Kaleidoscope Learning was founded and developed by a team of dedicated individuals who are passionate about young learners and happy families. We are a new organization, and we are excited to introduce our team to the world. Scroll to meet the fabulous people of Kaleidoscope Learning!
Julia Kallmes
Founder & Early Childhood Education Expert
Julia is motivated by her love of learning and her desire to share that passion with her students and their families. She is currently serving as the executive director and lead guide at Monarch Montessori School, Kaleidoscope Learning's sister organization, a nonprofit micro-Montessori child care center located in the Payne/Phalen Neighborhood of Saint Paul.
Before teaching at Monarch Montessori School, Julia worked as a Children’s House guide in the St. Paul School District for six years. She served as Board Chair at Heartwood Montessori, a nonprofit school in Northeast Minneapolis. She earned a Master’s in Education from Stanford University and completed the AMI Primary Training at the Montessori Center of Minnesota.
Jennie Lynch
Co-Founder & President
Jennie is passionate about cultivating meaningful relationships and connecting families with innovative resources. She left the legal profession to support the creation of Kaleidoscope Learning. She brings to to the organization her experience with sales, customer relations, and communications.
Jennie is a Minnesota native who received her BA from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. She has participated in many courses and professional opportunities regarding US education policy. She is currently a board member of Monarch Montessori School, a nonprofit early childhood education center in Saint Paul's Payne/Phalen Neighborhood. She is currently a digital nomad, traveling the U.S. while working remotely, but spends a significant amount of time in Minnesota to help with Kaleidoscope operations.
Theresa Kallmes
Family Resource Center Coordinator
Theresa is the summer in-person coordinator of the Family Resource Center. She assists families during the day in our Model Home Environment space with Open Play Hours and our Educational Material Library. She brings a creative energy and enthusiasm to Kaleidoscope Learning. Our mural was designed and painted by her!
Theresa is a student at Hamline University studying Management. Theresa has spent many hours in Montessori teaching environments and currently runs the extended day program at Monarch Montessori School. Theresa is a viola/violin instructor well versed in the Suzuki method of teaching music.
Jeffrey Johnson
Board Member
Jeff is passionate about intuitive designs and accessible content. He is currently serving as a founding board member of Kaleidoscope Learning, and he advises the organization on design matters and content creation. He works as a visual strategist for a Twin Cities based medtech startup.
Before working in the startup industry, Jeff was a high school English teacher in the Anoka School District. His passion for education continues today through his collaborations with Kaleidoscope Learning. Jeff received his bachelors degree in English Literature and Secondary Education from St. John's University. He currently resides in Corcoran with his wife, Elizabeth, and their dog, Wilbur.
If you see us at a Family Symposium or around the Family Resource Center, don't be afraid to introduce yourself! We are so excited to create a wonderful, welcoming community on the East Side of St. Paul and beyond.