3s & Enrichment Lead Teacher
Email Kim

Show More

Mrs. Batterson has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 23 years. She and husband Eric live in Rochester; they have 3 grown children (Casey, Sam, & Leah) and 2 grandchildren (Evangeline & Bennett) with two more on the way!

Mrs. Batterson was born (December 9th) in Seoul, South Korea and grew up in Shorewood, WI; she moved to Rochester in 1998 (by way of Portland, OR). She enjoys rowing on Silver Lake, reading nonfiction, skate skiing, and a good musicial.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13

Worship Song: Undo (Rush of Fools)

Children’s Book: Elephant & Piggie books

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Chai Latte

Rochester Restaurant: Hyderabad

Snacks: Dried fruit & nuts or Haribo gummy bears

Color: Navy Blue

Her favorite parts about working at Kingdom Kids are sharing the Gospel and building a little family away from home within the classroom.

Enrichment Lead Teacher
Email Nilda

Show More

Ms. Cancel has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 23 years. She and much of her family (5 children, 15 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren) live in the Rochester area.

Ms. Cancel grew up in Bronx, New York (born February 10th) and lived in several areas before moving to Rochester in 2003. She enjoys sewing and crafting.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: John 3:16

Worship Song: There are too many to pick just one!

Children’s Book: You are Mine

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Berry & Mango Smoothie

Rochester Restaurant: Texas Roadhouse

Snack: Heath bar

Color: Blue

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is  watching the students grow in Biblical & academic knowledge (though it’s difficult to pick a favorite amongst all the many great pieces!).

2s Assistant Teacher
Email Wenyi

Show More

This is Mrs. Chen’s first year teaching at Kingdom Kids. She, husband Bochen, son Elijah (8), and daughter Elizabeth (1) live in Rochester.

Mrs. Chen grew up in Taiwan (born July 30th) and moved to Rochester in 2014. She enjoys reading children’s books and walking alongside beautiful lakes & rivers.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Acts 16:31

Worship Song: Touch of Heaven (Hillsong Worship)

Children’s Book: You Are Special

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Mango Smoothie

Rochester Restaurant: Chipotle, Five West, & Thai Pop

Snack: Mixed Nuts or Plantain Chips

Color: Red

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is being in a work place filled with love & faith that teaches students about Jesus.

4s Lead Teacher
Email Faith

Show More

Mrs. Deedrick is in her first year with Kingdom Kids. She is newly married and relocated to Rochester this past summer with husband Tim.

Mrs. Deedrick was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI (born December 13th). She enjoys shopping, walking, playing pickle ball, and spending time with her sisters.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7

Worship Song: Over & Over (Vertical Worship)

Children’s Book: Llama llama Red Pajama

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Iced Vanilla Latte

Rochester Restaurant: Pasquale’s Pizza

Snack: Gold Fish and Nerd Clusters

Color: Pink & Sparkles

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is her amazing co-workers!

4s Assistant Teacher
Email Stephanie

Show More

Ms. Stephanie has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 6 years. She, her parents, her youngest sister, and their pets live in Rochester.

Ms. Stephanie grew up in Duluth, MN & Florida (born March 24th) before moving to Rochester in 2019. She enjoys shopping, hiking, going to the movies, and board games with family.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Psalm 139:14

Worship Song: Gratitude (Brandon Lake) and You Say (Lauren Daigle)

Children’s Book: A Color of His Own

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Caramel Blender with extra caramel

Rochester Restaurants: Chipotle & Olive Garden

Snack: Peach Rings or Goldfish

Color: Shades of Blue; Neutral Tones

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is teaching the kids about our Savior and being a part of the their journey as they grow.

5s Lead Teacher
Email Roxie

Show More

Mrs. Ende is in her 5th year with Kingdom Kids. She, her husband Nate, and their teenagers Jackson & Lauren live in Byron. 

Mrs. Ende grew up in Wisconsin (born September 12th) and moved to Rochester in 2001. She enjoys Wisconsin sports, including the Bucks, Packers, and Brewers.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Romans 12:12

Worship Song: Oceans

Children’s Book: The Giving Tree

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: White Mocha

Rochester Restaurant: Redwood Room

Snacks: Peanut Butter Cups

Color: Pink

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is meeting the students and new families, continuing relationships with past students & their families, and feeling spiritually supported in the work place.

3s & Enrichment Lead Teacher
Email Elissa

Show More

Ms. Finnan is in her 4th year of teaching with Kingdom Kids. She and her cat share a house with three roommates in Rochester.

Ms. Finnan was born in Boston (January 15th) and moved to Rochester in 2005. She enjoys all arts and crafts.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: 1 John 4:4

Worship Song: Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me (CityAlight)

Children's Book: Nibbles the Book Monster

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Oat Milk Latte

Rochester Restaurant: Twigs

Snack: Reeses & Popcorn (gluten and dairy free)

Color: Pink

 Her favorite parts about working at Kingdom Kids are teaching the students about Christ and doing arts & crafts with them.

3s Lead Teacher
Email Anneli

Show More

Mrs. Ginader is in her second school year here at Kingdom Kids. She and husband of 8 years Tim have three children (6, 4, and infant) and live in Rochester.

