Staff

Treehouse staff

Miss Terri - Administrator

Hello my name is Terri Caywood, I am the Administrator of Terri's Treehouse. I have been in this Program for over 20 years, and took over this program 5 years ago, after being the Director for several years. I am a Registry Level 11 and a Trainer of Early ED. Cont. Education.

I get to know every face real well once they walk through my doors and have strong ties with this community. My passion is evident, I very much enjoy the time I get to spend with these children, teachers and families. There's an amazing feeling that overcomes me when a parent comes back to visit and recall, smiling, when I was their teacher a generation ago. I know how important it is to have quality early education and care for the Northwoods and will never forget that this is our Mission. Our Programs supports the resiliency of our future and we will continue to set the bar of expectations which can only be gained through growth with Reputable values that reflects our Philosophy which is aligned with the Nationally Accredited Standards, NAEYC.

Miss Emilymae - Program Director

Miss Emilymae King-Ryden has been the Program Director at Terri’s Treehouse Early Learning Center and has worked here for 18 years. She is also Adult Learner Certified and an Educational Trainer at Terris Treehouse Early Learning Center for 16 years, prior to that she was the Preschool Teacher. She has worked with children as long as she can think back, to finding her purpose, as a 10-year-old new big sister and an Aid in Highschool and then onto a new mom fresh out of school.  She has continued to further her education traditionally and progressively, for Early Education. She attended Nicolet Area Tech College for Early Education, UW. Madison and completed her Administration Credential in U.W. Platteville.  She is also Forest and Nature Therapy Certified through the ANFT. Miss Emily also has over 1000 hours of additional training.  She has always believed it "Takes a Village", and now that we have our village, it's time to grow together.   Miss Emilymae is also Group Fitness Instruction Certified; she has been teaching Hula Hoop Toning and Yoga for 8 years in the Area.  She loves being active but refuses to be boring.  Her trainings are geared towards the ones willing to grow and learn while having fun.  Emilymae also teaches at Nicolet Area Technical College, in Community Education in the field of Outdoors, foraging, herbal and mushrooms along with being a Board member for the Wisconsin Mycological Society and facilitator of Maecylium Momentos and Northstate Mycology Club. Emily also is a member of Artistic Alchemy a group focused on creative expereinces in the Northwoods.  Emilymae has four children and is married living on the Island of Minocqua with their children, dog, honeybees, and chickens. She has a goal to introduce herself to all 1000 local lakes in 10 years while biking, hiking, ice water swimming, skating, skiing, or foraging hoping to advocate for protection and awareness of our Natural Resources in the Northwoods.  Last we heard she is on Lake 202!  She loves this community and is very active in advocating to preserve our Natural Resources in this area (Flora, Fauna and Children) , “We have so many opportunities right here to grow along with all the natural resources to raise a resourceful family and future.  I've been able to share and grow with our community and feel a deep purpose in connecting with others on that philosophy. "

Miss Kelsey

Miss Kelsey came to us in 2020 at the beginning of one of the most stressful times for Childcare Facilities in the Nation. She spearheaded our Preschool Program and firmly set it back on a Play-Based, Developmentally Appropriate programming foundation. She has over 150 continuing education hours, a technical diploma in preschool education, an associate's degree in Early childhood education, and is currently in the process of pursuing her Bachelor's degree in early childhood education at the University of Wisconsin River Falls. She is a level 12 on the registry with over five years of experience in the field. Miss Kelsey and her husband have a home in the Northwoods and are raising their daughter Jayla with their two dogs. Miss Kelsey has diverse roots and has traveled and lived in many places; we are glad she calls the Treehouse home. Miss Kelsey is a team player, has always been professional in her relationships, and advocates for youth. Although she may not get on Brightwheel often, she connects with each child individually and lets them be creative and expressive. Miss Kelsey loves the outdoors and enjoys hiking, boating, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Miss Kelsey also loves hula-hooping, scrapbooking, baking, and candle-making for her small business, Somethin Kool LLC. She volunteered at the Children's Crisis Center in Texas and the Animal Shelter in her earlier years. Miss Kelsey's birthday is November 24th.

