Our Team
Ms. Macy Buhler
I am the Owner and Director of Yahara River Learning Center. I started this center from Business Plan to Fruition from 2016 to 2017 and just recently purchased the property as a whole in 2021. I built this center not only for families and their children but for teachers too! I have my masters in education and have had almost 30 years experience as a teacher/administrator/instructor in Early Childhood. I am a lifelong resident of Dane County and 25 years living in DeForest! I raised two sons here (Mitchell and Malachi) and have been married for over 27 years to Mike. We own a home here and have a little puppers named Monroe. I take an annual trip to work a week on a Habitat for Humanity home, love to camp, paddle board or kayak, swim, bike and hike in nature. I am also a bibliophile!
Ms. Amy - 4K
Hi, my name is Amy Gajda and I have been working with children for the last 15 years. I am married to my husband Jeff and we had our daughter in March 2021. We recently moved back to Wisconsin from Idaho. I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and just received my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. I watched the program grow from Idaho, and when we returned to Wisconsin, I couldn’t wait to join the team!
Ms. Tina - Aspen Room
Hello! My name is Tina Hanson, I have been at YRLC since June 2021; I come bringing almost 9 years of experience in ECE. I have a dog named Buster, and have a photography business, “Honestly Captured” that I do when I’m not teaching. I love to paint, draw and spend time with my family. I enjoy working with children of all ages and watching them make new discoveries and reach their goals.
Teacher Skyler - Dogwood Room
Ms. Jenna - Ginkgo Room
I have worked in the Early Childhood field for 12+ years and have experience with every age group, but my heart always leads me back to Preschool. Making learning fun and creating a positive environment where children feel loved and safe is my utmost priority. When I’m not in the classroom, I like to spend my free time outside in the sunshine! Taking trips to the lake and hiking on trails are some of my favorite activities. I also enjoy all things crafty! My favorite rainy day activity is a cup of coffee and a stitching project in my hand.
Ms. Hannah - Ginkgo Room
Ms. Hannah joined our team in 2025. She has been teaching in Early Childhood Education for almost two years and is currently attending NWTC to get her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She was also a dance/gymnastics teachers for three years as well as a Sunday School Art Teacher. She also cut hair for 10 years. She has three boys, who are all obsessed with hockey. She loves painting, cooking and baking, hiking, and spending time at the lake with her family.
Ms. Jennifer - Cedar Room
Ms. Jennifer joined our team just this recent 2024 school year. She can most often be found singing with the children, reading stories and following their lead in play. She and her husband have a wonderful son they enjoy creating memories with.
Ms. Addie - 4K Support
Addie is a recent high school graduate who will be pursuing a degree in Education fall 2025. She obtained both her Assistant Teacher and Lead Teacher certificates through DeForest Area High School and has been a wonderful addition to our team.
Ms. Michelle - Float/Kitchen
Hi, my name is Michelle Brown. I work as a float during the school hours; assisting with preparing snacks and giving teachers planning time. I live in Waunakee with my husband of 27 years, Mark. I have three kids; twin boys and a daughter. I am a proud grandma of 4 granddaughters and have a huge passion for teaching.
Ms. Tanmaya - Float
Ms. Tanmaya is a beloved substitute float that fills our souls with calm and is an amazing storyteller! She is an avid gardener, enjoys meditating and has 45+ years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education.
Mr. Mykal - Janitorial
Mr. Mykal is our life saver! He makes sure that our common spaces look fantastic along with doing any odds and end tasks around our school. He is a very kind and calm presence and is always welcoming individuals to our program.
Ms. Rachel
Ms. Rachel joined our team in 2024 while finishing up her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from UW-Platteville. She and her husband just welcome a baby girl into their life in May 2025.
Ms. Kate - Float
Ms. Catherine - Float
Ms. Katie Davy
Hi, my name is Katie Davy and I am proud to say that I am the Assistant Director here at Yahara River Learning Center. Prior to accepting this role, I was a teacher and have been with the center since we opened in 2017. I have my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and believe that children learn best through exploring using all of their senses during play. Currently, I am pursing my Bachelor’s through UW-Stout. I am originally from WIsconsin Dells and now live in Poynette with my husband. We welcomed our first child, Everleigh in May 2021. When I’m not at work, I enjoy reading, going on adventures with my husband and daughter, journaling, swimming and getting outside. I have a passion for children and love getting to interact and support all of the families, children and staff that we serve.
Mr. Cody - Aspen Room
My name is Mr. Cody, I have been with YRLC since we opened in 2017. I have my associates degree in early childhood education from Madison College. I have experience working with all ages as I have been a lead teacher for anywhere from 1’s -Schoolage. I married my wife in May of 2021 and our daughter was born April 2022. In my free time I enjoy playing and watching sports including the Brewers, Bucks, Packers, and Duke basketball.
Ms. Katie G. - Dogwood Room
Hello! I’m Katie Grove and I have been working in Early Childhood Education for the majority of the last 22 years. I have lived in 5 states, 2 countries and attended 9 different schools as my dad was in the Air Force. I now live in Columbus with my husband (Mike) and our two children Will and Annabelle. I have taken the Inclusion Credential, Preschool Credential and I’m currently finishing the Professional Development Credential and the Nature Based Learning Credential with my goal of reaching my Bachelors Degree. In what little spare time I have, I enjoy camping, hiking, bike riding, watching movies (especially horror) and cooking/baking.
Ms. Sydney - 4K
Hello, my name is Ms. Sydney. I have been working at YRLC since it opened in 2017. I have my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Madison College and currently finishing up my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from UW-Whitewater. In my free time, I enjoy coloring, reading and watching Netflix and I have a cat named Severus. (I am a huge Harry Potter fan!) In 2022 I married my highschool sweetheart Gage.
Ms. Karen - Float
Ms. Karen has held several different titles within our team, with preschool teacher being her favorite. She joined our team in 2020. She is a proud mom to twin daughters, and a son as well as a magnificent Nane to her grandkids. She enjoys spending time with her husband Mike taking camping trips with her grandkids, enjoying a delicious dinner at their favorite restaurant or just making memories together. Ms. Karen is a skilled axe thrower and prides herself on her organization and keeping up to date on professional development.
Ms. Tayler - Cedar Room
Ms. Tayler joined our team in 2024 after receiving her Associates Degree from Madison College. She loves coffee, cleaning and organizing.
Ms. Carleigh - Willow Room
Ms. Carleigh has worked in child care on and off since 2018. She received her Masters Degree in Social Work through UW-Whitewater and works full time as a social worker, and part time here as our after school/summer camp teacher. Ms. Carleigh has a son that was born in 2022 and they are very active. She enjoys horseback riding, storytime with her son, and being with family.
Ms. Ginger - Willow Room
Hello, my name is Ginger Pippert and I work with the School Age program in the afternoon. I am a retired reading teacher and have lived in DeForest for over 30 years. I have two daughters here in DeForest who now have their own families. I have three grandsons and a granddaughter in college. I live with my husband Walk and our lab named Boomer. I love working with the school agers, going on hikes with Walk and Boomer, spending time with family and friends, going to church and supporting local businesses and restaurants.
Ms. Lisa - Float
Hi there! I’m Lisa and for over 20 years I have been caring for adults and children. In my spare time I enjoy being with my aunt and mom. I am an Elvis and Johnny Depp fan and have lived in DeForest my whole life.
