Our Team of Teachers

Amanda  joined our staff in September 2009, and became the Center Director in 2016. Prior to that, she was our Program Coordinator and Baby Chicks teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Administration from University of Wisconsin - Superior. Amanda started working in childcare in 1999 at UW-Platteville’s Children Center, and has also worked at Sunshine Playhouse in Lodi and as a nanny for a family in Madison. She holds a level 14 Wisconsin Registry Certification.

Cassie K  joined Koala-T-Kare in May 2009. She is currently the center’s Assistant Director and also the Director of our Summer Kamp. She is a level 12 on the Registry and holds a bachelors degree in Recreation Management from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.  She started her childcare career in 2003 when she worked part time at a YMCA while attending school.  Her experience ranges from lead classroom teacher, after school director, recreation director and Wellness Director. She enjoys working with kids of all ages and watching them learn while deep in play!

Cassie R joined the Koala-T-Kare team in July 2009. She graduated from Western Technical College in May 2009 with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. Prior to joining us, she worked at Gundersen Lutheran Childcare Center in La Crosse for three years, mainly with infants and toddlers. 

Colleen  joined Koala-T-Kare in September 2013. She has worked in childcare since 2005 and has substituted in the area. She grew up in Brooklyn, WI. Colleen graduated from UW-Green Bay with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education. 

Diana joined the team in April 2025. She is working towards her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood and is a level 10 on the Wisconsin Registry.

Felipa (Fely) joined KTK in 2022. Originally from Querétaro, Mexico, she has called Madison home for the past 18 years. With a Lead Teacher Certificate, Toddler Credential, , Level 10 on the WIsconsin Registry and over 12 years of experience, Fely brings dedication and passion to her work with children. She is committed to both her professional growth and creating meaningful learning experiences.

Greisly joined the KTK team in 2019. Originally from Venezuela, her native language is Spanish, and she is currently taking English classes at Madison Area Technical College (MATC). Greisly moved to the United States with her husband and their first daughter in 2016. Since then, they have welcomed a second daughter.

Jessica joined the KTK staff in September 2014 as the center’s cook. Before working as a cook, she was a hairstylist for eight years. After working in a children’s hair salon and enjoying being in an atmosphere centered on children, she made a career change to something she loved more than styling hair- cooking. She worked as a cook at Pooh Bear Childcare for three years before coming to KTK.

Jessica joined the team in April 2024.  She holds a Masters in Education and is a level 16 on the Wisconsin Registry. 

Katie joined KTK in August 2022 and brings a passion for early childhood education to our team. She holds an ECE Lead Teacher certificate and is proud to be a Level 3 on the Registry. Originally from South Wayne, Wisconsin, Katie began her childcare journey in 2019 at La Petite.

Katie lives with her sister Cassie, her fiancé Trever, and their adorable son Jasiah. Her heart belongs to her sweet Pomeranian, Sushi—affectionately nicknamed Sushiroll—who’s always by her side.

Kristi has been an invaluable part of our teaching team since October 2012. With a Level 10 status on The Registry, she holds both an Early Childhood Education (ECE) Lead Teacher certification and a Preschool Credential. Her journey in early childhood education began in 1986 at Playhaven, and over the years she has gained a wealth of experience. She spent five years at an in-home group center—two of those as Program Director—before serving as the Program Director for 18 years at the School’s Out Before & After School Program.

Margie joined the Koala-T-Kare team in July 2010. Born and raised in Texas, she has lived in Madison for 16 years. She has a B.S. in Education and has been working in childcare for more than 20 years and absolutely loves it! Currently, she works with the Penguins. Her professional experience includes working with children from 6 months to 17 years old and with children with a wide range of abilities.

Mary joined the KTK staff in April of 2013 as an assistant teacher and provides support to all of our teachers. She has worked in childcare for 10+ years. She is currently working on her associate degree in Early Childhood Education, along with completing courses through the Early Education station. Mary holds a level 3 certificate through the Wisconsin Registry. 

Tammy began her adventures with Koala-T-Kare in 2007.

She started her childcare years at Playhaven in 1990. Tammy then worked as the Assistant Director from 2003-2006. She has her Registry certificate, Infant/ Toddler certificates and many other certificates in the childcare field.