Staff
Child Care Teachers
Joleen Meeks -Director
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.
Tina Machkovich - Lead Child Care Teacher
tmachkovich@discoverdiscovery.org
My name is Tina Machkovich, I am the Lead Teacher in the Child Care room here at Discovery Preschool.
I’m married and have three daughters 19,16, and 6 who keep me on my toes. I live in Markesan on a cash crop farm. (Which I love).I enjoy being outdoors, camping, watching our Wisconsin sports teams, taking road trips, and spending time with friends and family. I have worked in childcare for about 12 years and have worked with ages from 6 months to 12 years. I have also had experience as a paraprofessional in the public school system in the Special Ed Department. Working with kids is a passion of mine. I love watching them learn and using their imagination. I am planning activities to develop the creative skills and interests of each student. Each child is different and I love getting to know each and every one of them so they can have the best experience here at a Discovery. I am looking forward to meeting all of the parents, grandparents, and guardians. Communication is very important to me because I think when it comes to your child’s learning, after-school care, happiness, and safety communication is key. Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions or concerns at any time.
Patricia (Patty) Schulz - Assistant Child Care Teacher
Patty joins Discovery with many years of experience. Patty is a retired teacher from Ripon College. she has a Bachelors in Early Elementary Education with a Masters in Special Education.
Carey Kasuboski - Assistant 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 Assistant 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.
Cassidy Blaney - Assistant Child Care Teacher
cblaney@discoverdiscovery.org
Hello! My name is Cassidy Blaney, I am from Waukesha, WI, and I am currently a Senior at Ripon College (I am also on the soccer team). I am double majoring in Psychology and Education, hoping to become a speech pathologist in the future. Back at home during the summer, I coach soccer to eight-year-olds and try to find time to travel as much as I can. I am really looking forward to being on the Discovery Preschool teaching team and working with all of the students involved!
Kristi Wargula - Substitute Assitant Child Care 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 - Substitute Assistant Childcare 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.
