opened in 2017. I have my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin - Stout. I strongly believe that children learn best through experiences. I am originally from Wisconsin Dells, and now call Poynette home. My husband and I welcomed our daughter, Everleigh in May 2021. When I am not working, I love getting lost in a book, going on adventures with by husband and daughter, journaling, swimming, and getting outside. I have a passion for children and love getting to interact and support all our families, children, and staff that we serve.

Mrs. Sydney - 4K

This will be my 10th year teaching and 3rd year in 4k. This past winter, I graduated from UW-Whitewater with my Bachelor of science-education and WIDPI License in regular education and special education (birth-3rd grade). I currently live in Sun Prairie with my husband and cat Severus. In my free time, I like going on nature walks and doing puzzles.

Mr. Cody - Cedar Room

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. I have experience working with all ages as I have been a lead teacher for anywhere from 1’s -Schoolage.  I am married to my wife Ivy and have two daughters; Wren & Etta. In my free time I enjoy playing and watching sports including the Brewers, Bucks, Packers, and Duke basketball.

Mrs. Katie G. - Dogwood Room

Hello! I’m Katie Grove and I have been working in the ECE field for over 20 years and have my Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education. I live in Columbus with my husband, Mike and our two kids (teenagers!) Will and Annabelle. In my free time I enjoy watching sci-fi shows with my family, visiting the WI river at our friends house in Muscoda, and exploring new places.

Ms. Ashlyn - Aspen Room

Hi! I’m Ashlyn Austin, and this is my first year at YRLC! I studied Early Childhood Education at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore, WI. I’ve been around children my entire life, as my mom provided in-home childcare for over 20 years, which played a huge role in my passion for working with kiddos. I also have experience in special education from working as a paraprofessional in my hometown of Belmont, WI. Outside of work, I love spending time with my soon-to-be husband and our two cats, Little Man and Toby. I’m excited to be a part of the YRLC family and continue doing what I love—helping kiddos learn, grow, and have fun!

Ms. Abby - Cedar Room

Hello! My name is Abby and I have been teaching for over 10 years in various settings as well as being an assistant director. I love getting to watch children grow and learn new skills! In my free time I like to travel back home to North Dakota, play with my boys, and get outside! I look forward to working with your family!

Mrs. Ginger - Willow Room

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.

Ms. Mady - 4K Assistant

Hi, I’m Madysen! I have four years of childcare experience, both here and in Kansas, and I love helping children learn, grow, and reach new milestones in a fun, nurturing environment. I’m also a proud mom to my son, Matthew, who inspires my passion for working with young children every day. Outside of the classroom, you’ll often find me at the bowling alley—bowling is one of my favorite hobbies! I look forward to getting to know your family and creating a safe, positive, and engaging experience for your child.

Ms. Lisa - Float

Hi there! I’m Lisa and for over 20 years I have been caring for adults and children. In my spare time I enjoy being with my aunt and mom. I am an Elvis and Johnny Depp fan and have lived in DeForest my whole life.

Ms. Ari

Hi, I’m Ari! I’m an undergraduate student studying psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. I’ve earned my Assistant Teacher, Lead Teacher, and Infant/Toddler certifications. While I love working with children of all ages, I especially love working with 1-3 year olds! Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, and hanging out with my cat, Eevee!

Ms. Libby

Ms. Macey - Summer Camp

Hi, I'm Macey! I've been at YRLC since the summer of 2023. Throughout the past 3 years I have loved spending most of my time with the school-agers, although I enjoy any time I spend with other classrooms. I am currently pursing a degree in Early & Elementary Education at UW Madison. Outside of work and school, I love going on walks & bike rides and hanging out with friends.