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). Additionally, many of our staff participate in the Indy Reggio Inspired Educators Cohort (IRIE) and the Indianapolis Reggio Collaborative as well as hold leadership positions with Pop Up Play Indy.
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, 12, and Miles, 9. 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. 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. Danielle Rehfeldt, Seedling Assistant Teacher
My name is Danielle. I have been in teaching on and off for 20 years. I started teaching after I graduated Avon High School in 2000. I love teaching, it’s my passion. I currently have my Infant/Toddler CDA. I also love to spend time with my two daughters Taylor, 19 and Anylah, 16. I love stars, music, going to concerts, and festivals. I also love being outdoors in the summer time.
Mrs. Mary Panayides, Olive Lead Teacher
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I am originally from West Michigan, where I lived until moving to Indiana 10 years ago. My undergraduate degrees are in Music Therapy and Music Education and my graduate degree is also in Music Therapy. I moved to Indiana to work as a music therapist for people with disabilities. I am excited to be coming back to education! I love learning and creating things. You can find me singing, playing music, cooking, eating, reading books, gardening, running and being outside in general. I live with my husband Andy and our two sons Pierce and Kellen. We love doing what we call "family races" around our house, playing peek a boo and taking family walks. I think early childhood is a very sacred time full of learning and wonder. I am excited to share and be a part of this time with your child.
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Ms. Hannah Testas, Olive Assistant Teacher
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Hi, I am Hannah Testas and I am going to be the Assistant Olive 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 with children for over 4 years now and hope to never stop. I’m looking forward to a great year!
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Ms. MacKenzie "Moonstar" Olinger, Orange Lead Teacher
Hello! I am Moonstar Olinger the new lead teacher of the Orange class. I have my bachelors degree in psychology with a minor in elementary education. Previously to Giving Tree, I worked as an Early Childhood Specialist focusing on implementing Conscious Discipline strategies. I have been practicing Conscious Discipline for four years. I am excited for the opportunity to join a new school family! In my free time I enjoy working with my family at their locally owned bookstore and coffee shop. I also enjoy spending time with my husband and our Dalmatian Pongo!
Ms. Joen De La Rosa, Orange Assistant Teacher
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Hello, my name is Joen De La Rosa. I was born and raised in Indianapolis. I have a daughter named Victoria who is 3 years old. I also live with my boyfriend Victor and my two dogs, Melo and Kilo. I began working with children in 2018. I have loved every second of it and have a growing passion working with young children. I hope and plan on earning my CDA in the near future. In my spare time I love to be outdoors with my family. We like to go on walks, go to the park, and spend time with family and friends. I love arts and crafts and like finding little projects to do on my own. I’m so excited for all the new learning experiences I will be sharing with your children. I’m looking forward to working with and getting to know your children and being a part of Giving Tree Early Learning!
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Ms. Lauren Schwartz, Almond Lead Teacher
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I am originally from Flint, Michigan. My family moved to Indiana in 2011 and I attended HHAI from 5th-8th grade. I earned my degree in Health Sciences in 2023. I am one of five children and have a twin brother who is 9 minutes older than me. My younger siblings still attend HHAI. We also have a German Shepard named Thor. We create a place where all of the kids can play and have fun together. The best part of my day is getting to interact with the children in conversation. I am always amazed and inspired by their creative thinking and story telling.
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Ms. Theresa Winfrey, Almond Assistant Teacher
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My name is Theresa Winfrey, a few things I like to reference about myself is I have 4 siblings. I'm the fourth child. I have lovable parents that raised me to be the best that I can be. I'm so blessed that I have my father, who is my rock and my foundation to guard me through tough times. I have a host of nieces, great nieces, nephews and great nephews; a big family! In the past, I've worked in a few childcare centers and I still want to continue that journey and passion. I'm currently working towards getting my CDA. I enjoy baking, cooking, reading, traveling, going to church, and most importantly spending time with my family and a few close friends. I'm very much excited to teach and be on this journey.
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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 2 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. Sydney Hughes, Oak Assistant Teacher
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Hello! My name is Sydney Hughes. I am a newlywed. I married my wonderful husband Timothy. In my spare time, I love to play golf, act, and write plays. I graduated IUPUI with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education. I have been in childcare for 2 years now and I love every minute of it. I am excited to help further your child's education.
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Mrs. Rose Mehall, Behavioral and Classroom Support Teacher
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I graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Psychology focusing on applied behavioral analysis. After graduating, I moved to Indianapolis to begin a career working with children on the autism spectrum. I met my husband two weeks after moving to Indy and we have two children: Meridian and Samson. I have a passion for working with young children and have spent much of my career working with children with various disabilities. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family. We enjoy hiking and visiting the various museums in town. I look forward to being a part of your child’s life and help to spark their life-long love of learning!
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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
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.
Ms. Maria Gonzalez, Administrative Assistant and Classroom Support
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.
