|
Background
We are a private, non-profit child care agency founded in 1943 by the Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls. Originally founded as a nursery for the children of women working in local factories during World War II, we have continued to provide child care services to parents of Waterloo since the end of the War. We provide a unique educational experience in a quality environment. |
Staff
Ed Gruenwald - Director of Operations and Development - For over 20 years I have been working with youth. This has mostly taken the form of outdoor related activities. My very best experiences have been taking groups of young people on outdoor adventures such as river trips to the Ozarks and on the Cache River in Southern Illinois or leading hundreds of campfires and singalongs, and the hours and hours of just sitting by the lake telling stories. These experiences led me to pursue a Masters degree in Forestry majoring in outdoor recreation. Since that time I have worked with a number of nonprofit and local government organizations to increase funding to do the good work of improving the lives of children.
Meghan Smith- Hello Everyone! I am the Director of Education. I'm SO excited to be able to take on a bigger role in advocating and supporting our school. I hold an AA degree in elementary education and have been teaching for almost 20 years. For those that don't know, I was with Grin and Grow from 2011- 2019 as a classroom teacher, stepped away for 3 years and then last fall came back. :) I love our heart and mission!
In my free time I enjoy international travel and have visited over 10 countries. I've been out of the country close to 20 times. I lead missions' trips through my church here in the cedar valley. :) Thrift shopping and coffee shops are frequented often as well. I'm honored to have this new position and the opportunity to cheer lead our staff, love on the kids and build trusted relationships with our parents.
In my free time I enjoy international travel and have visited over 10 countries. I've been out of the country close to 20 times. I lead missions' trips through my church here in the cedar valley. :) Thrift shopping and coffee shops are frequented often as well. I'm honored to have this new position and the opportunity to cheer lead our staff, love on the kids and build trusted relationships with our parents.
Mary Neisen - Program Coordinator - Hello! My name is Mary Neisen. I am a Program Coordinator for Grin & Grow Child Care. I have worked in the early childhood field for over 30 years with Grin & Grow. I really enjoy and love children. In fact, my personal mission is to make all families and children feel welcomed and loved.
Teachers
