Maxwell Children's Center

Director:June Reineke
jmreineke@winona.edu
507.457.5368

Started at Maxwell Children’s Center:

Educational Background:

• MS from Winona State University: Early Childhood Education
• BS from UW-Stevens Point: Major in Elementary Education
• Minor in Environmental Ed and Psychology

Additional Experience:

• 2 years as an elementary classroom teacher (4th grade)
• 9 years assistant director at Colvig Silver Camps in Durango, CO
  (Classroom of the Earth)
• 4 years as director at East Lansing Michigan Public Schools
  (K-8 Before and After school/Summer Program)
• 3 years Program Community Ed Coordinator at Kishwaukee Community
  College (Early Childhood Course Instructor)

Why I work with children:
When I entered an early childhood classroom I knew I’d found my niche. Children’s boundless curiosity, inspiring creativity, and eagerness to learn touched my core! I have the pleasure of working with children and their families everyday, as partners in curricular and development. This is my investment in the future and hope for a better world.

Assistant Director/Preschool Teacher:
Barbara Nagel
bnagel@winona.edu
507.457.2304

Started at Maxwell Children’s Center:

Educational Background:

• BA from College of St. Teresa: English
• Winona State University: Early Childhood Teaching License

Additional Experience:

• Riverhaven School: parent-run alternative school
• 7 years Early age (K-2) teacher
• 7 years Older age (6-8) English teacher
• 2 years Winona Day Care Center Early Childhood and School Age Summer teacher
• 21 years Winona State International Dancers-folk dance teacher

Why I work with children:
I enjoy the energy and delight that children take in every aspect of life from watching an egg turn from a liquid to a solid in a frying pan to exhilarating in their ability to alternate feet in hopscotch. I am investing in our desire to make the world a better place.

Infant Teacher:
Karen Holte
kholte@winona.edu
507.457.2302

Started at Maxwell Children’s Center: 1991

Educational Background:

• BS from Winona State University: Elementary Education
• Minor in Early Childhood Education

Additional Experience:

• 1 year Substitute teacher in the Winona School District
• 1 year Taught a gifted and talented program

Why I work with children:
I believe all children deserve the best possible start in life. I want children to be safe and happy. I want parents to feel equally safe and happy about their child’s place of care. I feel fortunate to work with young children and their families.

Started at Maxwell Children’s Center: 2007

Educational Background:

• BS from Bemidji State Univeristy: Mass Communication
• Crown College: Early Childhood Licensure

Additional Experience:

• Rochester ECFE PAIIR-Preschool & Toddler Summer Program
• Rochester Family Literacy PAIIR-Infant Program
• Rochester ECFE Substitute Teaching

Why I work with children:

I have been given an awesome opportunity to spend my days with children who are consistently learning about the world around them. The energy in a toddler room is matched by their curiosity about the world. I am still amazed that when I sit on the floor my lap becomes the best place for a toddler to read a book. A simple game of 'what's in the bag' gives any preschool teacher the opportunity to become a magician. Singing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' transforms oru classroom into a standing rom only concert. I think most days I am more excited for school to begin than many of my students. I enjoy coming every day to help the children learn and grow.

Toddler II Teacher:
Kathleen Patterson
kpatterson@winona.edu
507.457.2305

Started at Maxwell Children’s Center:

Educational Background:

• BS from Winona State University: Elementary Education
• Minor in Early Childhood Education

Additional Experience:

• 12 years Preschool teacher and Early Childhood instructor at Houston Elementary School.
• Also: ECFE coordinator and learning readiness coordinator
• 1 year Preschool teacher and ECFE instructor at Lewiston-Altura and Winona

Why I work with children:
I love children! I enjoy being with them and getting to know their parents.

Preschool I Teacher:
Angie Lepsch
alepsch@winona.edu
507.457.2306

Started at Maxwell Children’s Center: 1998

Educational Background:

• BS from Winona State University: Elementary Education and Early Childhood

Additional Experience:

• 1 year Taught 3-year-olds at Winona Day Care
• 1 month Substitute teacher: LaCrescent Elementary School
• 1 year Taught 5-year-olds at Coulee Children’s Center in LaCrosse, WI

Why I work with children:
I love the curiosity and the excitement for learning that young children have. They are so animated and eager. Making connections and creating relationships with them is very fulfilling. I strive to make school a positive and and fun experience for them.

Preschool Teacher/Office Assistant:
Chrissa Mueller
cmueller@winona.edu
507.457.2300

Started at Maxwell Children’s Center: 2001

Educational Background:

• BS from Winona State University: Elementary Education
• Minor in Middle School Social Studies
• Early Childhood License from Winona State University
  

Additional Experience:

• 1 year Substitute teacher for the Winona Public Schools
• 2 years Director of an after school program for the Winona Area Catholic Schools
• Parent Participant in ECFE-St. Charles

Why I work with children:
Children can always bring a smile to my face through their thoughts, words, and/or actions. They have a natural desire to learn and explore the world around them. This natural desire and curiosity makes my job meaningful and very exciting. Children are our future and playing a part in their growth and development is something I truly enjoy more and more each day.

After-School/Summer Program
School-Age Teacher:
Mindy Reinardy
mreinardy@winona.edu
507.457.2301

Started at Maxwell Children’s Center: 2001

Educational Background:

• BS from Winona State University: Elementary Education and Special Ed (K-12):
• Mild to Moderately, Mentally Handicapped; Learning Disabilities
  

Additional Experience:

• 2 years Learning Disability Teacher: Cochrane-Fountain City, WI Elem. School
• 2 years Supervising Teacher and Multi-Age Teacher (Grades 1 & 2) University of Memphis Campus School
• 2 years Head Teacher: Older Children’s Lab at Iowa State University Children’s
  Laboratory
  

Why I work with children:
Working with the wide range of ages (5-11) and grades (K-4) allows me to tailor the program to the interest and needs of the children. School-agers have a lot to share with peers at the end of their school day. I enjoy being one of the first people they get to share their day to day experiences with.

Started at Maxwell Children’s Center: 2006

Educational Background:

• BA from Winona State University: Spanish Language & Literature
• Minors in Sociology, Global Studies
• Study Abroad at Universidad de Granada, Spain

Additional Experience:

• 3 years Assistant teacher at Maxwell Children's Center

Why I work with children:

Every morning I come to Maxwell I realize what a warm and caring environment I get to be a part of each day. From my office I can listen to the sounds of children laughing, playing and learning. It feels great to be surrounded by people that put in 110% every day.

Started at Maxwell Children’s Center: 2006

Educational Background:

Additional Experience:

Why I work with children:

Started at Maxwell Children’s Center: 2006

Educational Background:

• BS from Winona State University: Early Childhood Elementary Education

Additional Experience:

• 5 years Head Start Teacher
• 1 year Substitute Teacher

Why I work with children:

I enjoy working with children because they are so curious and eager to learn. Each child is special and brings a unique personality to the classroom. I also enjoy meeting new families. Together we build a community and a fun, interesting learning environment for children.