Mrs. Ginader was born and raised in the Amana Colonies, Iowa (born July 17th) and moved to Rochester in 2023 (by way of Denver, CO) after hearing a calling from the Lord that they needed to move here! She enjoys being artistic in a variety of forms (painting, singing, DIY house projects, theatre, baking, and more).

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Isaiah 41:10

Worship Song: The More I Seek You (Gateway Worship) and Fall Like Rain (Passion)

Children’s Book: Dandelion Magic

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Oatmilk Caramel White Mocha

Rochester Restaurant: Twigs or Bloom

Snack: Chocolate/Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and any gluten free goodies (gluten free; kiwi & cashew allergies)

Color: Purple and Dark Teal Green

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is forming relationships with the students and their families; she considers it an honor to be a part of each family’s village in supporting & caring for their child.

3s & 4s Lead Teacher
Email Amy

Show More

Mrs. Glandon has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 11 years. She and her husband Scott have 3 children (Bailey, Drew, and Piper) and live in Rochester.

Mrs. Glandon grew up in Wisconsin & Arizona (born November 8th) and moved to Rochester in 2013. She enjoys sports, movies, and travel (and her role as a travel agent!).

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Colossians 3:15

Worship Song: Gratitude (Brandon Lake)

Children’s Book: The Giving Tree

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Oatmilk Hot Chocolate (with caramel)

Rochester Restaurant: Newts

Snack: Beef Jerky and Peanut Butter M&Ms

Color: Grey

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is seeing the students’ excitement when she teaches them about Jesus!

3s Assistant Teacher
Email Jin

Show More

Mrs. Lee has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 5 years. She, her husband Chan, son Zion (7th grade), and daughter Sharon (4th grade) live in Rochester.

Mrs. Lee grew up in Seoul, South Korea (born June 18th) and moved to Rochester in 2014. She enjoys tennis and flower arrangement.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Romans 8:28

Worship Song: How Great is Our God (Chris Tomlin)

Children’s Book: Stellarphant

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Vanilla Latte

Rochester Restaurants: Benedict's & Texas Roadhouse

Snack: Nerds or Tera Chips

Color: Sage Green

Her favorite parts about working at Kingdom Kids are working alongside wonderful coworkers and having the opportunity to share God’s love and His story with the students.

4s & Enrichment Lead Teacher
Email Kim

Show More

Mrs. Luckey has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 5 years. She and husband of 21 years David have 4 boys (Austin, 18, Jaxon, 15, Easton, 11, and Cayden, 9) and live in Oronoco.

Mrs. Luckey was born in St. Paul (born July 28th) and moved to Rochester in 2003. She enjoys rollerblading, playing Pickelball, and scrapbooking.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Philippians 4:6-7

Worship Song: Somebody Prayed (Forrest Frank)

Children’s Book: Read to Tiger

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Skinny Vanilla Latte (Sugar Free Syrup)

Rochester Restaurant: Qdoba

Snack: Lifesaver Gummies

Color: Blue

Her favorite parts about working at Kingdom Kids are the connection she gets to make with the students, watching them learn & capturing those simple moments through a child’s eye.

2s Lead Teacher & Curriculum/Staff Development Coordinator
Email Tammy

Show More

Mrs. Maijala is in her 24th school year here at Kingdom Kids. She and her husband Ken, have two adult children, Kaleigh (25) and Justin (22); they live in Rochester.

Mrs. Maijala grew up in Roseville, MN (born March 11th) and moved to Rochester in 2001. She enjoys reading, watching movies, and card-making.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Isaiah 43:1-4

Worship Song: You Say (Lauren Daigle)

Children’s Book: Goodnight Moon and Corduroy

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Chocolate Shake (no whip)

Rochester Restaurant: Ollin

Snack: Cheetos Simply White Cheddar Puffs (banana allergy)

Color: Ocean Blues

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is the connections she has made over the years with families, especially when they return with younger siblings. She is also amazed each year at how much the students grow throughout the year!

3s Lead Teacher
Email Melissa

Show More

Mrs. Mueller is in her 1st school year here at Kingdom Kids. She and husband Tim have two children (Minnie & Jans) and 3 dogs.

Mrs. Mueller was born in Willmar, MN (born March 13th) and moved to Rochester in 1st grade. She enjoys reading, playing with her kids, thrifting, working out, bonfires, and games on the deck.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Isaiah 61:3 and Proverbs 31:25

Worship Song: Reckless Love (Bethel Music)

Children’s Book: Love You Forever

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Iced Dirty Chai

Rochester Restaurant: Bleu Duck

Snack: Chocolate or yogurt & granola

Color: Neutrals (even though her kids say it is boring)

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is meeting the students & families and feeling like she’s making a positive impact.

2s & Enrichment Lead Teacher
Email Aimee

Show More

Mrs. Nikitin has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 4 years. She, her husband of 19 years Dan, their 2 daughters (Bailey, 12, and Auri, 9), and pet chinchilla (Gus, 17) live in Rochester. 

