Meet our Classroom Teachers!
--You are your children's first teacher--
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-All our teachers are trained in each classroom at both locations-
Our Preschool Teachers!
Kindergarten Prep!
Ages 4+
Shanna O'Leary
*NDPC Site Supervisor* Hello! My name is Miss Shanna. I was born in Rhinelander, WI, and moved to Iron Mountain, MI in 2005. I now reside in Niagara, WI. I’m the youngest of three children and wear many hats in life. Daughter, sister, friend, auntie, wife, and proud dog mom, but my favorite role of all is being a teacher. I have always had a passion for working with children and take great pride in helping them learn, grow, and build confidence in themselves. I have been working with children for over ten years, including eight years in the Early Childhood Education field. I hold an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Development and Education. I have been part of NDPC since the very first day we began providing care, and I feel incredibly grateful to grow as an educator alongside such amazing children and fellow teachers.
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Taylor Piper
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Our Little Preschool Teachers!
Ages 3+
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Jenny Baker-Huotari |
Christine Twietmeyer |
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Hi There! I'm Jenny Baker Huotari. I have my bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Sciences. I have had the pleasure of working with children and families for over 20 years now. I am a Yooper implant from Oregon. I have been married for 10 years now and have an 8 year old son. I am so excited to continue my love of working with children at Northern Discovery Preschool & Childcare!
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Hi everyone! I’m Christine. I’m really excited to be joining the team! Most recently I’ve been working in child welfare and I’m excited to make the switch to Early Childhood. I’m working towards my Masters in Social Work and hope to one day work in early intervention. With spring finally here, I’ve been loving going on walks with my son. For fun I also like to go to the gym! I am thrilled to start getting to know all the littles at NDPC!
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Our Toddler Teaching Team
About 1.5-2.5
Jodi EllisHello everyone! My name is Jodi. I grew up in Iron Mountain, Michigan, where I attended school from kindergarten through high school, graduating in 1998. I attended Northern Michigan University, taking classes in theater and broadcasting. I have a beautiful daughter named Piper and a wonderful boyfriend, Elliott. Currently, our only pet is a leopard gecko named Alexander. We reside in Sagola, Michigan, which I thoroughly enjoy. Previously, I worked for my mother’s appraisal company for 14 years while pursuing cosmetology studies and becoming a licensed hairstylist. Following my mother’s retirement at the end of December, I sought a position working with children, an area I am passionate about, with experience gained from my 20 nieces and nephews. I am very excited to join this exceptional team and I am delighted to be working with your children and contributing to their growth, learning, and well-being.
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Jenna BalMy name is Miss Jenna. I grew up in Norway, MI and recently moved to Kingsford to start the next chapter of my life with my boyfriend. I have three cats Cheezit, Grizz, and Rocket who keep me pretty busy at home.
I have always been passionate about working with children and truly enjoy being someone they can feel safe, supported, and comfortable around. I am patient, caring, and dependable, and I strive to create a positive, nurturing environment where each child feels valued, encouraged, and excited to learn and grow. I believe in building trusting relationships with both children and parents through kindness, consistency, and open communication. In my free time, I enjoy reading, diamond painting, doing puzzles, and playing video games with my friends. |
Our Tiny Toddler Teacher
About 1-1.5
Bianca Marshall
Hello, my name is Bianca Marshall.
I live not far from NDPC with my husband of almost 10 years, 3 beautiful little girls and our 1 yr old Spangold Retriever Aspen. I am currently dual enrolled at Bay College and LSSU and next year I will graduate with my Associate’s in early childhood education and will continue my education to get my Bachelor’s in Teacher Education. I have always loved working with children and love to watch them grow and develop! My family and I love all things outdoors including, but definitely not limited to camping, hunting, and fishing. You can always find me with a book in my hand or doing some sort of craft! I am so excited to be working at NDPC and look forward getting to know everyone!
I live not far from NDPC with my husband of almost 10 years, 3 beautiful little girls and our 1 yr old Spangold Retriever Aspen. I am currently dual enrolled at Bay College and LSSU and next year I will graduate with my Associate’s in early childhood education and will continue my education to get my Bachelor’s in Teacher Education. I have always loved working with children and love to watch them grow and develop! My family and I love all things outdoors including, but definitely not limited to camping, hunting, and fishing. You can always find me with a book in my hand or doing some sort of craft! I am so excited to be working at NDPC and look forward getting to know everyone!
Our Nursery Teacher Team
6 Weeks - About 1 Year
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Hannah Wagner
*NDPC Site Supervisor* 
Hello, I’m Miss Hannah! I reside in Kingsford with my two boys, Samuel and Isaac and one cat, Nala. I have been working in the Early Childhood field since I’ve graduated high school in 2018. I have been with NDPC since June of 2023! I have a Certificate in Early Childhood Education and am currently attending Bay Mills Community College working towards an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. I absolutely love working with children and watching their knowledge grow day by day. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling. Fun fact: I’ve been to 49 different states! I love being apart of the NDPC family and building a relationship with each of the children in my classroom.
