Our Early Childhood staff consists of degreed professionals and experienced caregivers. Each team member completes 20+ hours of professional development each year and some present at local conferences throughout the metro-Indianapolis area. We hold professional memberships to the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Mrs. Alethia Minzlaff, Early Childhood Director
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Hello, my name is Alethia Minzlaff. I was born and raised here in Indy. I am married and have two boys named Ashton, 13, and Miles, 10. When my boys were toddlers, I was able to stay home with them which sparked an interest in how children learn and develop. I started in the field of early childhood education in 2015. In 2018, I graduated from Ivy Tech Community College. I went on to attend Indiana Wesleyan University majoring in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Reading. In my spare time I love spending time with my family. We like going to the park, cooking out, and reading books. My family loves animals and we spend a lot of our time with our pets. We have four dogs named Jasper, Lee, Diesel, and Freckles. I am excited to be part of Giving Tree Early Learning!
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Ms. Krysti Adams, Seedling Lead Teacher
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After studying Music Therapy at Ohio University, I have been fully immersed in the world of early childhood education since 2001. I have played many roles from teacher, to nanny, to honorary aunt, to Gymboree teacher and have also been an administrator. In the classroom, my students and their development are my focus, and I am always eager to learn new ways to help them learn about their world. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Science in 2015 and recently earned my Infant/Toddler CDA. I completed an Infant/Toddler Mental Health endorsement in 2021 in order to learn more about trauma-informed teaching. I recently graduated from Ball State with a Master's degree in Elementary Education with a focus in Early Childhood. Outside of teaching, I love to cook, read, and spend time with friends. I also produce a podcast about urban legends, their history, and the stories around them with my best friend. I am excited to start this adventure at Giving Tree Early Learning! I can’t wait to get to know my students and their families.
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Ms. Sydney Cobbs, Seedling Assistant Teacher
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Hello! My name is Sydney Cobbs, and I am thrilled to be a part of the Giving Tree Early Learning family. At 22 years old, I bring over 3 years of experience working with children from infants to toddlers at a home daycare. I am committed to creating a nurturing and engaging environment for young learners.
In addition to my professional background, I am happily engaged and a proud parent of two wonderful children. I can't wait to meet all the parents and kids and embark on this exciting journey together. |
Ms. Suzanne Ochs, Olive Co-lead Teacher
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I am thrilled to be here at The Giving Tree and very excited about the Reggio curriculum! Since I was young, I always wanted to be a teacher. I went to college to be a High School Math teacher, but the lure of computer technology got in the way. After many decades of IT, I found my way back to my true first love of being an EC teacher. I moved to Indianapolis from NY in October of 2019 with my 2 cats Thoreau & Chaucer. During COVID I adopted a third, Millay, who I trained to be a therapy cat. My hobbies include cooking, cross stitch, and DIY home improvements. I currently have my Infant/Toddler CDA.
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Ms. Shelby Merryman, Olive Co-lead Teacher
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I am a natural born communicator, and lover of everything cultural! I am a scientist, learner, and educator. I am the first person to try new things and the last person to give up! I am looking forward to new opportunities, new understandings, and new friends! I have an associates of applied sciences from Ivy Tech and a Bachelors in education from Western Governors University. I love plants, trying unusual foods, and doing Zumba.
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Ms. Maria Gonzalez, Orange Lead Teacher
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I am best described as a person who is ambitious and eager to learn new things. I am a proud dog mom of Ollie and Mia, who know how to keep me on my toes. I have been working with Giving Tree Early Learning since the start of 2021 and have fallen in love with working with children. I graduated from Southport High School in 2014, and shortly after I started working in the medical field with Community Health Care up until fall of 2020. During my free time I love to spend time with my dogs and friends, while doing activities like hiking or outdoor fun. My favorite all time movies and books are the Harry Potter series, because I love how they take me to a magical place full of mystery and excitement. One of my favorite things about working with children is the unconditional love they have for learning and exploring. As my favorite quote says " The wonder of teaching is watching caterpillars become butterflies". I am looking forward to working with your family and children.
