KELLY LIMBERG | Director of XYLC
I moved to Bozeman from Colorado in pursuit of chasing the snow skiing (and spending countless hours exploring the mountains) while completing my masters in developmental child psychology. I have a deep rooted passion for working with children and their families, which makes my job feel like I am living the dream everyday. I have been working in child care for about 15 years now and I can not wait to continue my journey in childcare along the XY Learning Center team members.
Maggie Farwell | Assistant Director of XYLC
Hi! My name is Maggie and I am very excited to be joining the XYLC Team. I grew up in California but always knew that I would end up moving out of state. College gave me the opportunity to move to Washington where I studied Human Development and worked part time in child care throughout my four years. After graduating, I continued my work in child care and ended up moving out here to be close to my older brother. Bozeman has been an amazing adventure so far and I am thrilled to continue my career in a field where I get to work with children and their families.
LAURA RODAS | LEAD CHILDCARE SPECIALIST
Laura was born and raised in Chicago Illinois. She spent part of her childhood living in Guatemala—where her parents are from—to experience growing up in the country and be near her grandparents.
After moving to Bozeman from Illinois in 2014, Laura discovered her passion for working with young children. She decided to pursue a degree in the field. Laura graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Child Services in May of 2018.
Prior to joining the XYLC team, Laura worked at a local childcare center in Bozeman for seven years—four of which were spent as the Lead Teacher of the toddler group. She enjoys working with all ages of young children with her self-described specialty being ages 2-3.
In her free time, Laura enjoys going to concerts, paddle boarding, hiking, walking her dogs, and spending time with friends and family.
Laura's credentials include a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and Child Services.
ERIKA BIENFANG | LEAD CHILDCARE SPECIALIST
Erika was born and raised in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She graduated from the University of Iowa in December of 2020 where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in reading. After graduating she became the lead teacher for the elementary age online learning classroom at the childcare center where she worked throughout college. She has always loved visiting the mountains throughout her life which sparked her interest to move to Bozeman. She moved to Bozeman in August 2021 and has loved every moment of it.
Erika has always enjoyed working with children throughout the years. She has many different childcare experiences, from time in public schools gaining teaching experience throughout college, being an assistant teacher at a Montessori school, a full-time nanny, a camp counselor, a tutor, and a childcare center worker. She has found all of these different experiences to be rewarding and educational. Outside of work, Erika enjoys spending her free time with family, friends and her cat, as well as traveling, cooking and baking, and outdoor activities such as boating, hiking, water and snow skiing, and biking.
Erika is very excited to join the XYLC Team and meet all the wonderful people, kids and families that are a part of the program. She is excited to learn from others while bringing her experiences into practice to help the program continue to be wonderful.
MEGAN SAWYER | LEAD CHILDCARE SPECIALIST
Megan was born and raised in Washington State and moved to Montana in 2017 to attend MSU. She graduated May 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. After graduation, Megan pursued working with children and worked as a lead preschool teacher for a daycare in Bozeman. She is moving onto XYLC to strengthen her career with children in the Bozeman area. When Megan is not working, she loves to be outdoors exploring Yellowstone National Park, floating and fishing on the river, skiing in the mountains, and spending time with friends and family.
KATE REEDY | LEAD CHILDCARE SPECIALIST
Kate spent her childhood in beautiful Colorado where she grew up with both the city and mountains to explore. In high school, Kate was lucky enough to be a part of an organization that would go into some of the inner-city schools in Denver and teach 5, 6, and 7 year olds about their emotions and anger management skills. It was those experiences that made it clear to Kate that her passion is children and education.
After high school, Kate moved to Bozeman to attend MSU for Elementary Education. Her plan to stay in Bozeman through her college years and then moving on changed as Kate fell is love with all that Montana and Bozeman have to offer.
