Who We Are
Building a Better Community, One Child at a Time.
Caring for your child is a responsibility we take very seriously. You should feel at ease and confident about the place your child spends their day. We have been providing exceptional care for children of the DeForest community for over 20 years. Our credentialed and degreed teachers and staff are dedicated to providing quality early care and education for our children. Daily interaction with loving, caring people can positively influence your child’s future. Our goal is to develop a partnership, between home and school, which benefits the development and growth of your child. Wishing Well Preschool is rated 5-star by the State of Wisconsin and our facility is accredited by the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs Accreditation is an official review process performed by a nationally-recognized outside agency. The process of achieving and maintaining accreditation is no easy feat. It involves staff and family participation, classroom observations, and health and safety checks. The accrediting agencies have high standards that often go above and beyond our state’s minimum licensing requirements for child care centers. We have to meet these high standards in order to achieve this mark of excellence. Our school age program, located adjacent to the main building, offers school enrichment opportunities in a safe and nurturing environment. We provide care before and after school to all three local elementary schools. Each summer, children participate in additional activities as part of our full-day summer camp. Wishing Well 2.0 is a DeForest Area School District 4K partner site offering on site 4K to families of the DeForest community.
Our Team
I am the Administrator of Wishing Well Preschool and Wishing Well 2.0 School Age Programs. I started working at Wishing Well in 2003 but have worked in the Early Care and Education field for over 20 years. I gained ownership of Wishing Well in October of 2006. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish from the UW-Madison. I consider myself a life-long learner and have completed two credentials: One from Nicolet College, the Administrator’s Credential and one from UW-Milwaukee, the Leadership Credential. I continue to take classes at Madison College in their Early Care and Education program. I have always loved working with children. I think it is such an exciting job to be able to be a part of so many children’s foundation of development and growth.
Meet Ms. Angie, our Director at Wishing Well! She spends many of her days working on the curriculum aspects that meet guidelines for our Accreditation standards that make us a 5 star Accredited Center along with meeting Licensing guidelines. Angie began her career with Wishing Well in 2006 as a Toddler and School Age Teacher and since has completed her Infant and Toddler Credential, her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, her Bachelors Degree in Community and Engagement and Education through UW Milwaukee and is currently enrolled in a Leadership Credential through UW Milwaukee. Angie and her husband Seth live in DeForest where their three children attend school. When not busy transporting her children to their multiple extra-curricular activities, she enjoys reading, learning and traveling with her family!
Meet Ms. Tracie, our Wishing Well 2.0 Center Director! Ms. Tracie spends her time divided in the 2.0 building between her office and the three classrooms within the building. She has over 12 years of experience working with children in a group child care setting and has been with Wishing Well for 7 years. Ms. Tracie has an Administrative Credential as well as an Inclusion Credential and is currently enrolled at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College to obtain her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. In her free time, Tracie enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, and attending multiple sporting events with her husband Steve and their three children. Ms. Tracie also has an eye for photography! “A child learns at their fullest potential by being treated as an individual and developing a positive self-image. ” Tracie Kayartz
Testimonials
Meet Ms. Amanda C., one of our Younger Lead Preschool Teachers!
Ms. Amanda began her career at Wishing Well in 2015 with her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and Business Management from Madison College.
Amanda and her son enjoy time together with family, watching movies and being outdoors.
“I believe that it is important to have supportive relationships through play and positive direction and guidance from adults.”
Meet Ms. Brittany, one of our school age teachers at Wishing Well 2.0! Ms. Brittany is currently taking courses to further her education in Early Childhood. Ms. Brittany began her career with Wishing Well as a High School Cooperative Teacher in 2014. In her free time Brittany enjoys taking photos and spending time with her family and friends! “I believe that every child should be treated equally and each child should be given the opportunity to grow and develop in a safe and caring environment.”
Meet Ms. Heather, one of our younger Preschool Teachers are Wishing Well Preschool and Childcare!
Heather began at Wishing Well in 2008 as a High School Cooperative Student and has since then completed her Preschool Credential among many other continuing education courses.
Heather, along with her husband and three children love being outdoors and reading.
“I believe every child is their own unique person who grows and learns at their own pace. I focus on social and emotional skills in my classroom as I believe these are the fundamental skills they will need for the rest of their lives.”
Meet Ms. Kristi, one of our 4K assistant teachers at Wishing Well 2.0! Ms. Kristi began her career at Wishing Well in 2013 with her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Madison College and has since completed her Administration Credential as well. Ms. Kristi enjoys spending her free time camping, hiking and various craft projects. Ms. Kristi enjoys participating and facilitating activities with the children in her care, especially science projects.
