Hi, I’m Amanda Snow, and I’m thrilled to join Little Forest School as the first Childcare Director! With 12 years of experience in early childhood education, including nine years with Head Start, I’m passionate about creating a safe, engaging, and enriching environment for all children.
As a lifelong Northwoods local, my husband Mark and I love hiking, boating, and exploring the outdoors with our two kids, Henry (5) and Allison (3). I can’t wait to connect with families and help build a thriving nature-based childcare program. Feel free to reach out—I’d love to hear from you!
Hi, I’m Erica Dischinger, and I’m excited to join Little Forest School as the Assistant Director and Lead Teacher! I bring 12 years of experience working with children in various roles, including Children’s Librarian, lead teacher, and counselor, and I’m passionate about creating fun, engaging learning experiences for kids and meaningful connections for families.
My husband Cliff and I live in Minocqua with our three kids, and we love exploring the outdoors—whether it’s camping, canoeing, snowmobiling, or fishing. I’m thrilled to help build this nature-based program and look forward to meeting all of our future families!
Hi, I’m Miranda! A little about me - I have a beautiful baby girl who was born at the beginning of 2024. She is my first baby and my entire world. I have 2 crazy dogs that make our days and a turtle. Starting in my teens, I joined a water ski show team and am now on the Plum Ski-ters out of Sayner, WI. I am the show director for the 2026 season and I love skiing with my team in my free time. Past jobs range from working in retail, customer service, as a children's swim instructor, training with dogs at a kennel, and working as a dispatcher/jailer, as well as other odds and ends jobs here and there. I love all animals, outdoors, skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, relaxing in free time and pretty much everything in-between.
Hi, my name is Harley! I’m so excited to be starting at Little Forest School! I’m currently going to school to become a social worker. With 10 years of babysitting all the kids in my huge family and becoming a mom myself, I just love kids! When I’m not working, my family and I enjoy going on walks and adventures outside!
Hi, I'm Kylee! Born and raised in the northwoods, I attended Camp Jorn as a child and am excited to be back to my roots after 10 years away! I attended Gogebic Community College for social work and cosmetology, but decided childcare was the right path for me. I have been caring for children for professionally for about 9+ years and I absolutely love it! My hobbies include going to music festivals and concerts, art, psychology, learning new things, video games, child development and more! I am most excited to meet and get to know the kids and their families! Fun fact about me is I have a purple streak in my hair so I can be unique.
Hi, I am Jaana Aukee and I am super excited to join Little Forest School as an Assistant School-Age Teacher! With 3 years of childcare experience, I am super confident in my ability to provide a safe and fun space for the kids!
I am from Hurley, Wisconsin, but I am currently living in La Crosse and attending UWL as an Elementary Education major! In my free time, I love to hang out with friends, go to coffee shops, and cook! I am so excited to connect with all the families and help introduce the nature-based program to the community.
Hi, I’m Dawn Holt and I’m excited to be a part of Little Forest School. Early childhood education has been my passion for almost 40 years. My career in early childhood education includes being a Head Start teacher, licensed in-home childcare provider, lead childcare teacher, and childcare director. I officially retired in 2019 but returned in 2023 to assist the local childcare center and help establish Little Forest School. As a current Little Forest School board member and substitute teacher, I am happy to continue to be involved in the care and education of young children.
My husband, our two daughters, and I moved to Manitowish Waters 30 years ago. Living in the northwoods has offered me the opportunities to do many of the things I like; kayaking, canoeing, hiking, gardening and watching the birds and wildlife that visit our yard and lake.
Hi, I’m Julie! I have been a teacher and/or involved with education in some way for over 30 years. I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a BA in History and minor in Elementary Education. I am passionate about health and wellness. I am excited about the future of Little Forest School!
Board of Directors
Mike McKeon
Board Chair
mike@littleforestschool.net
Sam Wolter
Vice Chair
sam@littleforestschool.net
Kelli Straubel
Secretary
kelli@littleforestschool.net
Jamie Van
Treasurer
jamie@littleforestschool.net
Dawn Holt
Director
dawn@littleforestschool.net