Michelle Botz and Susan Wilson
School Directors
EFC Edina/W 70th Street
Edina/W 70th Street
Create. Laugh. Learn.
EFC was voted Best of Edina 2022!
Welcome to Especially for Children’s Edina/W. 70th Street Edina Center. We serve infant through preschool age children in a caring and educational environment. Our highly trained, nurturing and dedicated teaching staff has a combined total of over 203 years of EFC experience. Learn more about our Curriculum and Program Goals here.
We are conveniently located on the southwest corner of Highway 100 and West 70th Street and are easily accessible from Highway 62 and Int. 494. Our school is a unique physical space both inside and out. In our warm and bright classrooms, the children love storytime, music, art and sensory activities, building blocks and dramatic play. We have an indoor large muscle room, and the children take advantage of our great outdoor space. A large, shaded outdoor playground provides opportunities for exercise, physical challenges and outdoor adventures. On any given day you can find infants taking a buggy ride, toddlers building sandcastles, and the preschoolers playing freeze tag or enjoying bike day.
At Especially for Children, we strive to create a family-feel and have many events throughout the year where parents and families can connect with one another. These include our annual picnic, Halloween party and Family Fun Night. We invite you to visit the Edina/W 70th Street EFC school and see for yourself what a positive place it can be for your child and family.
Directors
Susan
Hello. My name is Susan, and I am the director here at Especially for Children in Edina. I began working here in 1989 as a preschool teacher. I graduated that year with a B.A. in Elementary Education from Northwestern College in Orange City, IA. After growing up in a smaller community, I wanted to move to the city. I loved it here and have never left. Working at EFC has been such a positive experience. Each day brings something new. I feel fortunate to work with truly amazing teachers and wonderful families. Watching the children grow and develop is so much fun. When I am not here, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, watching football, reading and shopping. I look forward to working with your family.
Michelle
I began teaching at Especially for Children in 2003. I taught in the younger Toddler classroom at our Eden Prairie location for nine years before moving into a director role (Assistant Director and then Co-Director) here at the Edina location in 2012. Young children have always been a huge part of my life. I truly enjoy forming meaningful bonds with the children, families, and teaching staff at EFC. It is important for me to help provide an inclusive environment where children can feel comfortable and thrive in their play. It has been a joy to watch my own children grow up in the EFC community and build their own lasting relationships. I enjoy spending time with my family, taking road trips, and exploring the beauty in nature.
Infant Teaching Staff
Wai Yee
Hello my name is Wai Yee! I began working at EFC in 2008 and work with the infants. I have worked with children for many years. I live in Edina with my husband and two boys, Danny and Jack. I look forward to working with both you and your children.
Robin
Hello, my name is Robin and I work in the infant room. I began working for EFC in March of 2012. Prior to that, I worked at ClubKid of Edina for over sixteen years. I am originally from New York and I graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia with a degree in Art. My husband and I have 4 children (three sons and a daughter) and three dogs. I spend a lot of free time reading and going to movies. I also am a big fan of theater and dance. I enjoy road trips, taking walks, and I love to watch storms. Also, no day is complete without some chocolate!
Mariah
My name is Mariah. I went to the University of North Dakota and am currently finishing my elementary school degree online. While living in Grand Forks, North Dakota, I got to work at a center for four years, where before I left I was co-lead infant teacher. After Covid, I decided to move back home – I’m from Plymouth, MN, I actually went to Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion and graduated from Armstrong. I am so excited to be back in Minnesota and be able to work with new children!
Maria
Hi, my name is Maria. I am currently working on my degree from the University of St. Thomas. I have been working with kids since 2018. I love to spend time with friends and family along with being outside. I enjoy fishing and going out on the boat.
Talia
It has been my pleasure working with children, staff and parents at Especially for Children since 2013. I worked with children at other centers before joining EFC. I have found it very rewarding watching the children developing so fast, curious and eager to learn. I received my BS degree in Communications from Brown College. I enjoy lots of things – visiting family in Georgia, meeting up with friends, going to movies, hiking, long walks, riding my bike, going to water parks, shopping, gaming on my computer, painting, going to parties and dancing. I stay busy.
Hillary
My name is Hillary and I am from a small town in Wisconsin. I have been working with children since 2017. I went to college at Winona State University in Winona, MN. I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood. My favorite things to do outside of work consist of traveling, reading, and going on adventures with my dog!
Erin
Hi! My name is Erin and I work with infants. I have been working with children in various settings including centers, a home daycare, Sunday school, and babysitting since 2012. I graduated from Wartburg College in 2018 with majors in Business Administration and German Studies. I’ve always had a passion for watching children learn and grow, and love being a part of their journey alongside their family, so I’m excited to be here at EFC! When I’m not working, I love traveling, volunteering, and long walks around the lakes.
Toddler Teaching Staff
Cassie
Hi, my name is Cassie. I graduated from the University of MN-Duluth in the Spring of 2022 with a double major in English, as we as teaching Communication Arts & Literature. I have known since I was a little girl that I wanted to be a teacher. Outside of work, I am constantly learning and exploring my new home here in Minneapolis. I love to read, write, and lay outside with my cat, Tiger.
