Choosing the right staff to implement Missey and MIndy’s expectations is a very high priority. They have never believed that a great teacher needs to have a college degree. However, they do need to have a passion and love for children and willingness to follow TreeHouse’s expectations. “We have found over the years that some of our greatest teachers do not have degrees. They have a willingness to follow our expectations and most importantly they love kids!” At TreeHouse they work very hard at providing children with many types of teaching experiences too. Not every teacher teaches the same or has the same personality. Teachers are allowed to be creative and bring their own personality to their classroom.
TreeHouse staff are trained by veteran teachers and observed by the curriculum director to be sure they are implementing curriculum properly. Teachers are given many opportunities to get trainings in educational topics, CPR, First Aid, Universal Precautions, Mandatory Reporter and Essentials Training. All staff have background checks and fingerprinting as well.
ABOUT OUR STAFF
DIRECTOR, TREEHOUSE - WEST 1ST STREET
ASHLY
Ashly has been a part of our TreeHouse family since 2008. She has spent time in the classroom as lead teacher as well as has become a staple in our program as Director of our West 1st Street location. She has a natural love for teaching and enjoys playing a key role in children’s lives while watching them develop and learn on a daily basis.
“I grew up in Ankeny and my love for this community makes helping shape small minds from a young age seem like the natural thing for me to do. I love going to work as each day provides a different experience when working with children.”
Ashly is married to her husband, Thad, and they have three children; Mason, Camden and Aliyah.
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DIRECTOR, TREEHOUSE AT NORTHVIEW
AMANDA
Amanda is a Director at our Treehouse Growing and Learning Center Northview location. She graduated with a degree in Health and Sports Studies from the University of Iowa in 2010. She came to TreeHouse after five years of collegiate coaching where she developed a passion for mentoring and teaching. Amanda strives to make TreeHouse a safe and loving environment for our families and staff.
She loves being a part of a family-owned business that is dedicated to creating an environment committed to early childhood development. “Mindy and Missey have built a program centered around core family values. The TreeHouse has a true passion for instilling lifelong lessons through learning and the small family like atmosphere makes everyday feel like home.”
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DIRECTOR, TREEHOUSE AT NORTHVIEW
SAMMI
Sammi is a Director at our TreeHouse Growing and Learning Center at Northview location and has been a part of our TreeHouse family since Spring of 2016. She received her Early Childhood Education Degree from DMACC and has taught at all age levels within our program. Sammi developed an eagerness for teaching at a young age and has embraced our curriculum that keeps the children learning each and every day.
“TreeHouse has felt like a home for me from the very start. Their philosophy on education and kindergarten readiness has inspired me to be a part of children’s everyday lives. There has been no other place that has made me feel like part of a family like TreeHouse!”
Sammi is married to her husband, Jason, and have a daughter Mikayla.
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DIRECTOR, THE STUDY LOFT - NW 9TH STREET & AUTUMN CREST
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, TREEHOUSE AT NORTHVIEW
LAWRENCE
Lawrence is an on-site supervisor at our TreeHouse Northview location as well as the Director of our school age locations. He has been at TreeHouse since 2014 where he started his time with us as an Assistant Teacher in Missey’s Preschool classroom. His contagious personality and passion for molding young minds has made him a perfect fit for our preschool and school age children.
“From a young age I knew I wanted to be a teacher. When I applied at The TreeHouse, I was blessed to meet Mindy and Missey who just so happened to be inviting, kind and albeit, funny. The questions I asked demonstrated that they had created a business for themselves that they were clearly passion about. I knew at that moment that TreeHouse was the place for me.”
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ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, TREEHOUSE - WEST 1ST STREET
KATIE
Katie has spent many years in the classroom as an assistant and lead teacher before moving to her role as an Assistant Director in 2021. She leads the preschool classroom at our West location while also assisting with director responsibilities as well. Katie graduated with her Elementary Education degree from Iowa State University and her love for teaching is undeniable.
“I love working at The TreeHouse Growing and Learning Center! I enjoy seeing many kids grow while watching them develop a passion for learning. Nothing beats watching a child understand new concepts as they are taught to them.”
Katie is married to her husband, Colin.