Staff
Director
Carrie Haskins
Carrie has been a dedicated member of the Firefly Preschool Team since 2022. Prior to joining Firefly, Carrie has had careers as an elementary school counselor, an infant/early childhood mental health assessor, as well as served as the director of a supplemental education program in Chicago. She holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an undergraduate degree in sociology from Miami University.
Carrie believes that secure, respectful and caring relationships are the heart of successful early childhood programs. When children feel seen, heard, and understood, they are able to approach the world from a lens of joy and wonder. When families see themselves reflected in the school’s spaces, values, books and programming, they are able to feel connected with the teachers and together they become partners. Additionally, Carrie views play as an essential part of growth and development as it provides meaningful opportunities to build children’s social/emotional skills, self-efficacy and resilience.
Teacher
Kristin Casper
Kristin Casper is a dedicated and passionate educator with over a decade of experience in the field of music education. She holds a Bachelor of Music from St. Norbert College and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Kristin also serves as the Vice President of the Michibago Music Teachers Association and is a member of the National Association for Music Education and regularly attends workshops on music education to integrate the latest research into her methods. Kristin also runs an active private studio in the Sheboygan area where she teaches piano, preschool music classes, and group music classes for homeschool students. Kristin loves to blend her love of music, environmental exploration, and play-based learning to provide students with sensory-rich experiences that create an educational foundation for students and their families that will last a lifetime!
Teacher
Brittany Adams
Brittany is a certified childcare teacher and Master Naturalist. She has spent the last 3 years learning alongside children of all ages as an Environmental Educator. She has a passion for nature and play-based learning and recognizes the important role outdoor play and exploration has on the physical, emotional, and social development of children. Brittany is excited to continue to inspire children to explore and learn from nature, no matter the weather, and get a little messy along the way.
Brittany lives in Sheboygan with her husband Garrett, their sons Parker (12) and Milo (7), and their rescue dog Brewer. In her free time, she enjoys curling up with a good book, camping, hiking and enjoying the outdoors in all four seasons.
Teacher
Jocelyn Perez
Jocelyn Perez (left) is a vibrant and enthusiastic certified childcare teacher with a year of experience in early childhood education. She specializes in bilingual education, she takes great pride in crafting innovative resources that empower bilingual learners and celebrate language diversity. Jocelyn lives in Sheboygan with her two children, Jayleen (11) and Elijah(3).
Teacher
Desiree Everett
Desiree Everett (right) is currently a student in the Early Childhood Program at LTC and is a substitute teacher with the Sheboygan Area School District. Her passion for working with children and families began when she was working at a local childcare center and saw the need for caring and dedicated teachers. Desiree lives in Sheboygan with her four children, Maliha (15), Xenia (13), Koa (11), and Bayo (7).
Teacher
Paytan Brady
Paytan is a certified childcare teacher. After years of being a stay at home mom and volunteering in both her children’s classrooms, she decided to become a substitute teacher. Finding great joy and a passion for the role, she made the transition to teacher. She’s excited to explore, create and grow alongside your children, building strong meaningful connections through play, art and hands on learning. Paytan lives in Kohler with her husband William and their two children June (7) and Franklin (4).
Teacher
Manni Haukkala
Manni is an eccentric teacher who loves to bring color, art and creativity to the classroom. She is new to being a teacher, but it has been a lifelong wish of hers to become one. She loves to watch and assist growing minds, and to give children a space that encourages them to create freely and gain confidence in themselves.
Manni lives in Sheboygan with her husband, three children, and an assortment of animals. She most enjoys using her artistic passion to create fun and intriguing spaces to be in and fashion to wear.
Testimonial
Numbers and letters are well covered but Firefly Preschool provides so much more than that: science centers, emotional intelligence, cultures and holidays, and the list goes on and on. I was so pleased with the experience that it was an easy decision to send my second child here as well. Firefly was a wonderful way for my kids to start their school journey.
Mission Statement
We are a child centered preschool that fosters the unique and wonderful light inside each child so that they may shine brightly and share their light with the world. At Firefly Preschool, we welcome and affirm all children and families. We care for the environment, nurture our relationships with others, and grow our brains, bodies, hearts and spirits.
Sarah Goeckermann
