Staff
Child Care Teachers
Jolene Meeks - Director / Child Care and Preschool Teacher
director@discoverdiscovery.org
My name is Jolene Meeks. I am a mother of 6, 4 of my own, and 2 stepchildren. My family and I relocated from Des Moines to Ripon in June of 2017. I ran In-home childcare for 8 years where I was a State Registered, ChildNet Certified, and QRS rated provider. I also participated in the states food program (CACFP) to ensure children received healthy meals while in my care. Since joining the Discovery team in January of 2018 I have had the pleasure of working alongside Jan Kerch in the preschool room as well as working in our childcare room. Knowing that this is a passion of mine I have also earned my Child Development Associate (CDA) in preschool since joining the Discovery team. I have always enjoyed working with children and this all started when I was 12. I am excited to take on this new role as Director and continue working with all of our wonderful families.
Nicole Feldt - Child Care and Preschool Teacher
“Hi there! My name is Nicole, and I am so thrilled to be part of the wonderful Discovery preschool team! Although "Nicole" is what I go by, "mom" is the name I love being called the most! I am blessed to be able to do life with my two little partners-in-crime, Abigail (my sweet & spunky 9-year-old mini-me), and Greyson (my smiley & spirited 2.5 year-old determined dude). Being a mom has given me the gift of seeing what's around me with a childlike viewpoint. I love the daily reminders "momming" affords me, to slow down and relish in life's little treasures... finding magic in the mundane! The opportunity to become a teacher with Discovery Preschool has, so far, proven to be the perfect bridge between what I love about mom life and what fills me up and brings joy to who I am, personally. I am so excited to be connected to this incredible community of caring individuals, and delighted to be able to spend time learning alongside so many smiling faces!”
Patricia (Patty) Schulz - Child Care Teacher
My name is Patty Schulz. I have been in the field of education for over 30 years. I have a BS in lower elementary education and a MS in special education. I have taught special education (K-8) in Milwaukee and Detroit. More recently I taught at Ripon College in the Educational Studies Department. Currently I have had the opportunity to be part of the professional staff at Discovery. I have had the pleasure of helping and watching children grow socially, physically, and academically.
Carey Kasuboski - Child Care Teacher
My name is Carey Kasuboski. I am a mom to 5, 1 being my own daughter and 4 my bonus children a daughter and 3 sons. I live in Ripon moved from Green Bay. I have taught early childhood for 25 years. I also work for the Ripon school district at Barlow as a special ed aid in the early childhood class. I also teach classes for the Brave program with Cesa 6. I have a associates degree in Retail Management and Marketing. I also have many classes in early childhood from NWTC Green Bay and continued education in early childhood. I am registered with the Wisconsin Registry. In my extra time, I enjoy being with my family. As a family, we like to fish, camp and go boating. We also like to garden and can fruit and vegetables. I am also a crafter and enjoy painting rocks.
Teelah Harke - Summer Child Care Teacher
My name is Teelah Harke. I have 1 child and another on the way. I really enjoy working with children. It has always been a passion of mine since I was younger. This will be my 4th year working at Discovery during the summer. During the school year, I work at a Catholic School as a Teachers Assistant for preschool through 8th grade. I really enjoy spending time outdoors and with my family.
Marissa Pick - Assistant Child Care Teacher
My name is Marissa Pick and I am currently 17 years old. I go to Ripon High School and I am going to be a senior. I have completed a child development class and an ECE class. I love working with kids and I began to babysit at age 13. I decided to work at discovery since I went discovery as a child. I am planning to go to school for cosmetology and childcare. I am a cheerleader for RHS and I have been on the team since freshman year.
Kristi Wargula - Assitant Child Care and Preschool Teacher
kwargula@discoverdiscovery.org
My name is Kristi Wargula. I was born and raised in Ripon. I am a mom of a 7 yr old daughter and 3 yr old son. I started watching my brother and sister at the age of 10, and have continued that throughout the years. It has always been a passion of mine working with children. I am grateful for the opportunity to work at Discovery and be apart of the growth with all the children.
Morgan Exner - Assistant Child Care Teacher
mexner@discoverdiscovery.org
I am a Junior at Ripon College studying bio/chem and early childhood education. I am from Janesville Wisconsin and graduated from Craig High School. In my free time, I enjoy coaching figure skating, skating myself, arts and crafts, sewing, traveling and being active.
Mikayla Flyte - Assistant Child Care Teacher
mflyte@discoverdiscovery.org
Hello, my name is Mikayla Flyte. I am a first year student at Ripon College studying Education, English and Spanish. I aspire to become a middle school or high school English teacher after graduation. I joined the Discovery team in January 2019 as a teacher’s assistant and have enjoyed working in the childcare room, getting to know the students. I love working with children and watching them interact and grow in preparation for later schooling. The experience continues to shape me as a leader as I pursue my college degree. In my free time I enjoy running as a Ripon Redhawk, spending time on my family’s farm and reading. I’m so happy to have the opportunity to work with great children at Discovery Preschool.
