Early Learning Community
Chippewa Falls Center Staff
Our team is made up of caring, dedicated educators who create a safe, nurturing environment where every child feels valued. Through our commitment to Pyramid Model practices, our staff intentionally build strong relationships, support social-emotional growth, and guide children with patience, empathy, and respect. We invite you to get to know each of them and discover what makes them such a special part of our community.
Arnie Swoboda
Owner
Arnie has a degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from the University of WI – Eau Claire. He began his career in the Peace Corps, teaching English to middle and high schoolers in Romania. He has been teaching in the Chippewa Valley since 2007 and has loved every minute of it!
Kerry Swoboda
Owner
Kerry has a professional background in social work, child development, and child therapy. She has a Master's degree in Social Work with a focus on mental health from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Kerry has a passion for working with children and families and enjoys her time at our Chippewa Falls location.
Amanda Bowe
Director
Amanda has an Associates Degree in Early Education from WITC and completed classes to obtain her Childcare Administration Credential from UW-Milwaukee. Amanda realized her passion for working with children when raising her three younger siblings. She started working here in 2003 and considers Milestones her heart and home.
Ashley Wilson
Director
Ashley has completed classes in Early Childhood through Wabansi Community College. Ashley enjoys being able to teach children and watch them understand new concepts. It is fun watching their personalities develop and showing them love each day.
Kayla Tiller
Lead Teacher
Kayla has completed classes in early childhood and child development. Her favorite part about working with children is watching them learn and grow.
Stephanie Schlaugat
Lead Teacher
Stephanie has an Associates Degree in Childcare Services from Chippewa Valley Technical College. She loves being a part of children reaching milestones and achievements.
Kelsey Ruf
Lead Teacher
Kelsey has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Chippewa Valley Technical College. She loves working with children because she enjoys watching them grow, learn, and explore.
Shylo Halvorson
Lead Teacher
Shylo has completed classes in Early Childhood through Chippewa Valley Technical College. She loves helping children learn, develop, and grow. She loves the love and hugs she gives and receives each day.
Alicia Gaede
Lead Teacher
Alicia has a Bachelors Degree in Family and Consumer Science-Family Life Education and a Master's Degree in Human and Community Resources through UW-Stevens Point. She enjoys hearing the children laugh and giggle and watch them learn, grow, and explore their environment.
Mackenzee Goss
Lead Teacher
Mackenzee has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Chippewa Valley Technical College. She loves working with children because she can watch them grow, develop, and meet milestones.
Dawn Robinson
Lead Teacher
Dawn has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Chippewa Valley Technical College. She loves working with children as it allows her the opportunity to give love and make a positive impact on their lives every day. It brings a smile to her face watching the children interact, grow, and develop.
Stacey Thydean
Cook
Stacey enjoys working as a cook at Milestones because the children are always happy to see her and excited about the food she makes.
Jabyn Bowe
Assistant Teacher
Jabyn is a current student at University of Wisconsin-Madison majoring in Elementary Education.. Jabyn has a passion for working with children and enjoys watching them learn and develop. He wants to have a positive impact and make a difference in their future.
Emily Rasmus
Lead Teacher
Emily has an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Chippewa Valley Technical College. Emily enjoys working with children as she gets to help them learn and grow. She likes to help them meet milestones and interact with their families.
Olivia Clark
Assistant Teacher
Olivia is a current student at University of Wisconsin-River Falls majoring in English Education. She enjoys working in a positive environment that helps children to grow. Olivia loves helping children discover themselves and communicate their needs.
Destiney Shockey
Lead Teacher
Destiney has completed classes in Early Childhood Education. She believes taking care of children is what she is supposed to do with her life. Destiney loves watching children learn and grow.
Sydnie Powell
Lead Teacher
Sydnie has completed classes in early childhood education. She loves working with children to see them grow and enjoys giving them love and snuggles.
Alissa Nayes
Lead 4K Teacher
Alissa has a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education from University of Northwestern-St. Paul. Her favorite thing about teaching is seeing the fun and unique perspectives each child brings to the world and watching their sense of wonder as they learn. Child development is so amazing and she enjoys watching each child as they learn and grow.
Anna Fish
Assistant Teacher
Anna pursued studies in Women's Studies and completed classes in child development and early childhood education. Her studies lead her into a path of nannying, mothering, and finding her love of working with kids. Anna loves seeing the world through the eyes of children; how their minds piece things together and everything is new and exciting. Children teach us to slow down and live in the moment.
Karl Westscott
Lead Teacher
Karl has completed classes in child development and early childhood. He enjoys working with children as it brings him joy to see their excitement when they learn a new concept and grow in confidence. Karl advocates to adapt learning to children's developmental needs to help them to learn and grow to their full capacity. He works to create an environment that helps children flourish by accessing their creativity and curiosity.
Brittany Isom
Lead Teacher
Brittany has completed classes in child development and early childhood education. She enjoys working with children as she is able to watch them come out of their shell and show their personalities. Brittany has worked with children for a long time and is passionate about helping children grow.
Emma Heller
Assistant Teacher
Emma completed classes in child development. She enjoys working with children to see their curiosity and excitement as they learn new things. It is fun to see them grow and to help them develop new abilities. Emma enjoys how each day is different and enjoys new challenges and experiences.
Mya Post
Assistant Teacher
Maya is a current student at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse double majoring in Elementary and Middle School Education and Special Education. She enjoys working with kids and helping them grow developmentally. Maya loves seeing the imagination of a child and helping them grow. Teaching has always been an interest and passion.