Meet Ms. Laura, one of our lead infant room teachers at Wishing Well! Ms. Laura began her career with Wishing Well in 2005. Ms. Laura has an Infant and Toddler Credential from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Ms. Laura believes that allowing children to learn at their own pace and offering them a safe environment is best for the children in her care.
Meet Ms. Kassie, one of our toddler teachers at Wishing Well Preschool and Childcare! Although Ms. Kassie is new to our staff she has worked with children for the past 6 years. Ms. Kassie has taken some courses related to Early Childhood Education and plans to take more in furthering her education in Early Childcare. Ms. Kassie has a daughter that she loves to spend time camping, swimming and just to be outside with her family and friends. “I believe all children should be able to express themselves.”
Meet Ms. Nicole, one of our younger preschool teachers at Wishing Well! Ms. Nicole began her career at Wishing Well in 2011 as a High School Cooperative student and has since obtained her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Madison College. Ms. Nicole enjoys horseback riding and camping in the summer months with friends and is very hands on and enjoys sensory activities with the children in her care.
Meet Ms. Cassidy, one of our school age teachers at Wishing Well Preschool! Ms. Cassidy began her career with us in 2016 as a High School Cooperative Teacher. Ms. Cassidy is currently enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Program at Madison College. In Cassidy's free time she enjoys traveling, camping and spending time with her boyfriend, dogs and family! "I love getting to be a part of all age groups and learning from the children while they learn from me."
Meet Ms. Tara, one of our High School Support Teachers at Wishing Well Preschool and Childcare!
Although Ms. Tara has just begun at Wishing Well, she brings a few years of experience caring for children.
Ms. Tara is a current Senior at DeForest High School and in her spare time she enjoys going to the races with her family and spending time with her friends.
Meet Ms. Courtney, one of our 4K Wrap Care Teachers at Wishing Well 2.0! Ms. Courtney began at Wishing Well in 2015 as a High School Cooperative student. Ms. Courtney will be attending Madison College in the fall of 2016 to earn her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Ms. Courtney believes that it is important for children to have a nurturing, caring, kind, positive and loving environment to grow in.
Meet Ms. Kami, one of our support teachers at Wishing Well Preschool and Childcare!
Kami began at Wishing Well in 2019 as a High School Cooperative Student and just graduated at DeForest Area High School. Kami will be attending Madison College in the fall in the Liberal Arts transfer program.
Kami enjoys dancing and has danced competitively for the past six years. She also enjoys spending time with her five dogs.
"I believe children should learn through play and that all children have different needs and we should work to give children what they need in order to grow."
Bio pending....
Meet Ms. Sarah, our Nutrition Coordinator at Wishing Well Preschool and Childcare! Sarah spends most of her time preparing meals for the children but is able to visit the classrooms and enjoy the company of the children as well throughout the day.
Sarah has two girls and they love to spend time boating and Sarah also loves crafting as well.
"I believe that as teachers we should assist children in expressing and accepting themselves for who they are as well as embrace the difference of others."
Meet Ms. Kendra, one of our Support Teachers at Wishing Well Preschool and Childcare. Ms. Kendra is a recent graduate of Lodi High School and plans to attend Madison College this coming fall 2022. Ms. Kendra enjoys spending time learning and teaching with the children in her care and in her free time she enjoys boating with her family and snowmobiling in the Winter along with spending time at their cabin up north.
"I enjoy being understanding and listening to each child!"
Meet Ms. Amanda K., one of our toddler teachers at Wishing Well Preschool and Childcare!
Amanda began at Wishing Well as a High School Cooperative Student in 2006. Amanda has worked with all ages but feels that caring for infants and toddlers is her calling.
Amanda and her husband have two boys that are energetic and keep them busy. As a family they enjoy camping and being outdoors.
“I believe children will learn and thrive the best in an environment they feel safe and loved in.”
Meet Ms. Kayla, one of our Lead Toddler Teachers at Wishing Well Preschool and Childcare!
Kayla began at Wishing Well as a High School Cooperative Student in 2007 and since then has earned her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Madison College.
Kayla enjoys spending time with her husband and two girls outdoors, camping, watching movies and Kayla also loves crafting.
“Every child should be treated as an individual and be given a loving, safe and fun environment to learn and grow in.”
Meet Ms. Lily, one of our 4K teachers at Wishing Well 2.0! Ms. Lily began her career with Wishing Well in 2006 and in 2010 she began teaching the 4K program. Ms. Lily is a DeForest High School graduate and graduated from UW – Madison in 2010 with a Bachelor Degree in Social Work and graduated with a Masters Degree from Cardinal Stritch in Arts and Teaching Program to earn her teaching license. Ms. Lily keeps busy with two boys, ages 11 and 7. They enjoy time spend outdoors, playing board games, watching movies and time spent with their dog, Pita. Lily also enjoys sewing, reading and repurposing old furniture.
