Our Building Support Teachers
Anne, Building Support & School Age Teacher
The Learning Gardens has been my second family since the spring of 2008! I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Elementary Education. I began working as a teacher in the Preschool Unit for several years and was an infant teacher as well. My son was born in 2015 and I spent two years at home with him and now it is my pleasure to be returning back part-time helping throughout the building. However, I did not come alone because now I am a teacher and a parent to a child attending the Learning Gardens. My husband, Matt, and I are grateful for the continued support we have received from everyone within The Learning Gardens community. There is true gratification when your own child is receiving the care that you and your co-workers take so much pride in giving day in and day out.
Faith, Building Support and Art Enrichment Teacher
Hi! My name is Faith Bump and I have been at The Learning Gardens since March 2023. I love working with kids because you get to laugh and play everyday, and be silly. I have worked for over 5 years in centers with children from infants to older (elementary-aged) children. I have a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts (drawing and painting) from UW-Madison. In my spare time, I enjoy doing art, hanging out with friends, and reading.
One of my favorite quotes is “Be the change you wish to see in the world”. -Ghandi
Jordan, Building Support Teacher
Hello, my name is Jorden Dorn and I have been at The Learning Gardens since November 2022. I believe children learn best through play and experience.
I have worked in the Early Childhood Education field since 2019, working with children aged 2 months to 9 years old.
I grew up in McFarland. In my spare time, I like to play games and listen to music.
Lakeisha, Building Support Teacher
Hi! My name is LaKeisha Saulsberry. I have worked in the early childhood field for over 20 years and have been with The Learning Gardens since April, 2023. I am working on finishing my degree in Early Childhood Education and am a level 5 on the Wisconsin Registry. I love working with children because everyday is a new and fun adventure. I believe children learn best through natural play, exploring, and problem-solving. I have three children ages 18, 10, and 8. In my spare time, I like to draw, dance, be outside with my kids, and take family trips.
Some of my favorite quotes are “The best way to make children good is to make them happy.” – Oscar Wilde “A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark.” – Robert A. Heinlein and “Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what to count is best”. – Bob Talbert
Kyah, Building Support Teacher
Hello! My name is Kyah and I have been working at The Learning Gardens since June of 2024. I love working with kids because they are honest, fun, engaging, and adorable. I believe children learn best through a fun and interactive learning environment. I am passionate about kindness and learning.
I have worked in the Early Childhood Education field since 2016 and have worked with children seven up to fourteen years old. I started my career as a counselor at MSCR and have been working with children ever since.
I grew up in Madison. In my spare time, I like to read, write, and be in nature. I hold a certification to teach yoga from Yoga Alliance.
My favorite quote is “Remember that you are the prize.” – Lori Harvey
Breana, Building Support Teacher
Hello! My name is Breana Green and I have been with The Learning Gardens since March, 2024. I love working with kids because I enjoy helping kids to aim high and become who they are meant to be. I believe children learn best through a calm and individualized environment. In my past experience, I have worked with infants to age 12. I am passionate about becoming the best version of me and making a difference.
I grew up in Madison and have three young children. I have a certification in mind behavior and biology for psychology. In my spare time, I like to read, paint, draw, walk in nature, go bowling, etc.
My favorite quote is “She did her best, and God did the rest.” — Hattie McDaniel
Emily, Building Support Teacher
Hello! My name is Emily and I have been with The Learning Gardens since October of 2023. I love working with kids because I love watching them learn new things. I believe children learn best through sensory activities and movement.
I worked in the Early Childhood Education field since 2021. I have cared for infants and children up to 12 years old. I hold a technical certificate degree in Early Childhood Education from Ivy Tech. I grew up in Ohio and moved to Madison in October of 2023.
In my spare time, I like to watch movies and be with my family. I have a dog and love to sing. My favorite quote is “Everything happens for a reason.”
Nicki, Building Support Teacher
Hello, my name is Nicki and I have been at The Learning Gardens since November 2023. I love working with children because they are fun, full of energy, curious, adventurous, and keep you on your toes with excitement. I believe children learn in many ways using all their senses and by example from their peers and teachers. Creativity is my favorite way to teach with lots of hands-on experiences. I am passionate about art, babies, being creative, having fun, and making sure each child has a good day and learns something new.
I have been involved in Early Childhood Education since 1998 intermittently. I also have helped raise all of my nephews and nieces and now my great-nephews and nieces. I love working with kids of all ages. I am a Level 3 on the Wisconsin Registry
I have lived in Madison all my life except for a 6 month stint in Arlington TX. I am joyfully married and I have 2 adorable grown sons. In my spare time, I like to garden, work on craft projects, style hair, and spend time with my family. I love anything artistic, creative, and mind-expanding. I love writing, learning, and teaching.
My favorite quote is “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” by Albert Einstein.
Marsha, Building Support Teacher
Hello, my name is Marsha and I have been at The Learning Gardens since October 2024. I love working with children because it amazes me how much they learn in such a short time. I believe children learn best through interactions and exploration. I am passionate about children, my family, and friends.
I have been involved in Early Childhood Education since 1992 working with children 6 weeks through 10 years of age. I am a Level 14 on the Wisconsin Registry. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin – Stout. I student taught Kindergarten Preschool and 1st grade and then after graduating I was a 3 year old teacher. Then I worked with multiple ages before becoming a center director for a short time. The last 25 years before The Learning Gardens, I have worked with infants and toddlers in the Early Head Start Program.
I grew up in New Glarus, Wisconsin and have lived in Madison since 1994. I am joyfully married and I have 2 adult grown children. I also have a cat named Casey. In my spare time, I like to spend time with family and friends, watching movies, playing cards, and visiting.