Kayleigh
Hi, my name is Kayleigh. I have been working at EFC since 2007. I currently work with the wee toddlers, which is very exciting. I have always loved working with children. I taught swimming lessons for about four years before I came to EFC. I also have four children of my own who keep me very busy! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I have really enjoyed learning all about the children and families here at EFC.
Melissa
Hello! My name is Melissa. I began working at EFC in 2009 with the toddlers. I have worked with children of all ages for many years and thoroughly enjoy it. I have also worked with children with special needs. I’m very excited to get to know you and your child. I have a Child Development Certificate and I enjoy learning through different trainings I take throughout the year. Outside of work, I like to travel with my family and spend time with friends. I also enjoy taking piano, guitar, and voice lessons.
Susanne
Hello! My name is Susanne. I have been working with the toddlers since September of 2014. EFC is very familiar to me as I previously worked here from 1998 – 2003. After raising 3 children, I am excited to be back. I have a BA in English from the University in Stockholm – Sweden. I also took education courses during my college experience. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends. I am originally from Sweden but have lived in Minnesota since 1998. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your family.
Leanne
My name is Leanne and I have been a teacher since 2016. I graduated college with a degree in Early Childhood Education and have worked with children for many years. In my free time I like to spend time with friends and family, read, and bake.
Sara
Hi, my name is Sara. I volunteer at my church as a counselor. I take care of children and help with daily activities. I love to volunteer at my church nursery on my free time. I graduated from high school and plan on being a photographer. Outside of work, I love to go on hikes and take photos, also being crafty from time to time. I also love playing with my bunnies!
Kate
Hi, my name is Kate. I’m from Duluth, MN. I’m going into my 4th year of college at St. Catherine University studying nursing. I am interested in pediatric nursing. I love to read, travel, or spend time with family & friends.
Sinead
I’m a new member to the professional field of working with children but have over 10 years of volunteer experience through groups such as The Children’s Leukemia Society. After 2020, and assisting with homeschooling my two Godchildren, I discovered my passion in helping kids in their journey of creative learning and found my way to Especially for Children where I hope to hone my skills and embark in this wonderful field.
Preschool/Pre-K Teaching Staff
Bernie
I’ve been working at Especially for Children childcare center in Edina since 1989. I enjoy working with the children and the many different families that pass through the doors. I grew up in New Prague, MN and attended Mankato State University receiving a B.S degree in Elementary Education. My first teaching experience was at the Children’s Center of the YWCA in downtown Minneapolis. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, garage sales, American Indian culture, and road trip getaways.
Brett
I started here in February of 2016 with the preschoolers. Prior to joining EFC, I worked for six summers at a camp for children and teens. I love seeing children get absorbed into an activity they love that stretches their creativity. I have a B.A. in Psychology from the University of MN – Morris. Outside of work I enjoy cooking new and interesting recipes and playing imaginative and fantastic games with friends. I am the second oldest of four brothers and grew up in the same house as my mom did.
Sylvia
Hi, my name is Sylvia. I have experience working with children since 2000. I really enjoy being a part of children’s early education. I took courses at a community college – my major was fashion design. My favorite thing to do outside of work is knitting and sewing.
Darci
I started working at EFC in 2005. I worked in the Panda Room with the older toddlers until recently teaching the young preschoolers in the Monkey Room. I love working with children and have two daughters who also attend EFC. I grew up in a small town called Clara City, MN. I graduated from Minnesota West Technical College in Granite Falls with a degree in Childcare and Education. My hobbies are making no-sew blankets and pillows, and hanging out with my family and friends.
Jill
Hi, my name is Jill. I have worked in childcare since 1984. My passion is the Preschool age, and I have also had some great experiences with Infants. I enjoy the curiosity of a preschooler – the questions they ask and the stories they tell. I have a husband and two grown daughters, and we also have a dog named Oliver. My husband and I have been married since 1988. We both grew up in Edina and graduated from Edina High School. I am happy to be a part of Especially for Children.
Derek
Hi, my name is Derek and I started working at EFC in 2018. I’ve been working with kids since the summer of 2016 and have worked with kids aged 3-13. I studied at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls to earn a degree in political science, and I hope to work in the field of school administration. Outside of work I love to play, watch, and follow every sport. My goal is to continue building relationships with kids and families and continue doing so in my professional career, no matter where it takes me.
Sarah A.
Hi my name is Sarah and I have worked at EFC since 2016. I currently attend University of Wisconsin-River Falls, pursuing Elementary Education. I work in the summer and on my school breaks with all age groups, primarily in the preschool and toddler rooms.
Maria
Hello my name is Maria Alejandra and I started working at EFC in the fall of 2021. I am currently pursuing my certificate in Early Childhood. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy dancing with the different ethnic dance companies that I am a part of. I look forward to meeting and getting to know the children and their families.
Float Teaching Staff
EFC Edina/W 70th Street: February Newsletter Photos