The Butterfly Room

Children develop a love or an aversion for learning in the first few years of life.  Therefore, we work to design our program to generate a lifelong desire to explore, question, and create.  We plan our classroom environment and age-appropriate curriculum to best support and nurture our children’s interests and needs.  We give children a wide range of opportunities to experience and learn from their environment to provide them with skills that will serve them not only in the short-term but also throughout life.

Mel, Butterfly Teacher

Hello!  My name is Mel and I have been working at The Learning Gardens since April, 2025.  I love working with kids because the early years are the most important for development.  I believe children learn best through discovering the environment around them safely.  I am passionate about teaching and nurturing children.

I have worked in the Early Childhood Education field since 2022 working with infants up to 4 years old’s.  I am a Level 8 on the Wisconsin Registry.  I am currently working on an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Ashworth College.

I grew up on Long Island, New York.  I have lived in Madison since 2020.  I have three cats and in my spare time, I like to play video games and do photography.  Besides English, I speak some Spanish and some American Sign Language.

Favorite Quote:  “The culmination of love is grief, and yet we love despite the inevitable.  We open our hears to it.” – Fay, God of War Ragnarok

Olivia, Butterfly Teacher

Hello!  My name is Olivia and I have been working at The Learning Gardens since April, 2025.  I love working with kids because I love to see them grow and prosper.  I believe children learn best through nurturing and loving caregivers. I am passionate about working with children and music.

I have worked in the Early Childhood Education field since 2019 working with infants up to 13 years old’s. I grew up in Southern California but have lived in Madison since 2015.  I have a cat and in my spare time, I like to sing and listen to music.

Favorite Quote:  “We suffer more in imagination than in reality.” – Seneca

Maria, Butterfly Teacher

Hello!  My name is Maria and I have been working at The Learning Gardens since March, 2025.  I love working with kids because their innocence and joy inspires me to see the world with wonder and guides me to contribute to their growth and happiness.  I believe children learn best through play, exploration, and emotional connection.  I am passionate about providing them with an enriching environment where they can naturally and joyfully develop their cognitive, motor, and social-emotional skills.

I have worked with 8 month old’s up to 2 years old’s.  I am a Level 12 on the Wisconsin Registry.  I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the Dominican Republic.

I grew up in the Dominican Republic.  I have lived in Madison since 2022.  I am married and have little one at The Learning Gardens.  In my spare time, I like to spend time in nature, work out at the gym, and go out to eat at new places with my family.

Favorite Quote:  “Believe in yourself and the world will open up to you.”