April 19, 2019

Andrea@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com
Educational Director, Vadnais Heights

Educational Background:
A.A.S. Degree in Childhood Development from St. Paul College

B.A. in Child Development from Concordia University

Employed with Children’s Discovery Academy since 2000

“One of the hard parts about being a working parent can be missing out on some of the things your child learns and experiences during the day. While sometimes hard for parents, this is the best part of our job here at Children’s Discovery. We have the opportunity to be a part of each child’s life in a big way. We get to celebrate all those successes big and small and provide an environment for both children and families that we are proud of.  We nurture, educate, and provide lasting memories.  And we do it all because we love it. As a mother myself, I can’t think of anything more important than what we do here.  We get to make a difference and have a positive impact on the lives of children.”

~Andrea

November 29, 2017

Julie@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com
Director, Little Canada

Educational Background:
A.A.S. Degree in Early Childhood Development from St. Paul College.

Employed with Children’s Discovery Academy since 1998

“The reason I work at Children’s Discovery is because it’s one big family!  All of the teachers work together to do their very best for each child.”

~Julie

February 10, 2020

Lauren@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com

Chief Operating Officer, Little Canada & Vadnais Heights

Educational Background:

B.A. Degree in Business Management from Luther College

M.Ed. Degree in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University

Employed with Children’s Discovery Academy since 2017*
*Employed part-time with Children’s Discovery Academy since 2011

“Making a difference in a young child’s life is something that is truly magical. I love meeting and watching families flourish through the years they stay with us. Children’s Discovery Academy has always been a cherished part of my life. I attended the entire program, from infancy through School-Age care. Now, I am thrilled to be continuing in my family’s business at Children’s Discovery!”

~Lauren

April 28, 2020

Ashley@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com
Assistant Director, Vadnais Heights

Educational Background:
A.A.S. Degree in Childhood Development from St. Paul College

Employed with Children’s Discovery Academy since 2015

“I am so excited and grateful to be a part of the team at Children’s Discovery Academy! It is such a positive and wonderful place to work! I truly value all of the wonderful people I get to work with and families I meet.”

“Over the past 11 years, I have had the opportunity to work with many different ages of children. I have found working with children and families to be a truly rewarding experience.”

“A child has a special way of adding joy to every day.” ~Author Unknown

~Ashley

February 14, 2019

Sue

Sue@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com

Infant Teacher, Vadnais Heights

Educational Background:
Child Development Degree from Northeast Metro Technical College

Employed with Children’s Discovery Academy since 2016

“I truly love working with all ages of children, but infants truly have my heart!  I love seeing all the firsts with infants.  I am married to my husband, Tom and we have two daughters, who have also worked with CDA.  We all just love working with children!”

~Sue

February 26, 2018

Colleen@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com
Toddler A Teacher, Vadnais Heights

Educational Background: A.A.S in Early Childhood Education from Rasmussen College

Employed with Children’s Discovery Academy since 2007

“Working with children is something I’ve wanted to do from the time I was young. When I found my home at Children’s Discovery Academy in 2007, I knew this was the place where I could make a difference! It is so rewarding working with toddlers and to see how they learn and grow every day!

Being able to form great relationships with the families and my co-educators is one of the best parts of my job. I love that I get to be a part of helping these kids be the best they can be!”

~Colleen

April 14, 2018

LaurenB@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com
Toddler B Teacher, Vadnais Heights

Educational Background: A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education from Rasmussen College

Employed with Children’s Discovery Academy since 2013

“I always knew I wanted to work with children and being a part of the Children’s Discovery family has been such a joy. It’s such a rewarding feeling watching the children grow and learn each day. I love being able to connect with the families. Building positive relationships throughout the years is nothing short of wonderful!”

~Lauren B.

January 19, 2019

Jennifer@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com

Preschool A Teacher – Vadnais Heights

Educational Background: Lead Teacher Qualified, Minnesota D.H.S.

Employed with Children’s Discovery Academy since 2019

“My favorite thing about working with children is seeing how a child can develop so many skills in a short period of time. I’m always fascinated by their sense of wonder, their ability to soak in knowledge, and the way that each personality plays an important part in the dynamic of the group. It’s especially rewarding to have a job where I receive smiles, laughter, and hugs. Working at CDA, I am reminded of what I enjoy the most: the loving feeling that exists here and the way parents and teachers work together, allowing us to witness the growth within each child. I have a strong passion for teaching and making sure every child’s needs are met, respected, and validated. I look forward to supporting each child’s growth as well as learning from them myself every day!”

