Mary Green, Site Co-Director/Lead Explorer Teacher
Site Co-Director Mary Green joined the team in Fall of 2021. She has her BS in Teaching from MN State University/Mankato, with a MA in Education from Colorado State University. She has spent over 20 years in MN education working as a teacher and children’s ministry director. We are thrilled to have her warm and caring presence, as well as her early-childhood expertise. In addition to Site Directing, Mary is currently the Older Explorer Lead Teacher at Trinity’s Discovery Center.
Ashley Perez, Site Co-Director
Ashley has a wealth of experience in teaching and directing in early childhood education. She has been with LADC as a parent for several years, before joining the teaching team in 2022! Ashley’s degree is from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She loves working with the kids and experiencing life through their eyes!
“God promises to make something good out of the storms that bring devastation to our life.”
Anja Welsh, Lead Infant Teacher
Anja joined the Trinity Discovery Center Team in 2022. She graduated from St. Olaf College with a B.A. in English and has her Masters in Creative Writing from Hamline University. After being a stay-at-home mom, she became interested in the field of early-childhood, taking child development classes and volunteering in her children’s schools. Anja’s favorite part of teaching is watching infants develop, from their most basic functions to gaining verbal to problem-solving skills. “The first year is so very important to who we become as humans!”
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Connie Hill, Lead Older Explorer Teacher
Connie attended Concordia University, St. Paul where she received a Masters in Family Science. Before joining LADC, Connie provided licensed in-home family childcare. She also is trained in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based religion instruction for children ages 3-9. When asked what she loves most about teaching, she says, “Toddlers are wired to dive deeply into all of life’s little moments. I cherish being with them, sharing the good, the bad, and the AWE!”
“Learn from the way the wildflowers grow.” – Matthew 6:28
Tammy Junker, Co-Lead Kinderstart Teacher & Program Director
Tammy is a graduate of Northwestern University with degrees in Bible Studies and Early Childhood Education/Pre-Primary emphasis. She has her MN Teaching License. Tammy has been teaching with LADC since 2007. Tammy’s energy and passion for teaching and ministry is contagious! She enjoys shopping, coffee, playing piano, running and spending time with her husband, three young children and friends.
“The Lord will fight for you – you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14
Top Five Strengths: * Harmony * Achiever * Consistency * Includer * Responsibility
Amy Hoff, Co-Lead Kinderstart Teacher
Amy has been with LADC since 2015. She is a graduate of Northland College and received her Masters in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University – St. Paul. Amy brings experience working with children from birth to age 12. Her favorite part of teaching is seeing the joy of students when they learn through new experiences!
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25
Jamie Gardner, Lead Discovery Teacher
Jamie has a degree in Early Childhood Education from South Dakota State University. She joined the team at LADC in 2023, bringing 8 years of early childhood experience to our program. Jamie’s favorite part of teaching is watching the kids be excited to come to school and not want to leave! “I look forward to a great year of connecting with the kids and their families.”
“For I know the plans i have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Abi Turner, EAP Manager / After School Lead Teacher
Abi graduated from Arizona State University. She joined the Trinity Team Fall of 2022. Her favorite part of working with children is watching them grow in ability and learning!
“Life’s greatest lessons are learned at the worst times from the worst mistakes.”