3s Lead Teacher
Email Kim

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Mrs. Batterson has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 21 years. She and her husband of 30 years Eric live in Rochester; their children are Casey (Engineer in Owatonna), Sam (Bible Theology teacher in Moorhead), and Leah (Art design in Portland, OR). Eric and I have 2 adorable grandchildren named Evangeline and Bennett.

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, reading, eating out with good company and being active with & laughing a ton with her family.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13

Worship Song: I Come to the Garden Alone and How Great Thou Art

Children’s Book: Elephant & Piggie books

Language of Appreciation: Quality Time

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Spicy Chai

Rochester Restaurant: Hyderabad

Snacks: Mixed Nuts, Dried Unsweetened Mango, or Munch candy bar

Color: Navy Blue or Orange

Her favorite parts about working at Kingdom Kids are getting to share how fun the Bible is to learn and planting the seed of faith in students’ hearts.

Enrichment Lead Teacher
Email Nilda

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Ms. Cancel has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 20 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, music, and spending time with her family.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: John 3:16-17

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

Children’s Book: The Giving Tree

Language of Appreciation: Words of Affirmation

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Berry & Mango Smoothie

Rochester Restaurant: Texas Roadhouse

Snack: Anything Milk Chocolate

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is  watching the students grow in Biblical & academic knowledge.

2s & Enrichment Assistant; Friends 'N Fun Teacher
Email Stephanie

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Ms. Stephanie has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 5 years. She, her parents, her youngest sister, and their pets live in Rochester; her older sister lives in Florida.

Ms. Stephanie grew up in Duluth, MN & Florida (born March 24th) before moving to Rochester in 2018. She enjoys coloring, hiking, traveling, and shopping.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Psalm 27:14

Worship Song: Gratitude

Children’s Book: A Color of His Own

Language of Appreciation: Quality Time

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Caramel Blender with extra caramel

Rochester Restaurants: Purple Goat

Snack: Peanut Butter M&Ms (red bag) or Baby Goldfish

Color: Blue, Black, Grey; Neutral Tones

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is teaching the kids about God and play time with the students.

4s Co-Lead Teacher
Email Roxie

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Ms. Roxie has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 3 years. She, her husband of 23 years Nate, and their 2 teenagers live in Byron. 

Ms. Roxie grew up in Wisconsin (born September 12th) and moved to Rochester in 2001. She enjoys the Packers, basketball (NBA or college), golf, shopping with her daughter, and going to concerts.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Romans 12:12

Worship Song: Oceans

Children’s Book: The Giving Tree

Language of Appreciation: Words of Affirmation

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: White Mocha or Pumpkin Mocha

Rochester Restaurant: Redwood Room

Snacks: Peanut Butter Cups or Caramels

Color: Pink

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is meeting the students and new families, and having so much fun with her students! 

Enrichment Lead & Friends ‘N Fun Teacher
Email Elissa

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Ms. Elissa has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 3 years. She and her parents live in Rochester.

Ms. Elissa was born in Boston (January 15th) and moved to Rochester in 2005. She enjoys crocheting, coloring, and painting.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: 1 John 4:4

Worship Song: Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me

Children's Book: Love You Forever

Language of Appreciation: Words of Affirmation

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Oat Milk Latte

Rochester Restaurant: Twigs

Snack: Peanut Butter Cups (gluten and dairy free)

Color: Pink

 Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is playing with the kids and learning alongside them.

5s Lead Teacher
Email Katia

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Mrs. Gehrke has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 3 years. She, husband Richard, and son Wesley live in Zumbrota.

Mrs. Gehrke grew up in Zumbrota, MN (born January 17th). She enjoys reading, camping, hiking, and spending time with family & friends.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verses: Lamentations 3:22-23

Worship Song: Lord, I Need You

Children’s Book: The Snail & The Whale

Language of Affirmation: Quality Time

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Iced Chai

Rochester Restaurant: Taphouse

Snack: Popcorn or Dried Mango

Color: Yellow

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is building relationships with her students and watching them learn & grow throughout the year.

