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.
Emelyn, Building Support Teacher
Hi! My name is Emelyn and I have been with The Learning Gardens since April, 2025. I love working with kids because they are emotional ages, where they are exploring the world and new things. I believe children learn best through emotional games and we are the engine of support for the young learners. I am passionate about many things that children learn, both emotionally and intellectually. We will have a good team all together. I have worked in the Early Childhood Education field since 2020 working with children ages 2-2 1/2 years old. I am a level 3 on the Wisconsin Registry. I hold an Associate Pre-school Assistant Teaching Degree from the University of East in Puerto Rico.
I grew up in Brooklyn, New York but I have lived in Madison since 2009. I am married and have 3 children. In my spare time, I like to travel with my family, camp, and take road trips. My first language is Spanish.
I am very excited and grateful to have this opportunity to work with all of your children!
Saira, Building Support Teacher
Hello! My name is Saira and I have been with The Learning Gardens since April of 2025. I love working with kids because they love learning so much. I believe children learn best through hands on experiences. I am passionate about making a greater impact.
I worked in the Early Childhood Education field since 2023. I have cared for children ages 1 to 7 years old. I grew up in New Glarus and moved to Madison in March of 2025.
In my spare time, I like to shop, hang out with friends, and be outdoors. I have a dog and a cat. I speak both English and Spanish.
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.