Administration
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Jennifer Bowron
Executive Director
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Emily Feicht
Assistant Director
Jennifer Bowron
Executive Director
My journey in early childhood education began over 25 years ago in the world of Head Start in Los Angeles. Throughout my career, I have worked with children of various age groups, from infants to preschoolers. I have held positions as Assistant Teacher, Lead Guide, and Head of School. Moving back home to the Midwest only fueled my passion for early childhood, and while the most recent leg of my journey was in Montessori, my love for early childhood dives deep into the Reggio-Emilia approach. Shaped by a profound curiosity for how young minds flourish and evolve, it has been a heartwarming privilege to watch countless children bloom into their unique selves. I anticipate the same joy and growth for the children of SPCC. Every day, I grow as a socially aware educator dedicated to anti-bias and anti-racist (ABAR) teaching strategies, and I am committed as an individual and school leader to support our inclusive community in this journey as well.
When I'm not immersed in the world of education, you can find me spending quality time with my greatest inspiration, my son, Finnegan. We love embarking on wild adventures together, whether it's exploring the great outdoors, diving into a stack of books, finding new dance moves to show each other, or simply spending time together laughing and playing.
Emily Feicht
Assistant Director
I'm originally from northern Wisconsin. I earned my BA in Anthropology and Classical Languages from Ripon College. After a year off, I moved to Minnesota for my MA in Latin. I met my husband in the graduate office and we fully agree that winter is awesome. Soon after my degree, I stumbled into the world of Montessori education, where I spent eight years between preschoolers, school administration, and toddlers (in that order). I fell in love with the ways we get to empower children as individuals from teaching self-dressing to encouraging self-advocacy through proper language. With my son attending the Twin Cities German Immersion School, it was time to move my career to Saint Paul!
In my free time, I watch Netflix, cheer for my personal hockey players, and crochet. Often, it's two of those at a time.
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Cheryl Knudson
Consulting Administrator
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John Edel
Cook
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Rachel Dunn
Art & Engagement Coordinator
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Peter Galassi
Operations Manager
Cheryl Knudson
Consulting Administrator
I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor degree in Child Psychology and a minor in Sociology-Law, Crime and Deviance. I have been at SPCC since June 2012, prior to coming to SPCC, I worked as a professional nanny, as a teacher in classrooms all of all ages infants through pre-k, in after school programs with school-age children; as a child development specialist working directly with children with emotional and behavioral special needs; and coached a 7th grade girls basketball team. During my time at SPCC, I have presented on open-ended play, emergent curriculum and Reggio Emilia inspired concepts at the Annual MnAEYC Conference (the largest state conference for early childhood educators and administrators), participated in grant writing, and coordinated Health and Wellness activities for both faculty and families. I am part of SPCC's Development Team dedicated to securing grant dollars to improve upon the center's programming; as well as SPCC's Buildings and Grounds Committee dedicated to improving upon the center's aesthetics. I have two sons; Jordan and Connor, both SPCC alumni attending school in the Oakdale Public School District. We love to spend our weekends at the cabin but we also spend our time exploring local trails, playing board games. reading, and cooking together. One of my favorite quotes is: “While we try to teach children all about life, children teach us what life is all about,” ~Angela Schwindt
Rachel Dunn
Art & Engagement Coordinator
I have been with SPCC since November 2017 working in a variety of roles and now settled in as the studio arts teacher. Because I am very passionate about nature and outdoor education, if I’m not in the studio you can find me outside developing and maintaining our outdoor classroom! I am very excited about integrating art and nature into all aspects of learning. I believe that free play and exploration are key to every child’s development and we are here to guide them and support them. I strive to help them be kind, responsible and respectful little humans with vivid imaginations and big dreams!
I received my B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation and Art from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. In my free time I love to bike, cook, create art at home, and go on adventures with my husband, Jim, and dog, Wisco!
Peter Galassi
Operations Manager
After spending much of my career in documentary filmmaking, I emerged from the pandemic with a desire to spend a lot less time sifting through footage and a lot more time working directly with kids and parents. I am very passionate about supporting children and families through the infinite joys and challenges of early childhood. Eventually, I hope to be working directly with adoptive families like my own, but in the meantime I want to get as much hands-on experience as I can.