Mrs. Nikitin grew up in central Pennsylvania (born January 18th in Ohi), near where the Little League World Series are played, and moved to Rochester in 2007. She enjoys gardening (flowers, fruits, and vegetables), reading, and hanging out with family.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7

Worship Song: Lilies & Sparrows (Jess Ray)

Children’s Book: Miss Rumphius

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Latte with a Half Shot of Hazelnut or Pistachio

Rochester Restaurant: Novios

Snack: Skinny Pop Popcorn or Black Licorice

Color: Sage Green

Her favorite parts about working at Kingdom Kids are the awe and wonder her students have about God’s creation and her amazing staff team.

3s Assistant Teacher
Email Kristy

Show More

Mrs. Perry is in her first year as a Kingdom Kids teacher (but has subbed for several years!). She, her husband, and four children (5, 9, 10, and 12 years old) live in Rochester.

Mrs. Perry was born in St. Paul (on February 14th) and moved to Rochester in 2007 (where she met her husband at Christ Community Church!). She enjoys hiking, cooking, reading, swimming, and watercolor painting.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Psalm 46:1

Worship Song: Is He Worthy (Christ Tomlin)

Children’s Book: The Relatives Came

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Decaf Oat Milk Latte

Rochester Restaurant: Otori

Snack: Dark Chocolate (anything!) or popcorn

Color: Purple

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is seeing God’s Word come alive to the students (and she’s looking forward to working with an amazing team!).

3s & 4s Assistant Teacher
Email Dianne

Show More

Mrs. Piilola has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 13 years. She, her husband of 48 years Dennis, and two of their grandsons (ages 14 & 17) live in Rochester; she has 4 children and 7 grandchildren. Before joining us on staff at Kingdom Kids, Mrs. Piilola ran an in-home daycare for 25+ years and worked in several administrative roles (one of which took her on many trips, including to Israel!). 

Mrs. Piilola grew up in the Moose Lake, MN area (born July 10th) and moved to Rochester in 2013. She enjoys reading, diamond painting, and puzzles.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6 & Psalm 56:3

Worship Song: Gratitude (Brandon Lake)

Children’s Book: Little Black, A Pony

Language of Appreciation: Quality Time

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Chai Tea (hot or iced)

Rochester Restaurant: Applebee’s

Snacks: Any Kind of Nuts or Hershey’s with Almonds (blueberry allergy)

Color: Green

Her favorite parts about working at Kingdom Kids are being able to teach the students about Jesus and the caring staff.

4s Co-Lead Teacher
Email Tara

Show More

Mrs. Piotrowicz has been on staff 5 years. She and husband Ben live in Eyota and have 6 daughters (1 married, 2 in college, and 3 at home).

Mrs. Piotrowicz grew up on a hobby farm in southern Wisconsin (born October 1st) and moved to Rochester in 2004. She enjoys travel with her family, boating, water skiing, tubing, and fishing.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11

Worship Song: I Thank God (TRIBL)

Children’s Book: Skippyjon Jones

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Blended Caramel Mocha

Rochester Restaurant: Qdoba and any sushi restaurant

Snack: Swedish Fish gummies or Chocolate with Caramel

Color: Pink

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is getting to be a part of an amazing team of teachers; she also loves welcoming the kids and families into school at car line in the mornings!

Staff Childcare Teacher
Email Cassie

Show More

Ms. Cassie is in her 2nd year of teaching with Kingdom Kids Preschool.

4s Co-Lead Teacher
Email Liz

Show More

Mrs. Traff has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 19 years. She and husband R.J. have been married 43 years; they have four adult children, all of whom live in Rochester. Their two daughters are married and they have three grandchildren (and one on the way!) who are precious additions to our family.

Mrs. Traff grew up in Fountain, MN (born September 28th) and moved to Rochester in 1987. She enjoys traveling and hiking with R.J. (they have been to every one of the Minnesota's 66 state parks!), photography, all things Shutterfly & creating items from her photos, writing (including her own blog), and Friday pizza nights with her family.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Colossians 3:12

Worship Song: Living Hope

Children’s Book: Chester’s Way or any Kevin Henkes book (she supposes there is no point in arguing that there are too many favorites to really pick one...)

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Chai Blender

Rochester Restaurant: Bloom Acai Cafe or Outback Steakhouse

Snack: Milky Way (all varieties), Dark Chocolate Mint, and Cashews

Color: Teal (green or blue)

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is that it is a blessing to be part of the lives of so many young families and to work in a Christian atmosphere. She loves how prayer plays such a big part in her job.

5s Co-Lead Teacher
Email Abby

Show More

Ms. Ziemann is in her 4th year of teaching at Kingdom Kids. She and her parents live in Rochester (and she has two brothers).

Ms. Ziemann was born and raised here in Rochester (born April 9th) and she enjoys reading, coaching swimming, and being with friends & family.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Matthew 6:34

Worship Song: Goodbye Yesterday (Elevation Rhythm)

Children’s Book: The Good Egg

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Iced White Chocolate Mocha

Rochester Restaurant: Purple Goat

Snack: Cheez-Its

Color: Blue

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is getting to know all the students and watching them grow throughout the year.