Kirsten Duin

My name is Kirsten Duin. At Peace, we do our very best to assist parents in caring for their child by meeting your child's spiritual, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs. We strive to meet these needs by planning hands on active learning activities.

I graduated with my Bachelors of Education in Early Childhood from Martin Luther College in 2012. Prior to Peace, from 2012 to 2018 I served as the Preschool Director and Lead Preschool Teacher at Cross of Christ in Coon Rapids, MN.

Please consider entrusting Grow in Peace as a place for your most precious blessings. There is no greater gift you can give your children than sending them somewhere where you know they are loved and will learn of God's love for them!

Elizabeth Poduch

Hi, my name is Elizabeth Poduch. I am excited to be working in the infant room at Grow in Peace. My husband Gary and I are recent transplants from Illinois. I have my Associates in Early Childhood Education and many years of working in child care settings.

We have three grown daughters Charlotte, Kelly and Erica, two son-in-laws, Scott and Jeffrey, and a beautiful granddaughter Joanna. I feel blessed to nurture your children and watching them grow and experience all the little things in life.

Anne Ganter

My name is Anne Ganter. I am the co-lead teacher in the one-year-old room. I enjoy watching the little ones "Grow in Peace", where every day they learn new things. The most important thing that they will learn is that they are Jesus' little lambs, and He will always lead them through life. I believe the best way for these little lambs to learn is through active learning and playing. Prior to working at Grow in Peace, I was the aftercare teacher at Peace for the 3 and 4-year-olds. In addition to working to Peace and being a mom to my three very active boys, I have many years of experience in caring for other children, including those with special needs, in both in-home and school settings, as well as working with families of diverse backgrounds. My favorite part of teaching this age is their enthusiasm to learn and discover the world around them. I look forward to watching the little children grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Erica Langevin

Hello! My name is Erica Langevin. I am so happy to be a lead teacher in the wonderful one-year-old classroom.

My husband and I met in choir at Valparaiso University in Indiana. We got married in April 2019 and have lived in many different places since then! We started all the way out in St. Paul, MN, made our way to Lake Mills, WI, and finally settled down and bought a house out in McFarland. We don't have any kids just yet, but love spending time with our niece Joanna.

I have worked with or around kids since I was 15! I've worked at an indoor playground, with school district before and after care programs, and now I'm here at GPLC. In my first year here I have learned so much and had a blast getting to know each and every one of my students. Grow in Peace is a great place to be!

Cathy Gresens

My name is Mrs. Cathy Gresens and I am excited to be teaching the Buds Classroom. I have taught the Mommies, Music and More classes at Peace Lutheran for the last 7 years and have fallen in love with my 0-4 year old students. Although I graduated from UW Madison in Spanish, I have been taking Early Childhood Education classes for the last few years. I can't wait to share my love of music and art with the toddlers and believe that children learn best through play. I am especially excited to be part of a ministry that gives me the opportunity to share God's love everyday! My husband Michael and I have been blessed with 5 children.

Meghan True

My name is Meghan True. I am a preschool teacher at Grow In Peace Learning Center. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. I have worked with children in the Birth to Three program as well as in public school systems in the state of Oregon and in Wisconsin. My husband and I have four children. I have worked with children my entire career and enjoy being able to work in all the classrooms at Peace with all the wonderful children and teachers.

Shelly Schoenherr

Hello, I'm Shelly Schoenherr and I am excited to tell you that I will be working in the infant room at GPLC.

I attended Martin Luther College. After graduation, I worked in various daycares until I became the preschool teacher at Holy Cross in Madison. As that school grew, I then taught afternoon Kindergarten. My time there totaled 24 years.

Most recently, I worked at a child care learning center here in Sun Prairie. I worked with infants and one year olds.

We have two daughters, Mariah and Kailey, and most recently became empty nesters. I look forward to getting to know many of you and serving your family here at Growing in Peace.

Amanda Thiede

My name is Amanda Thiede, a preschool teacher at GPLC. I am excited to assist your child in their spiritual, physical, emotional and psychological development, which are all vital roles in your child's overall development. I am so blessed to share the good news of Jesus, everyday, and strengthen our faith, together as a family.

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a Bachelor of Science in Education, with a major in PK-12 Physical Education and minors in Health Education and Coaching Athletics.

I am excited to get back into education after being a stay-at-home mom since October 2013. Prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom, I was an elementary Physical Education teacher for five years in Portage, Wisconsin. In addition to teaching Physical Education, in Portage, I coached middle school volleyball and track as well as freshman girls basketball.

My favorite part of teaching is the relationships I create with the families. A strong connection between school and home creates a positive learning environment. With the help of God, I look forward to that positive learning environment with your family.

Alissa Coan

My name is Alissa Coan, and I am very excited to be working as an assistant teacher at Grow In Peace. My husband Jerry and I moved here in October 2019 from Michigan. We have two dogs and are expecting our first child arrived at the end of June! I studied Early Childhood education my Junior and Senior years of high school at our local tech school.

Sarah Tesch

Hello, my name is Sarah Tesch! I'm the lead teacher in the two year old classroom. Here's a little about myself. My husband and I recently got married (October 2019) and we currently live in Fall River with our cat Rueben! I graduated from Madison College in 2016 with my associates degree in early childhood education. While finishing school, I worked as a three and four year old teacher. After graduation, I was a lead infant teacher for several years. After that I took a temporary job working for Child Protective Services for Dodge County. I realized my heart was still with teaching young children. So after that, I had the amazing opportunity to nanny full time for a year for my niece (age 3) and nephew (age 1).

I love being part of helping a child learn and grow physically and spiritually. Children are such a blessing and I look forward to getting to know your child!

Anne Mueller

My Name is Anne Mueller, I am assistant teacher in the Buds room. I have three grown sons, Jacob, Brandon, and Alex, a daughter Michelle, granddaughter Kate, and Grandson Colby.

I've been working with children for over 20 years and cannot imagine doing anything else. Children are such a blessing.

I enjoy spending time with my family and dog. I travel when I can and my hobbies include baking.