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: BA in Psychology, Concordia University
Joined LBLC: December 2013

Hello! My name is Annie Zastera. My husband, Dustin, and I have two sons. Thomas was born in 2010 and Peter was born in 2008. We also have a little dog named Zoey, who thinks she’s the queen of our home. My husband and I both grew up in Cottage Grove. We moved to Hastings just after we were married in 2006. I have my B.A. in Psychology from Concordia University but have been involved in childcare in various settings for many years. I worked at a preschool for a year and at an elementary school with children with special needs for seven years. I’ve worked at summer camps and have done PCA work for multiple years as well. Big or small, children are a blessing to teach and nurture. In my spare time, I love crafts, collect chickens, and play with my boys. In the summers we spend most of our weekends up north at the family cabin. No matter what we’re doing, we enjoy spending time together as a family.

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

Hello. My name is Eric, and my bio is coming soon.

Education: BA in English, Luther College
Joined LBLC: February 2023

Hello! My name is Eric. I work in the kitchen and do general cleaning at Little Beginnings.
I grew up in Hastings. I went to Luther College and studied English and Music. I play percussion in the River Valley Community Band, and have a lot of fun playing the drumset with my friends. I love superheroes and comic books and hope to write my own comics eventually! While not at work, I spend time working on my art skills and music.

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


Hello, my name is Bethany Tuckner. My husband, AJ, and I live here in Hastings with our daughter, Hadley, our son, Hudson, and our dog Max. AJ and I were married in 2018, just a few weeks after joining the Little Beginnings family. In our free time, we love to spend time outside exploring and finding new parks! I also enjoy baking and trying new recipes, crafting, and sewing. I have taught in a few daycares as I worked my way through college. I have worked in infant and toddler rooms and even taught at a preschool in the Randolph school district.

Education: BA in Biblical & Theoligical Studies, North Park University
Joined LBLC: 2021
Hi, my name is Michelle Steinhorst. I have been with Little Beginnings since September 2021. My husband, Jeff, and I live in Cottage Grove with our daughters, Ryleigh and Paisley, and two black labs, Toby and Zoey. We like to go on walks, cook, and travel in our free time. Having a baby, especially in a pandemic, changed my priorities, and I made a huge career change to begin working at Little Beginnings. I’m so excited to be working here and getting to know you and your little ones.

Education: Childcare Education Institute Certification
Joined LBLC: 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: 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: BA in Public Health, Capella University
Joined LBLC: 2022
Hello, my name is Taylor. When I first started working at Little Beginnings, I was busy getting my Bachelors of Science in Public Health. While being here, I have found my passion in working with little kids. I currently live in Hastings with my mom, dad, and two cats (Milo and Jasper). In my free time, I enjoy reading, baking, golfing, hunting, and fishing.

Education: Childcare Education Institute Certification
Joined LBLC: 2022
Hello. My name is Sarah and my bio will be coming soon.

Education: AA in Communication and Advertising & BA in Liberal Arts, Thailand; Attending Inver Hills Community College for A.F.A. in Music
Joined LBLC: 2017
My name is Pimm, and I am from Bangkok, Thailand. My husband is retired from the Military and now works at Ardent Mills (ConAgra). When I lived in Thailand, I worked in an advertising agency for 14 years. I created TV programs, stage shows, concerts, and more. In 2004, I gave up that job to go back to college to study fine arts. I decided to spend my time teaching arts and crafts to children at my studio and volunteer in low-income schools until January 2015. I moved from Thailand to Hastings, Minnesota, twelve hours ahead of my country and 24 hours of travel to the USA. That was a big change in my life! In 2017, I started working at Little Beginnings. I love teaching very young children. In the future, I want to be a good teacher and help children in the community where I live. I enjoy drawing, making leather crafts, and playing the ukulele and piano in my free time.

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!

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: Attending Hastings High School
Joined LBLC: 2022
Hello, my name is Aubrie. I have been with Little Beginnings Learning Center since October 2022. I am a float but primarily work in the Caterpillars in the afternoons.
I have seven brothers, four of whom have gone to Little Beginnings. I came here as a spider one summer and have wanted to work here ever since, so when I turned 16, I applied immediately!
When I turned 14, I took a babysitting class and got into babysitting neighbors and family friends.
I am currently in my senior year of high school in Hastings and plan to go to college to get a degree in secondary education to be a middle school teacher.

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:
Joined LBLC: 1999
My name is Mary Mahoney. I've lived in Hastings for 30+ years with my husband Terry and our three sons Ryan, Sean, and Danny. We also have a dog named Emma. I've worked at Little Beginnings since 1999 and work in the Dragonfly Room as an experienced aide. I love spending time with my family. Some of my hobbies are reading, walking, doing crafts, and going to flea markets. I love working with children because they're amazing, and they bring so much joy into my life with their laughter and all the hugs they give. I love getting to know all the kids and watching all the changes they go through while at Little Beginnings. I feel very fortunate to have a job that I love and great people to work with every day.

Education: Attending Normaldale Community College for Dental Hygiene
Joined LBLC: 2023
Hey! My name is Hannah Olson, and I joined LBLC at the start of 2023. I work as a part-time float and am so grateful to be able to work with such awesome kids and staff.
Outside work, I spend time with family and friends and go to school. I'm going to school for Dental Hygiene and hopefully specializing in pediatric dentistry.
I'm so happy to be at LBLC to get to know everyone.

Education: BA in Child Psychology, University of MN
Joined LBLC: 2022
Hello! My name is Jillian.
I have been working with children most of my life. My mom ran a daycare while I was growing up, and I went on to work with kids in both a daycare center setting as well as nannying.
I have two school-age kids of my own. We live in Hastings with our mini zoo of animals. We love to be outside and spend quality 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: 2023
Hello. My name is Lexi Daute. I'm excited to work in the summers with the school-age classroom.

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.

Education: BS in Child Psychology & Early Childhood Education, University of Minnesota
Joined LBLC: 2023
Hello. My name is Sarah. I have worked as a lead teacher at Little Beginnings previously. Now I spend school years, working in the local school district. You'll see me helping at LBLC over summers and breaks.

Education: Attending Northwestern Health Sciences University
Joined LBLC: 2022
Hello. My name is Claire Meier and I love helping Little Beginnings over the summer months and school breaks.