Olivia Jurecic
My name is Ms. Liv. I am so blessed to be a part of NDPC since the later summer of 2023. I have worn many professional hats in my life, but I am thrilled to get to work with children and make a difference in their lives. Caring for others has always brought me a lot of joy. My fiancée Alex and I have three sweet kids; Roseabella, Torwell, and Kane. A few fun facts about me! I was in the USAR, I have an associates degree in industrial fabrication, and my favorite holiday is Halloween. I look forward to meeting everyone and creating a positive, safe space for your kiddos!
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Miranda Snell
*Maternity Leave* 
Hello, I'm Miranda Snell! I live in Kingsford but originally from Stevens point WI. My family and I just moved here from New York with my amazing husband two crazy kiddos and two dogs. My husband just got out of the army so we are very excited to finally have a permanent home and be near friends and family! The last four years I've been blessed to be a stay at home mom with my kids. I've also watched full time the last four years military families ages ranging new born to school age. I am honored to be able to stay working with children and I am excited to continue to get to know all the amazing kiddos at NDPC! I started with NDPC in later summer of 2023 with the infants! Some fun things about me are I love to travel, be outdoors and I love DIY projects and of course, spending time with my husband and children!
Alivia Chandler |
Bailey Lantagne
*Site Supervisor*
*NDPC-East*
*Site Supervisor*
*NDPC-East*
Hello, I’m miss Bailey and I’ve been working in childcare for 6 years and at NDPC from opening day! I graduated from D.C. Everest and have since been working on my degree through North Central Technology College. I’m originally from Iron Mountain but have lived in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Texas! My family includes my husband, my 3 year old son and our blue heeler Toby. One of my favorite things to do is crochet!
Our Center Cooks
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Allison Edwards
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Chantelle Mulder |
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Hello! My name is Allison Edwards and I’m so excited to be a part of NDPC-East team. I attended culinary school at the Culinary Institute of Michigan and graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Northern Michigan University. For the past 10 years I have been the Sous Chef at Spiros, which I loved! I am so excited to be able to spend more time with my children continuing to do what I love. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, hiking, snowmobiling and anything outdoors! I can’t wait to cook for your little ones!
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Hello! I am Chantelle Mulder. I was born and raised and still reside in Channing, MI. I graduated from North Dickinson High School. After high school I went to Gogebic Community College and played college basketball. I knew I always wanted to work with children so I was pursuing my degree in Elementary Education. I later changed my major to criminal justice and graduated with my criminal justice degree. I wanted to work with juvenile and delinquent teens. I worked in a juvenile group home for 7 years before that facility closed its doors.
I currently work for Integrity Care EMS as an EMT. I am also a volunteer EMT with STAR ambulance out of Channing. I have been an EMT for 4 years, and I truly enjoy this job so much. I also have my own auto detailing business for 12 years now. I been stepping away from this full time but still do it part time on the side and full time with the Michigan State Police! I live a very busy life with my husband of 11 years, Ryan, and my 2 children Jordan who is 16 and Miley who is 13. Besides spending time with my children, Ryan and I spend a lot of time with our friends in the outdoors; camping, SxS’ing, boating, snowmobiling and traveling. I look forward to continuing this little adventure, and meeting you all! |
Our Floating Teachers
Kylee Curry Backlund
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Matt Luedtke
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Kijana Dixon
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Hello! My name is Kylee Curry Backlund, and I am so excited to be part of the team at Northern Discovery this year.
I am 28 years old and the oldest of five siblings, so I have always loved being around kids and helping others learn and grow. I graduated from Norway High School before continuing my education at Michigan State University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I later received my teaching certificate and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Central Michigan University. Before joining Northern Discovery, I spent the past 3.5 years teaching Early Kindergarten at Iron Mountain Public Schools. During that time, I loved helping young learners build confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for learning. Outside of school, I enjoy being crafty, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. Some of my favorite things include the color pink, coffee, Coke, and plants. A couple of my favorite children’s books are Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which are always fun to read with young learners. I am very excited to work with your children and to get to know them. |
Hello, my name is Mr. Matt, and I am so excited to be rejoining the NDPC team this summer after taking some time away to teach middle school and high school English. A bit about me is that I am a lifelong Yooper and currently live in Felch with my husband, Ken, where we run a hobby farm with cows, chickens, turkeys, sheep, and goats. Currently I hold an Associate of Arts degree, and in the fall I will be starting my final year at the University of Wisconsin-Superior and will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Broad Field Language Arts as well as a minor in Educational Instruction, which will allow me to teach English in grades 4-12. In my spare time I enjoy reading a good book, traveling, playing video games, watching Ohio State football, and spending time with friends and family. I am looking forward to working with your little ones and having a fun-filled summer at NDPC!
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Hello my name is Miss Kijana, I was born in Iron mountain and raised in a small town called Ralph where I attended North Dickinson School and graduated in 2016. I am a loving mother of two amazing children and a step mother to two more. I am also a dog mom to a chocolate lab and English mastiff! I have completed my first year working in child care and I have absolutely loved working with your littles and growing a relationship with each and every one of them. I look forward to many more years to come and growing in this career.