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Ms. KyRonn Swanegan, Orange Assistant Teacher
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I am best described as a person who is ambitious and eager to learn new things. I am a proud dog mom of Ollie and Mia, who know how to keep me on my toes. I have been working with Giving Tree Early Learning since the start of 2021 and have fallen in love with working with children. I graduated from Southport High School in 2014, and shortly after I started working in the medical field with Community Health Care up until fall of 2020. During my free time I love to spend time with my dogs and friends, while doing activities like hiking or outdoor fun. My favorite all time movies and books are the Harry Potter series, because I love how they take me to a magical place full of mystery and excitement. One of my favorite things about working with children is the unconditional love they have for learning and exploring. As my favorite quote says " The wonder of teaching is watching caterpillars become butterflies". I am looking forward to working with your family and children.
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Ms. Hannah Testas, Almond Lead Teacher
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Hi, I am Hannah Testas and I am the Almond Lead Teacher this year! I am so excited to join Giving Tree and can’t wait to start the year. I was born and raised in Selma, Alabama and I have been living in Indiana for over 3 years now. I have a 5 month old kitten named Spice and a 6 year old Labrador/Pitbull named Sugar, I love to read, watch hockey and make as many Target runs as I can! I have been working in childcare for over 4 years now and hope to never stop! I’m looking forward to a great year!
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Ms. Alisa Bryan, Fig Lead Teacher
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My name is Alisa Bryan. I am a fur-mom to one dog named Princess who is always ready to play. I have been working with children since 2017, and have fallen in love with it since. In 2021, I completed my associate's degree in Early Childhood Education. I have always known I’ve wanted to work with children since I was a child. I am excited for all the new learning experiences I will share with your children and all of the memories we get to make at Giving Tree.
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Ms. Melanie Rivera, Fig Assistant Teacher
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My name is Melanie. I’m very excited and looking forward to being in the Fig room this year! I have worked with children for 3 years. I enjoy traveling, listening to music, and going to concerts. Some of my favorite things are butterflies, flowers, and the color purple.
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Mrs. Nicole Mahern, Oak Lead Teacher, Reggio Lead and Assistant Director
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I am the proud mom to Madeline and wife to Shawn. I graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Elementary Education. After graduating, I began a preschool teaching job and was instantly in love with the world of early childhood education. I have continued to study and work in the lovely world of early childhood for the majority of my 25+ years of teaching. In our classroom, we find inspiration in the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy allowing for each child to share their voice and to take ownership in their learning. In 2018, I traveled to Reggio Emilia, Italy to study the philosophy first hand visiting various centers and ateliers throughout the city. As the Reggio Lead and Assistant Director for Giving Tree Early Learning, I continue to help inspire our program's journey into the Reggio philosophy each year. In 2020 I earned my Master's degree in Elementary Education with a focus on elementary education and early childhood administration.
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Mrs. Stacy McCormick, Oak Assistant Teacher
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Hello! My name is Stacy McCormick. I have worked with children for over 2 years and I grew up babysitting. I enjoy camping, swimming, and spending time with my family. I am excited to join the Oak classroom at Giving Tree.
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Mrs. Marina Levin, Classroom Support Teacher
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I have been teaching at HHAI/ Giving Tree Early Learning for 16 years and have worked in various classrooms. This year, I am excited to be working with all age groups as I assist with daily instruction in the classrooms. I am from Russia and share stories and phrases in Russian with the children. One of my favorite stories to share is Goldilocks and the three Bears! I love being outdoors with the children and you will often find me playing learning games throughout the day with various age groups. I have three big babies in my house (twin boys in college and a husband). I graduated from a university in Russia with a degree in chemical engineering. My favorite times of the day are when the children and I are outside exploring in rain or shine. I look forward to working with your children this year.
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Mrs. Georgia Pappas, Classroom Support Teacher
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I am best described as having a strong love of life- not only do I love cooking and gardening, but more importantly, I love to share that joy with the children. Each day I focus on finding moments of connection and lots and lots of whole hearted laughter with the children. My family includes my wonderful husband, John, and our four fabulous children. My children and the children I teach, have inspired me to share these joys with other people. Reading stories to the children and watching their faces light up with excitement, is one of my favorite parts of the day. You can often find me giving hugs and love to each and every child every day as they are what make life worth living.
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Ms. Michaela Kushner, Classroom Support Teacher
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I relocated from Phoenix to Indianapolis. I moved here with my parents and 13 year old daughter, Maliyah, who is in the 8th grade at Hasten. I was schooled and trained in diagnostic medical sonography, but chose instead to run my own day care in Arizona as I love to work with children. I very much enjoy reading to children and engaging in arts and crafts. Away from work, I love to bake and travel. I am looking forward to working with you and your child.
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