Get to know two of our incredible educators!
Meet Infant Teacher Natalie Brooks
Hi! My name is Natalie Brooks. I began working at CDLS while I was a student in 2023, then went to a different daycare after I graduated as a preschool teacher. I came back to CDLS in the summer of 2024 because I missed the environment and people I had grown to know as a student worker. I became an assistant teacher in the infant room!
I have always loved children and working with them, and applied for this job as a student after taking an undergraduate course that took place at CDLS about nature learning. My favorite part of working at CDLS is watching the children grow and interact with each other, always having something new and silly to show us. Infants come into this room with gummy smiles and crawling bodies, then leave as toddlers on their feet with toothy smiles. Watching their development teaches me to enjoy the smaller moments in life because before you know it, they’re gone and you’re on to new experiences! Even at such a young age, children are capable of teaching me so much about life, which I am very grateful to them for. Nothing is more healing for the soul than seeing and hearing so many babies smiling and laughing.
In my spare time, I love to read books, cook, and go on long walks, which are perfect activities to do in the fall. I also am fortunate to be able to travel all over the world, doing so with my significant other, Aaron.
Meet Toddler Teacher Heather Doughty
Hello, my name is Heather Doughty! I graduated from the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk!) with a bachelor’s of general studies in applied behavioral science, with an emphasis in early childhood education. I have worked at CDLS for over 10 years throughout many different bungalows, but currently you can find me as an assistant teacher in the younger toddler classroom of Bungalow B.
I absolutely love working with children! Their eagerness and curiosity to learn is what inspires me to be a teacher. It is one of the most meaningful and rewarding careers. Teachers have the ability each day to leave a lasting impression not only on the child’s life, but the life of their guardian or parent as well. It is our job to provide a safe and nurturing environment, and my hope is that anyone who has had the opportunity to be in my classroom feels loved and valued.
CDLS has a wonderful community of staff, children, and families. In all my time working at the center, it’s the relationships and friendships I’ve cherished most through the years.
Meet Preschool Teacher Kelli Kern
My name is Kelli Kern, and I work at CDLS. I started off working with the older toddlers but for the last 10 years I have been working with the younger preschoolers. This summer marks my 40-year anniversary of working at the University of Minnesota.
I started off working here as a college student. At the time, I found the job fun and fulfilling. After I graduated from the University, I left to pursue other interests, but I was unable to find a career/field that excited and interested me. When CDLS called asking me if I was interested in applying for a toddler teacher position, I immediately said YES.
What I do on a daily basis is so important because I am helping to shape the future of our world by helping the children develop into the best that they can be (positive, respectful, empathetic, productive, etc…) I love the connections and relationships that I have developed with the children and families. I still am in contact with many families from years past. I enjoy seeing how my previous students have grown and become adults. I also enjoy and appreciate the staff that I work with daily. All the teachers that are working here realize the importance of the work that we are doing. We all support each other and know that we are there for each other if needed.
Something I love about my job is discovering new books and then sharing them with the children. We are all excited to read new books by new authors. Finding new authors means that we will have many more books to read and share with others. I feel that being open to and exploring new literature is so important in the world we now live in.
Fun fact about me and my family: my daughter went through the program (infants through preschool). She selected the University of Minnesota as her college because, as she said, “It feels comfortable and diverse.” She finished her undergraduate degree and then went on to get her graduate degree here at the University. When I retire, I will take all the knowledge and experience that I have gained from working here and find another capacity, hopefully volunteering.