In my spare time I love to hang out with family, work on home DIY projects, play guitar and play board games.
Bonsai Tree
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Sheila Knutson
Infant Program Coordinator
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Ariane Jackson
Infant Teacher
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Becky Brown
Infant Teacher
Sheila Knutson
Infant Program Coordinator
I have a BS in Early Childhood with a concentration in Education. I have been part of the SPCC community for the last 16 years, during which I have had the opportunity to work with all of our classes. While each group has had something special that I enjoy there seems to be just a little something extra that keeps drawing me back to the littlest ones.
Ariane Jackson
Infant Teacher
Hello my name is Ariane (Air-Re-on)! I’m so excited to join the SPCC team and serve our kids and family in the community. I have been working with infants for 8 years now and truly enjoy watching them learn to navigate a big world.
I’m passionate about merging the arts and early childhood education; outside of the classroom I am a muralist & illustrator and love working with kids of all ages on community art projects.
I’m excited to see all of our kids learn and grow, affirm their creative expression, and thrive.
Becky Brown
Infant Teacher
Hi, my name is Becky and I have been working at SPCC since the summer of 2019. I absolutely love working with kids of all ages but my favorite age group are preschoolers. I am originally from Appleton, Wisconsin but I lived, worked and went to college in Madison, Wisconsin. I moved to Minnesota a year and a half ago to be closer to my family. I currently live in St. Paul, with my lab mix, Charlie. In my spare time, I like to hang out with my sisters, spoil my nieces and nephew, take my dog for hikes, travel and listen to music.
Tumbleweeds
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Matt Cottrill
Toddler Program Coordinator
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Indira Addington
Toddler Teacher
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Mercedes Willis
Toddler Teacher
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Trisha Daigle
Toddler Teacher
Matt Cottrill
Toddler Program Coordinator
My name is Matt Cottrill and I’m really delighted to be returning to SPCC. Working with children and their families is a passion of mine that really provides fulfillment and pride. I feel I can really be myself working within a community that has an identity and a mission and cohesion amongst both staff and the families we serve.
Some things I enjoy bringing into my work are nature exploration, music and movement, books like MOUSE MESS and TEN LITTLE RUBBER DUCKS, group songs and games, and humor. And singing together a lot. You will probably hear me singing in the hall before too long and I’m always happy to stop and chat.
As a single parent, I have a 14 year old starting high school next month. We spend a lot of time playing sports and biking and enjoying nature around town.
I love music and have my earbuds snugly in my ears on my walks and bus rides. I also listen to old time radio shows and This American Life.
Baseball is a big passion in our family as is playing Scrabble and SORRY and other games with our extended family.
Indira Addington
Toddler Teacher
I’m very excited to join St Paul’s Childhood Center. I have a BAS in Early Childhood Studies from Metropolitan State University, and I have worked with young children for over 6 years. I learned about Reggio Emilia while working on my degree and I really like the communal approach to learning and integrating art into the daily curriculum. I believe that we are born with a natural desire to learn and it is the job of all adults to foster that desire. My favorite part of teaching is seeing that moment when everything just “clicks” for the child.
I have performed theater in the Twin Cities; play the piano, flute and sing; and I dance. In my spare time I like to hang out with friends.
Mercedes Willis
Toddler Teacher
Nice to meet you! I was born and raised in the Twin Cities, graduating from St. Paul Central. I may reside in Roseville now, but St. Paul will always have my heart! I have worked with children for over 5 years and have found I am never happier than when I'm teaching. I believe children have so much creative insight on the world around them that by accompanying their learning journey, we can learn just as much about ourselves. I love to go on nature walks, paint, and soak up the sun- especially all at once!
Trisha Daigle
Toddler Teacher
Bio Coming Soon!
Waterfall
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Amber Skogsberg
Emerging Preschool Program Coordinator
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Diana Tatum
Emerging Preschool Teacher
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Elise Dohbila
Emerging Preschool Teacher
Amber Skogsberg
Emerging Preschool Program Coordinator
Many of you may remember me; some may not know me at all...after a year and a half of parting ways with SPCC, I am back!
