My name is Katie Kerns. I live in Fountain MN with my husband Jordan, two daughters Taelynn and Taylor and our fur baby Mazie. I went to college at RCTC for two years for child development and then ran my own in-home daycare for 15 year. A little over 5 years ago I closed my daycare and came to work here at One Block at a Time. In my free time, my family and I enjoy taking jeep rides, boating, camping, and fishing. I enjoy coming to work to meet all the new little babies and snuggle them up each day! Although I miss each one when they move onto the next room, I love that I get to see them grow and prosper through the years.

Hi, I am Sheila Lecy! I moved to the Harmony area in 2015 with my husband and 2 daughters. Prior to moving to the area, I had my own in-home daycare for 10 years. I loved my job and decided I still wanted to continue working with children when we moved. When I started at OBAAT I was an aide in the 3/4 Preschool room and after a few years of doing that pursued my Child Development Associate Credential (CDA). After receiving that I became the Lead Teacher in the Transition Room. In my spare time I enjoy being with my family and going camping, fishing, and playing bean bags. I have enjoyed my years here at OBAAT. I love watching the kids grow and develop. It is also very nice to still see them once they start school and see how much they have grown, changed, and matured. A benefit to working at a childcare center at a school district! The children here are why I get up every day and come to work. Seeing their smiles and getting their big hugs. Nothing is better or can beat that.

Hi, my name is April and have worked at One Block at a Time for nine years. I live in Lanesboro. In my free time I enjoy movies, books, drawing and a few other hobbies.

I enjoy coming to work and seeing the children. I especially love the stories they share; about what they have seen, done, imagined or their favorite subject.

Hey, grown-ups! My name is Sashia Sharpton, and I am the lead teacher in the 3/4 room here at One Block at a Time. Prior to my current position, I have also worked as a lead in the toddler room, an aide in the toddler room as well as the 3/4 Pre-School room here at OBAAT. As of April 2021, I am currently in the process of obtaining my CDA (Child Development Associate Credential). I live in Preston, MN with my son Killian (6 years old) and our two German Shepherds, Marley, and Manolo, as well as our two cats, Samuel L. Catson and Blackie. Our favorite things to do as a family are play board games, watch new and interesting movies, listen to music, and dance, and take nature walks to search for what my son would call ‘cool things’. I absolutely love working at OBAAT and feel honored to be able to come here every day and spend time as well as teach and spend time with your kiddos! I have an open-door policy between myself and all of you when it comes to communication, participation, etc., so please never hesitate to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, ideas, or anything like that! And I hope that when we live in a COVID-free world, the toddlers and myself can look forward to spending some one-on-one time with the amazing grown-ups that you all are!

Hi, my name is Brianna and have worked at One Block at a Time since January. I live with my parents and my dog Maverick. I am attending college at RCTC for early childhood education! In my free time I enjoy riding horse, riding the razor, and spending time with my boyfriend. I love that the kids can be not getting along about something but by the end of the day they always are playing together, laughing, and smiling no matter how the day had been.

Hello! my name is Greg Walton. I have been working for OBAAT since September 2021. Before working here I worked for the Wayzata Public schools in their after school program. I was an afterschool program instructor for 6 years. 
Some of the families might know me more from the School age Care (SAC) side of things, where I spend the afternoons working with the older kids. I help out in the mornings at One Block At a time mostly in the 4-5 year old room, and a little in the 3-4 year old room, I enjoy getting to hang out with the little ones as well as the older kids.
In my spare time I enjoy hiking, reading, listening to podcasts, and doing any assortment of crafts and art styles.

Hi my name is Grace Himli! I am the new aide in the Toddler room. I am looking forward to getting to know all your kiddos.

My name is Nick Woelfel. I am 30 years old and have two children with my fiance; Katie. My daughter's name is Sophie and she is eight years old. She goes to Fillmore Central Elementary! My son's name is Logan and he is four years old. He is currently attending preschool and daycare in Lanesboro. We have a mixed-breed puppy named Lady. We all moved to Preston over the summer to escape from the big-city atmosphere of the suburbs near the twin cities. We live with my mother; Cherrie Brink. I have grandparents and more family members that live in the area as well. I love spending time with my kids, and honestly that takes up most of my "free" time. I enjoy watching sci-fi movies and know how to snowboard and skateboard (though I don't do it as much anymore). I wrestled all through high school and have a great sense of work ethics. I pay close attention to detail and take pride in being organized. I look forward to the new career field of child care, and all the challenges that come with it. Kids have always brought me joy with their cute mannerisms and the adorable things they say. Child care is the most exciting and fulfilling job I have ever had so far!

Hi my name is Genny Hanson. I have worked at OBAAT in the 4/5 room and an occasional float since September 2012. I live just one block from the school in Preston which allows me to walk to work each day! I have two adult sons; one lives in Cresco, IA and the other lives in Claremont, MN. I also have four grandsons ages 25, 17, 16 & 15. In my free time I enjoy watching TV and going to my “home place” to mow lawn in the summer. Some of my favorite things are flowers, evergreen and lilac scents, candy, Hershey’s chocolate, Mountain Dew, salads, and pizza. I am an “earthy” person and like blues, browns, and basic black colors. My favorite music is 50’s and country.
Working at OBAAT gives me a reason to get up in the morning. The kids keep me young. I love their innocent questions which brings a smile to my face as they are learning. It gives me a sense of eagerness. It is rewarding because I know a lot of these kid’s parents and grandparents so when they tell me a story, I can relate to what they are talking about. I hope I am making a little different in their day! You just have to love ‘em!

Hi, my name is Mary Schibursky and I have worked at One Block at a Time since April 2019. I live in Preston with my husband Roger and our fur babies. We have my son Lances dog named Gabby, a German Shepherd, our dog Lily ,also a Shepherd, and Snoop our black cat. I worked at Mayo Clinic for 44 years. I retired in 2006. I enjoy working in our flower beds with my many perennials and annuals. I like auctions and garage sales along with painting old chairs and glass art. I really enjoy my coworkers at OBAAT; my family even says I act like a kid! I enjoy the kids! I love the hugs! Each room has its pluses! I love playing games with the kids, I am especially good at Tic-Tac-Toe. We play Hide the Thimble (or whatever is handy). It is not always in plain sight. I am a little slower at Duck Duck Gray Duck! I know when I go home, I am tired, but I know I have had a good day!

My name is Diane Strahl. I live in Preston with my husband, Tom. We have two children, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. I had retired after many years of full-time employment. But after a year of retirement, I decided it was not for me so I decided part time employment would be something I would try, and I really enjoy it! Since I love being around children, I find working in the daycare setting very fulfilling. In my free time I love gardening, reading, traveling, and spending time with our family.