MRS. BRENDA TRAUTMAN (Teacher in the Infant Room)
I received my EC1 and EC2 education from WCTC, Infant & Toddler, CPR, First Aid and many other trainings. I’ve had the opportunity to gain much knowledge through specialized training and seminars, especially in special needs children. I was previously employed by Lutheran Social Services. I most recently was involved in working with a 4K WRAP program at Merton School as an Assistant Site Supervisor employed by Wisconsin Youth Company. I was honored to receive the 2006-2007 “Julie Kent Memorial Award” for dedication and caring of children. I enjoy working with all age groups. On a personal note, I have been married for 35 years to Greg. We have 3 grown sons and a very special 9 year old grandson. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family doing just about anything – camping, fishing, etc.
MS. HEIDI THUROW (Teacher in the Infant Room)
I have been working at Kinder Place since November 2006. I am one of the lead teachers of the Infant Room and also the Assistant Director. I am certified in Early Childhood 1 & 2, Fundamentals of Infant/Toddlers and an Administrative course. I worked at St. Paul’s Extended Care for the grade school during my junior and senior years at high school. It is also very interesting to know that I attended St. Paul’s from 1st grade through 8th grade, as did both my parents. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and close friends.
MRS. BECKY MANKE (Teacher in the Toddler Room)
I hold a B.S. in Education and Infant/Toddler certification, along with CPR training. I have served at Kinder Place for over seven years and enjoy it very much! My husband Dennis and I live in Watertown with our cats Emma, PeeWee and Rosie. I enjoy gardening, stamping, dartball and volunteering at our church in Watertown.
MRS. TERI RAGAR (Teacher in the Two Year Old Room)
Working for Kinder Place has been so rewarding! I love teaching the Twos! The development of the children from toddler to three just amazes me. Before I worked in the child care field, I worked manufacturing jobs. It ranged from assembly to customer service to shipping and receiving. When my grandson Jayden was born in September of 2005, I realized that I loved to be around little ones. So I took Early Childhood Education classes and started my new career in the fall of 2006. By the grace of God, I ended up here at Kinder Place. I couldn’t be happier. In my spare time, I love to scooter ride, boat ride, work on my house and oil paint. I can’t forget about playing with my grandson or going camping!
MRS. SUE LINDEMANN (Teacher in the Three Year Old Room)
I am an Oconomowoc and St. Paul’s native .. having been here all my life! I have worked with children in one way or another for over 25 years, mostly here at St. Paul’s. I have been at Kinder Place for 2 years and really enjoy it. I have been married to John for over 38 years. We’ve been together since 1966. We have 3 grown children and 3 grandsons, Owen, Ian and Eamon. We live in Oconomowoc and really enjoy walking around Fowler Lake. I love doing crafts of many kinds, babysitting and spending time with my family. God has been very good to us, and for everything we are very grateful.
MS. BARB STAR (Teacher in the Four Year Old Room)
Kinder Place is my favorite place – it’s my ministry for God and his little children. Years ago I received a one year diploma from WCTC in the field. After my son, age 4, was in a center in Watertown, I decided it was time to get into the child care field. I’ve been in placed from Milwaukee and a few in between. I’ve taught kindergarteners (opposite their half-day program) as well as after schoolers and of course, the 3-4 year olds. At Kinder Place I have been the 4 year old preschool teacher from 1990-1995 and 2000 – present. Since my diploma in 1972, I have taken many courses totaling well over 1,000 hours. I find it very rewarding to be the student since I am always eager to learn. I have been blessed to learn from these young children, as well as to teach them. With God’s help, I will continue on. PS: My son Chris, is 37 now.
MRS. KELLY KULAS (Floater Teacher)
I have been in the child care field for over 29 years. I have worked with children from the ages of 6 weeks to school age. I have also worked with children with special needs. It has been a true calling from God. I work with all the children at Kinder Place as a “floater”. I get to go into all the rooms and help out when needed. I so enjoy what I’m doing and love to work with the children every day. I have been married to a great guy named Ron for 20 years. We have been blessed with two sons, Jacob, 19 and Joshua, 16. I keep very busy trying to keep up with them!
MRS. CYNDI WEIBEL (Kinder Place Director)
I have been blessed to work at Kinder Place since August 1992. I attended St. Paul’s Lutheran Grade School and have kept many special friendships throughout the years. My husband Ron, and I will be celebrating our 41st anniversary this fall. We have three beautiful daughters and five grandchildren ranging in age from 4 to 17 years. Our free time is spent traveling and spending time with our family and friends. I delight in watching all of our Kinder Place children grow in so many ways. One of my first year students is married now and raising a family of his own. My, how time does fly. God is truly watching over all of us. I continue to take as many courses as possible to continue my education. This enables me to grow and allows me to share new ideas and fun learning with the children at Kinder Place.