Ms. Rachel graduated from South Dakota State University in 2014 with an Early Childhood Education degree and a Special Education Endorsement. For almost nine year, Ms. Rachel provided in home childcare in Pierre, SD. With her academic background, she incorporated circle time, art, and multiple different learning opportunities for her daycare children. Ms. Rachel has continued her education throughout the years, and has an immense enthusiasm at her director position at Panther Cubs Academy.

"I was blessed with the opportunity to stay home with my two children while providing in home daycare to families. I have always loved working with children and getting them excited to learn. I'm very honored to be a part of Panther Cubs Academy and the Platte community."

Ms. Karis has 13 years of childcare experience. For 10 of those years she ran her own preschool in Platte. While teaching, she incorporated play, art, and music into her lessons everyday. Ms. Karis loves to teach preschool because she understands it is a child’s first school experience and she knows it needs to be a fun and positive environment the child will never forget. Ms. Karis strives to have her classroom full of love and laughter in a safe learning environment.

“I am very excited to work as a team with parents and fellow teachers to help each student learn and grow into their own person. I’m thrilled to be a part of Panther Cubs Academy and can’t wait to help our community grow.”

Ms. Hailee graduated from the University of South Dakota in 2020 with a History degree. Ms. Hailee has worked with children of all ages in varying capacities over the years and is very excited to get back to teaching littles. 

“I am so excited to get back to doing what I love. I know that the Panther Cubs Academy will do great things for our community. I cannot wait to help all the children fall in love with learning!” 

Ms.Shelby is excited for the opportunity to be a part of the panther cubs academy community. Ms. Shelby previously ran an in-home daycare out of Geddes, SD for 2 years.  Ms.Shelby loves working with children and providing a loving and safe environment for them to learn and grow.

Ms. Danae has worked with children of various age groups and currently co-owns a cheer & dance program that trains athletes ages 3 & up. She is very eager to help littles develop into the best person they can be & make learning FUN!

“I am so excited to work with teachers to give children the best education possible in their first formative years. I am honored to have this opportunity and cannot wait to see the wonderful things Panther Cubs Academy does for our little community!”

Ms. Katie joins our team as a senior in high school. During the summer, you could catch Katie nannying for families in the community or taking her younger siblings to their various activities. Ms. Katie's sense of responsible and loving spirit makes her a great fit for the PCA team.

Ms. Bria is a senior at Dakota Christian, and we are so very lucky to have her opening daycare before school. We are grateful Ms. Bria is finding time to help at PCA while being busy with school and other activities like volleyball. Ms. Bria grew up with many children in her life as her mom runs an in home daycare, and has such a great role model.

Jerni is going to be a freshman in high school, and will be a wonderful help when she isn't in school activities. Jerni enjoys taking care of my younger siblings during the summertime and babysitting my 2 year old cousin. 

"I can't wait to be a positive and caring influence at Panther Cubs Academy."

"I will be a freshman in high school, and I will be an amazing helper when I am not participating in school activities. I enjoy taking care of little kids and I love teaching them new things! In the summer, I have a great time babysitting a variety of kids! I cant tell you how excited I am to work with all of these wonderful children!"

"I grew up on the West Coast, where I was always outside whether I was playing sports or just enjoying nature. I went to college in Idaho, where I met my husband. We have been married for six years and have an amazing and very active toddler who keeps us on our toes. We have lived in Platte for close to a year now and it’s been great getting to know the town and the community, even if I am still trying to get used to how cold winters are here."

Ms. Josie went to Dakota State University to study Early Childhood Education. Before joining our team, Ms. Josie had been caring for multiple family in the area for the last five years. Ms. Josie's natural caring personality has been such a great assist to our team, and we are ecstatic to have her here caring for our toddlers! 

Ms. Bri graduated last year from Platte-Geddes, and she grew up giving great care of many children in the community. We are once again very lucky to have Ms. Bri on our team, and she will primarily be in the infant classroom.

"I absolutely love taking care of children! Coming to Panther Cubs Academy everyday truly is a joy. I love being surrounded by the children each and everyday!"