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

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.

Mya, Building Support Teacher

Hello!  My name is Mya and I have been working at The Learning Gardens since April, 2024.  I love working with kids because as child care providers, we teach them fundamentals they take with them.  I believe children learn best through communication in a safe environment that they feel included in.  I am passionate about helping people have good days and by giving out good energy.

I have worked in the Early Childhood Education Field since 2018.  I have worked with infants and children up to 9 years old.  I hold an Early Childhood Education degree from UW-Milwaukee.  I started working with MSCR when I was 14 and eventually worked my way up.  Now I have been doing childcare since college.

I grew up in Madison.  In my spare time, I like to listen to music, travel, try new foods, and hike.

My favorite quote is “Walk by faith, no by sight.”  – II Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

Allison, Building Support Teacher

Hello!  My name is Allison and I have been working at The Learning Gardens since July of 2024. I love working with kids because of the joy they bring to our lives.   I am passionate about helping kids learn and having them teach me.

I have worked in the Early Childhood Education field since 2023 and have worked with 8-month to three years olds. I am a Level 12 on the Wisconsin Registry.  I hold a Bachelors degree in Humanistic Studies with Medieval Emphasis from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

I grew up in McFarland and have lived in Madison most of my life.  After college, I did live in Appleton for a few years. I am married and in my spare time, I like to thrift for treasures or play video games.  Some of my previous work experience with children includes working with the DNR as an intern teaching kids to fish and at Rutabaga teaching kids to canoe and kayak.

My favorite quote is “A dog cannot make the journey alone, but maybe a wolf can.”  – Boris, from the movie “Balto”

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

Valentina, Building Support Teacher

Hello!  My name is Valentina and I have been working at The Learning Gardens since August of 2024. I love working with kids because I love to see how they learn and grow.  I believe children learn best through imaginative play and among good role models who have love and patience.  I am passionate about teaching, learning, and growing professionally and personally.

I have worked in the Early Childhood Education field since 2011 and have worked with children aged 1-2 years old.  I am a Level 11 on the Wisconsin Registry.  I hold a bachelors degree in Psychology (UTESA) from the University of the Dominican Republic  and an Infant and Toddlers Credential from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville.

I grew up in the Dominican Republic but I have lived in Madison since 2004. I have one grown daughter and owls for pets.  I speak both English and Spanish.

In my spare time, I like to exercise and be with my family and friends.