Karen andersen | Director

Ms. Karen joined Pumpkin Patch in the fall of 2022. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from UW-Eau Claire and loves the opportunity to wear many different hats as the Preschool Director. Whether it’s supporting children, teachers, or parents, she finds joy in fostering a warm and enriching preschool environment.

Outside of school, Ms. Karen cherishes time on her family farm with her husband and three kids. She has a passion for raising chickens, gardening, and baking fresh bread. When she’s not tending to the farm or playing with her dogs, you’ll likely find her curled up with a good book, enjoying a quiet moment.

Juli Becker | 4K Teacher

Mrs. Becker joined Pumpkin Patch Preschool in 2022 and comes with 28 years of experience in education. She enjoys working with young children because they are so excited to learn and are so joyful!

Mrs. Becker’s hobbies include crafting with tree branches, exploring nature and attending concerts.

Jenny Boettcher | 4K Teacher & 4K Wrap Teacher

Ms. Jenny is entering her 3rd year at Pumpkin Patch Preschool and has 15+ years of experience with children - between her own children, providing childcare during college, and substitute teaching. She loves the children’s love for learning, their imaginations, energy, playfulness, excitement to be in class and how much they can grow in a year.

Outside of the classroom you can find Ms. Jenny hiking, kayaking and anything on or in the water! Along with spending time with her family and friends, gardening and trying new restaurants!

Jean Lein | 3K Teacher

Ms. Jean is excited to join Pumpkin Patch this fall. With 5 years of experience in 3K and 4K classrooms and a background in homeschooling her own children from grades K-7th, she brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the classroom. Ms. Jean loves the joy and energy that children bring to everything, and she delights in making learning fun by nurturing their natural sense of wonder.

Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband, three kids, and two dogs, indulging in her love for reading, savoring Milky Way Lattes with friends, and relaxing by the water, whether swimming, kayaking, or simply listening to the waves.

ms. bri | 3k Teacher

Ms. Bri joined Pumpkin Patch in the fall of 2024, she joins us with an associate degree in Early Childhood Education. She has previous experience working with younger children ages 6 weeks to 2 years old.

She loves arts and crafts and DIYing along with thrifting. Her favorite part of teaching is seeing all of their different personalities emerge as they learn and grow.

Ms. molly | 4k Assistant Teacher

Ms. Molly started working in education just over 4 years ago and joined Pumpkin Patch Preschool in 2022. The best part of working with children is watching them grow as a person, be kind to each other and develop into their independent selves - it is such a joy to experience and to be a part of.

In Ms. Molly’s free time she enjoys visiting state parks, riding her 4-wheeler and dirt bikes along with spending time with family and friends. She loves being outside and checking out everything nature has to offer!

mr. Kyle | 3k Assistant Teacher

Mr. Kyle started at Pumpkin Patch Preschool in 2022 and thoroughly enjoys working with the students. His favorite part about working in the 3K classroom is seeing their excitement and smiles throughout the day, along with their laughs.

Mr. Kyle’s outside interest include bowling and video games.

ms. Ermira | Wrap Care Assistant Teacher/ Substitute

Ms. Ermira joined Pumpkin Patch in December of 2024, and has been working in education for a year now. She absolutely loves working with children because it’s amazing to see them grow, learn, and develop into their unique selves - it’s such a rewarding experience to be part of their journey. Watching their excitement when they accomplish something new or seeing their confidence grow over time is truly heartwarming.

Outside of work, Ms. Ermira enjoy spending time with her friends and family, making memories together, and, of course, doing a little (or a lot of) shopping! She also speaks Albanian, which allows her to connect with different families and create a welcoming environment.