From April 14-18, the Minnetonka Schools community is celebrating our Explorers and Junior Explorers staff. With joy and care, these teams provide enriching and fun-filled experiences for preschool and elementary students outside of school hours and on non-school days. 

Lindsay Gaddam works with the Junior Explorers program at the Minnetonka Community Education Center. As a Junior Lead Instructor, the best part of early childhood education for her is, “seeing the positive impact we have on kids socially, emotionally, and academically.” 

“We use a creative curriculum, GOLD assessments, and weekly lesson plans to prepare students for elementary school,” shared Lindsay. “The best part of my role is getting to see the kids grow throughout the school year and working with supportive staff members that are committed to helping young minds grow.”

Kate Roerick has been working with the Explorers program for six years. She started as a Program Assistant and is now a Program Lead. Currently, she works with three-year-old Junior Explorers in the Chipmunk classroom. 

“I’ve always had an interest in child development. The Explorers program taught me that working with children is the right path for me,” said Kate. “A special part of the Explorers program is having a child in your classroom and then having their siblings later and continuing the relationship with their family.” For Kate, the best part of her job is the connection she builds with students and watching them learn and grow as they move into the next age-level classroom.

Devan Branson is the Explorers Program Lead at Deephaven Elementary. A Minnetonka Schools alumna, Devan attended Explorers as a student from first through fifth grade. “In high school, I started as a student assistant and then worked as a program assistant during the summers between college,” she shared. “I graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in Early Childhood Education and came back to Explorers as a Program Lead. I started at Scenic Heights, then moved to Minnewashta, and now I've been at Deephaven for the past three years.” 

“My favorite part of my job is when kids make me laugh and when I can help them solve problems—talking things out and labeling their emotions,” said Devan. The Explorers Talent Shows at Deephaven are another one of her highlights. “It's amazing to watch kids showcase their talent and have the courage to do so!”

Devan has always loved working with kids and remembers finding joy as a fifth grader in helping younger students with art projects, reading and playing games. A fun fact she likes to share is that Kathleen Frazier, the current Explorers Supervisor at Deephaven, was also the Explorers Supervisor at Clear Springs when Devan was a child in the program. “I'm glad I can give back to the program I grew up in,” said Devan.

Thank you for your love and support, Explorers staff! We appreciate you!