Where Bright Futures Begin — and Beautiful Stories Continue
From their first steps in our classrooms to their confident strides into the world, our Kinderberry Hill alumni carry with them the curiosity, kindness, and love of learning nurtured here. These stories celebrate the lasting impact of an exceptional early beginning — one rooted in connection, care, and the joy of discovery.
A Lifelong Love of Learning
Kinderberry alumni carry forward a joyful curiosity and confidence in learning that lasts a lifetime.
Strong Social–Emotional Foundations
Early experiences here nurture empathy, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging.
Confidence and Character
Our graduates shine with kindness, courage, and a genuine belief in themselves.
Nicole & Tim can both attest to the community spirit that Kinderberry Hill instills in children and adults alike. The St. Paul-Grand Kinderberry location was the home away from home for their daughter, Geraldine, when Tim was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma, and the family needed a more stable childcare situation. Their story is a unique one, but it fits a grander picture of the environment that Kinderberry strives to cultivate.
The Lifelong Impact of a Kinderberry Beginning
See what our Kinderberry Hill alumni have accomplished after their time with us. From the confidence built in our classrooms to the curiosity that continues to guide them, their journeys show the lasting impact of joyful learning and intentional care.
Andy Weisman – Kinderberry Hill Plymouth
I’m from Minnetonka, MN, and attended Kinderberry from 2001–2005. After Kinderberry, I went on to the Minneapolis Jewish Day School for elementary school and then transitioned to Hopkins High School. After high school, I attended Indiana University, where I received a Bachelor’s in Informatics and a Master’s in Information Systems.
I currently live in Chicago, IL, where I am an IT Systems Analyst at The Cigna Group. One of my favorite memories from Kinderberry Hill was going outside on Groundhog Day for playtime and watching to see whether the groundhog saw its shadow. I also volunteered at Kinderberry during high school and enjoyed playing basketball outside and serving lunch to the children.
Kinderberry Hill will always hold a special place in my heart. To this day, I still keep in contact with Miss Tonya and am so thankful for our relationship.
Isabella Savitz – Kinderberry Hill Plymouth
I went to Kinderberry Hill from 1997–2002. I attended Indiana University, where I received a bachelor’s degree in Management and Business Analytics. I currently live in St. Louis Park with my husband and our puppy. I am a Merchandise Planner at Target HQ, working in the Preschool Toys department!
I remember every day being fun at Kinderberry Hill. I remember loving all the themed arts and crafts projects and learning gymnastics in the playroom. I often think about what a great experience I had at Kinderberry Hill. I keep in contact with past teachers and friends through social media. My family and I are also lifelong friends with Ms. Tonya and her family, which I am so grateful for!
Lily Johnson – Kinderberry Hill Roseville
From her time at Kinderberry Hill, Lily went on to graduate from Mahtomedi High School in 2019 and New York University in 2023, where she earned her B.A. in Psychology with honors. After graduation, Lily lived with some friends from college in Brooklyn for two years and worked as a Research Manager and Intake Coordinator at a therapy clinic called the Center for Motivation and Change (CMC), where she had a lot of fun and made some great connections.
She is now completing her Master’s in Social Science at the University of Chicago, where she specializes in social psychology research investigating prejudice, bias, and the facilitation of positive intergroup interactions. Lily plans to pursue a Ph.D. in this area of study and commit her career to researching how to improve equality and positive connections among people from different backgrounds.
One of Lily’s favorite memories at Kinderberry Hill was coming to class all dressed up in her Halloween costume. She also loved playing outside, working in the garden, and, most of all, spending time with her friends from her class.
One of Lily’s favorite memories at Kinderberry Hill was coming to class all dressed up in her Halloween outfit. She also loved playing outside, working in the garden, and most of all, spending time with her friends from her class.
Ronni Winn – Kinderberry Hill Roseville, Class of 2004
I started at Kinderberry Hill as a baby and stayed through preschool—and I loved it! One of my favorite memories is learning to read with Ms. Lois. Just recently, I went to the wedding of a friend I met at Kinderberry. Believe it or not, my very first friends from the infant room are still some of my closest friends—26 years later! Since graduating from Kinderberry in 2004, I’ve done a lot: I earned a music degree from Drake University, lived and taught in France, and now I’m back at Kinderberry Hill in Roseville as an Intermediate teacher. I truly believe early childhood is one of the most important times in a child’s life, and I’m so grateful to have had so much love and support as a young child at Kinderberry Hill.
Winter AnderJohn – Kinderberry Hill Roseville
My sister and I both went to Kinderberry Hill in Roseville when we were little—and now we’re both part of the team! Kinderberry assisted me in going back to school for early childhood education, and I’m proud to say I’ve earned my associate’s degree and am now a home owner. Since graduating, I’ve started volunteering at a nonprofit crisis nursery, and the experience I gained at Kinderberry has really helped me there. One of my favorite memories is being a monkey in a preschool play—I totally missed my cue because I was too busy waving at my parents in the audience! My sister is currently in college in Ohio, and she still remembers the sweet going-away party Kinderberry threw for her when she moved to a different school.