Danielle Swanson
Assistant Teacher
Danielle has an Associate's Degree in Business Management. She enjoys watching children learn to express themselves and grow into their personalities. Danielle loves working with children as their smiles make her smile.
Kaycie Scherwinski
Assistant Teacher
Kaycie is a student at Chippewa Valley Technical College pursuing a degree in nursing. Growing up she has always enjoyed interacting with younger children in her family and neighborhood. Kaycie enjoys watching children grow, develop, and learn new things every day. Working with children has inspired her to pursue her nursing career in pediatrics.
Kylie Bernier
Assistant Teacher
Kylie is a current student at Chippewa Falls High School. She loves working with children as they have authentic emotions and actions. She believes all children approach situations with love and does well in a compassionate and caring environment.
Natalee Pollitt
Assistant Teacher
Natalee is a current student at Chippewa Valley Technical College. She enjoys working with children as they are always learning, growing, and finding fun in all situations. Natalee loves working with all ages and finds joy in each child's unique personality.
Naomi Butcher
Assistant Teacher
Naomi attended Northcentral Technical College and has her certification in in Early Childhood Education. She enjoys working with children as she is able to see their imaginations at work and can help them learn new things every day. Naomi loves to see children at work through play and looks forward to seeing all of the things they learn.
Tilly Gundreson
Lead Teacher
Tilly has completed coursework in early childhood education and child development. She loves working with children and values the energy and curiosity they bring into each day. Tilly is passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment where children can explore new skills, have fun, and build meaningful relationships. Her teaching emphasizes kindness, independence, compassion, and curiosity, helping each child grow both socially and emotionally.
Mandi Sahm
Lead Teacher
Mandi holds an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Chippewa Valley Technical College. Her favorite part of teaching is witnessing children achieve new milestones. She finds joy in watching them practice and master skills as they continue to learn and grow. Mandi is dedicated to supporting children's development by encouraging perseverance, celebrating accomplishments, and fostering confidence.
Annaka Schindler-Turner
Assistant Teacher
Annaka has completed classes in child development and early childhood education. She enjoys seeing the world through the eyes of the children she works with, believing that their curiosity and honest perspectives bring something special to each day. Annaka loves teaching as she learns from the children just as they learn from her. She finds it deeply rewarding to witness their growth and to play an active role in their learning journey.
Crystal Fedie
Lead Teacher
Crystal holds an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from WITC. She loves working with children because each one is precious, unique, and constantly growing. Crystal enjoys watching children develop, knowing how quickly their skills and personalities evolve. She believes children excel when their natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning are nurtured. They bring a refreshing perspective to the world, often reminding us to see things more simply. Crystal finds it incredibly rewarding to support their growth, encourage their developing confidence, and help them discover their potential.
Kyla Nelson
Assistant Teacher
Kyla has completed classes in child development and early childhood education. She enjoys creating engaging activities for children. Kyla finds joy in helping children discover what they love to do and supporting them in whatever they need to feel loved and supported. She values being present with children and supporting their growth through meaningful, nurturing interactions.
Olivia Gunderson
Assistant Teacher
Olivia has completed classes in child development and early childhood. She enjoys working with children because of their humor, creativity, and unique perspectives. Olivia finds it meaningful to help teach them new skills and support their learning. She appreciates the joy and laughter that come with working in early childhood and values being part of each child's growth and development.
Breanna Browning
Assistant Teacher
Breanna is currently a student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire majoring in Elementary Education. One of her favorite parts of working with children is watching their personalities and skills grow over time. Breanna finds joy in creating engaging experiences and being involved in each child's learning and development.
Abigail Gunderson
Lead Teacher
Abigail has completed classes in child development and early childhood education. She enjoys watching the children grow and learn new things. Abigail loves being involved with the children each day, watching their changes from infants to toddlers. Every day is an adventure!
Kieli Peloquin
Assistant Teacher
Kieli has completed classes in child development and early childhood education. She enjoys watching children grow, learn new milestones, and develop problem-solving skills. She loves to engage with the kids as they try new activities ranging from literacy and education to interests and games. Kieli finds joy being able to observe the kindness, laughter, and love children bring to the classroom every day.
Madelynn DeMars
Assistant Teacher
Maddie has completed classes in child development and early childhood education. She enjoys working with children because she not only has the opportunity to teach them but also learns something new from them every day. Maddie loves being surrounded by children's curiosity and joy.
Belle Simpson
Assistant Teacher
Belle has completed coursework in child development and early childhood education. She values being part of children's everyday experiences and enjoys watching them learn and grow. Belle is especially passionate about providing comfort, love, and guidance as children reach important developmental milestones. She feels honored to support and teach children, embracing each of their unique personalities and strengths.
Karli Holm
Lead Teacher
Karli has completed coursework in child development and early childhood education. She is passionate about the positive impact she can make on children and their families. Karli enjoys engaging with each child and finds great joy in watching them learn, grow, and retain new skills over time. One of her favorite parts of teaching is seeing children's development unfold and knowing she plays a role in their success.
Olivia Anderson
Lead Teacher
Olivia has completed coursework in child development and early childhood education. She enjoys supporting children as they learn, grow, and develop their own unique personalities. Olivia loves watching children make discoveries, build their understanding of the world, and form meaningful connections with their peers. She finds it incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey as they learn about themselves and others.
Grow With Milestones
Before you make the decision about where you will send your child for preschool or day care, contact us for a tour.
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