Jodi Fitzgerald
Founder & Curriculum Coordinator
Jodi has been providing care for children in East Troy since 1997. She has a Bachelor's Degree from Marquette University, the LifeWays of North America Certification, State of Wisconsin Certification coupled with 40 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Her career spans a variety of programs from Head Start, Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee Montessori School, licensed family care, professional caregiver and center director at LifeWays and now The Climbing Tree. "Children are the embodiment of innocence, curiosity and pure joy. It is the responsibility of every adult to protect and nurture them as they explore their world and navigate through their early years."
Founder & Curriculum Coordinator
Jodi has been providing care for children in East Troy since 1997. She has a Bachelor's Degree from Marquette University, the LifeWays of North America Certification, State of Wisconsin Certification coupled with 40 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Her career spans a variety of programs from Head Start, Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee Montessori School, licensed family care, professional caregiver and center director at LifeWays and now The Climbing Tree. "Children are the embodiment of innocence, curiosity and pure joy. It is the responsibility of every adult to protect and nurture them as they explore their world and navigate through their early years."
Colleen Anderson
Director
Colleen has been working in child care since 2001. She has her Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Ball State University with an emphasis in counseling children. She earned her LifeWays of North America Certification in 2005 and she has her State of Wisconsin Early Childhood Education Certification. "I enjoy the pure innocence of children whom are filled with awe and wonder for the world around them. Every experience is new and exciting to them. It is a truly fulfilling experience to be a part of their growth and development."
Director
Colleen has been working in child care since 2001. She has her Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Ball State University with an emphasis in counseling children. She earned her LifeWays of North America Certification in 2005 and she has her State of Wisconsin Early Childhood Education Certification. "I enjoy the pure innocence of children whom are filled with awe and wonder for the world around them. Every experience is new and exciting to them. It is a truly fulfilling experience to be a part of their growth and development."
Tristin Bruno
Suite I Lead Teacher
Tristin moved to Wisconsin from California in 2016 with two associate degrees in psychology from Napa Valley College. She felt drawn to child care after the birth of her son, August, on Thanksgiving Day in 2022. She soon left the Waukesha County Public Health Department in order to pursue an associate’s in Early Childhood Education with Preschool Certification from WCTC as well as a bachelor’s degree in Health Science from UWM - Milwaukee. Tristin has a passion for helping children explore their limitless potential and develop the confidence to reach for their dreams.
Suite I Lead Teacher
Tristin moved to Wisconsin from California in 2016 with two associate degrees in psychology from Napa Valley College. She felt drawn to child care after the birth of her son, August, on Thanksgiving Day in 2022. She soon left the Waukesha County Public Health Department in order to pursue an associate’s in Early Childhood Education with Preschool Certification from WCTC as well as a bachelor’s degree in Health Science from UWM - Milwaukee. Tristin has a passion for helping children explore their limitless potential and develop the confidence to reach for their dreams.
Sierra Ferson
Suite II Co-Lead Teacher
Sierra grew up in East Troy and has a passion for the community and surrounding areas. She has worked with kids in summer camps, day cares, and as a dance teacher for little ones. She has a Bachelors in Counseling Psychology from the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, MN. She also has a Masters in Educational Psychology. She has two little boys of her own, Clark and Malcolm. She loves seeing children grow and discover how fun, exciting, and beautiful learning is!
Suite II Co-Lead Teacher
Sierra grew up in East Troy and has a passion for the community and surrounding areas. She has worked with kids in summer camps, day cares, and as a dance teacher for little ones. She has a Bachelors in Counseling Psychology from the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, MN. She also has a Masters in Educational Psychology. She has two little boys of her own, Clark and Malcolm. She loves seeing children grow and discover how fun, exciting, and beautiful learning is!
Amelia Adcock
Suite II Co-Lead teacher
Amelia was born and raised in East Troy, and grew up coming to Climbing Tree throughout her early childhood. She has been working with children since 2019, ranging from newborn to middle school, and she is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. “When we teach children to learn and grow, they continue to teach us how to be young and explore.”
Suite II Co-Lead teacher
Amelia was born and raised in East Troy, and grew up coming to Climbing Tree throughout her early childhood. She has been working with children since 2019, ranging from newborn to middle school, and she is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. “When we teach children to learn and grow, they continue to teach us how to be young and explore.”
Breezy Richards
Suite III Lead Teacher
Breezy has an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from WCTC. She grew up in the childcare industry starting with helping her mom and aunt look after children at their centers before starting babysitting at age 13. Every job from there on has been some kind of work with children; life guard, swim teacher, then a child care teacher. "I love watching children grow into their personalities; create friendships; explore the world around them; and gain a passion for learning."
Suite III Lead Teacher
Breezy has an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from WCTC. She grew up in the childcare industry starting with helping her mom and aunt look after children at their centers before starting babysitting at age 13. Every job from there on has been some kind of work with children; life guard, swim teacher, then a child care teacher. "I love watching children grow into their personalities; create friendships; explore the world around them; and gain a passion for learning."
Kylie Brady
Preschool Teacher & Camp Leader
Kylie has a Bachelor's of Arts degree from University of Whitewater-Wisconsin in early childhood with dual licensure in special education. She minored in art, which is another passion she loves to share with others. She has various field experiences within the education program at Whitewater and through different job experiences within the field.
"I enjoy working with children as I love watching them grow and seeing them learn new things around them. They always seem to have a positive attitude when trying new adventures and love sharing experiences with their friends. I love the atmosphere and the kind-hearted attitude each child brings in each morning. Every day brings something new."
Preschool Teacher & Camp Leader
Kylie has a Bachelor's of Arts degree from University of Whitewater-Wisconsin in early childhood with dual licensure in special education. She minored in art, which is another passion she loves to share with others. She has various field experiences within the education program at Whitewater and through different job experiences within the field.
"I enjoy working with children as I love watching them grow and seeing them learn new things around them. They always seem to have a positive attitude when trying new adventures and love sharing experiences with their friends. I love the atmosphere and the kind-hearted attitude each child brings in each morning. Every day brings something new."