Meet our Team

Education: Attended University of Wisconsin- River Falls
Joined LBLC: April 1999

Welcome to Little Beginnings Learning Center! I am the owner of Little Beginnings. I have an educational background in Elementary Education and Early Childhood. Owned and operated since 1999 by myself and my husband, Wade, we have a desire to create an environment where children will feel loved and where parents will know that their child is receiving the best care possible. In addition, we provide a Christian atmosphere where children will grow and know the love of God. With two children of my own, Hannah and Austin, I know the importance of creating a family-oriented center where we encourage participation and involvement in any and all activities held here at the center. Besides loving working here at Little Beginnings, I enjoy running, horseback riding, gardening, camping, hiking, and traveling.

Education: AA in Liberal Arts, Inver Hills
Joined LBLC: April 1999 & May 2017

Hello, my name is Wade Gelhar. I have worked behind the scenes at Little Beginnings since 1999. I am a son, a brother, a husband, a father, and now a grandfather. My former work experience has been in the transportation industry, dispatching, planning, and training drivers for UPS and over-the-road truck drivers. I have also worked and owned my own business in the construction industry, painting residential and commercial projects. I’ve always enjoyed my career choice, but my heart has always wanted to be here at Little Beginnings with my wife and daughter. In May of 2017, I was able to fulfill that dream! Along with keeping the building and the grounds operational and fulfilling the “honey-do” list from all of the staff, I also maintain the software that runs all of our administrative needs here at the center. Among all of these duties, I love seeing all the kids smiling faces each day. Every once in a while, you may even find me filling in in a classroom here and there! I’m happy to be a part of this team!

Education: BA in Criminal Justice, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Joined LBLC: May 2022

Hello, my name is Kat Beebe, and I'm so happy to be a part of the Little Beginnings family. I have been blessed to work with all age groups over the years. Before joining LBLC, I was both a Curriculum Coach as well as a Director within another center. As a child, my father was in the service, and we spent a lot of time overseas, specifically in Okinawa, Japan. Once stateside, we lived in Fredericksburg, Virginia, just outside of the DC area. As an adult, my parents moved to Minnesota, and I followed. My husband and I have two amazing boys, and we are active within our community, taking part in sporting events, scouts, and working with rescue animals.

Education: Attended Hennepin College Joined LBLC: July 2024   My name is Zulma Sanchez. My husband and I have an almost 5 years old girl who is really outgoing and likes to explore nature, and a baby on the way due January 2025. I have been working in the childcare field since 2008. Before joining Little Beginnings, I was a Director at another center. Children are a blessing and is so rewarding watching them grow and learn new skills. In my spare time I love to spend time with my family and creating as many memories together as we can.

Education: BS in Psychology, University of Wisconsin, River Falls
Joined LBLC: December 2022

Hi, my name is Nicki.  My husband, Dan, and I raise our son, Oliver, and our twin girls, Audrey and Charlie, in Cottage Grove.  I switched career paths to focus more on my family and thankfully was able to join this wonderful company.  Now I have the opportunity to grow with them.  I love seeing the kids exploring their imaginations and learning more every day.  Outside of work, I spend most of my time with family camping as many months of the. year as possible and working on my photography.

Education: BA in Communications, Gustavus Adolphus College
Joined LBLC: July 2017

Hi, my name is Brittany Watts (or Ms. Bertney, as the kids call me). I joined Little Beginnings in 2017 after having my first son, Boston. My husband, Nate, and I got married in 2014 and now live in Prescott with our boys, Boston and Brecken, and our two dogs, Buddy and Boomer. Before joining the Little Beginnings family, I worked in Insurance (where I found out I don’t enjoy being behind a desk all day) and then followed that up with being a nanny and a PSA for Elementary age kiddos. I have transitioned to home-schooling my family but couldn't leave Little Beginnings. I now coordinate our social media presence online.