For those that may not recall (or know me), I was previously a part of the SPCC team for 8.5 years, whooping it up in Tumbleweeds and the Program Coordinator for about 4 years in that time. I bid farewell to SPCC in January 2023 to explore new career opportunities, only to find that SPCC is truly my "home." I have followed my heart and found my way back to this beautiful community of staff and families, and I feel great
I am so excited to join the crew in Waterfall and be reunited with some of my previous students. I can't wait to dive deep into the land of 2 yr olds and all the shenanigans that come with it. There are many dance parties coming in the very near future for our class.
A little more about me: I am a mom of 4 ( ranging from 14-25 yrs old), living with my hubby here in St. Paul. I am also a hip-hop dance instructor for children 3-5 years old and adults with disabilities at Cypher Side Dance School. In my free time, I love to go for walks/hikes, relax on my deck, or love my 3 cats.
Diana Tatum
Emerging Preschool Teacher
I have been at SPCC since December 1997. I enjoy working with children. I also have training as a certified food manager, so sometimes you may find me in the kitchen filling in for our center Chef, John, when he is away. I am a writer and animal lover. I have two cats, Bella and Noona, and a dog named Max.
Elise Dohbila
Emerging Preschool Teacher
Bio Soon!
Willow Woods
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Claire Grudt
Preschool Program Coordinator
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Amelia Forman
Preschool Teacher
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Amy Anderson
Preschool Teacher
Claire Grudt
Preschool Program Coordinator
In 1998, I started working as a Teacher’s Aide in a preschool classroom and figured out pretty soon afterward that early education is my passion. I obtained an AA degree from St. Paul College and then went back and got a BA in Child Development Studies/Child Psychology from Metro State University. In June of 2013, I started working here at SPCC and discovered a community of people who value exploration, discovery and creativity-- in short, I finally found my people! I am a coffee enthusiast which gives me lots of energy for my passions which include reading, singing, going for walks, spending quality time with friends and family.
Amelia Forman
Preschool Teacher
Hi, my name is Amelia Forman . I started teaching Preschool in St.Paul in 2019. I enjoy observing children trying things for the first time and watching how excited they get when they are proud of what they have accomplished by themselves or with friends. The children are so smart they absorb things so quickly they are like little sponges. I am very excited to be a Preschool teacher in Willow Woods this March. I have lived in St. Paul, MN most of my life. I went to college in Portland Oregon and received a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree. I enjoy during my free time taking pictures of nature, cooking and baking treats for family and friends. I also like doing craft projects, going to farmers markets to try new fruits and vegetable's, spending time with family, friends and my 3 cats Toby, Doc and Bear.
Amy
Preschool Teacher
Bio Goes Here!
Reflection Grove
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Michael Farrell
Pre-K Program Coordinator
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Suzy Swenson
Pre-K Program Coordinator
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Kieli Peloquin
Pre-K Teacher
Michael Farrell
Pre-K Program Coordinator
Hello! My name is Michael Farrell, and I am very excited to be joining the team here at St. Paul's Childhood Center! I studied secondary education at the University of Minnesota Duluth, with an ephesus in social studies. I also have an Associate of Fine Arts from Minneapolis College. I didn't expect to work in early childhood education, but after giving it a try I fell in love with this age group. I have just over five years experience in the field before coming here to SPCC. I live in St. Paul with my partner Courie, her kid Ginger, and our two cats. I am passionate about art, music, biking, and just about anything to do with enjoying nature and the outdoors. I am a social justice warrior, and proud of it! I believe that a strong and positive experience in early childhood education is integral for all children to build a foundation to achieve true equality. I first became interested in the Reggio Emilia approach while working at a Montessori preschool, and know my teaching style will lend itself perfectly to our schools pedagogi. One of my favorite parts about being a preschool teacher is that it helps me to hold on to the natural curiosity and wonder of life that we are all born with. My goal as a teacher is to help create a safe, fun, and exciting environment where children can discover themselves as they realize their relation to the world around them.
Suzy Swenson
Pre-K Program Coordinator
Bio coming soon!