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Our Summer & Break Assistants
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Ava Deboo |
Shaunee Zellner |
Chelsea Nelson |
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Hi everyone my name is Ava DeBoo! I just finished my first year at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and am majoring in Elementary Education. I love to be outside, go shopping, get fun drinks, and play with my dogs. And I am so excited to apart of the Northern Discovery team and getting to know all the little ones!
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Hello, I am Miss Shaunee. I’m a student at Kingsford High School where I do cheer. I’ve grown up in the Iron Mountain Kingsford area. I started working at Northern Discovery in April 2026. My goal is to either be a middle school teacher or a child physiologist in then future. I have two cats named Evee and Twitch, two dogs named Moose and Coco, a hedgehog named Ducky, and some fish. I’m so excited to continue working with all the kiddos at NDPC!
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Hello, I'm Chelsea Nelson and I have been working in Early Childhood education since 2021. I have my associates degree in Early Childhood education and am currently working towards my Bachelors where I'll be licensed to teach birth-3rd grade! I am married to my best friend Forrest who is an IT/admin Specialist. I love spending time with my family and being outdoors especially in the summer time. When we aren't enjoying time together in the real world we love to hang out in the virtual world and game a wide range of PC games.
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Center Owner & Director
Emmie Rotter
A little about me!
My name is Emmie Rotter! I am the owner and director of Northern Discovery Preschool & Childcare. I am a wife to my amazing husband Paul, mama to Paul Edwin, Lucas John and dog mama to "our first born" Willie! I am also a sister to my older brother E.J. and daughter to my wonderful parents Ann & Ed Mattson that have supported me with everything I set my mind to. I was born and raised in Iron Mountain and graduated from Iron Mountain High School. After high school, I start the journey to achieve my goals and dreams in Early Childhood Education. I started my education in ECE locally at Bay College, then later transferred to North Western Technical College to complete my Associates in Early Childhood Education & Development. Throughout my time working on achieving my degree, I worked in the field. Between working in many different ECE atmospheres and taking classes, I gained knowledge and skills in child development ages 0-8 years old, director/management skills and so much more! It has forever been a dream and goal of mine to have my own preschool & childcare and here we are! Preparing to provide top notch quality care for our community!
When I am not at the center, I enjoy crafting, figure skating, making memories with friends & family, and doing anything outside in all the seasons.
I am so excited to meet all our students and families in person very soon!
My name is Emmie Rotter! I am the owner and director of Northern Discovery Preschool & Childcare. I am a wife to my amazing husband Paul, mama to Paul Edwin, Lucas John and dog mama to "our first born" Willie! I am also a sister to my older brother E.J. and daughter to my wonderful parents Ann & Ed Mattson that have supported me with everything I set my mind to. I was born and raised in Iron Mountain and graduated from Iron Mountain High School. After high school, I start the journey to achieve my goals and dreams in Early Childhood Education. I started my education in ECE locally at Bay College, then later transferred to North Western Technical College to complete my Associates in Early Childhood Education & Development. Throughout my time working on achieving my degree, I worked in the field. Between working in many different ECE atmospheres and taking classes, I gained knowledge and skills in child development ages 0-8 years old, director/management skills and so much more! It has forever been a dream and goal of mine to have my own preschool & childcare and here we are! Preparing to provide top notch quality care for our community!
When I am not at the center, I enjoy crafting, figure skating, making memories with friends & family, and doing anything outside in all the seasons.
I am so excited to meet all our students and families in person very soon!
Center Owner & Maintenance
Paul Rotter
Hello everyone!
My name is Paul Rotter and I am owner and maintenance for NDPC. I grew up, and currently live in Channing MI. I graduated high school from North Dickinson in 2011 and from NWTC in 2013 with a technical diploma in Diesel and Heavy Equipment.
I currently am a Diesel Mechanic and work for Champion Inc and have been there for 6 years now. I will be doing the maintenance around the center and maybe even subbing in the kitchen or classroom as need be!
I am a husband to the wonderful Ms. Emmie Rotter, father to little Paul Edwin and dog dad to Willie Rotter.
In my spare time I love riding/driving anything with a engine. I’m a avid snowmobiler and SxSer. I love having fun with my friends and spending time with my family. I am heavily involved with the Sagola Township Fire Department.
I are very excited to meet everyone as we start this journey
My name is Paul Rotter and I am owner and maintenance for NDPC. I grew up, and currently live in Channing MI. I graduated high school from North Dickinson in 2011 and from NWTC in 2013 with a technical diploma in Diesel and Heavy Equipment.
I currently am a Diesel Mechanic and work for Champion Inc and have been there for 6 years now. I will be doing the maintenance around the center and maybe even subbing in the kitchen or classroom as need be!
I am a husband to the wonderful Ms. Emmie Rotter, father to little Paul Edwin and dog dad to Willie Rotter.
In my spare time I love riding/driving anything with a engine. I’m a avid snowmobiler and SxSer. I love having fun with my friends and spending time with my family. I am heavily involved with the Sagola Township Fire Department.
I are very excited to meet everyone as we start this journey