Education: St John's University Joined LBLC: December 2022 Hey, my name is Eric and I prepare meals for the children here at LBLC. I grew up in Brainerd, MN and discovered my passion for food early in life as I began my food service career in restaurants. I attended college at St John's University where I studied Biology and met my wife, Juliet. Together, we moved to Eau Claire, WI for 14 years where my enthusiasm for cooking brought me to work in hospital food service. While working in healthcare, I enhanced my knowledge of food service and took an interest in understanding allergies and dietary restrictions. In November of 2022, my wife and son, Raynor, moved back to Minnesota where our families live and I was drawn to LBLC. Nothing compares to the smiling faces and appreciation of children asking, "What's for lunch today Mr. Eric?" ... "Ooh, that's my favorite!"

Joined LBLC: August 2024
Hello my name is Debi Keeler and I am honored to be apart of this team!  I have two adult children; Michael is 48 and owns his own plumbing company and Allison is 46 and also owns her own cycle fitness center!  I have 7 grandchildren. I grew up on the East Side of St. Paul, raised my kids in Cottage Grove and now resides in Hastings for the past 23 years. My work history has been Administrative Assistant and HR/Recruitment. I enjoy my family, friends and traveling.  I feel blessed to be working at LBLC!

Education: AA in Liberal Arts, Rochester Community Technical College
Joined LBLC: August 2018


Hello, my name is Bethany Tuckner. I have been with Little Beginnings for almost since 2018. Most of that time has been in the Ant room, but I also spent a few years in the kitchen. I love watching the babies grow and helping them meet their milestones as they work their way through our room and get ready to move up to the Bumblebees.  My husband and I live in Hastings with our daughter, son, and dog. We love spending time outside exploring new places, parks, and lakes to fish on. We also love to play games as a family, and the kids are getting very enthusiastic about cooking with me. 

Education: BA in Biblical & Theoligical Studies, North Park University
Joined LBLC: September 2021


Hi! My name is Michelle. I’ve worked at LBLC since 2021, most of which have been in the Ant room. My husband, two daughters, two dogs, and I live in Cottage Grove. We love going on walks, baking, and playing games as a family. I love working with the babies and watching them grow up as they move up throughout the center, as well as getting to know all the families.

Education: BA in Sociology/Psychology, Rocky Mountain College
Joined LBLC: May 2024


Hi, my name is Deb! I have spent much of my life working with children and the general public. I see my “need to connect” as a natural facet of my personality. I am especially interested in the most vulnerable (young and old, underserved) and my ability to make an impact in some way.

I am currently living in my childhood home, maintaining it for my mother, as she is in an assisted living facility. She left a large and enchanting flower garden that I joyfully tend and I have added my own twist of whimsy and fun to the sea of color and texture that welcomes me home each day.

My husband, Bruce, and I have two children, each living in Wisconsin. So, we regularly move between Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Our daughter, Mary, and her husband, Steve, added our sweet grandson, Otto, to our family in October of 2023. We are smitten! Our son, Andy, and wife, Jacque, have two dogs and no children… but are thrilled at being the favorite Aunt and Uncle of the family.

Education: Childcare Education Institute Certification
Joined LBLC: September 2021

My name is Sammie. I have three children. I love working with kids because I grew up watching my mother take care of multiple children, including her own. Seeing the joy it brought to her and the kids inspired me to be like her and want to make a difference in children's lives. Being a part of a company like this brings so much happiness to my life, and just knowing I can bring smiles to babies' faces satisfies me mentally. I'm grateful to work with all ages and to be working beside such amazing co-workers.

Education: Child Development Certificate, Century College
Joined LBLC: January 2007

Hi, my name is Stephanie. I started working at Little Beginnings in January of 2007. I received my certificate in Child Development from Century College. I enjoy working with kids.
I live in Prescott with my boyfriend, Jeremy. My mom lives in Cottage Grove, and my dad lives in Maplewood. I have a younger brother named Eric. He lives in Germany with his wife Stefanie.
In my spare time, I like to hang out with family and friends, go on fun vacations, read, go to the movies, and relax.

