Owner
Laura Coyle is responsible for daily operations and management of the facility. Laura earned her degree in Family Services from the University of Nebraska. She served as an in-home counselor at Boys Town for two years. Laura also worked at Prairie Life Center for five years as the Youth Program Director. Prior to Garden Patch CLC Laura owned and ran a successful in-home childcare business for five years.
Director
Jill Stogdill has been with Garden Patch since December 2015 where she began as a preschool and pre-k teacher. In October 2017, Jill moved to the front as the operations supervisor before being promoted to director.
Previously Jill served as an English teacher and counselor in the school system. She holds degrees in English education, curriculum and instruction, and school counseling and preventive mental health. Jill has two kids, Kendyl and Landon. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, reading, and traveling.
Assistant Director
Celesse Runyan has been with Garden Patch since July 2017. She embarked on her journey as a lead preschool teacher and building opener before assuming the role of assistant director.
Celesse is married to her husband Chris and together they have two boys, Hollon and Gage. When not at Garden Patch, she enjoys creating pieces of art, cooking, traveling, playing with her dog, and rooting for her favorite baseball team.
Office Manager
Alyssa Altmaier has worked for Garden Patch Creative Learning Center since September 21st, 2009. She now splits her time between both locations and is responsible for daily accounting operations as well as daily office operations. Alyssa enjoys interacting with the children and their families in both locations. She is happily married and has two children of her own.
Curriculum Director
Maddy has been with Garden Patch since August of 2020. She started at Garden Patch as a floater and then was the lead pre-k teacher for the last 2 years. Recently Maddy graduated from Grand Canyon University with a bachelor’s in education studies and will begin working towards her master’s degree later this year. Outside of work, Maddy loves to shop, travel and spend time with her friends and family. This school year Maddy is taking the curriculum coordinator position for both locations and will focus on creating appropriate lesson plans that enhances the learning experience for all ages. Maddy looks forward to this new adventure and is excited to work with all the kids at Garden Patch.
Owner
Laura Coyle is responsible for daily operations and management of the facility. Laura earned her degree in Family Services from the University of Nebraska. She served as an in-home counselor at Boys Town for two years. Laura also worked at Prairie Life Center for five years as the Youth Program Director. Prior to Garden Patch CLC Laura owned and ran a successful in-home childcare business for five years.
Program Director
I am originally from California and went to college in San Diego. I have a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Elementary Education. I began my teaching career where I taught 6th grade in Arizona for 5 years. I then moved to Nebraska, where I took some time off of work to stay home with my 2 and 4 year old. I began working as a preschool teacher at my daughter’s preschool. I taught 3- 5 year olds for 4 years. I continued working at the same center where I eventually became the assistant director for the past 5 years. I implemented all of the curriculum for the center, interacted with the children on a daily basis, managed staff, and worked with parents.
Working with children every day is one of the most rewarding jobs anyone could ever have. I am so fortunate to have this opportunity to continue what I love doing, and with a great team of teachers. I am looking forward to starting this new journey with Garden Patch as the Director at our newest location.
Assistant Director
Jessica has been with Garden Patch since 2010. She took a short break to stay home with her youngest two kids. She has been blessed with 3 beautiful children, Noah, Tessa, and Ava. Jessica loves traveling. After many years, Jessica has found her way back to her second home here at Garden Patch. She will assist Kari with daily operations, maintain communications with families, and support teachers to help maximize each child’s growth and development.
Office Manager
Alyssa Altmaier has worked for Garden Patch Creative Learning Center since September 21st, 2009. She now splits her time between both locations and is responsible for daily accounting operations as well as daily office operations. Alyssa enjoys interacting with the children and their families in both locations. She is happily married and has two children of her own.
Curriculum Director
Maddy has been with Garden Patch since August of 2020. She started at Garden Patch as a floater and then was the lead pre-k teacher for the last 2 years. Recently Maddy graduated from Grand Canyon University with a bachelor’s in education studies and will begin working towards her master’s degree later this year. Outside of work, Maddy loves to shop, travel and spend time with her friends and family. This school year Maddy is taking the curriculum coordinator position for both locations and will focus on creating appropriate lesson plans that enhances the learning experience for all ages. Maddy looks forward to this new adventure and is excited to work with all the kids at Garden Patch.