In her 22 years here, she has raised two amazing kiddos who she couldn't be prouder of. While raising her kids she was lucky to have an amazing career where she could bring her kids to work with her as she worked with many education programs here in town. With over 20 years working with kids of all ages in early childcare programs, non-profit education centers, Bozeman Public Schools, summer learning camps, as well as many years directing an after school program in one of Bozeman's best elementary schools, Kate is so excited to be a part of XYLC and looks forward to getting to know all of the kids that are a part of the XY community.
When Kate isn't at the Learning Center she is exploring something somewhere outside in Montana! Hiking, kayaking, and all around spontaneous adventures are what keeps her smiling! (aside from teaching and being with her own kids of course)
Kaila Seay | CHILDCARE SPECIALIST
Born and raised in Indiana, Kaila worked as a volunteer at the childcare center at a local YMCA which sparked her interest in working with children in order to see them grow as well as putting on activities and events for people to enjoy.
After being involved in leadership positions for the Vietnamese Student Association at Indiana University and her customer service jobs, she found that she missed working with children which is why she joined the team at XY Learning Center.
In her free time, you can find Kaila reading books, listening to music while going on walks, and drawing.
Kaila's credentials include a B.A. in Psychology, a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Human Development and Families from Indiana University - Bloomington.
Taylor Andrews | CHILDCARE SPECIALIST
Taylor Andrews was raised in Bozeman Montana. She is currently working on her Bachelors degree from Montana State University, for Community Health with a psychology and human development minor. Taylor is going to graduate in May 2022. She plans to further her career in child protective services.
Taylor absolutely loves to work with kids and be supportive of the people around her. Taylor is looking to explore her journey in the childcare field and learn more about what it means to be a childcare specialist.
In her free time Taylor likes to listen to music and spend time with her family. She also really likes to watch Netflix shows and read a good book. Taylor is easy-going and is always ready to learn. Taylor is extremely excited for this opportunity and to be a part of the XY team!
Alexandria Judge | CHILDCARE SPECIALIST
Alexandria Judge was born and raised in Washington, but was a frequent visitor to Montana throughout her childhood. Alexandria moved to Bozeman in 2017 to attend Montana State University, graduating in May 2020. Outside of work, Alexandria can be found enjoying the mountain air of Montana, often hiking and fishing.
Alexandria discovered a passion for working with children after graduation and took a job working as a Registered Behavior Technician for a local ABA clinic in Bozeman. She moved on from the position in July 2021 when gaining the opportunity to work as a Childcare Specialist with the XYLC.
Alexandria's credentials include a Bachelors of Science in Applied Psychology with a Minor in History, received from Montana State University in Bozeman, MT.
VANESSA DEES | CHILDCARE SPECIALIST
Hi! My name is Vanessa and I am from Tampa, FL. I graduated Florida State University in 2019 with a masters in curriculum and instruction, specializing in visual disabilities education. During the 2020-2021 school year, I taught in Hillsborough County and Pasco County, Florida. I moved to Gardiner, Montana during summer of 2021 and moved to Big Sky, Montana in September of 2021 where I still currently reside. I love hiking, fishing, xc skiing, video games, thrifting/styling, and have a 5-year-old cat named Sun Tzu!
Casey Monteiro | CHILDCARE SPECIALIST
Hi! My name is Casey and I grew up in Bozeman and graduated from MSU in 2021. I adore children and can't wait to continue to further my career in teaching and childcare here at XYLC! I have many years of experience with children which include working as a full time nanny, volunteer teacher, and camp leader. When I'm not hanging out with kiddos I love to be around my family, fiancé and dog Ralph. I also love to cook, bake, thrift, and craft.
Meredith Wies | CHILDCARE SPECIALIST
I have about 8 years of experience working with youth (nannying, summer camp counselor/outdoor educator) and have an undergrad degree in Psychology and Child Development from Cal Poly SLO. I feel that this education has been foundational in my understanding of the world and approach to working with children. In my free time I am passionate about outdoor recreation and you can find me out backpacking, cycling, trail running, and skiing! I am so excited to be a part of the team here at XYLC!
