Infant Staff
Sonia Jenny has been with Hand in Hand since November of 2003. Born and raised in El Salvador, Sonia moved to the United States in 1991. She has been working in the Early Childhood arena for over 10 years and has her Child Development Associates Degree. Sonia taught in New York before moving to Minnesota. She is married with two children, 3 grandchildren and lives in Woodbury.
Emma Eide has been the Infant Co-Teacher since May 2022. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Concordia University in Early Childhood Education. Emma worked at Hand in Hand as a student employee throughout her 4 years at Concordia. She will be pursuing her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education at Concordia. She lives with her family in Bloomington.
Toddler Staff
Lori Zacharias has been the Toddler Co-Teacher since May 2022. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Concordia University in Child Learning and Development. Lori is engaged and lives in Saint Paul. Lori has two cats, Mila and Denver.
Rachel Boyer has been the Toddler Co-Teacher since January 2023. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Concordia University in Early Childhood Education. Rachel has a dog named Archie.
Preschool Staff
Brianna Just has been with Hand in Hand since September 2011. She has been a floating substitute, Co-Toddler teacher and is currently a Co-Preschool teacher. Brianna has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from North Dakota State University in Child Development and Family Science and she also has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Valley City State University in Elementary Education. She lives in Roseville with her dog, Max.
Anna Karsten has been the Co-Preschool teacher since May 2020. Before Anna was the Co-Preschool teacher, she was a student employee and worked in all of the classrooms. Anna received two Bachelors of Arts Degrees from Concordia University in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. Anna lives in St Paul with her cat, Zeus.
Assistant Director
Sarah Barron has been with Hand in Hand since June 2005. She has been a floating substitute, Co-Toddler Teacher and is currently the Assistant Director. Sarah received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Concordia University in Elementary Education with a minor in Lutheran Confessionalism. Sarah is married with two children and lives in New Richmond, Wisconsin.
Director
Lacey Wellens has has worked Hand in Hand since 1986. She has been a Toddler Teacher, Co-Preschool Teacher and is currently Director. Lacey received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood minor from Concordia University. She also received her Masters of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from Concordia. She is married with two children, 2 grandchildren and lives in Richfield.