Staff – Kinderhaus

Gracie Platt

Gracie graduated from University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and then moved to Chicago for 9 years where she graduated from University of Illinois Chicago with a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. In graduate school, she learned about many approaches to education, including Waldorf, and she highly values play-based learning for young children to grow and thrive in a creative, authentic, and meaningful way. She taught preschool for 5 years before relocating to Decorah to be closer to family and live a quieter lifestyle with her family. She is in her 7th year as Kinderhaus’s Director. She is grateful to be a part of such a special community!

Lydia Hayes

Lydia grew up in Decorah, and in 2018, Lydia graduated with an Elementary Education Degree and License from Gustavus in St. Peter, MN. She then worked as an outdoor educator at Eagle Bluff in Lanesboro and as a Student Support Coach at Anthony Middle School in Minneapolis. Lydia has been an essential part of Kinderhaus since starting as Kinderhaus’ Lead Teacher in 2021.

Steve McCargar

Many years ago, Steve was a student in the University of Michigan’s pre-school education program. After leaving the U of M he worked as a teacher’s aide in the Head Start program in Ann Arbor and also worked in the Ann Arbor public schools as an aide in an elementary classroom for children with behavioral challenges. He is now entering his fourteenth year at Kinderhaus and is variously known as “The Cookie Monster” or “Mr. Steve.” Steve has spent his adult life trying to build a safer, nurturing environment for children everywhere. Along the way he directed the Ecology Center of Ann Arbor, was elected Winneshiek County Supervisor, co-managed Oneota Food Coop for 25 years, was president of a public employee’s union and started Home Town Taxi in Decorah (with friends).

channing cade

Channing grew up in Northfield, MN with two teachers for parents. They were an inspiration for her. She has always wanted to become an educator to improve the education system that struggled with her ADHD and dyslexia. In high school Channing worked at a Montessori preschool where she fell in love with the early years of learning and development. Channing graduated from Luther College in 2024 with BA in Elementary Education, a reading intervention endorsement and a minor in Spanish.

Tamie Holzer

Tamie is a teacher in Kinderhaus’s afternoon program. She is in her second year at Kinderhaus. She brings such a calm and loving energy to Kinderhaus and all of the afternoon kids simply adore her.