Heather Discher, Site Director / Lead Kinderstart Teacher
Heather joined the Discovery Center Teaching Team as an Assistant in 2019, before moving into the Lead Kinderstart/Site-Director position. She has her degree from MN State University/Mankato. Heather’s favorite part of teaching is to watch each child learn at their own pace, watching them learn to write a letter or number and seeing the look on their face!
“Be the reason someone smiles today.”
Top 5 Strengths * Achiever * Learner * Arranger * Communication * Responsibility
Taylor Russell, Lead Explorer Teacher
Taylor has a great wealth of experience teaching toddlers, and has been leading the NDA Explorer classroom since 2021. She has her B.A. Degree in Child Development/Family Studies with a minor in Psychology from MN State University/Mankato. She loves watching the children grow in all sorts of ways. Taylor loves making connections with the students and families, teaching age-appropriate skills and how to have lots of fun learning!
“Worry less; Smile more.”
Julia Johnson, Lead Kinderstart Teacher
Julia has her Elementary Education/Kindergarten and Reading Certifications from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls and University of MN, Mankato. She has a variety of teaching experience in preschool, pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten, before joining the NDA Teaching Team in the Fall of 2024.
Julia’s favorite part of teaching is witnessing children’s encounters with God, the world around them, and reaching early childhood milestones. She also adores children’s words, full of honesty and humor every day!
“The world needs a sense of worth, and it will achieve it only by its children feeling that they are worthwhile.” ~ Fred Rogers
Madison Fuglseth, Lead Discovery Teacher
Madison’s favorite part of teaching is learning each child’s differences and unique gifts. She graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a Bachelor’s degree in Science and has been a part of the NDA Discovery Center since 2022.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14