Miss Emilykate

Miss Emily Kate was born and raised in the central valley of California, where she spent her earlier adult years working in a special education classroom. She began pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology due to the field’s wide breadth of interests. After moving to Wisconsin with her family in 2021 and starting work for Terri’s Treehouse she found her niche within this field of early childhood education. Miss Emily Kate has since earned her Bachelor’s Degree as well as her certification as an early childcare educator all while building her skill set within the classroom and all while raising

her son, Calvin. The two of them live on the island of Minocqua where they enjoy getting outside as much as the weather permits, thrifting, attempting new art techniques, and learning more and more about anything and everything around them. She looks forward to engaging in fun, but organized, play-based learning activities with her students each

day Miss Emily is diversified in the classroom daily and continue her education on this pathway. She has her Bachelors Degree in Sociology.

Miss Savannah

Miss Savannah believes a care provider's job is to ensure that your child, is happy, safe and healthy and this is her forte’. She is beautiful and full of sunshine! Miss Savannah is here to create a positive, fun, loving environment for your child. She is a mother of a spunky and kind 3-year-old daughter named Allison who is the light of her life. Some Hobbies she enjoys is *Hiking/exploring the outdoors, *Reading, *Collecting coffee mugs, and befriending the deer in her backyard while birdwatching or journalling. She all around loves helping others, lifting them up, making someone's day even if it's just holding the door for them. Kindness is what this world needs more of. ‘We are responsible for the next generation, teaching them how to prepare for a life out there and I want to make a positive impact for these kids”.

Miss connie

Miss Connie began at Reeds Treehouse in 1994! She was Emilymae’s mentor and has worked with Miss Tammy, Miss Terri, Miss Bailey. She piloted a lot here and has returned to one of her favorite places. Through the years she has stayed in touch with Terri and Emilymae. They lived in Canada her husband and her ran a resort where Terri would do hunting trips. Miss Connie is now a grandma of 5 children and enjoys being closer to the next generation. She loves watching them play sports and spending Thursday and Friday every week. Miss Connie used to take the PreK group here and really loved the mentorship role. Connie is a level 7 in the Registry with over 20 years of experience! She held memberships WECA NAEYC and has been on childcare boards and committees when this use to be a thing. Her birthday is February 24th. She travels frequently to the Greenbay area and loves to fish garden cook and craft/paint. She’s an avid coffee drinker and has come to realize she’s not the morning person she used to be when she open the center at 6:00 am and closed it! We assured her things have definitely changed for the better and staff get plenty of time off and even paid Inservice Days, Vacation days bonuses, stipends, free childcare, and Holidays. She was excited to hear that! Connie will be here Mon-Wed and we are excited to grow and learn from her as well. Miss Connie and the rest of the Treehouse are looking through the achieves to find some nostalgic pictures and dusting off her file we can’t wait to have her here!

miss katlynn

Katlynn has been working here at the Treehouse for three years. She is certified as an early childhood educator and passionate about working with children with differing needs. She plans to return to school to continue her education in the field, emphasizing in special education. Katlynn also works as a dance teacher and choreographer for Minocqua Dance. She works hard, is dependable, and bends backward to provide consistency. We love her energy and humor and are amazed at how much she’s grown professionally throughout her time with us at the Treehouse. Her birthday is July 27th. She adores the northern Wisconsin summers, and you can often find her hiking, paddle boarding, catching frogs, and doing many other outdoor activities! She also enjoys creating unique products for her business Somethin’ Kool LLC. She loves dancing and enjoys movie nights and coffee dates on her chill nights. Katlynn is passionate about souping up her truck; check it out in the parking lot for any new additions! Miss Katlynn is a breath of fresh air. We are so lucky to have her a part of our team!

miss jani

Miss Jani was born and raised in the desert of El Paso, Texas. She has lived in the Northwoods for 16 years now. She has five children of her own ranging from fifteen to thirty years old. Four of her five children are adopted through domestic adoption, international adoption, and the foster care system. Fun Fact: Miss Katlynn is Jani’s oldest daughter.

Miss Jani homeschooled all her kids at some point in their educational life. As her children began to grow and be more independent, she earned an associate’s degree in human services. After earning this, she spent two years working with difficult children and adolescents from trauma backgrounds in the Rhinelander area. She has had much experience with and studied attachment and trauma symptoms. She looks forward to being part of some little one’s healthy development and growth.

