Our Administrative Staff
Patricia Bump, Executive Director
Hi TLG ! I am Patricia Bump and I have been at The Learning Gardens since November, 2022. I have worked in Childhood Education for over 25 years working with children ages 6 weeks to 18 years of age. I am a level 14 on the Wisconsin Registry. I hold a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
I grew up in Antigo Wisconsin and I have lived in Madison since 1986. I have 3 grown children (ages 19, 21, and 24). I also have 2 cats and a dog.
In my spare time, I like to read, walk, and spend time with family and friends.
My favorite quote is “People will never rise above the opinion of themselves.”
Kathryn Ottow, Assistant Director
Hello, my name is Kate Ottow and I have been with The Learning Gardens since January 2023. Kids are wonderful to work and be with because they are full of love and curiosity. I believe children learn best through exploring the world around them.
Building relationships with children and families is a passion of mine. I have over 30 years of experience in the early childhood field as a teacher of children ages 1-10, Site Coordinator at Head Start, and part-time instructor at Madison College. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from UW-Madison and a master’s degree in Community Health Education from UW-La Crosse.
I grew up in Dodgeville and Verona Wisconsin. I have two grown children ages 27 and 29 and a dog named Shasta.
In my spare time, I like to hike, kayak, snowshoe, knit, and crochet.
Caylyn Huffer-Kiesow, Administrative Assistant and Building Support
Hello! I went to MATC for Liberal Arts, with a focus on dance and childcare. I have been working with children since I started babysitting as a teen. I have over ten years of experience working in child care centers, mainly with infants and toddlers. In addition, I have spent time instructing children of all age groups in dance, physical education, and swimming, as well as time as a lifeguard at Oregon Pool. I took some time away from the early care and education field in the banking world, but during that time I realized that my true passion was working with children. As I worked myself back into the child care field, I eventually found my home at The Learning Gardens where I’ve worked since 2016. In my spare time when it’s nice outside you can find me kayaking, camping, biking or dancing with my friends. In the colder months I love to snuggle with my kitties and read great books in front of the fireplace.