Education: BS in Field Biology, University of Wisconsin - River Falls
Joined LBLC:  August 2024

Hello, my name is Molly! I've lived in Hastings my whole life. I've worked in daycare for several years and love getting the chance to work with children. I love seeing what sparks each child's interest and seeing their zealous for life. I also have a passion for nature and the outdoors and love that I have the opportunity to teach kids about it as well!

Education: Attending Metropolitan State University for Early Childhood Education
Joined LBLC:  August 2024

Education: Child Development Associate Credential Joined LBLC: October 2023   Hello, my name is Kimber & my bio is coming soon!

Education: Childcare Institute Certification Joined LBLC: 2016 Hello! My name is Ashley Potter, and I work all over the center. Before working at Little Beginnings, I was actually a Little Beginnings mom.  My sons, Landon and Logan, have worked their way to the Spider Room.  My younger boys, Waylon and Colt, are now at Little Beginnings as well.  I spent a few years before LBLC in the travel industry, but after realizing my love for teaching and children outweighed my love for travel, I completely changed my career path.  Now, I am blessed to be spending my days watching your kids learn and grow.  My husband, Austin, and I currently live in Hampton with our 4 boys, 2 dogs, and a cat.  We like to spend time outside, go on walks, play games, and spend time with family during our free time.  I also enjoy spending time with my twin sister.  Thank you for allowing me to teach, and love your kiddos every day!

Joined LBLC: 2024

Bio coming soon. 

Education: Attending Rasmussen College for Human Services
Joined LBLC: 2018
Hello! My name is Liz Nemo, and I am so excited to be a part of the Little Beginnings team. After six years as a hairstylist, I decided to follow my passion for teaching. I am currently a student at Rasmussen College and am working towards my degree in Human Services. My fiancé, Josh, and I live in Hastings and have a son, Michael (2016), and a daughter, Charlotte (2019). In our free time, we like to go hiking, fishing, swimming, and rock picking (one of Mikey’s favorites). We especially like to spend time at our cabin up in Cotton, MN, with all of our family! I am a very family-oriented person and am thankful to have the opportunity to get to know you and your children!

Education: BA in Business Administration, Winona State University
Joined LBLC: 2020
I am Kayla Blackie, and I have been with Little Beginnings since June 2020. I work as a float in the center. I have worked in a bakery since I was 15 and found my passion for cake decorating and baking. I was a manager and cake decorator for a bakery for many years. During the global pandemic, I decided that I wanted a part-time job and wanted something completely different from what I used to. I was fortunate enough to be hired at Little Beginnings. This part-time job has turned into something that I love. Going to work, seeing all the kids, and getting to know and work with them has been amazing! I am so lucky and grateful I get to be a part of such an amazing team helping shape the minds of our little kiddos.

Education: Associates in Early Childhood Education, North Iowa Area Community College Joined LBLC: July 2024 Bio coming soon. 

Education: BS in Anthropology & History, Iowa State University
Joined LBLC: 2014
Hello, I am Ashley Spicher, and I am the lead teacher in the Firefly Classroom. I started working at Little Beginnings in January 2014, shortly after moving to the Twin Cities area. I grew up in Central Iowa and am an Iowa State University Graduate with degrees in Anthropology and History. I worked in a childcare facility while studying there. I wanted to continue working with children in a mission setting after I graduated, so I spent one year working at an emergency shelter for at-risk teens before moving here with my husband. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, antiquing, reading, traveling, and chasing after my own kiddos (Ren and Lyn). I am very excited to be working with your children and showing them Christ’s love. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak with me! I look forward to meeting all of you and building positive relationships with you and your children.

