Our Incredible Staff

Each staff member is CPR/First Aid certified and continues yearly training to ensure the safety and well being of each child. Our lead teacher’s have their degree or are actively pursuing their degree or have a minimum of 5 years of childcare experience. Each member of our staff completes an extensive mandatory background check. 

We would love to meet you! Come by any time or schedule a tour to learn more.

 

Interested In Working With Us?

 

Nice To Meet You!

 

Lori, Owner

My name is Lori Johnson. I am the owner/director of Encore Learning Center. I have my Child Development Associates degree and have worked with children for most of my adult life. I have three children of my own, Jacob, Chris, and Taylor. Here at Encore, it is very important to me that, as a family, you and your child are recognized by myself and each staff member when you enter the facility. Building healthy relationships with each family gives us the opportunity to openly communicate with one another and continue to provide what is best for your child. We have a large facility, but instead of creating more classrooms, we took that space and created more rooms for your children to explore so they are not kept in one room for the entire day. The staff and the children LOVE that! I wanted to create a center where staff feel valued and appreciated in their jobs, enjoy who they work with and have the ability to use their creativity in designing their own spaces. They take pride in their classrooms. I want my staff to feel they can have a career here. All of this creates an environment full of joy for your child to thrive in.

 

Admin

 

MaKayla, Director

Hey there! My name is Miss Kayla, and I am the director of Encore! I live in Sioux Falls with my fiancé, Will, and our Husky, Bleu! I have been working in childcare for over 10 years now! I spent a few years at USF studying Elementary Education but decided that Early Childcare was where I wanted to be, so I changed gears and completed my CDA! I love all things yellow, and my favorite animal is a sloth! In my spare time I like hanging out with my nieces and nephew, listening to Adele, playing with my pup and going hammocking!

 

Michelle, Kitchen Aide, Night Manager & Director’s Assistant

My name is Michelle. Some of the kids call me Shell. I grew up with all brothers and now I have 3 boys of my own. Two have graduated and my youngest is 15. Along with my own kids, I have been privileged enough to help raise and shape my nieces and nephews. It has also been a great honor of mine to help many other kids to grow and learn over the years as well. And to be fair, they have taught me many valuable lessons as well! Outside of work, I love traveling, I’ve even started doing some solo traveling lately and it’s been pretty amazing! I also love to bake, especially for holidays. I’m so excited to be a part of these curious kids’ journeys!

 

Nursery

 

Shataya, Lead Nursery Teacher

Hey! My name is Shataya Claussen. I am from Sioux Falls, and live with my husband Seth, our son Wesley and our German Shepard, Jax. I have over 5 years of experience working in childcare & have worked for Lori since I was 16. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and knitting or crocheting.

 

Jessica, Assistant Nursery Teacher

My name is Jessica and I live in Sioux Falls with my 2 daughters and son. I have 10+ years of childcare experience. I completed my CDA in 2022. I love coffee/caffeine and listening to music. In my spare time I hang out with my kids, watch movies, and read books. I’m the Lead Teacher in the Waddlers’ Room. I can’t wait to get to know the kids at Encore!

 

Erica, Assistant Nursery Teacher

Originally from Palm Springs, California, I’ve been living in Sioux Falls since 2016! Growing up, I spent 20 years caring for my siblings and babysitting my cousins, and later on, their children. Now, I’m a wife and mom to two little ones, ages 1.5 & 3.5. Our family loves traveling and exploring new places. In my rare free moments, I enjoy baking, painting, crafting and learning new skills. I have been working in childcare professionally for 2 years and the most rewarding part of my job is building relationships with the children and forming meaningful connections with their families!

 

Gretchen, Lead Afternoon Nursery Teacher

Hi my name is Gretchen Jacobsma, I'm from Luverne, Minnesota. I currently go to the University of Sioux Falls where I am studying Criminal Justice and Political Science and History. Some of my hobbies include horseback riding, reading, playing guitar, and watching the rookie. My favorite color is green, and I enjoy drinking coffe. I have worked in child care for the last 3 years ranging from infants to age 5.

 

Janelle, Afternoon Nursery Teacher

Bio coming soon!

 
 

Waddler Classroom

 

Cristina, Lead Waddler Teacher

Hello, my name is Cristina Murillo. My birthday is September 21st, and I am 34 years old. I am from a small town in Michoacan, Mexico called Purepero. I lived in Huntington Beach California for 18 years before moving to Sioux Falls, SD. I have four kids, Gabriela who is 17 years old, Beyonce who is 14 years old, Fernando who is 10 years old and Lindsay who is 8 years old! My hobbies are hanging out with my kids and walking the pier at the beach. I have two favortie foods and they are enchiladas and tacos!

