Karen andersen | Director

Ms. Karen has been part of the Pumpkin Patch family since August 2022.   While earning her degree at UW-Eau Claire she also taught 3K.  After five years in the classroom, Karen chose to focus on raising her three children while continuing to serve families through a local playgroup she ran. 

Karen’s love for learning and the outdoors is woven into everything she does.  She enjoys caring for her chickens, tending her large garden, camping, reading and canning her produce.  Life on her farm is the perfect backdrop for many of her hobbies.

As Director, Karen works hard to create a warm, safe, and engaging environment where every child feels valued.  Her favorite subject is science-she loves seeing children’s eyes light up as they explore the wonders of the natural world.

Ms. Alicia | Assistant Director

Ms. Alicia is thrilled to be at Pumpkin Patch Preschool!  Life is busy with her two young boys, but she still loves reading, hiking, swimming, and playing board games with her husband - especially Catan, Horrified, and Exit Games.  She’s currently reading The Wheel of Time series, though thrillers and mysteries are her favorites.  

Ms. Alicia has a degree in Latin American Studies with an emphasis in Education from UW- Eau Claire and previously taught high school Spanish. This year she will also be teaching a Spanish class for some of the PPP staff.  She’s excited to bring her love of learning to our preschool community!

Mrs. Becker | 4K Teacher

Mrs. Becker began at Pumpkin Patch in August of 2022.  This will be her fourth year as a 4K Teacher, She came to Pumpkin Patch with 27 years of experience.  She is a UW Whitewater graduate with an Early Childhood & Special Education degree. Mrs. Becker likes to incorporate the natural world into her classroom. She brings the outdoors inside with branches, nests, plants, and butterflies.

She recently moved to Stoughton from Madison, She lives with her husband and 2 dogs, Remy and Zoey. She loves to take her dogs for walks, travel, attend concerts, spend time in nature and kayak along with her husband, Patrick.  She is very crafty and likes to make things using natural materials. Mrs. Becker works hard to make learning fun, and to give children the experiences that will help them bloom and grow as a person.  

ms. stephanie | 3k teacher

Ms. Stephanie joined Pumpkin Patch in the fall of 2025. Ms. Stephanie will be wearing many hats. She holds a degree in Marketing and will be supporting our Social Media and Community Outreach, while also bringing her passion and creativity into the classroom

Although her degree is not in Early Education, she has alot of experience working with young children - including raising three of her own!  She has also spent many years as a school photographer and will be sharing her talents by capturing special moments at PPP events, including class photos this year.  

This will be Ms. Stephanie’s first year as a lead teacher, and she is eager to watch her students learn, grow, and discover new things each day.  Her favorite part about working with preschoolers is listening to their stories and enjoying the funny things they say.

ms. bri | WRAP CARE TEACHER

Ms. Bri joined Pumpkin Patch in the fall of 2024. With an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Northeast Wisconsin. Over the years, she’s had the joy of working with young children, ages 6 weeks to 2 years, and she finds great fulfillment in watching each child’s unique personality shine through as they grow and learn.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Bri loves diving into arts and crafts, DIY projects, and hunting for hidden gems while thrifting. For her, the most rewarding part of teaching is seeing the little sparks of individuality as each child discovers their voice and creativity.

ms. hailey | 4k assistant teacher

Ms. Hailey is new to Pumpkin Patch this year. She has always loved working with children and has a son who attends 4k here. She grew up in Stoughton and graduated from there. Her and her son love going on adventures and spending time outdoors. In her free time, she loves reading mysteries, baking, listening to music, finding frogs with her son, and exploring new trails.

She is dedicated to creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment for all her students.  Ms. Hailey is excited to watch each child grow, learn, and thrive throughout the year.

mr. Kyle | 3k Assistant Teacher

Mr. Kyle has been a Teaching Assistant at Pumpkin Patch since November of 2022.  He has always loved being around children but hadn’t thought education was the direction he wanted to go.  He originally wanted to be a toy designer and began school with that focus.  He has since found that he loves teaching and that this job never feels like work. 

In his free time he loves being home cuddling his dog Maisie while watching T.V. or playing video games.  When he’s not taking Maisie for a walk you might find him at Blue Devil Bowling Alley in Evansville where he and his dad play in a men’s league and where he gives bowling lessons to children on the weekend.  Kyle loves being around children and connecting with them.  

ms. Ermira | Wrap Care Assistant Teacher/ Substitute

Ms. Ermira joined Pumpkin Patch in December of 2024, and has been working in education for a year now. She absolutely loves working with children because it’s amazing to see them grow, learn, and develop into their unique selves - it’s such a rewarding experience to be part of their journey. Watching their excitement when they accomplish something new or seeing their confidence grow over time is truly heartwarming.

Outside of work, Ms. Ermira enjoy spending time with her friends and family, making memories together, and, of course, doing a little (or a lot of) shopping! She also speaks Albanian, which allows her to connect with different families and create a welcoming environment.