Administration
Emily Hacker, Interim Head of School
Emily joined VAKC in March of 2014. She received her Bachelors of Science from University of Wisconsin - La Crosse with a major in Early Childhood - Middle Childhood Education and a minor in Early Childhood Education in 2013. When Emily is not at VAKC she enjoys camping, kayaking, biking the lake loop, and tending to her 100s of house plants.
Support Staff
Sarah Kelly, Program Manager
Sarah graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. During her time in college is when she fell in love with early education, and has been working in the field for the past six years now. She believes children thrive in nurturing and loving environments; where they can play and explore at their own pace. This is why she is so excited to be joining the VA Kids Center. The family-feel here is something she’s so very excited to become a part of! When Sarah is not caring for little ones, you can find her with her nose in a good book, cheering on the Badgers and Packers, or out on an adventure with her dog, Murphy.
Naomi
Naomi joined VAKC in May of 2022. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Art from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Naomi has also earned her lead child care teacher qualifications through Department of Children and Families foundational training in Fundamentals of Infant and Toddler Care. When Naomi is not at VAKC or studying, she enjoys eating Ben and Jerry’s Half-Baked, painting, doodling, drawing, thrifting, birding, glass blowing, photography, and fashion.
Taylor
Taylor joined VAKC in May of 2023.She earned her lead child care teacher qualification through the Department of Children and Families foundational trainings in Introduction to the Childcare Profession, Skills and Strategies for the Childcare Teacher, and Fundamentals of Infant and Toddler Care, Nutrition and physical activity in early childhood. When Taylor is not at VAKC she enjoys going to concerts, reading, thrifting, going to movies, and eating S’mores!
Emily
EmKay joined VAKC in July of 2022. She earned her Bachelor of Science from University of Wisconsin-Madison in Psychology and Music Performance in 2001. EmKay has also earned her lead child care teacher qualifications through Department of Children and Families foundational trainings in Introduction to the Childcare Profession, Skills and Strategies for the Childcare Teacher, and Fundamentals of Infant and Toddler Care. When EmKay is not at VAKC or teaching piano lessons, she enjoys eating pie, napping, scrolling, doing puzzles, and hanging out with her bearded dragons.
Anika
Anika joined VAKC in June of 2024. She is studying political science and social welfare with a certificate in criminal justice. She would like to attend law school or earn a master's degree from a social work program. When Anika is not at VAKC or studying, she enjoys walking her dog, hanging out with friends, reading, thrifting, and watching tv.
Jessica
Jessica joined VAKC in August of 2022. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood Education. When Jessica is not at VAKC or studying, she enjoys singing, reading, watching movies, hanging out with friends, and eating apple crisp!
Jennifer
Jennifer joined VAKC in August of 2022. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Human Development in Family Studies from University of Wisconsin-Madison. When Jennifer is not at VAKC or studying she enjoys creating art, watching UFC, and enjoying sushi bake or peanut butter chocolate ice cream with gummy bears.