Safari Staff
MISS SARA
PRESCHOOL ROOM ASSISTANT
This is my 12th year in childcare.
I went to school in Kingsley.
If I wasn't in childcare I would study culinary classes.
The best thing about teaching is watching the kids grow up.
MISS DANI
OWNER OF SAFARI
This is my 9th year working in child care.
I went to school at ILCC & Buena Vista University
If I wasn’t working in childcare, I would be a stay at home mommy.
The best thing about teaching is the “Ah-Ha moments!”
MISS TATUM
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR\ PRESCHOOL ASSISTANT
Hello! My name is Tatum! I’m a mom of two crazy boys and have always loved being with kids! This is my 3rd year in childcare and 2nd with Safari! The absolute best part about the job is hearing all the funny stories the kids have to say!
MISS TONI
LEAD TODDLER ROOM TEACHER
This is my 4th year working in child care.
I went to University of Iowa and Iowa Lake Community College.
If I wasn't working in child care I'd be working in Psychology.
The best thing about teaching is hearing the children's funny stories!
MISS MYESHA
2 YR OLD ASSISTANT TEACHER
This is my 2nd year in childcare. I graduated from Jackson County Central in 2019. I plan to move to the city to either continue childcare or work towards opening up my own boutique! The best thing about childcare is watching the kids grow up!
MISS ANGIE
TODDLER ROOM ASSISTANT
I've been in child care for bout 7 years. I graduated from Okoboji High School. I went to Southeastern Community College. I love my job. I love hearing the kids stories & getting snuggles from the babies.
MISS ALLISON
INFANT ROOM LEAD
This is my first year in child care. I graduated from Clay Central Everly in 2019. I was going to school to be a neuropsychologist but just didn’t like the idea. if i wasn’t here i’d be studying cosmetology(:
MISS ANDREA
FLOAT TEACHER
I was raised in a small town in southern Minnesota. I moved to the area in November 2021. I grew up with my mom working as an in-home daycare. I’ve loved being with kiddos since then. I also work at Hy-Vee part-time. If I wasn’t in childcare I’d probably be at Hy-Vee full time. The best part about my job is the smiles/hugs when you walk in the door. Or when they run and grab your hand to go do something with them. An extra bonus is snuggles from the babies
GIA BENZ
FLOAT TEACHER
My name is Gia Benz and I’m from Spencer Iowa. I have been babysitting since I was 10 and I have worked in childcare for 2 years. I love spending time with my family and in my free time, I love to play softball.
DARCEE RUSSELL
FLOAT TEACHER
My name is Darcee Russell. I live in Spencer Iowa. I have 4 grown boys and 14 grandkids. I have been working in daycare for over 25 years. I enjoy working in daycare because it allows me to teach children as well as learning from children. They make my day brighter.
CONNIE CHAPMAN
LEAD COOK
My name is Connie Chapman. I have 7 ½ years cooking experience in a daycare setting. I have 1 son, two stepchildren and 7 grandchildren. In my free time I love to garden and being outside.
HAYLEY ANDERSON
LEAD 2 YRS OLD TEACHER
My name is Hayley Anderson. I am from Ida Grove Iowa and have recently moved to the area. I have worked in childcare for 2 years as a lead 2-year-old room teacher. I favorite thing about childcare is watching the children grow and learn new things over the years.
KELSEY KREJCI
FLOAT TEACHER
I graduated from Spencer Iowa in 2017. I’ve been working with kids since I was 14 in a i home daycare and loved it ever sense. I wish to move to a bigger area of work and continue to work with kids in the near future. The most rewarding thing I would say about working with kids is being able to watch them learning their abilities that I was able to teach them.
MISS FELISHA
FLOAT TEACHER
This is my 8th year working in child care.
I went to school at WLVA.
If I wasn’t working in childcare, I would be a professional boxer.
The best thing about teaching is the hugs and smiles.
MISS AVEARY
FLOAT TEACHER
I was born and raised right here in Milford where i graduated high school in 2020! I currently attend college at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri where I am planning on majoring in Ag Business. Over the past three years, I’ve been working with children from school age to babies! If I didn’t like the agricultural industry so much, I would of went to school for Elementary Education!
MISS SIERRA
FLOAT TEACHER
Hello, I am 21 years old and born and raised here in Okoboji! I am attending Buena Vista University for Psychology and Human Services. I plan to work as a drug and alcohol counselor or DHS once graduating. I have a passion for helping others so I have a full time job doing in home care and help out at Safari on my days off! I found my way back to safari after 4 years and I am happy to be back!