Team
Tana, Executive Director
Tana, a local Alexandria native, has a rich background in early childhood education. In 2005, she completed her AAS Degree in Early Childhood Education at Alexandria Technical & Community College. Tana has since served as a Preschool Teacher, Special Ed Assistant, and established and managed Bright Stars Childcare in Alexandria and Fergus Falls, MN. Most recently, she held the role of Child Care Staffing Coordinator at the Alexandria Area YMCA.
Married to Jake since 2005, they are proud parents to three children named Jackson, Tyla, and Jakoby. In her free time, Tana enjoys coaching the Minnewaska High School Dance Team. Apart from supporting early childhood students, she is deeply passionate about empowering and guiding young women.
Teacher Tracy
Teacher Tracy completed her studies in Elementary Education and Child Development at Moorhead State University. Tracy has a wealth of experience in childcare and managed her in-home daycare for a decade while raising her daughter. Additionally, she holds a substitute license for teaching students from PreK to 12th grade. Teaching brings Tracy immense joy, and she treasures the gifts that children of all ages have shared with her over the years. She admires their curiosity, creativity, honesty, and eagerness to understand the world around them.
Tracy is thrilled to be a part of The Oaks and its values. She strongly believes in the integration of faith and education and is excited to utilize a Christian-based curriculum both in and out of the classroom.
Tracy is an avid reader. When she's not teaching, you can find her lounging with her two grand dogs, and a good book. She cherishes spending time with loved ones and friends. Tracy's life philosophy revolves around serving others wholeheartedly.
Teacher Samantha
Teacher Sam has experience working in childcare and is pursuing a degree in psychology.
She finds joy in forming strong bonds with students and witnessing their development and progress in the classroom.
Sam is thrilled to contribute to The Oaks and play a part in addressing the growing childcare challenges in our area. She looks forward to working with a team of dedicated educators focused on nurturing children's growth with care.
Reading is her passion and fills any spare moment she has. Sam is also a dedicated Harry Potter enthusiast and enjoys attending country music concerts.
Teacher Afton
Teacher Afton is a certified CDA educator, specializing in infants and toddlers. She loves observing children's growth from their first days in her classroom to the moment they are ready to move on and finds their progress incredibly rewarding. Their exploration of the world, learning new things, and seeing their personalities develop is truly fulfilling.
Afton is drawn to The Oaks strong religious foundation, exceptional amenities for children, the planned curriculum, and the quality of management.
She loves pasta and cookie dough ice cream. She also has a soft spot for owls, evident by the presence of at least three owl figurines in every room of her house.
Teacher Serena
Teacher Serena has 5 years of experience working previously in a childcare center where she was a lead teacher for 2 years. She holds an Early Childhood degree.
At The Oaks, Serena is excited to create a warm, safe environment for children, while fostering growth through our faith-based program.
She loves developing unique relationships with children and their families, hearing their stories, and witnessing their perspectives.
Outside of work, you can find Serena working out, crafting, hiking, biking with her fiancé, and traveling.
Teacher Jaidah
Teacher Jaidah brings valuable childcare center experience and is currently pursuing a psychology degree. She is thrilled to be part of a fantastic team dedicated to nurturing children's development and fostering a strong faith.
Jaidah finds great joy in the bonds formed between children and their families in the childcare setting. Witnessing children thrive and grow more self-assured as they tackle new challenges is a highlight for her.
Beyond her professional role, Jaidah cherishes spending time with her family and four-year-old daughter, spending time outside, enjoying music, and having cozy movie nights together.
Teacher Kaitlyn
Teacher Kaitlyn holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and was raised by a mother who was a daycare provider.
She values creating a loving environment for kids and looks forward to joining The Oaks, meeting families, and working with supportive staff.
Kaitlyn enjoys getting to know children's personalities, helping them grow spiritually, and sparking their curiosity.
Beyond work, she enjoys reading, cross-stitching, hiking, and biking (when there are no bugs).
Teacher Faith
Teacher Faith has a background in childcare and is currently pursuing child psychology in school.
She is excited about the welcoming atmosphere at The Oaks and eager to connect with families while experiencing the growth of the children into amazing individuals.
Faith finds joy in working with children as they develop and being a significant part of their growth process.
She loves reading and enjoys quality time with a good book, and her two furry companions named Whiskers and Finley.
Teacher Jade
Teacher Jade has experience working in childcare and is pursuing a degree in psychology. Her goal is to become an anxiety therapist in the future.
She enjoys interacting with new parents and children, teaching kids, and preparing them for elementary school.
Children's sense of humor never fails to amuse Jade; she believes they have the best sense of humor.
In her free time, she loves visiting the lake and spending quality moments with her cat Kitty Kitty.
Teacher Erin
Teacher Erin has worked in childcare for the past 4 years. Currently, she is working towards obtaining her CDA certification.
She finds joy in building relationships with children and families. Observing the progress and development of each individual is incredibly rewarding.
She is excited to collaborate with an exceptional team in a welcoming environment. The facilities and curriculum will significantly enhance the children's growth and education.
Beyond work, she enjoys moments with her husband, son, and dog, Timber. They love hiking, hockey games, and exploring the outdoors.
Teacher Bailey
Teacher Bailey has 4 years of experience teaching and has previously worked in Early Childhood Special Education. Bailey holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. She also holds a minor in psychology.
Bailey is excited for a new opportunity for children in the Alexandria for childcare and Preschool. The Oaks has created a warm and inviting environment. She is excited to support children to overcome challenges and learn new skills.
Outside of work, you can find Bailey playing and coaching volleyball, cooking, spending time with family and friends, snowboarding, and enjoying a good movie.
Teacher Tori
Teacher Tori has two years experience working previously in an Elementary school working as a Para. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Tori is very excited to be part of a faith based program. Watching the children learn and grow each day. They bring such a smile to her face as they grow through play and educational experiences.
Outside of work you can find Tori at Target, going for a walk, hanging out with family, Knitting, and spending time with friends.
Teacher Lauren
Teacher Lauren has two years of experience working in childcare. She has worked with all age groups from infants to preschoolers. She is currently working on her CDA with a specialty in infants and Toddlers.
Lauren is excited to work at The Oaks because it has such a great culture for the employees and community for the teachers, families and students.
Working with children is a love of Lauren's because they always bring something new to learn and be excited about each day as they develop and grow.
Outside of work, you can find Lauren hanging out with her cat and crocheting.
Chef Aymee
Chef Aymee has extensive experience managing kitchens and creating diets for older adults. She finds the transition to working with a different generation really exciting.
She enjoys taking time to create new recipes and innovative ways to present nutritious and delicious food, especially to little kids.
Joining the Oaks will be a joy, witnessing the children's enthusiasm and energy for life is something she looks forward to.
Outside of work, Aymee enjoys fishing and spending time with my dogs and family.