Education: BA in Elementary Education, North Central University
Joined LBLC: 2022
Hi, my name is Liz Peterson, and I joined the Little Beginnings team in 2022. I graduated from North Central University in 2019 with a BA in Elementary Education K-6 and a Certification in Communication Arts 5-8. Before joining Little Beginnings, I worked as a TA, a daycare teacher, and a job coach for adults with special needs. I currently live in Inver Grove Heights, MN, with my husband, Bryce, and our mini Golden-doodle, Nala. I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, and trying new foods in my free time. I have a passion for showing the love of God to children and feel blessed to have the opportunity to do that at Little Beginnings. I look forward to connecting with you and your children!

Education: BA in Sociology, University of Minnesota-Duluth
Joined LBLC: 2018
Hello! My name is Ashley Cleary, and I've been part of the LBLC family since 2018. Before Little Beginnings, I've had all kinds of fun jobs, from working on a crabbing boat to a Program Manager. However, my heart has always been teaching. I love seeing the creative nature in kids shine. I live in Hastings with my husband (Brendan), sons (Caden and Conor), and beloved dog (Sochi). My spare time is spent trying to keep up with my boys and dog. We all love spending as much time outside together, going on adventures.

Education: AA in Early Childhood Education, U of M-Waseca
Joined LBLC: 2004
Hello, my name is Karolyn. I am a teacher in the Dragonfly Room. I attended the University of Minnesota-Waseca, majoring in Early Childhood Education.
I met my husband in 1992, married in 1994, and settled in Hastings in 1996, where we had two children.
I started working at Little Beginnings in August of 2004. Our lives are centered around our families and our two grand-dogs.

Education: 
Joined LBLC: 2023
Hello, my name is Taylor. I am a teacher's aide in the Dragonfly Room and a Floater throughout the center.
Before working at Little Beginnings, I worked at a nursing home. I much prefer changing kids' diapers to seniors!
I live in Hastings with my mom, step-dad, and sister. I also live in Cottage Grove with my dad, step-mom, and infant brother. In my spare time, I enjoy painting and doing art projects. I love doing them with the kids now, too!

Education:  Attending Minnesota Online High School
Joined LBLC: 2023
Hello. My name is Cora. I work in the Dragonfly Room and also float throughout the center.
I've always loved working with children, and I take every opportunity to be involved with kids, from babysitting to working with them at church and now working here.
I live in Hastings and enjoy spending time with friends and family.

Education: BA in Elementary Education, Bemidji State
Joined LBLC: 2015
Hi there! Amy McGuire here. I had the privilege of working in every single room at Little Beginnings as a floater and substitute teacher before taking over the school-age program. Before Little Beginnings, I worked many jobs in education, including as a small private school classroom assistant. My favorite of those jobs by far was when I was a Title One paraprofessional for the Hastings school district. Life events pushed me a little outside my comfort zone. I worked two (sometimes three) jobs, working towards my Elementary Education degree through Bemidji State and being a mom to two amazing then teenagers. Somehow, the fog cleared, and the dust settled, and I was a Minnesota licensed educator! My passion for teaching is to meet students where they are and then give them a little nudge to where they could be. I believe that education should be more than standards and checking off the expected boxes. I am here for the whole student, not just their test scores. I try to create a safe environment that encourages a growth mindset. We believe in the power of not yet!

Education: 
Joined LBLC: 2021
Hi! My name is Annika Seebeck. I have been working at Little Beginnings since May 2021. I graduated from Hastings High School and have headed off to college. I plan to major in Early Childhood Education. I have lived in Hastings since I was 4 with my entire family, including four siblings. I am excited to help over school breaks and summers.

Joined LBLC: 2023

Bio coming soon. 

Education: MBA, Century College
Joined LBLC: March 2024

Bio coming soon. 

Joined LBLC: January 2024

Bio coming soon. 

Education: Attending Northwestern Health Sciences University
Joined LBLC: 2024

Bio coming soon. 

Joined LBLC: 2023

Bio coming soon. 

Joined LBLC: 2024

Bio coming soon.