Meet Ms. Melissa, one of our 4K assistant teachers at Wishing Well 2.0! Ms. Melissa has been in childcare for fourteen years and began her career with Wishing Well in 2009. Melissa has taken many courses in relation to Early Childhood Education and is currently enrolled in online classes through NWTC. In her free time Melissa enjoys spending time with her fiancé, 9 year old son and two dogs and friends. Melissa and her family enjoy playing football, be outdoors, watching movies and cooking.“I believe all children are unique and special in their own way and I believe all children deserve to be treated as individuals.” .
Meet Ms. Amanda H., one of our Younger Lead Preschool Teachers. Ms. Amanda began at Wishing Well in 2018 and is currently attending Madison College to obtain her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Amanda and her fiancé along with their three children enjoy watching The Bucks, The Packers and spending time outdoors.
“My goal when teaching is to first create a trusting bond with your child and to learn their individual wants/needs. From there, I build on incorporating their hobbies into lessons that they can play and understand from.”
Meet Mx. Grace, one of our younger Preschool Teachers at Wishing Well Preschool and Childcare!
Grace began at Wishing Well in 2015 as a High School Cooperative Student and has recently earned their Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Madison College.
Mx. Grace enjoys spending time with their girlfriend, and two cats and really enjoys sewing.
“I believe in working with children to expand their independence as well as to experience true joy in learning.”
Meet Ms. Emily, one of our toddler teachers at Wishing Well Preschool and Childcare!
Emily began at Wishing Well in 2019 and is enjoying caring for the children and getting to know their families.
Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. She also enjoys art, reading and watching movies.
Meet Ms. Alyssa, one of our Lead Infant teachers at Wishing Well Preschool and Childcare!
Alyssa began at Wishing Well in 2015 as a High School Cooperative Student and has now earned her Bachelors Degree in Communication Disorders and Special Education from UW – Whitewater.
In Alyssas free time she enjoys reading, watching movies and outdoor activities.
““I believe in learning through Playground exploration. And a classroom should be a safe and nurturing environment.””
Meet Ms. Laura H., one of our Lead Infant Teachers at Wishing Well Preschool and Childcare!
Prior to beginning at Wishing Well in 2020, Laura cared for infants at a program in Madison for 9 years and has her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Madison College.
In Laura's free time she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two children.
“I believe that children should learn through play and exploration of the environment around them.”
Meet Ms. Liddia, one of Two Year Old Teachers at Wishing Well Preschool and Childcare!
Liddia began working at Wishing Well in 2019 with her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Madison College and is currently pursuing her Bachelors Degree in Teaching with a Minor in Special Education from UW – Whitewater.
Liddia enjoys paintball, hiking, reading and anything that allows her to spend time with her family.
“I believe that all children have their own way of learning, it is just the matter of how we can help them find it.”
Meet Ms. Mandy, one of our Support Teachers at Wishing Well Preschool and Childcare! Although Ms. Mandy has just begun at Wishing Well, she has worked with children of all ages for the past 17 years.
Mandy loves gymnastics and all sports in general and prior to her beginning here taught gymnastics and enjoyed working with all different ages. Mandy also enjoys the outdoors and crafting.
"I believe in a positive atmosphere for all children. That each child feels safe and loved by all teachers and we surround them with positivity and help them develop successfully."
Meet Ms. Emily O, our 4K wrap care teacher at Wishing Well 2.0!
Emily came to Wishing Well with over 15 years experience in childcare and has her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Emily enjoys spending time with her two boys and cats and in her free time enjoys art projects and knitting.
My philosophy is very much letting children be children, and child led classrooms. I want to stimulate their creativity, imagination, social skills and learning in an environment where they know they're safe and loved.
Meet Ms. Morgan, one of our High School Cooperative Students at Wishing Well Preschool and Childcare!
Morgan is a current DeForest High School Student and loves working with children and spending time with family and friends camping and racing.
Meet Ms. Charity, one of our Support Teachers at Wishing Well Preschool and Childcare. Although Charity is new to Wishing Well she has many years of experience in Early Childcare and has her Associates Degree in Early Childhood as well. Charity is a mom of four children, two through adoption making their family complete in 2016. Charity loves listening to music, podcasts, exploring enneagram and motherhood along with road trips and swimming with her family.
"Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and loving atmosphere. It is my job to help them feel safe so they can succeed."
