About Us
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Our Story
Peter Pan Preschool was established in 1962 by dedicated early childhood educators. Marsha began to teach at Peter Pan Preschool in 1988, and together with the director they built a program centered on curriculum-based learning and nurturing care.
In its early years, Peter Pan Preschool operated out of Grace Lutheran Church in Mankato. As the school grew, it eventually moved to a new location in North Mankato, continuing its mission to serve local families. After many successful years, Marsha made the difficult decision to step away and sell the building to help care for her aging parents.
In 2013, driven by her love for education and her commitment to the community, Marsha re-opened Peter Pan Preschool in the heart of the Benson Park neighborhood. The preschool has since evolved into a family-run business, with her daughter, Marisa Nicklay, joining as Assistant Director to carry on the legacy of high-quality care and education.
Today, Peter Pan Preschool is home to an exceptional team of passionate educators, all working together to build bright futures for the children of North Mankato and beyond.
Meet Our Team
Marsha Madigan Owner/Director
Marisa Nicklay Assistant Director/Lead Teacher
Marisa Nicklay Assistant Director/Lead Teacher
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a Minor in Early Childhood Education, Minnesota State University, Mankato.
- Over 40 years of experience in childcare and early childhood education.
Marisa Nicklay Assistant Director/Lead Teacher
Marisa Nicklay Assistant Director/Lead Teacher
Marisa Nicklay Assistant Director/Lead Teacher
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education,
Minnesota State University, Mankato. - Over 12 years dedicated to the Pre-K classroom at Peter Pan Preschool.
Jennifer Wilmes Assistant Director/Lead Teacher
Marisa Nicklay Assistant Director/Lead Teacher
Jennifer Wilmes Assistant Director/Lead Teacher
- Master's degree in early childhood education, Walden University,
- Over 15 years of experience in childcare and early childhood education.
Amy Blaschko Lead Teacher
Marisa Nicklay Assistant Director/Lead Teacher
Jennifer Wilmes Assistant Director/Lead Teacher
- Child Development Degree,
South Central College, Mankato. - Over 9 years of experience working with 3-year-olds at Peter Pan Preschool.
Jennifer Rudie Lead Teacher
Jennifer Rudie Lead Teacher
Jennifer Rudie Lead Teacher
- Child Development Degree,
South Central College, Mankato. - Over 8 years of experience working with infants at Peter Pan Preschool.
Carissa Friedrichs Lead Teacher
Jennifer Rudie Lead Teacher
Jennifer Rudie Lead Teacher
- Business Degree,
South Central College, Mankato. - Over 8 years of experience working with infants at Peter Pan Preschool.
Rosa & Pearl Penkert Assistant Teachers
Jennifer Rudie Lead Teacher
Cheryl Filler Preschool Cook
- Rosa and Pearl are sisters who bring their shared passion and teamwork to the toddler classroom.
- Together, they bring over 2 years of experience working with Toddlers at Peter Pan Preschool.
Cheryl Filler Preschool Cook
Jennifer Rudie Lead Teacher
Cheryl Filler Preschool Cook
- Over 5 years of experience preparing healthy, child-friendly meals and snacks for children at Peter Pan Preschool.