Little Thunder Hawk- Staff

Little Thunder Hawk Care Coordinator

Email: amulder@montevideoschools.org

Hello, my name is Alexis! I graduated from Dawson-Boyd High School in 2016, in the Spring of 2018 I graduated from Minnesota West Community and Technical College with a Degree in Early Childhood. I started working at Thunder Hawk Care as an Assistant Teacher in our Toddler Room in the Summer of 2017. In Winter of 2018 I moved to be the Co-Lead Teacher in our Infant room, come August 2021 I became our Infant-Toddler Coordinator, and in May of 2023 I moved to Coordinator for all of Little Thunder Hawk Care (Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool). I live in Montevideo with my husband (Ben), my daughter (Sloan), and our 3 cats. I love working with children because I get to watch them grow through the most important years of their lives, from first steps, first words, first time becoming an older sibling, all the way to their first day of Kindergarten (and so on). I love the connections I make with parents, helping children grow, and working alongside some pretty amazing people!

Infant Room Lead Teacher 

Email: jseubert@montevideoschools.org

Hi, my name is Jacey. I began working part-time at Thunder Hawk Care in 2015 when I was 16. After I graduated High School in 2018, I began working full time in our Toddler Room. I have worked with all age groups, and I am currently working in the Infant Room- I obtained my Child Development Associates Degree in July of 2022, and became our Lead Teacher for Infants. What I love most about working with the infants is seeing their smiling faces each day, and watching them reach new milestones. 

Infant Room Assistant 

Email: dsopland@montevideoschools.org

Hi! My name is Deanna, but I go by Dee! I live outside of Clarkfield on a farm with my husband Jim. We have been married for 32 years, and together we have 4 children and 8 grandchildren. I previously worked as a CNA/HHA, and a Home Care Coordinator in Clarkfield for 20 years. I came to Thunder Hawk Care in July of 2017, and have worked in the Infant Room ever since. It is a joy to see the babies learn and grow, from the first 6 weeks to16 months when they move to the Toddler Room. It is often sad when they move up, as we develop quite a bond with them as well as their parents. The smiles and love we receive from our little ones makes my role here a very rewarding one. Our entire staff is amazing to be a part of, Thunder Hawk Care is the place to be!

Infant Room Assistant 

Email: mseubert@montevideoschools.org

Hello! My name is Shelly, I have lived in Montevideo for the past 36 years. I am married and have 3 children, and 1 grandchild. I began working in childcare back in 2001, when I was hired at Kinder Kare Preschool. I worked with Preschoolers up until Kinder Kare moved its program to Sanford Elementary in 2012. In 2013, it was decided to add a Toddler Room to our program, and I worked with Toddlers until the Infant Room was opened in 2014. I have been with infants ever since, I love working with the babies and getting to know their wonderful families. 

Infant/Toddler Assistant/Float

email: jstangeland@montevideoschools.org

Hello! My name is Joan, I went to school for Child Care and found myself at Thunder Hawk Care in the Fall of 2024. I work primarily with Infants and Toddlers, I love working with the different age groups! 

Hello, my name is Erendira, but everyone calls me Ere. I have my degree in Elementary Education, and taught with Elementary students in Mexico for 9 years. I live in Montevideo with my husband and my daughter, whom I love with all my heart!  I started at Thunder Hawk Care in April of 2023, and I am so happy to be here!

Toddler Room Assistant

Email: mmaldanado@montevideoschools.org

Hello, my name is Maria! I live in Montevideo with my growing family, Alex, our son and my twins! I started at Thunder Hawk Care in February of 2020, and have been in the Toddler Room ever since. I love the age group and how much fun they are to watch play and grow.

Toddler Room Assistant Teacher

Email: vspeetzen@montevideoschools.org

Hello! My name is Valerie, but I go by Val. I was born in Redwing, MN, where my seven older siblings and I spent our childhood. I attended the University of Riverfalls, where I graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Shortly after graduating, I worked as a Teacher at Teddy Bear Campus in Redwing. Later, I accepted a teaching position at Sandcastle, a preschool in St Paul. In 1996, my family and I moved to Montevideo, where I began teaching at Kinder Kare (now Thunder Hawk Care) in 1997. Since then, I have worked with ages from Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool.

Hi, my name is Ilene and I've worked in Thunder Hawk Care for 10+ years. I started as a Lead Teacher in Junior Thunder Hawks, and worked there for 9 years before coming to the 3-4 room in September of 2022. I love working with kids and I love working here at the Hawks Nest. I have 3 wonderful children which are all grown up and have their own families, and I have 3 terrific grandchildren. I'm divorced and live with my 2 cats here in Montevideo. My hobbies are reading, watching movies, hiking, when I can, and just spending time with my cats and playing with my grandkids. I love making new connections with families and their children, being able to watch them grow more and more everyday is really special to me.

Hello, my name is Connor Hagen. I graduated from Montevideo Senior High School in 2023 and graduated from Minnesota West Community Technical College during the Summer of 2025! I graduated college with my degree in Early Childhood Education. I started working for Junior Thunder Hawk Care in 2020 and then transferred over to Little Thunder Hawk Care. I have stayed here over the years working after school in various rooms and subbing, until recently I accepted a full time position. I enjoy my time working with children because I love to see the development and growth they gain throughout the years.  

Hello, my name is Jocelyn Bauman. I graduated from Montevideo Senior High school in 2025. I started working for Little Thunder Hawk Care the Summer of 2025 and now I assist in the 3-4 Preschool Room. I am currently going to college at Minnesota West for Early Childhood Education. I enjoy working with the littles and seeing how excited they are to see me everyday!

4-5 Preschool Co-Lead Teacher

Email: nrobage@montevideoschools.org

Hi, my name is Nancy. I moved to Montevideo from Michigan 45 years ago with my husband. We have been married for 44 years, and we fell in love with the community and made it our home. I started my career as an educator at Kinder Kare (now Thunder Hawk Care) in 1989, and continue to teach 4-5 Preschool. My husband and I, opened our home to 19 children from 1991-2004. For me, working with children has been a life long passion, and I enjoy watching their face beam with pride when they master a new skill! 

Hi, my name is Jaxton. I am from Breckenridge, MN and went to school in Valley City, ND at Valley City State University for English Education. After graduation, I moved to Minneapolis and worked at a school-age after school program for the Minnetonka school district. I mention this, because that is where I found my passion for working with kids in a daycare or preschool setting. I moved to Montevideo where I now live with my wife (Emily), our son (Colson), and our dog, Nordy. I started working at Thunder Hawk Care in January of 2022, moved around, and now I am a Co-Lead Teacher in the 4-5 Preschool Room, I have been in the classroom since May of 2023. I believe this group of staff helps support families in any way possible while their child is in our care, and being a part of this movement makes me passionate about this career. 

Hi, my name is Hailli and I'm a full time preschool float. I work with 3-4 and 4-5 year olds. I started working at Little Thunder Hawks part time in the summer of 2021. I went to a one year program in Marshall MN in the fall of 2022, then I came back working at Little Thunder Hawk Care full time. I currently live in Montevideo with my cat named Grizzly. I really enjoy baking, photography and spending time at my family’s farm where I grew up. I am excited to be working here!