who we are
Meet the Staffas parents & educators,
We Know How to Make Learning Fun For Kids
With over 80 years combined experience, our incredible team of teachers and staff make Meekins a safe and exciting place for your children to learn, explore, and grow. Not only that, all of our Teachers have once been Meekins parents as well! They understand the experience of a co-operative preschool from the parents perspective, and were drawn to our school for the same reasons you are.
SAY HELLO TO OUR
Teachers and Staff

Julie Bindal
Explorers Teacher
“Everyday is exciting in our enrichment program as we provide learning opportunities that challenge our kids as thinkers and set them up for success in their future educational endeavors. It is such a privilege to watch the aha moments when kids discover something new, have a breakthrough in their play, or make connections in their learning. First as a parent, and now using my education training and background as a teacher, I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the wonderful and caring place that is Meekins and experience the joy of childhood alongside the children, staff and families here.”

Theresa Buxton
Yellows/Green Teaching Aide
“Meekins has become a second home for me. There is something so wonderful about watching children learn and grow, the community that our co-op provides. “

Kathy Ellen Davis
Reds Teacher
“I discovered Meekins while doing an author visit with my picture book (kathyellendavis.com/tada), and loved it so much I quickly enrolled my daughter. The next year I started teaching at Meekins! I’ve worked with children in many ways during my career and am happy to have the chance to do so again in a fun, play based learning environment.”

Reilly Dunn
Yellows Teacher
“Being outside in nature is the perfect laboratory for children to experiment and collaborate in. Play provides young children so many opportunities for problem-solving, creativity, inquiry, and resilience. Meekins’ commitment to a play-based, outdoor focused model is what initially drew me to the school many years ago and four Meekins Graduates later I’ve never left! As a former Youth Services Librarian, I especially love the many ways language and literacy are woven into the fabric of our school day. I am honored to be able to spend my day with this community of learners, scientists, and explorers.”

Sarah Erdman
Director/Blues Teacher
“These first 5 years of a child’s life are so important and it is a privilege to be a part of their curiosity, exploration and play. With my background in informal learning and child development I am a firm believer in learning through play and feel lucky to have found a school that agrees! I’ve also seen the benefit in my own life, I started at Meekins as a parent and the friendships, cooperation and problem solving my children learned here have carried them very far. “

Stephanie Jasenek
Assistant Director/Greens Teacher
“I discovered Meekins when looking at preschools for my daughter. The play-based programs they offered was exactly what I was looking for. I knew my daughter would be a great fit, and little did I know it would be for me too! First as the school’s music teacher and now as Greens, it’s become a second home.”

Margaret McDonald
School & Explorers Aide, Administrator
“When I tell people I have the best job in the world since I get to play with preschoolers all day, they look at me sort of funny – but it’s true; I really love working at Meekins! It is my pleasure to get to spend time with your children, watching them learn and grow at our school.”

Kelly Schneider
Teacher's Aide
“I discovered Meekins driving by on a rainy day. When I saw the children laughing with their friends and splashing in puddles, I knew I needed to be a part of this community. From parent and board member to a member of the staff, Meekins continues to bring so much joy to my heart. I work with staff members who are committed to making school a safe, positive environment for the growth of each child. I could not be happier to call Meekins home.”

Caron Swartz
Teacher's Aide
“I was a parent and staff member at Meekins in the 90’s. What fun to be back again immersed in the simple joys and wonders of young children, and watch them interact and learn through creative indoor and outdoor play. I love it here!“