Miss Jani loves to cook and would consider herself a “foodie.” She and her husband have been married for 32 years. She has two small dogs and a sassy bird whom she loves. She has been a “baby person” all her life. Being with little ones is her “happy place”. She loves the Northwoods and after growing up in the desert, cannot get enough of the trees and beautiful outdoors!.

miss lindsay

Miss Lindsay has come to us at the perfect timing her strengths are apparent as soon as you hear her interact with our children. Her compassion is an inspiration. Her gentle kind disposition is apparent. Miss Lindsay has a year of early education through UWSP and is continuing her education through a scholarship we offer here to complete her degree. She has two beautiful daughters and just moved back to roots! She is working with Miss Katlynn and is amazing to see how this classroom flows!

Apprenticeship Program

We offer a range of programs involved in mentoring youth in this field through our Enrichment E.D.U Program please inquire within about these Volunteer programing!

miss bailey

- Early 3 Year-Old Teacher Miss Bailey practically grew up here, and one of her first teachers was even Miss Terri and Reeds was her parents’ family daycare long ago. Her and Terri have stay connected throughout her life and we remember Miss Bailey worked here when she was a teenager and also became friends with Emilymae when she moved to the area and then again she began working at the Treehouse in her 20’s for several years in the meantime she went to school and had her daughter Averi Her and Averi live in the area and enjoy dance. They love to read and Miss Bailey is considered a health nut. She enjoys going to church and worship and relax in her spare time. Miss Bailey was also one of Leah’s first teachers ( New employee) Miss Bailey has a dry sense of humor and we always have an idea of how to rock through a conflict. Miss Bailey’s perfectionism has not escaped her fully and she is most definitely one that helps with an honest perspective. Miss Bailey is an excellent teacher and always enjoys mentoring to cultivate at Program that is of the highest quality and legacy. Miss Bailey loves journaling and Wild Berry Market her Birthday is August 23rdwe have always fantasied we were going to dress up in our old prom dresses and celebrate one year for her Bday!

Miss joni

Joni Derdzinski (Joni Clare) is an eclectic professional and Alexander Technique is one of her trades. She completed her 1600 hour certification in 2018 from the Oregon Center for the Alexander Technique in Portland, OR. She is now an instructor in the Northwoods community offering private sessions at Unwind in Woodruff. While health and wellness are of great interest to her she is also a mother, songwriter, private vocal coach, and teacher’s aid at our learning center. Miss Joni is also sound and vibrational therapy certified. She is super helpful in developing a well balanced menu and setting the bar for quality early childhood experiential learning Programs for health and well-being as an advisor here. She is passionate about striking a balance between all of her endeavors and believes that the constant through it all is staying present and in relationship to her own awareness. Miss Joni volunteers for our E.D.U. Enrichment Programming.

miss angelina

Cook and Substitute

Hi My name is Angelina. I grew up in Wi then moved to the UP where I was an assistant teacher and bus driver for 5/6 years. I enjoyed teaching Early Childhood and Preschool where we had children from birth to 5. I have many credits and time spent with children and also helped with many kids with special needs. I also was a cook for a local Child Care center where I Earned my food handlers and planned out their meals. I am very excited to start cooking for Terri’s Treehouse. I love to cook, can, garden and also teach the children about cooking and how food grows. I would also like to teach the kids about healthy choices and why it's important to eat healthy. A little about me: I live in Saint Germain with my three kids and boyfriend. Forrest 6, Emma 12 and Dakota 14. In my spare time I love anything outside from family camp fires, fishing and hiking and doing DIY projects.

I look forward to meeting you soon this Summer!

Miss Mikala

Hello My name is Miss Mikala Grube, I have been pursuing my degree in Human Psychology and consider this the most exponential critical time in life. Childhood is beautiful and I hope to gain more of a foundationally understanding what it means to be the best mentor while these children are discovering. The Treehouse is a wonderful place to grow into a creative, productive and compassionate adults. I believe a nurturing environment is the key. I have been here for 4 years and have grown so much I am humbled and found such a niche working with the youngest population. I love the relationships with my families and enjoy collaborating with my staff to offer posItive outcomes here at The Treehouse.

Miss Ally

Hi! I’m Miss Ally I went to the Treehouse when I just just a young student I really enjoyed becoming older to help in the school age program and got very close to Miss Terri and Miss Emilymae. I started working here as a volunteer and in the mean time became CPR Certified and then through a school program at LUHS I was able to receive my childcare certification! I have helped here for the past 3 summers while I am off of school and am so excited I get to help in the School Age Room as an assistant teacher with Miss Lizzie. I really look forward to the garden and growing with the students. I am a Junior in Highschool and I really enjoy this field I hope to continue to pursue Early Education Professional Development on my path to adulthood! I think the Treehouse is probably the best place to grow up so no better place to grow/ teach than here! the lead early toddler teacher. I am a Member of the Wisconsin Registry with verified training in Child Abuse & Neglect, First Aid & CPR, SIDS, and many more.

