Staff and Board

Kathy Lansing
Director/Teacher

Kathy has been contributing to NNS for more than 25 years. She first became involved as a parent and later as a board member, teacher, and director. Kathy’s teaching philosophy and leadership style coincide well with the mission statement and curriculum goals and objectives of NNS. Kathy received her B.S. from Charter Oak State College in Individualized Studies, Early Childhood Development and Early Childhood Education. She has an A.A.S. from MnSCU in Child Development. In addition to her role as NNS Director, Kathy teaches part-time.

Leslie Davila 
Teacher

Leslie’s involvement with NNS began when she and her family relocated to Northfield in 2020. Her youngest daughter currently attends NNS. She has been involved in education for many years, first as a high school English teacher and then as an Elementary Librarian. She has a BA in English and a Masters in Education from Doane University as well as a Masters of Education in Instructional Technology from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Leslie looks forward to reading lots of stories, singing songs with her ukulele, and helping children learn through play. She is thrilled to join the NNS staff and looks forward to connecting with the wonderful children and families.

Arielle Loy 
Teacher

Arielle has been an NNS parent since 2017. She has a BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Iowa and a Master’s of Library and Information Science from Drexel University with an emphasis in Youth Services. She has a varied resume including stints in libraries, museums, theatres, and even a year with Disney on Ice! She loves reading, playing, and making art with preschool-age children and enjoys the improvisation and flexibility required for the job.

Shari Wadleigh
Special Teacher

Shari has been with NNS since her daughter started attending in 1997. She has filled the roles of substitute teacher, teacher, and teacher’s aid throughout her years with the nursery school. She received her B.A. at Hamline University and did graduate work in early childhood/special education at the University of Minnesota. Shari’s previous early education experiences include director/teacher at a childhood center and teacher at an early education center which had daycare, nursery school, and special education programs. Shari has also volunteered in a variety of early education programs in the community.

NNS Board of Directors

NNS Preschool is governed and ran by a Board of Directors. These leadership positions are filled with family members who are volunteering their time to our school. They are passionate about being involved in their children’s education and helping to form policies and practices here at NNS Preschool.