 

Maria, Assistant Waddler Teacher

Hi! My name is Maria. I am from Mexico but have been living in Sioux Falls for almost 20 years. I am a single mother of 2 daughters named Rita and Bibiana. I worked for 7 years at Bethany Nursing Home. I like to help people who need it, especially my family. I enjoy going to church every Sunday with my daughters and spending as much time as possible with them.

 

Addy, Assistant Nursery Teacher

Hi! My name is Addy, and I have been working in childcare for 5 years! I took a break for a while to join the Air National Guard. I was born in Sioux Falls and lived here all my life with my 2 siblings and parents. I am eager to be adopting a dog soon and can’t wait for that adventure. I am excited to be back at Encore and working alongside Taya in the Nursery!

 

Jenna, Lead Afternoon Waddler Teacher

Hi! My name is Jenna Duncan. I’ve lived in Worthing, SD my whole life and go to Lennox High School. I live with my parents and 6 siblings. In my free time, I like to run, do all things outdoors, going to church every week, as well as spending time with friends and family. I’ve babysat lots growing up and it’s been a big hobby of mine.

 

Maddy, Afternoon Waddler Teacher

Hi! My name is Maddy and I am a senior at Lennox High School. I have always loved working with kids! Ever since I was younger, I would babysit for my neighbors as it was always something I enjoyed doing! In my free time, I like to hang out with my friends and family, listening to music, watching movies, and going on hikes!

 
 

Toddler Classroom

 

Ali, Lead Toddler Teacher

Hi, my name is Ali Elbers. I was born and raised in Brandon, SD. I have one son, Payton, who is 25 and going to college in SC plus one very special fur baby Pippa, my Teacup Pomeranian! I have been in daycare for the past 19 years and truly enjoy watching them learn and grow. In my free time, I love to run, doing anything out outdoor, crafting, and antiquing but most importantly, spending time with my loved ones!

 

Emma, Assistant Toddler Teacher

Hi, my name is Emma! I was born and raised in the small town of Ukraine. I have one sister who is only a year and a half younger than me. When I was 14, we moved with my family to the US for a new life. I graduated from Washington High School in 2022 and started working as a daycare teacher and babysitter since March 2022. I love kids and their little creative and fun souls. I also enjoy drawing and crafting in my free time!

 

Skylar, Assistant Toddler Teacher

Hi! My name is Skylar and I have worked at Encore since August of 2022! I like Harry Potter, Disney movies & Anime! In my spare time I enjoy working on cars with my husband, playing video games, and cruising in my racecar!

 

Hailey, Lead Afternoon Toddler Teacher

Hi! I’m Hailey, a sophomore at the University of Sioux Falls. I am majoring in Media Studies and Social Media Marketing, and I am on the USF cheer team! In my free time, I enjoy traveling, working out, and hanging out with friends and family! I have two sisters, two brothers and a Great Dane-Mastiff!

 

Annan, Afternoon Toddler Teacher

Hi! My name is Annan, and this is my first job in childcare! I am excited for this new adventure and can’t wait to get to know all of the kids!

 
 

Preschool Classroom

 

Mackenzie, Lead Preschool Teacher

Hello! I am Miss Kenzie! I am originally from Mitchell, SD and have been in Childcare for 9 years with ages 6 months-5 years. I started in Pre-K 1 here at Encore and I am now the lead in the Preschool classroom. My family consists of my mom (Stephanie), Dad (Jason and his girlfriend, Chelly), Brother (Ryley), and Sister (Katelyn). I am currently going to school for my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. In my free time, I like to read, watch Netflix, and do arts and crafts. A fun fact about me is that I love using my Cricut to make shirts and other things for the kids and staff.

 

Shelby, Co-Lead Preschool Teacher

Hi! I am Shelby and I am from Plankinton, SD. I am starting my senior year at SDSU where I study psychology with minors in mental health services/ human development and family studies! I worked full time in the Plankinton and Brookings school districts for the last few years and am excited to start my journey here in Sioux Falls! In my free time I enjoy traveling and spending time with my friends and family!

 

Ceil, Assistant Preschool Teacher

Hello! My name is Ceil! I am from Sioux Falls and just graduated from Augustana University with a bachelor’s in psychology! Encore was my first official childcare job, but I have shadowed several teachers across Sioux Falls in classes ranging from kindergarten to 8th grade! I love to read, play board games, and am active in community theatre! My family includes my parents, my sister, my life partner Ian, my roommates and our cat Mary!

 

Brianna, Afternoon Preschool Teacher

Hi, my name is Brianna! I have worked in childcare for over 10 years and have my CDA certification. I live here in Sioux Falls with my husband, our 2 daughters and our dog! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, drinking Starbucks and going to Target!