Kieli Peloquin
Pre-K Teacher
Hi! My name is Kieli and I recently moved to the twin cities from Wisconsin. I have a passion for working with young children and caring for them. It's rewarding and motivating for me to help children grow in their development. I grew up with my one sibling, a sister who’s 3 years younger than me. Apart from being a student, I took up dance lessons in middle school through a small company that acted as a family, so us older ones would always be helping with the little ones, and when I was 15 I became an assistant dance teacher to a class of pre-teens. I took a babysitting class through Mayo Clinic Health System at 12 years old, and started babysitting shortly after. I babysat the neighbor kids whenever I was needed, days or nights, throughout their pre-k to elementary years. I also helped out in my church’s nursery, infants up to 3 years old. In addition I have previous center experience working with 1-2 year olds. I want to continue this work by getting a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work because it could strengthen and extend my care for children, teens, young adults, and families of all backgrounds. It would also increase more opportunities to help individuals in many settings and organizations. I plan to start college this fall in Minnesota. Meanwhile, I hope to learn more during my time at St. Paul’s Childhood Center. I’m beyond excited to be a part of the team!
The Hive
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Kenzie Potter
Hive Teacher
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Bianca White
Hive Teacher
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Xee Lor
Hive Teacher
Kenzie Potter
Hive Teacher
I just moved to Minnesota from Ohio (east of Columbus). I have my BA in Social Studies Education and History. This past year, I was a full-time substitute at an elementary school, where I did long-term placements in 4th grade and K-5 Art. This coming fall I will be teaching 5th and 6th grade. Like Bianca, I also love theatre - I played James in James and the Giant Peach in high school and Fairy Godmother in Cinderella in college! I am so excited to get to know your learners this summer!
Bianca White
Hive Teacher
I am so excited to be partnering with Kenzie to teach The Hive. I graduated in 2023 with a Bachelors in Theatre . During the school year I work as an EA at Great River School, Usher for the Hennepin Theatre Trust, childcare for Mercy Vineyard Church and am always either acting in a show or directing one! Apart from theatre I love to write, swim, and sing . I’m super excited to go on adventures with the Hive and make new friends! I’m looking forward to this summer!
Xee Lor
Hive Teacher
Hello SPCC Families, my name is Xee Lor and I have been with SPCC since 2022. I currently live with my partner and my two dogs, Sassy and Kylo. I enjoy playing flag football with my team, taking nature walks with my dogs and relaxing to a good Netflix series! I will be graduating with my bachelors in early education in the winter of 2024 and I am so excited. During the school year, I am currently working as a TA for HCPA and in the summer I would work at SPCC as a collaborative. I have been working with children for about 8 years now and I just love seeing children meet their milestones. I am always so excited to be back each summer to see how much the children have grown since the last time that I’ve seen them.
Collaborative Team
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Evelyn Dornquast
Collaboration Teacher
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Heather Amos
Collaboration Teacher
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Megan Zenke
Collaboration Teacher
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Tina Doran
Collaboration Teacher
Evelyn Dornquast
Collaboration Teacher
Hello, nice to meet you! My name is Evelyn and I’m co-majoring in Psychology and Social Work at the University of Saint Thomas. I believe in community, loving and honoring each other, and creating lasting impressions in the lives we touch. I was blessed with three little sisters at the age of fourteen and discovered my natural excitement and interest in helping shape and care for children. They teach me more about myself than the other way around. I then began nannying and babysitting others children, learning that every child is exceptional and unique in their own ways!
What attracted me to working at SPCC is the clear confidence and sense of self they instill in the children. The ways the teachers worked and the pride that they obviously felt for the kids accomplishments made me want to be a part of the team. I’ve seen a lot of expectations and opinions around proper childhood development, but this center focuses on the individual classrooms and not solely educational institutions curriculum.
In my free time, I enjoy spending it with my younger and older sisters, and my friends. I like to hike, read, paint, and skateboard! During the winter, I like to figure skate on the lakes and snowboard. Currently, my only child is my gorgeous Maine Coon cat Phoebe. She is the size of a small toddler and definitely takes a similar amount of attention but it’s never easy raising a drama queen! I have a lot of gratitude for my vocation and strive to share it with both parents and children.
