McKensie Schwanke
Hi, I’m McKensie Schwanke the new St. John’s Grandkids & VIK Club Director. I was born and raised here in Springfield. After graduating from SHS in 2017, I went on to earn my AAS degree in Early Childhood Education at LATI in Watertown SD, and graduated in 2019. Following college graduation, I worked at Cougar Cub Childcare in Franklin MN as the lead toddler teacher until February 2021 and accepted my position as director here at St. John’s in September 2021. I am the youngest of 4 and an aunt of 6, my niece and nephews are the reason I choose the carrier path I did as well. I really enjoy watching children grow and play and see how much they change along the way! A little more about me, I bought a house here in Springfield in January of 2020 and welcomed my son Baylor Schwanke in November of 2020. I enjoy playing, watching, and coaching volleyball to girls of all ages. I also enjoy doing photography but most of all I enjoy spending endless time with my family.
Shandel Sell
My name is Shandel Sell. After graduating high school from the Comfrey Public School, I went on to earn a degree in Child Development through SCTC-Mankato in 2005. I worked for 3 years in the Comfrey daycare before starting at grandkids in May of 2007. My husband Josh and I have two children; Colten and Kinsley. I enjoy 4-wheeling and spending time with family and friends.
Lisa Anderson
Hello, My Name is Lisa Anderson, and my mission is to instill a love for learning in my students. Teaching is an absolute passion of mine! I graduated from MSU in Mankato with a 4 degree in Elementary Education. I was a teacher at Kids X-Cel Center in New Ulm for 8 years before I took the job as the preschool teacher here at St. John’s Grandkids in November of 2016. I set individual goals for my students to get them ready for kindergarten, and love to see the progress they make. A little more about me, I am married and have 2 beautiful children. I love to sip tea while reading any book written by Nora Roberts. Most of all, I love taking walks with my family.
Jalivia Richert
Abigail Walter
Hello, my name is Abigail Walter. I have 2 sons Cooper who is 8 years old and Chase who is 3 years old. I also just recently got engaged to Tyler Braulick and will be getting married in September of 2023. My family and I love to go camping, we love farming, playing outside, and spending time with family. We live on a farm outside of Sleepy Eye and raise our own cattle. We also have 5 dogs Willow, Ringo, Buzz, Hanky and Buddy along with 1 rabbit named Thumper and 1 pet cow named Spud. I graduated from Sleepy Eye Public School in 2012 and went straight into college at Rasmussen in Mankato that year and got my associates degree in Early Childhood Education in 2015. I am currently going to college now online for my Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services. I have been a lead teacher for 5 plus years in various different age groups. I was also a nanny for 2 years and a receptionist/ office assistant for 2 years. The most rewarding part of being a part of Grandkids and V.I.K. Club is getting to work with all the kids and watching them grow and learn everyday, also seeing them interact with the grandparents here at St. John’s along with getting to work with this wonderful staff. I am most excited to see the children and residents together more and more!
Emma Pingeon
Hi,I am Emma Pingeon. I am a senior at Springfield High School this year and will be graduating in May of 2023. In school, I am involved in Choir, Band, Student Council, and Yearbook Committee. Outside of school, I dance for Just For Kix and this will also be my second year as an assistant coach. Growing up, I took a huge role in my life as always making sure my sisters were cared for when my parents separated. I was in 2nd grade, learning how to go back and forth from houses, and making sure my sisters and I had what we needed. My childhood upbringing has always made me want to become a teacher. Now that I am a senior it is crazy to think that I still have the same dreams as I did in my childhood. After High School, I plan to attend a 4-year college and earn a degree in Elementary Education and Youth Ministry. I have a passion for children, learning, and Jesus. I have decided to put that all together to be able to teach younger children in school and about God. I am the middle child of 6 kids. I have 1 brother and 4 sisters. I am going to be an aunt at the end of October to my oldest sister’s son! We are so excited to have a little boy in our family. Some of my favorite things to do are going shopping, organizing, writing in my planner, journaling, spending time with my sisters, and dancing, of course! I am so excited to be apart of this community to help educate all of the children, and make sure they know that they are loved, cared for, and worthy!
Morgan Frederickson
Hello! My name is Morgan Frederickson. I married my best friend & husband, James, this past July 2022, I have 3 children, Brooklyn 11, Sylas 7, and Keeley who we lost at 25 days old. I graduated from Avalon School of Cosmetology in 2014 and worked at a Salon for 6 years. When I met my husband and moved to Springfield, I started working at Springfield Market & I am still currently involved with our family church United Methodist of Springfield, I took this job here at Grandkids mid-August of 2022. The most rewarding part of working at St. John’s Grandkids is seeing each child’s sweet soul grow into these young beautiful people they are becoming, as we as watching their interactions change as they are learning new things and making new friendships. My favorite things to do outside of work is to spend time with my family and friends. I am most excited to meet new families and continuing to see each child grown into their own personality each day!
Madeline Stremcha
My name is Maddie (Maddie) Stremcha. I work in the business office at St. John’s and substitute in the daycare. I went to high school in St. James and received my associate’s degree in Health Information Technology from Rasmussen College. I have loved working with children, starting with babysitting through high school. I spent a lot of time helping out whenever needed and babysitting our family friends’ newborn triplets and their 2 ½ year old brother when I was 13 years old and continued to stay active in their lives as they grew up. My husband Joe and I have lived in Springfield since November 2018. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, family, and niece and nephew, reading, shopping, and going for walks.