 

Owen, Afternoon Preschool Teacher

Hello! My name is Owen Cole, for a long time I’ve been interested in working with kids when I was brought to help watch my cousins and other kids at my Aunts house. I’ve lived in Sioux Falls most my life, and I love to write and read, and hope to one day become a teacher for history and English!

 
 

Pre-K 1 Classroom

 
 

Dani, Lead Pre-K 1 Teacher

Hello, I am Miss Dani! I have worked in childcare for 8 years. I have a son name Dean. I graduated from South Dakota State University in Early Childhood Education. The reason I became a teacher was because I wanted to make a difference in a child’s life. I want each child to be heard and make learning fun! In my free time, I enjoy being outside, hanging out with family and friends, and playing board or card games. I’m excited to know your child on a personal level and you as well!

 

Jennie, Assistant Pre-K 1 Teacher

Hi, I’m Jennie and I have lived here in Sioux Falls my whole life. I just graduated from Washington high school in 2024! And something’s that I enjoy doing on my free time is watching tv shows, reading and sleeping but I mostly love spending my time with my family. I am the youngest and only daughter in my family of 7. I have worked in child care for about 3 years now and what I love most about working with children is all the special memories and connections I get to make with parents and kids along the way! Both of my parents are from Guatemala, and I am very grateful to be able to speak 3 languages English,Spanish, Q’anjob’al. So I am very proud to be called a Chapina!

 

Karen, Afternoon Pre-K 1 Teacher

Hi, my name is Ms. Karen Peters and I was born in Sioux Falls. I have lived here my whole life. I have one son, Jeremy, and two grandchildren, Kaitlyn who is 19 and Austin who is 17. In my high school years, I taught Sunday School and helped with Bible School and did a lot of babysitting. I worked for Kids Inc. at Rosa Parks Elementary School as well as Ben Reifel Middle School in Child Nutrition. I love to travel, watch movies, and go to concerts, and spend time with my family!

 

Taleah, Afternoon Pre-K 1 Teacher

Bio coming soon!

 
 

Pre-K 2 Classroom

 

Ashley, Lead Pre-K 2 Teacher

Hello! I am Ashley G. and I was born and raised in Elk Point, just an hour away from Sioux Falls. I started teaching preschool in Vermillion 10 years ago and moved to Sioux Falls with my dog, Luna, and boyfriend, Patrick, 8 years ago. I loved my time in Vermillion, and I learned so much, but I am excited for this new journey at Encore! I studied Early Childhood Education at Western Iowa Tech Community College and graduated in 2016 and also have my CDA. My interests are Taylor Swift, macaroni and cheese, camping and crafting. In my free time, I am renovating a 1960’s Volkswagen bus and a 2000’s school bus into an RV. Fun fact, I have never met a dog I did not want to pet!

 

Taylor, Assistant Pre-K 2 Teacher

Hey! My name is Taylor Johnson, I am 22 years old, and I have been working in childcare since I was 14 years old. I graduated from Roosevelt High School in 2020. In my free time I like to sing, travel, go to concerts, hangout with friends and family, and do makeup. Growing up I always wanted to be a musician or actress, and still do! I love working with kids because they can always make your day a little brighter without even trying to. I’m so excited to be working here at Encore and getting to see the kiddos every day!

 

Kailey, Assistant Pre-K 2 Teacher

Hi! My name is Kailey Bruxvoort. I am originally from Sibley Iowa but moved to Sioux Falls in the summer of 2020. I am the oldest of 4 siblings, I have two younger brothers and one younger sister. I graduated from the University of South Dakota in 2020 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work & Sociology, and I’ve been working here at Encore since opening day! In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I also love all things leopard print and I collect vinyls for fun!

 

Ruby, Assistant Preschool Teacher & Afternoon Pre-K 2 Teacher

Hi, my name is Ruby!! I was born and raised in Mitchell. I have been babysitting since I was 12 years old and instantly, I fell in love with it. I have a 3-year-old niece named Ila. In my spare time I love to hang out with my mom and friends. I also enjoy camping and fishing in Platte SD.

 

Stevie, Afternoon Pre-K 2 Teacher

Photo & bio coming soon!

 
 
 

Kitchen Staff

Jeanie, Kitchen Manager

Hello, my name is Jeanie. I was born and raised 60 miles west of Aberdeen SD on a farm. My three brothers, sister, and I loved to be outside doing chores, climbing trees, playing with, and or feeding all the animals. Years later I now have three grown children of my own and they in turn have given me eleven grandchildren. Most of my life I have been working in the medical field and daycare centers. I enjoy caring for all ages and especially children. I am so blessed to be able to work with the children, their families, and the staff here at Encore Learning Center.