When I'm not immersed in the world of education, you can find me spending quality time with my greatest inspiration, my son, Finnegan. We love embarking on wild adventures together, whether it's exploring the great outdoors, diving into a stack of books, finding new dance moves to show each other, or simply spending time together laughing and playing.
Heather Amos
Collaboration Teacher
My name is Heather, and I am returning to St. Paul after living in Los Angeles and then Iowa for the last several years. I was born and raised in a small town in Iowa, where I never quite fit in, but I had a mom who nurtured and guided me to a place of self love and self acceptance. Through her I was exposed to art, music, creation, and most of all compassion. She would often babysit children in our home and was active in children and youth work in our community, and I just naturally fell into working with children. I started babysitting around the age of twelve and went on to lead children and youth groups in our church and community. My main passions are writing and acting which fit extremely well with child enrichment. I love guiding young lives as they learn to explore the world around them and discover who they are. Their openness and curiosity are an inspiration, and I believe as adults, we learn from them just as much as we teach and guide them. My journey in Early Childhood Education has been so rewarding. I have had the privilege of working with children ages infants through school age in a wide range of settings. I am especially connected to non profit organizations and working with marginalized communities such as LQBTQIA youth using art, music nature, performance, and storytelling. I obtained my BA in Theater and Philosophy from a small private college in North Dakota in 2002. You may not have seen me in various films, tv shows, music videos, plays, improv performances, and sketch comedies. I am currently working on creative writing and immersing myself in storytelling. I live in a beautiful, artists’ loft with my fiancé, Mari and our two fur children, Mona (dog) and Jolie (cat). In my free time I like to go on adventures with Mari and our pets, read, binge tv series, thrift shop, visit record stores, road trip, and take in as much music as possible. I am looking forward to being a part of the SPCC community and learning and growing alongside the children and the wonderful staff.
Megan Zenke
Collaboration Teacher
Hello! My name is Megan Zenke. I am new to SPCC but not to taking care of and the development of kids! I am a developmental psychology major at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. I am a newly established senior there and am working towards a career in child life specialty. I have experience with kids of all ages and stages and I am looking forward to continuing my experience in the child care field here at SPCC. I am also looking forward to getting to know the community and the people in it!
Tina Doran
Collaboration Teacher
Hello my name is Tina. For the past seven years I have been home taking care of my family, but before that I worked at SPCC for 11 years in a variety of roles. Three of my four kids attended SPCC when I previously worked here and they loved it here as much as I did. I returned to SPCC in June of 2023 as a collaboration staff. I really enjoy watching children learn and grow. I also really like getting to know all the families. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, and watching reality television shows.
The SPCC Board
St. Paul’s Childhood Center (SPCC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit child development center founded by St. Paul’s United Church of Christ (SPUCC) as an outreach to the community. SPCC is a nonsectarian school governed by a Board of Directors that supports the school’s mission of providing the community with an exceptional family-centered school for early learning.
The Board of Directors can be contacted at spccboard@myspcc.com.
Alexandra McDonough, Chair (she/her)
Alex is the parent of two current SPCC students and a member of SPUCC. She is an attorney in the General Counsel’s Office at the Minnesota Department of Human Services practicing in health care law, and has previously served as the vice chair of a local charter school. She lives in Mendota Heights with her husband, kids, and two cats.
Craig is a longtime member of SPUCC. He previously served on the SPCC Steering Committee for many years. He is a retired accountant and currently teaches a class at the University of Minnesota MBT Program. Craig lives in St. Paul not far from SPCC.
Mary Johnson, Treasurer (she/her)
Mary has been a longtime member of SPUCC, and over this time, has been involved in various steering committee and Board-level leadership with the Childhood Center. She is an independent financial consultant. Mary has three adult children, and lives in Roseville with her husband, and is a dog-mom to Murphy, a Bernese Mountain Dog.
Kristin has two children currently attending SPCC, including one child with physical and intellectual disabilities. She is the Associate Director of Research at Wilder Research in St. Paul. She has a PhD in Family Social Sciences from the University of Minnesota.