~Jennifer

September 8, 2023

LaurenC@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com

Preschool B Teacher, Vadnais Heights

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Arts from University of Wisconsin, River Falls

Employed with Children’s Discovery Academy since 2014

“Being able to work closely with staff to provide children and families with the best experience is one of the many things I love about coming to work every day! CDA has given me the opportunity to able to watch the children grow, learn, and explore daily. Building connections with families is something that makes being a teacher so rewarding!” 

~Lauren C.

March 13, 2019

DarciF@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, Vadnais Heights

Educational Background:
B.A. in Elementary Education with Pre-Primary from Bethel University

Employed with Children’s Discovery Academy since 2003

“I have been lucky enough to enjoy my career here at Children’s Discovery Academy since 2003. I can honestly say that I LOVE my job!

As a teacher that has been here all these years, I think my favorite part are the families that have come through my class. I enjoy the personal relationships that have been formed and it’s especially rewarding to hear from them for years after they’ve already gone.

As a parent of a child that has gone through the program, I was always impressed with the amount of knowledge my son came home with daily. I sometimes thought,“What else could my child possibly learn when his own mother is a teacher?” But with the fabulous curriculum, there was always something new to learn. He was always safe, well taken care of, and he always enjoyed school.”

~Darci

February 14, 2011

Casi@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com
Assistant Director, Little Canada

Educational Background:
A.A.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education from Rasmussen College – Eagan

Employed with Children’s Discovery Academy since 2008

“It never ceases to amaze me the things I learn from kiddos each and every day. Having the opportunity to get to know not only the kids, but their families as well is such a rewarding feeling! My goal as an educator has always been to make an impact, but who knew I would be the one with that experience? Children’s Discovery Academy is such a wonderful place where I not only feel safe, but loved and cared for by everyone I encounter. I started out here when I was young, and I have so many people to thank for helping me to become the educator, now Assistant Director, and person I am today. Children’s Discovery feels like home!”

~Casi

August 29, 2014

Kristi@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com
Infant Teacher, Little Canada

Educational Background:
A.A.S. in Early Childhood Development from St. Paul College. A.A.S. Degree in Medical Assisting from Rasmussen College. (CNA) Certified Nursing Assistant License from the American Red Cross.

Employed with Children’s Discovery Academy since 1998

“I enjoy working at Children’s Discovery Academy because the teachers here are truly a family. We all work together ensuring that every child is given every opportunity to grow and learn throughout all stages of their development.

Teaching infants is so rewarding for me. Everyday I have the opportunity of watching the proud smile on each baby’s face when he or she learns and accomplishes something new. Receiving and giving hugs and smiles is truly a priceless reward for what I do.”

~Kristi

February 10, 2020

Brianna@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com

Toddler A Teacher, Little Canada

Educational Background: Lead Teacher Qualified, DHS – Currently Completing Degree in Liberal Arts

Employed with Children’s Discovery Academy since 2017

“Working at Children’s Discovery Academy has been such an amazing experience! Being able to see each child learn and grow makes coming to work so fulfilling. Not only am I teaching children every day, but at the same time they are teaching me new things too. It’s so amazing to be a part of such a wonderful company!”

~Brianna

 

February 14, 2011

Drew@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com

Toddler B Teacher, Little Canada

Educational Background: 
Child Development Associate

Employed with Children’s Discovery Academy since 2022

 “I teach for light bulb moments! Seeing children learn new skills that they will use forever is just magical. Not only are little humans learning but I’m constantly learning with them. CDA gives a space for exploration and I love helping little adventurers on their journey.” ~ Drew

 

 

May 3, 2022

Tami@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com

Preschool Teacher, Little Canada

Educational Background:
B.A. in Psychology with an emphasis in Child Psychology from Metropolitan State University

Employed with Children’s Discovery Academy since 2022 (previous employment with CDA from 1991-2001) 

“I am excited to be a part of the Children’s Discovery family! I love working with children and watching them learn and grow every day. It truly amazes me how much knowledge and skills they acquire in such a short period of time. One of my favorite things about working with children is watching the pure excitement on their faces when they accomplish a new milestone!”

~Tami

September 8, 2023

Megan@ChildrensDiscoveryAcademy.com

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, Little Canada

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Arts from University of Wisconsin, River Falls

Employed with Children’s Discovery Academy since 2023 (previous employment with CDA from 2017-2020) 

“I am excited to be back with the Children’s Discovery family! I love forming relationships with the kids and their families. Seeing them grow and develop is one of my favorite things and learning about each of their little personalities is super fun! I hope to make families and children feel safe and comfortable every day and grow in themselves and their learning!” ~ Megan