Miss Talissa

Miss Talissa joined the Treehouse Team following her early years dream of being a teacher. Since then she has had her entry level certifications and Infant Toddler Certified. She has years of experience working with children. She and her children live in the Northwoods and enjoy the community that surrounds them. She has so many skills in the arts which include, singing, writing, dance as she shares these skills with her little friends here. She is such a compassionate role model. She loves the outdoors and focused on becoming a lead teacher here one day.

Miss Lizzie Mead

Miss Lizzie is just a ball of beautiful sunshine! We are so excited to have her back for another Summer here as she continues her education in Dietetics and Nutrition Science. Miss Lizzie graduated from LUHS and became Entry Level Certified in Early Education shortly afterwards. She is super passionate about the early years and the experiences that shape our pursuits and wellbeing's later in life. She loves Dance and is an Instructor at Minocqua Dance. She loves journaling and singing as well! She is also Food Service Certified and enjoys creating meals that revolve around nutrition and fun! Miss Lizzie will be teaching our School Agers this year and focusing on Outdoor Education getting dirty in the Gathering Garden!

MISS CAILLIE

SUBSTITUTE

Miss Caillie is new to the Minocqua area but not to the Northwoods. Raised in a National Park Service family, she has lived in nearly every region in the United States and developed a love for the outdoors at an early age. She is passionate about books and reading and is always looking for suggestions to add to her ever-growing library. She will be completing her Elementary Education and Early Childhood Development degree at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls this fall and is excited to continue learning at Terri’s Treehouse this summer.

miss leah

Well another veteran from The Treehouse, she began here when she was 2 ½ when her Mom began here, Emilymae, This was the first sanctuary we both found and flourished in! Her first teacher was Miss Tammy eventually Miss Bailey was her teacher as well but Miss Terri and her really bonded too and as she grew in confidence she walked strongly into a path of her own. When Leah started dance she also found one of her best friends Miss Katlynn. Miss Leah loved to volunteer in her early teens here and also became babysitter certified and CPR 1st Aid Certified the youngest to do that here and enjoyed her many siblings (5) . She also became a facilitator at LUHS as a Level 2 and worked directly with troubled youth. When she also found her niche teaching Yoga with her mom to youth which was always a full house. She had a way of connecting with children at a young age. Leah worked also at Camp Agawak at lead Facilitator and enjoys climbing, belaying guiding, and adventuring in many places, wherever she can find a boulder. Her favorite place to climb would have to be Colorado or Tadagouche where she found her calling, she is going to school for Experiential Learning/Teaching and hopes to be and outdoor guide for youth, families or peers. She loves to travel and has a big list of places she wants to experience. She has found a great group of mentors here while she cultivates her dreams! She loves Preschoolers and Toddlers and really enjoys the outdoor discoveries. In her spare time, she loves to sketch paint listen to a variety of music or scroll beauty tutorials. She also has a list of live musicians she must see! She has at least 50 house plants which all have names and loves to read and sleep in when she can. She enjoys dressing up and getting coffee or dinner out. Her favorite past time to do with her family is bake and has become a proficient baker in all things non-gluten (which is a task) She loves fresh cut flowers and has a candle always burning and a heart always open. We are happy the full circle of her subbing here is upon us!

Mister Arin

Arin was born and raised in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and enjoys living and working with a creative edge. Making music, taking photos, and working on cars are just a few of his many creative passions. He has a background in business management, sales, and experience in the landscaping and construction industry. Arin enjoys working with kids, for many of his younger years he was a "Nany” on a regular basis where he found enjoyment being a part of the influential stage in a child's life. Arin is compelled to make a positive impact on the world around him and hopes to inspire others to do the same through his creative outlets and enthusiastic approach to taking on a challenge. Arin is working to recreate and design in Quality Improvement Projects plan including updating playgrounds and gathering garden to become all inclusive and nature based, safety and ADA updates. Arin will be the Foreman here working to continue Phase Three of Outdoor Immersion School Development, with his creativity , skill and resourcefulness, we are super grateful he jumps in on supporting our Program's vision and being on the Treehouse Team.

TERRI'S TREEHOUSE