Cooper Olson – Kinderberry Hill Edina
After attending Kinderberry Hill, I graduated from Champlin Park High School in 2020, where I was a four-year letter winner, varsity basketball captain, and active in leadership as President of the Unified Club and Vice President–Treasurer for Business Professionals of America. I began my college career on a basketball scholarship at the University of Mary before continuing at the University of Jamestown, where I helped the team reach two NAIA national tournaments and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2024 with a degree in business administration, concentrating in accounting, marketing, and management. I was also named a College Fellow by the business department and recently completed my MBA at the University of Jamestown. I now work as a financial analyst at First Community Credit Union in Jamestown, North Dakota, one of the region’s leading credit unions. My favorite Kinderberry Hill memories are of Ms. Karen, Ms. Kim, and Chef Delia, who always treated me with love and kindness!
Isaac Grams – Kinderberry Hill Edina, Class of 2008
After graduating from Kinderberry Hill Edina in 2008, Isaac Grams went on to become a four-sport athlete in Bloomington, while also playing the string bass and bass guitar. A 2021 graduate of Bloomington Kennedy High School, he was recruited by St. Cloud State University for wrestling and went on to earn his bachelor of science in management in 2025. In 2023, he launched his own business specializing in insurance storm repair. Since 2022, he has also enjoyed working part time and seasonally at Kinderberry Hill Edina, giving back to the community where his journey began. Isaac currently resides in Greenfield, Minnesota.
Some gifts last a month.
Some a year.
Kinderberry Hill lasts a lifetime.
Brooklyn & Brooks – Kinderberry Hill Eden Prairie
Brooklyn, age 8, is in 3rd grade and thriving in Bloomington’s Gifted and Talented Elements Program. She loves math, reading, crafts, and even creates her own worksheets to teach her little brother. Outside the classroom, she’s part of a gymnastics training team and performs with the Angelica Cantanti Youth Choir, which recently sang the National Anthem at a Twins game.
Brooks, age 6, is in 1st grade and loves reading about animals, dinosaurs, and airplanes — rarely seen without a Who Would Win book in hand. He’s an eager learner and active in baseball, soccer, and hockey.
Their family stays close with KBH friends, often reuniting for birthdays and seasonal events. Brooklyn fondly remembers performing at the end-of-year concert with Miss Karen and Miss CJ, while Brooks cherishes classroom celebrations and his time as a “Dreamer” with Miss Tia.
Jake & Kylie Bamlett – Kinderberry Hill Edina and Eden Prairie, Class of 2006 and 2010
After graduating from Kinderberry Hill Edina in 2006, Jake went on to earn two degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Madison — one in molecular and cell biology and another in nursing. Throughout his youth, Jake loved sports and was an active member of his high school marching band, playing percussion. In college, he continued his love of teamwork and school spirit as part of UW–Madison’s co-ed spirit squad.
Today, Jake lives in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where he works as a pediatric nurse at a Level II trauma medical center. When he’s not caring for young patients, he enjoys exploring the great outdoors and taking in the beauty of life out west.
Jake’s favorite Kinderberry Hill memories include singing and playing outside — joyful moments that still reflect his energetic and caring spirit today.
Kylie is a junior at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, studying biomedical engineering. In high school, she excelled in both basketball and lacrosse, and now serves on the executive boards for the Women’s Club Lacrosse team and Badgers for Special Olympics. Currently living in Madison, Kylie fondly remembers her Kinderberry Hill days filled with creative arts and crafts projects — especially the year her class held their own “Olympics.”
Sara (Hanson) Gardenhire – Kinderberry Hill Edina
I have very fond memories of my time at Kinderberry Hill, so when it came time to choose a preschool for my little guy it was the only choice for our family. The friendships and memories that I made are ones that I carry with me now, 30 years later.
I truly believe that Kinderberry set me up for academic success and really nurtured my early interests. One of them being my love of clothes and fashion. I vividly remember sitting with Miss Michele chit chatting about each other’s outfits and drawing together. I went on to graduate with a degree in fashion merchandising and design and a minor in business administration from the University of St. Thomas. I kept in touch with my classmates from Kinderberry through high school and still occasionally see what they’re up to on social media. I even ran into one recently at an event for my husband’s work and our little boys played together. Talk about a full circle moment! My parents have both maintained friendships with fellow Kinderberry parents to this day.
My earliest core memories all surround Kinderberry Hill, and I feel so lucky to now have my son there, making those same memories in such a safe, special, and nurturing environment.
