MEET OUR STAFF

Making The Playing Field Possible

Discover the Faces Behind Our Success: Meet Our Talented Team

ABBI KRUSE

Executive Director
All Locations

MICHELLE HENNER

Program Director
Midtown Location

JULIE KNADE

Site Director
East Side Location

TOM POPP

Board President

BETTY BERGQUIST

Vice President

RANDY RUPLINGER

Treasurer
Chief Financial Officer

MICHELLE HALL

Secretary
Family Representative

DAN CHERAMY

Development Owner,
Cheramy Story Arts & Marketing

MARY ANN DRESCHER

Member

PAULA MCKENZIE

Volunteer Representative

ERICKA KIND

Family Representative

JOHN OLIVER

Family Representative

RENEE PERRO

Family Representative

ASHLEY BURHOP

Teacher Representative

Caring for Children Begins with Caring for Teachers

Before the age of five, a child may spend 10,000 hours in an early education program. At the same time, the childā€™s brain is rapidly developingā€” creating the mental models for how they see themself, relate to others, manage stress, learn, and motivate themself.

With an understanding of this critical period and the importance of early childhood teachers, The Playing Field invests nearly 80% of our revenue into staff salaries and benefits. We pay our teachers a living wage and offer excellent benefits as well.

We also invest in the professional development of teachers. New staff participate in a reflective cohort and work with our Mentor Teachers. Staff have opportunities for continued learning, coaching, and career growth.

We celebrate the dedication, skill and passion of our amazing early educators!