Meet our Staff
Our staff members are handpicked by our administrative team and have undergone a careful background check, taken multiple certified training courses and have an early childhood education certificate. Each lead teacher provides lesson plans that include all areas of our learning program, encourage loving and accepting peer relationships among the children, and enhance their learning in a motivating and enriching environment.
HEATHER RAABE
Center Director
Hi, I have been in the childcare field since 2002 and became the Director here in 2019. Previously, I was a librarian for JC Elementary and LOVE BOOKS! I am now interning to be the Youth Pastor here at the Crossroads Church. I have been volunteering in our youth ministry since 2010. I am married with three children, two Huskies, and three cats. I look forward to serving you all and following the path God has for me.
JOE POTUZNIK
Lead Pastor
Hi Ho, I'm Pastor Joe (Joepaaa)! I came to this church in 2010 and began serving as the Youth Pastor. June 2018, I took the Lead Pastor position and am still leading our middle school youth group, NextGen. I have a beautiful wife, daughter, and son. We also have various pets like dogs, parakeets, and chickens. I love the Cubs and Bears and still love my wife even though she is a Brewers and Packers fan…
ALISHA JAQUITH
Assistant Director & Substitute Teacher
Hey there! I’ve been a member of the Crossroads Church since 2020 and love being involved here! I also help lead our high-school youth group, Re-Gen, and our Women's Bible Study Group. I am a wife and mother of two boys and three dogs. I love reading, the outdoors, family time, volunteering, and taking road trips. I am lactose intolerant, but love trying and cooking new foods! I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree in psychology, which I hope to use to help children and families in need of support and care.
NICOLE DEMPSEY
Dietary Director & Administration Specialist
Hello, I have been with CKC since April 2019. I am a jack of all trades but spend most of my time here meal planning, fundraising, and helping out in the office. My husband and I have one son and lots of critters! We enjoy spending time outside as a family hiking, camping, and hobby farming. I have a bachelor's degree in Animal Science and Agri-Business. Agriculture is very important to us as a family and we are excited to raise the next generation to be just as passionate as we are.
NANDY VONDRA
Lead Teacher
Hola! I have worked at the Crossroads Kids Connection for since 2012. I love teaching and interacting with children and watching them grow. I am bilingual and enjoy teaching children Spanish and seeing them learn. I am a wife and mother of four kids. I do not like to watch TV, but instead stay very busy cooking, sewing, and being outdoors. I enjoy traveling with my husband and walking my dog.
HANNAH WEIHERT
Lead Teacher
Hi! I am new to childcare, and currently taking the classes to become the lead infant room teacher! I am a new mommy to two baby girls, who are 15 months apart! Some things I love to do are spend time with my family and friends and I love to do crafts! I look forward to growing my skills and taking care of your little ones!
AMANDA EGGERS
Lead Teacher
Hello! I have a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and have worked in childcare since 2006, with the last 3 years running my own in-home center. I have 5 children of my own, two girls and three boys. I had a dream of being in the childcare business since my little sister was born when I was 6 years old! I love being in the childcare business because not only am I helping to teach your children but I am also learning new things from them every day! I can't wait to watch them grow and prosper into little adults. I love taking my family out on hikes, playing sports, jumping on the trampoline, or going camping :) We really enjoy being outside, especially during the warmer months!
MEGAN JONES
Lead Teacher
Hello there! I’ve been with CKC since August 2021, but I’ve taught Sunday School, VBS, Summer School, and other children’s programs growing up. I’m currently taking online classes at Madison College to become an Early Childhood Elementary teacher. I’m the middle child of two sisters. I love to go fishing, babysit, play sports, travel, and spend time with family and friends. I’m super excited to spend time with your kids and watch them grow!
TANYA CONLAN
Lead Teacher
Hi, I’ve been working at CKC since January 2022. I have many years of child care experience with all age groups, but enjoy teaching two-year-olds the most! My husband Frank and I are from Watertown. I have three children, teenage and up, and two animal children, Ruby and Raven!
EMILY ARBOGAST
Lead Teacher
Hello! I am Miss Emily! I have been with CKC since March 2022. It has always been a dream of mine to work with children and it has been a wonderful experience. I love being able to find teachable moments every day and helping them grow into lovely little humans! We love to play, have fun, and get messy!
I love to dance, and I love to read. Coffee is my best friend in the mornings! Going to the aquarium or the zoo are some of my favorite outings. I absolutely adore animals. I also love swimming and going to waterparks. But as much fun as going out is, nothing beats a good nap in bed.
AMBER NELSON
Lead Teacher
My name is Amber, and I am the co-lead infant teacher for your child. I have been working in the infant room for the past 5 months now. I have always wanted to work with children just never knew how or what I needed to accomplish to do so. I have a 6-year-old son who is my whole world. If I'm not at work, then I'm at home spending time with my son and fiancé. We love to watch our son play sports, and we also enjoy hunting together. The children in my class will always be treated equally and I would treat them just like they are my own.
RYLIE THOMAS
Substitute Teacher
Hi, I graduated High School in 2018 and am currently attending UW-Whitewater to become a teacher! I have played softball since I was about 7 and I love to play pretty much any sport! I started at CKC in late summer of 2021 and I love it here! Spending time with kids and encouraging them to use their imagination is my favorite! I can't wait to get to know your kids more and help them grow!
HAILEY ZOELLICK
Substitute Teacher
Hi, I'm Miss Hailey! I graduated from Jefferson High School in 2021. I started with CKC July 2022 through an outside training program. I officially joined the team in October 2022 and have been able to work in every classroom. I love working with kids of all ages and am excited to be with the ones! I enjoy playing with kids and teaching them new things.
Some of my favorite things are chocolate and tacos from Panchos in Jefferson! My favorite colors are purple and black. I am a Harry Potter fan, love to read, and spend time with friends.
BROOKE EICKSTEADT
Assistant Floating Teacher
Hello! I attend Watertown High School. I am currently taking childcare classes and I am also mentoring in a kindergarten classroom. I am hoping to become a kindergarten teacher in the future, or work with younger kids in general. I love cows, and animal print and I enjoy watching volleyball.
DYLAN THOMAS
Seasonal Substitute Teacher
Hi, I am truly a nerd at heart and I love anything, Marvel and Harry Potter. I also really enjoy reading, arts and crafts, and even though I'm allergic to nature, I love any reason to get outside. I also have a dog named Homer, and a tortoise named Udway. I am currently a senior at Johnson Creek High School and I will be attending UW Eau Claire for college.
LINDSEY BRAATZ
Seasonal Substitute Teacher
Hi! I am a senior at Watertown High. After school, I will be attending UW-Madison to earn a degree in early childhood education. Being a teacher has always been my dream job!
My favorite way to spend my free time is relaxing with my family. Some of my favorite things are shopping, spending time with friends, and of course, working with kids!