3s Assistant Teacher
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Ms. Anneli is in her first school year here at Kingdom Kids. She, her husband of 7 years Tim, daughter Lucy (4), son Henry (3) live in Rochester and are anticipating Baby #3’s arrival this winter!

Ms. Anneli was born and raised in the Amana Colonies, Iowa (born July 17th) and moved to Rochester in 2023 (by way of Denver, CO). She enjoys spending time outside, anything artistic, listening to audiobooks, and singing.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Worship Song: The More I Seek You

Children’s Book: The Letters are Lost!

Language of Affirmation: Quality Time

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Caramel White Mocha (hot)

Rochester Restaurant: Twigs or Nupa

Snack: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and any gluten free goodies (gluten free)

Color: Purple

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is engaging with the kids and seeing their growth throughout the year!

3s & 4s Lead Teacher
Email Amy

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Mrs. Glandon has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 9 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: Philippians 4:8 and Colossians 3:15

Worship Song: Gratitude

Children’s Book: The Giving Tree

Language of Appreciation: Words of Affirmation

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

Rochester Restaurant: Tap House

Snack: Beef Jerky, Heath Bars, and Peanut Butter Cups

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is getting to teach students about God’s work in fun ways.

3s Assistant Teacher
Email Heidi

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Ms. Heidi has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 10 years. She and her mother live in Rochester; they have family all around the country who they enjoy traveling to see.

Ms. Heidi was born & raised in Rochester (born March 26th). She enjoys scrapbooking, downhill skiing, traveling, and all things Disney.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Joshua 1:9

Worship Song: Unashamed

Children’s Book: The Monster at the End of This Book

Language of Appreciation: Words of Affirmation

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Diet Mountain Dew

Rochester Restaurant: Twigs & Outback Steakhouse

Snack: Reese PB Cups or Starburst (gluten free)

Color: Pink

Her favorite part about teaching at Kingdom Kids is the difference she gets to make in the lives of the children she teaches.

4s Assistant & Friends 'N Fun Teacher
Email Faith

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Mrs. Faith has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 4 years. She and her husband Carter live in Rochester; they are very connected to both of their childhood families.

Mrs. Faith grew up in the Rochester area (born April 23rd). She enjoys singing, walking & hiking, and listening to podcasts.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Psalm 23

Worship Song: Psalm 23

Children’s Book: Love You Forever

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Iced Vanilla Latte

Rochester Restaurant: Culver's and Newt's

Snacks: Chocolate

Color: Blue and Green

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is the Christian mission and atmosphere of the workplace. Forming Christ-like connections with students warms her heart; she considers it an honor to grow alongside the students and watch them flourish.

3s & Enrichment Lead Teacher
Email Dakota

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Ms. Dakota has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 4 years. She, her husband of 10 years Zach, and their 4 kids live in Rochester.

Ms. Dakota grew up in Cedar Falls, Iowa (born July 24th) and moved to Rochester in 2016. She enjoys working out, collecting indoor plants, and creating amazing birthday decor for her four children.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: 2 Timothy 4:7

Children’s Book: Koala Lou

Language of Appreciation: Quality Time

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha (hot or iced)

Rochester Restaurants: Old Brick House or Bleu Duck

Snacks: Chocolate (especially coconut, mint, and cookies & cream), Spicy Queso Popcorners or any salty snacks

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is the amazing community she is surrounded with & co-workers who pray for and encourage you everyday while you're working- it’s more than a job!

3s & 4s Lead Teacher
Email Meagan

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Ms. Kelly is in her 2nd school year here at Kingdom Kids. She has lived in Rochester her whole life and is looking forward to marrying fiancé Alex in June 2026!

Ms. Kelly (born August 25th) enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, talking walks, and playing tennis.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Isaiah 43:2

Worship Song: Gratitude

Children’s Book: anything Pete the Cat

Coffee Drink: Iced Oatmilk White Chocolate Mocha

Rochester Restaurant: Pho Chau or Nupa

Snacks: Chocolate and Popcorn

Color: Pink or Neutrals

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is the honor of being a part of a child and their family's first school experience, and getting to witness how much the children grow throughout the year. She believes it is such a gift to be able to foster a love of learning and share the word of God with these incredible littles!

