ECFE Staff

	Dawn Hilgers, Early Childhood Programs Coordinator I have had a love for this unique to Minnesota family educational program of ECFE since 1995 when I began participating as a parent in the program. I have continued to teach in ECFE programs since 2001 and began my coordinator position here in Delano in 2018.  Families and early childhood are my passion! I hope I get to meet your family in ECFE this year. Come join us to play, learn, and connect!
	Maggie Olson, ECFE Parent Educator  I have been an educator for almost 50 years and I'm happy to be part of the Delano School District. When I am not teaching, I'm golfing, biking, cross-country skiing, gardening, reading, traveling the United States training teachers, and spending as much time as possible with my sons. I look forward to seeing you in a future ECFE class.
	Jenny Alvarado, Early Childhood Teacher Hello! I am one of the Early Childhood Teachers  for the ECFE program. My passion is fostering a love of learning at an early age. I have a Bachelors of Science degree in pre-k through 6th grade. Each day we offer a welcoming environment for children and parents to play, learn, and connect in our classroom. Come join us!
	Camille McMillan, Early Childhood Teacher Welcome to ECFE! I'm excited to have you join us. I graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Family Studies, and a minor in Human Relations. I've been teaching for Delano Public Schools since 2019. I love the variety of classes I've had the opportunity to teach! I often help with screening and special events as well. I am looking forward to a great school year together!
	Patti Loftus, ECFE Parent Educator, and Developmental Screener I'm delighted to be part of the Delano ECFE staff, as an early childhood developmental screener and occasional ECFE substitute. I retired from full-time teaching after 36 years as an early childhood teacher, with experience in Montessori, ECFE, and 28 years as a Pre-K teacher. My master's degree is in gifted/creative education. I love being outdoors, cooking, and doing pottery.
	Darcy Roeser - Parent Facilitator/Presenter I am a parent facilitator with a master's degree in occupational therapy. I have a passion for coaching parents in the areas of self-regulation and emotional literacy, self-help skills, picky eaters, behavior, and self-discovery of each individual parenting journey. My goal is to take one day at a time, stay in the moment, and enjoy the adventure along the way.
	Melanie Elstad - ECFE Assistant Teacher I am happy to be part of the Delano School District. I have worked as a teaching assistant in Community Education for 18 years. I have been in a variety of classroom settings in Pre-K and now ECFE. I have a degree in Community Health Education, a minor in Psychology, and a Nursing license. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my three children, being outdoors, camping, and reading a good mystery or romance novel. I am looking forward to a great school year in ECFE.
	Emily Schmitt - Early Childhood Screening Nurse, ECFE Assistant Teacher Hello and welcome to ECFE! I enjoy working with our littlest learners and families in a variety of ways. I can be found conducting health assessments on screening days, playing with babies and toddlers in the ECFE classrooms, or deep in glitter and glue at our special events. I truly enjoy it all! I look forward to meeting new families and welcoming back our returning ones!
	Jennifer Danczyk - ECFE Assistant Teacher Hi, I am Ms. Jen, one of the Assistant ECFE teachers here in Delano.  I have been a part of this ECFE team since 2021.  I live with my husband, our two daughters, two cats, a dog, and a million plants. Our house is always a wild jungle.  One of my favorite things about ECFE is watching the social/emotional & developmental growth happen, and not just in the kids! ECFE was a lifesaver for me as a first-time parent, a wealth of knowledge in a safe space, my goal is to allow others to have that same experience.
	Sarah Bateman - ECFE Assistant Teacher, Early Childhood Screening Nurse Hello families! I am excited to join the Delano ECFE program. I signed up for an ECFE class several years ago and have been actively participating in the program for nine years! As my youngest makes the transition to preschool, I want to be involved in the lives of other Delano families with young children. I have a B. S. degree in Nursing and have completed some graduate work with a focus on family health. I love being a small part of a family’s ever-evolving journey. I’m a firm believer that it, “ takes a village” to raise a child, and it is my honor that you allow me to be a part of your family‘s journey. I look forward to meeting and working with you and your child.