Sarah Kaul - Director
Hi! My name is Sarah Kaul. I am the Director of Northfield Daycare Center. I have worked here for 26 years, starting out as a lead teacher in 1983. I have a Bachelors degree in Management and Communication from Conordia University in St. Paul Mn. I also have extensive training in Mediation and American Sign Language.

This formal education has been very useful in my work with children, families, staff, public relations and the may other negotiations that come with my job as Director.

I am the parent of 3 grown, happy and successful children. I am very proud of all of them. For fun I like almost anything that happens outside, but especially hiking and biking. I also love to read and spend time with my family.

I love children. They are what I am passionate about, so this job is great. I believe that they teach me as much as I teach them and I strive to create an environment that builds learning in all areas. From using small motor skills in art projects that encourage self expression and exploration, to the big block room and the large outdoor playground that builds courage and self confidence. Helping them find their voices is very important at this developmental stage. I want to provide a place where they get many chances to relate with each other and strengthen their emotional intelligence.  My experience has shown me that pre-school children are very excited about learning, so it for this reason I strive to offer opportunities for them to learn about life as it relates to them. It is my great privilege to be included in this education.

Dan Rohr - Lead Teacher
Dan Rohr has worked at Northfield Daycare Center as a lead teacher since 2006. His teaching degree in Elementary Education melds well with our child centered philosophy to add a unique educational experience for the children. He brings a male perspective to the program and is a good role model for the children.

Gwen Phillips - Lead Teacher
Gwen Phillips lived in Northfield and worked at NDC for 25 years before moving to St. Paul. All three of her children are graduates of NDC and are very accomplished and successful adults. Lorelei is a personal chef in Seattle, Jamie is an admissions counselor at the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul, and Raven is a junior at the University of Kansas. Gwen lives in the Highland Park area of St. Paul, a block from the Mississippi River. She enjoys peaceful walks and beautiful sunsets. She also enjoys gardening, cooking and reading.

Education: B.S. Home Economics; Teaching Degree. East Texas State University Commerce, Texas
AAS. Interior Design. Dakota County Technical College Rosemount, MN

Philosophy: I underline the NDC goal of the importance of a happy childhood! I strive to be a positive and consistent role model. I believe that children learn best thru play, along with plenty of freedom to explore their current interests. Therefore, I say “yes” to as many of the children’s requests as possible.

Cindy Keogh - Lead Teacher
Hi, my name is Cindy Keogh.  I am a lead teacher at Northfield Daycare.  I have an Associated Arts of Science Degree (AAS) in Child Development.   I previously worked at Northfield Daycare in 2000-2001 as the kindergarten teacher and came back again October of 2010.  I have worked in the private sector and in the Northfield Public Schools for the last 13 years working with children of all ages.  I am married and have a son who is adopted from South Korea and is my brightest joy.  My husband and I volunteer with various groups and organizations in our surrounding communities along with Northfield.  We believe in giving back to our community with public service.

I have a strong love of children.  I previously worked in the banking field and went back to get my degree so that I could be a part of children’s lives.  Northfield Daycare helps me achieve my dream everyday.  I love it here.  Watching the children go down our sliding hill, showing me their drawings, digging in the sand, and the smiles on their faces on our many walks around the neighborhood reinforce my decision to change my career.  Children learn at all different levels and paces.  Northfield Daycare lets the children grow and aspire each in their own way.  It brings memories back to me of growing up in the 70’s with the concept of letting kids be kids.  We live in a much faster paced world and I am glad that the beliefs of Northfield Daycare still stand as they did 40 years ago.

My personal philosophy is in the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” and that children learn through play, plain and simple.

Northfield Daycare Center is supported by Carleton and St. Olaf work study students. They are a huge help to us in so many ways. Extra ears, hands and eyes make our child to teacher ratio more than is required by Minnesota licensing regulations. They add so much just by being young at heart and fun loving.