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. 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.“
Abby von Ruden, Assistant Director
Hi! My name is Abby von Ruden and I have been with The Learning Gardens since May, 2023. I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Madison College and have worked in the Early Childhood field since 2013.
In my free time, I love to spend time with my son and our dog Corky. I enjoy reading and listening to music. I look forward to working with all the families here at The Learning Gardens!
My favorite quote is: “Teaching is not about answering questions but raising questions- opening doors for them in places they could not imagine.” Yawar Baig
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.