Teachers

OWNER/FOUNDER

Hello! I am the owner/founder of The Little Barnyard Preschool and a lead teacher in all of the classes. Teaching children outside in nature and on my farm is a dream job. I have been working with children for 18 years now and I love it more every year.

I have a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. I opened Little Barnyard in 2014, a few years after moving back to Esko. My teaching philosophy is child-led and emergent based on the interests, needs, and motivations of the children and seasons of our year. I’m deeply inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and Constructivist learning models, and I add in Waldorf and Montessori aspects as well. My favorite part of teaching is engaging children in activities that build a love for learning, life skills and a confidence within themselves.

Children bring such joy and fulfillment into my life, and I’m so honored to have your child in my school.

LEAD TEACHER

Hi! My name is Ms. Mikayla and I am thrilled to be part the Little Barnyard family! I graduated from UMD in 2017 from the Unified Early Childhood Studies program and am a licensed Birth-3rd Grade and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) teacher. I spent six years working as a Birth-5 ECSE teacher up in Two Harbors. During that time, I received my Master’s of Child and Adolescent Development from the U of M-Twin Cities with a focus on Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. I took a year off to stay home with my daughter and then decided it was time to get back into the field!

I live at home with my husband (Alex), our dog (Mabel), our cat (Ripley) and our energetic, hilarious, dirt-loving daughter (Ivy). We also adopted two bunnies (Merry and Pippin) from the Little Barnyard. They have been a delightful addition to our family! Some of our favorite things to do include going to the library, playing in the garden and going for hikes on the trail near our house in Duluth. 

I have a passion for creative expression, social emotional learning and working closely with families. I’m so excited to bring these interests to the Little Barnyard and join April in providing the highest quality experiences for your little learner!

TEACHER

Hi! My name is Marissa, I am a senior at UMD, and I am majoring in Childhood Nature Studies. I have always known I wanted to work with children, as I find it to be so fun and fulfilling. I recently discovered my love for nature while studying at UMD. I am from the Brainerd Lakes area and spend most of my free time there on the lake with my fiancée. I am thrilled to spend my summer and fall at the Little Barnyard and look forward to experiencing all there is to know about learning and teaching in nature!

TEACHER

Hi! My name is Ms. Sara and I am so grateful to get to be in nature, learning with you all! I am so excited to play, learn, get muddy, and laugh a lot together. 

I have a background in youth and family ministry, working with kids and youth of all ages for over a decade. After having two littles, life took a turn and I found myself seeking a new adventure. I have a passion for kids and being outside, so The Little Barnyard is the perfect combination. I am also an avid animal lover, crafter, skier, hiker, and shenanigan creator. I am always up for an adventure!

I live with my incredible husband and have two beautiful kiddos, Isabelle (2) and Elijah (4). You can catch us exploring and laughing through life, filling our days with memories.