3s, 4s, & Enrichment Assistant Teacher
Email Jin

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Mrs. Lee has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 4 years. She, her husband Chan, son Zion (6th grade), and daughter Sharon (3rd grade) live in Rochester.

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

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Romans 8:28

Worship Song: I Could Sing of Your Love Forever

Children’s Book: The Invisible String

Language of Appreciation: Acts of Service

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Vanilla Latte

Rochester Restaurants: Benedict's & Texas Roadhouse

Snack: Twix or Tera Chips

Color: Brown and Yellow

Her favorite parts about working at Kingdom Kids are that she can learn how great God’s creation is and feel how much God loves her and children (and share it with her wonderful coworkers).

4s & Enrichment Lead Teacher
Email Kim

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Mrs. Luckey has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 4 years. She and husband David have 4 boys (Austin, Jaxon, Easton, and Cayden) 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: Still

Children’s Book: Read to Tiger

Language of Appreciation: Gifts

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

Rochester Restaurant: Qdoba

Snack: Cheetos

Color: Blue

Her favorite parts about working at Kingdom Kids are the atmosphere, the excitement the kids get when they see staff, and the challenge of making their days fun and educational.

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

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Mrs. Maijala is in her 22nd school year here at Kingdom Kids. She and her husband of 25 years, Ken, have two young adult children, Kaleigh (24, in grad school for Christian Counseling) and Justin (21, ABC Supervisor); they live in Rochester.

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

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Matthew 11:28

Worship Song:  The Power of the Cross

Children’s Book: Goodnight Moon and Corduroy

Language of Appreciation: Words of Affirmation

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Chocolate Milk Shake (no whip)

Snack: Full Size Reese’s and Pirate's Booty

Color: Ocean Colors

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!

Administrative Assistant & Enrichment Lead Teacher
Email Amy

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Mrs. M has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 12 years. She, her husband of 23 years Josh have two daughters, Adison (freshman at Drake University) and Anna (sophomore at Pine Island High School); they live in Oronoco. 

Mrs. M grew up in the Twin Cities, MN (born July 7th) and moved to the Rochester area in 2000. She enjoys supporting her daughters in their activities (theatre, dance, orchestra, & softball), volunteering, and anything with plants.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Numbers 6:24-26

Worship Song: Graves in Gardens

Children’s Book: Go, Dog. Go!

Language of Appreciation: Words of Affirmation

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Oat Milk Pumpkin Latte

Rochester Restaurant: Marrow (date nights) and Five West (family & friends)

Snack: Plain Potato Chips or anything Dark Chocolate

Color: Cool Colors (aqua blue, navy blue, green)

Her favorite parts about working at Kingdom Kids are teaching the students about Jesus and praying together daily as a staff.

2s Lead Teacher
Email Aimee

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Mrs. Nikitin has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 3 years. She, her husband of 18 years Dan, and their 2 daughters (Bailey, 11, and Auri, 8) live in Rochester. 

Mrs. Nikitin grew up in central Pennsylvania (born January 18th), 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: I Am Not My Own

Children’s Book: The Leaf Thief

Language of Appreciation: Words of Affirmation

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

Rochester Restaurant: Novios

Snack: Skinny Pop Popcorn or Black Licorice

Color: Green

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is the awe and wonder her students have about God’s creation (and anything new!).

3s & 4s Assistant & Staff Childcare Teacher
Email Dianne

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Mrs. Piilola has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 10 years. She, her husband of 47 years Dennis, and two of their grandsons (ages 13 & 16) live in Rochester with beagle Preacher & cat KitKat. 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, puzzles, and traveling to see her kids & grandkids.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Psalm 8:9

Worship Song: Lord, I Need You

Children’s Book: Little Black, A Pony

Language of Appreciation: Quality Time

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

Rochester Restaurant: Applebee’s

Snacks: Any Kind of Nuts

Color: Green

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is sharing Jesus and the Bible with the children.

