Our Staff
Each of our 3K classes has an experienced teacher certified in Early Childhood Education and an experienced and consistent classroom aide.​​
Mrs. Caryn Ihlenfeld-
3K Explorers Teacher
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I grew up in New Berlin, Wisconsin.
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I went to college in La Crosse, Wisconsin and have a degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education.
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I live in Waukesha with my husband, son, daughter and dog. My oldest, Will, lives in Darien, Wisconsin, and works at Conagra Foods. My middle child, Grant, a son, lives at home and works full time. My daughter, Brooke, is a junior in high school.
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I was a stay at home mom for many years, while my children were little.
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I've taught 3 year old preschool, 4K and 5th grade math. I've also run an after-school care program and was a substitute teacher for many years.
My favorites include:
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My dog, Luke
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Summer activity: being outside and gardening
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Food: pizza and tacos
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Thing I love most about children is their innocence. I love listening to how they see the world.
I look forward to being your child’s teacher!​
Mrs. Lee'a Groth-
3K Aide
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Mrs. Joy Hoerig-
3K Voyagers Teacher
My name is Joy Hoerig, and I’ve had the joy of teaching 3K and 4K for the past 19 years. This age group holds a special place in my heart—I truly enjoy everything about these early years of discovery, laughter, and wonder. I believe in lifelong learning and regularly take continuing education courses through UW–Whitewater and UW–Platteville to bring fresh ideas and strategies into our classroom.
Since this may be your child’s very first school experience, I strive to make it magical. My hope is that each child develops a love for learning, builds confidence, and feels truly special and celebrated for who they are.
Our classroom will be filled with play, giggles, and exploration. We’ll introduce early literacy through Phonics and phonemic awareness, and explore math, science, arts, and many hands-on activities that support both fine and large motor development. Every day is a new adventure, filled with opportunities to grow and be curious together.
Outside the classroom, I’m happily married and a proud mom of two amazing adopted children from China—both now thriving in college. I’m also a big animal lover and share my home with Finley, a spoiled rotten rescue mutt affectionately known as "Mooch."
I truly look forward to building a warm and meaningful relationship with your family this year!
Mrs. Mary Jo Batt-
3K Aide
​Hello, I am Mary Jo Batt. The Co-op has always been a special place for me and my family ever since we sent our own kiddos here. I was an involved parent, always loved my parent helper days, and also assisted with substitute work in the past. I am looking forward to supporting your children so that they have a safe and fun learning experience. I am excited to get to know our 3K kids and families!
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I am married to my husband, Jeff, and have 2 sons, Ryan (16) and Colin (9).
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse with a Physical Therapy degree and practiced almost 20 years working with children and adults throughout my career. I am a caregiver at heart.
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I enjoy spending time with family and friends, attending the kid's sporting, music and drama activities and I am busy helping others in my spare time.
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Mrs. Kary Dietzler-
Director
My name is Kary Dietzler. I have two children, 7 and 10, who both attended preschool here at the Co-Op. I knew right away this was a special school! My formal training is in elementary special education, administration, and curriculum leadership. After teaching for seven years and earning my master’s degree, my daughter was born. My whole world shifted, and I became a stay-at-home mom. Luckily the Co-Op then became part of our lives! I loved my involvement on the preschool board and helping in my children’s classrooms. But as my children grew up, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the preschool. I began by teaching the Hearts & Hands Playgroup, where I got to facilitate learning opportunities for both children and caregivers. When given the opportunity to become the preschool director, I couldn’t pass it up!
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I bring with me a unique perspective as a teacher, administrator, and a former preschool mom. I know we will continue to make our preschool one where laughter, play, and learning light up the classrooms each day!
Mrs. Stephanie Day -
Hearts & Hands Playgroup Teacher
My name is Stephanie Day. My husband John and I live in Menomonee Falls with our two daughters Addie (4.5 years) and Ellie (1 1/2 years) and Lucy our 5 year old Belgian Shepherd. Addie attended the Co-Op last year and had the most perfect first school experience. This is my fourth year at the Co-Op and my first year running the Hearts and Hands Playgroup class. I am excited for this new role and ready for a fun year!
Before my daughters were born I taught 2nd and 3rd grade for eight years. I call the Co-Op my unicorn job! I am so grateful to have found the Co-Op because it allows me to spend most of my days with my girls while still doing what I love, which is working with kiddos and helping them learn and grow.
Some of my hobbies include: knitting, crafting, and reading. I also love playing card/board games with family and friends. I love summer but REALLY love fall! I'm excited for leaves changing, cool weather, pumpkin carving, corn mazes and bonfires. My favorite thing about working with children is that every day something is new. Something new to learn, to laugh at, to discover and to get excited about! Every day is a new adventure! I'm looking forward to meeting all of our littlest Co-Op friends and their caregivers! We are going to have so much fun!
