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Administrative Staff
Sara Hillebrand | Owner/Executive Director
Sara graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a B.S. degree in Special Education, with emphasis in Behavioral Disorders. Sara spent the three years following graduation as an elementary school teacher (in St. Louis, MO) and a high school teacher (at East High in Waterloo). Following her time in Waterloo, Sara moved to Edina, MN where she operated the recreation programs for the Edina school district. While there, Sara also assumed the role of Special Needs Consultant for all recreation programs. After two years, Sara and her husband decided to move back to Iowa to start a family of their own. After working for the City of Ames for a brief time, Sara decided that spending time with her children and family was more valuable than a large paycheck. So, in February 2006, LilyPad opened its doors. Everyday Sara thinks back and knows that she made the right choice. To find a job that you truly love is rare, but Sara has found that with the children and families she works with every day.
Jocelyn Immel | Director
I graduated from Iowa State University in May 2011 with a degree in Child, Adult and Family Services. I began working at LilyPad in January 2011 by completing my internship.
My favorite part of working with children is that every day is different. I love the feeling of teaching children things and them having that “light bulb” moment.
In my spare time I love spending time with my family, friends, my husband Kyle and our son Kane. I enjoy dancing, singing, and listening to music. I’m a huge Cyclone fan and can be found at any Iowa State sporting event!
Emily Robinson | Director
My husband, Randy, and I have lived in Huxley since 2007. We have four children, Kaleb, Kolby, Kinley, and Kyler, and a yellow lab named Wrigley. I like to golf, camp, swim, and play games.
My favorite thing about working with children is seeing the world through their eyes by listening and playing with them.
I have a bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Buena Vista University. I ran a registered home daycare for five years and also taught three year old preschool at Lilypad.
Kelly LeMaster | Assistant Director
I graduated from Iowa State University in December 2011 with a degree in Child, Adult and Family Services.
My favorite thing about working with children is their imagination and creativity and watching how much they grow each year.
I grew up in a very small town and now live in Slater with my fiancé and our dog, Bella. In my free time I love relaxing with my family and friends! I also enjoy staying active and playing softball and volleyball when I can.
Ashlee McFarland | Assistant Director-Ames
I started working in a childcare facility when I was in high school and have ever since. It has been ten plus years working with young children. I also have babysat for multiple families throughout the years. I have an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
My favorite thing about working with children is that no matter what kind of mood I am in, the children always know how to put a smile on my face and brighten my day.
My husband and I live in McCallsburg with our 14-year-old son, Nathan, and our dogs, Colby and Felix. I love spending time with my family as much as I can. We love to ride motorcycles, go boating, and camping.
Krystal Martin | Assistant Director
I enjoy being fun and creative with kids and coming up with new ideas. I enjoy spending time with my family and animals. I live in Ames with my husband, Cole, and my son Tony, and my daughter Emmy. In my free time I enjoy bike riding and exploring with my kids.
I love that I never know what to expect with children. Watching them explore and learn new things is so exciting to me!
I graduated from Iowa State University in 2013. I majored in Child, Adult and Family Services with an emphasis in children, I interned at LilyPad before becoming a lead teacher in the Grasshoppers. I loved every minute! |