Staff Childcare Teacher
Email Gabbie

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Ms. Gabbie is in her 2nd school year here at Kingdom Kids. She is one of 6 sisters and she lives with her parents & 4 younger sisters in Eyota.

Ms. Gabbie was born in Rochester (born September 9th) and moved to Eyota when she was 5 years old. She enjoys singing and making clay bead bracelets.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Psalm 46:5

Worship Song: The Blessing

Children’s Book: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Language of Appreciation: Quality Time

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Iced Vanilla Chai

Rochester Restaurant: Sorellina’s Italian Restaurant

Snack: Talkis or Sweet Tart Ropes

Color: Lavender or Pink

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is the community and people she gets to work with; she finds everyone to be so encouraging and uplifting.

4s & Enrichment Assistant Teacher
Email Tara

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Mrs. Piotrowicz is in her 4th school year here at Kingdom Kids. She, husband Ben live in Eyota and have 6 daughters: Maddie, Gabbie, Shelbie, Phoebe, Daisie, and Paisley

Mrs. Piotrowicz grew up on a hobby farm in southern Wisconsin (born October 1st) and moved to Rochester in 2004. She enjoys gardening (especially flowers), concerts, and time with her family (especially cooking & working out together!).

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11

Worship Song: Boldly I Approach (The Art of Celebration)

Children’s Book: any Dr. Seuss book

Language of Appreciation: Words of Affirmation

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Blended Caramel Mocha

Rochester Restaurant: Pho Chou and Qdoba

Snack: Anything Gummy

Color: Pink and Purple

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is welcoming students into their day during morning car line!

2s & Enrichment Assistant Teacher
Email Anna

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Ms. Anna is in her first school year here at Kingdom Kids. She and her son (8) and daughter (4) live in Rochester.

Ms. Anna was born in the Twin Cities, MN (born July 25th) and moved to Rochester when she was 6. She enjoys gardening, hiking, and event planning.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6

Worship Song: My Jesus and Truth Be Told

Children’s Book: Love You Forever and Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear?

Language of Appreciation: Quality Time

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Oatmilk Chai

Rochester Restaurant: Asian Fusion or Twiggs

Snack: Gluten Free Lemon Wafers or Gluten Free Oreos

Color: Purple or Blue

Her favorite part about teaching at Kingdom Kids is the faith the staff all share as brothers and sisters in Christ.

4s Lead Teacher
Email Liz

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Mrs. Traff has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 18 years. She and husband R.J. have been married 42 years; they have four adult children, all of whom live in Rochester. Their two daughters are married and they have three grandchildren 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: Psalm 116:2

Worship Song: Living Hope

Children’s Book: Thank You, Omu (she supposes there is no point in arguing that there are too many favorites to really pick one...)

Language of Appreciation: Quality Time

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Pumpkin Chai Blender or Mango Smoothie

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 getting to invest in children & their families at this early stage in the students' lives.

4s Co-Lead Teacher
Email Abby

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Ms. Abby has been on staff at Kingdom Kids for 2 years. She, her parents, her younger brother, and dog live in Rochester.

Ms. Abby grew up in Rochester (born April 9th) and enjoys traveling and coaching lacrosse & swimming.

A few of her favorites are:

Bible Verse: Psalm 139:14

Worship Song: Goodbye Yesterday

Children’s Book: Beneath

Language of Appreciation: Quality Time

CCC Coffee Shop Drink: Iced Chai with Raspberry

Rochester Restaurants: Noodles & Co

Snack: Dark Chocolate

Color: Blue

Her favorite part about working at Kingdom Kids is how it allows her to connect with both the students and their families while supporting them; she is grateful for the opportunity to invest in students and love them in a Christ-like way. Watching them grow, develop their personalities, and learn throughout the year is one of the most rewarding parts of her job!