Dena Saunders is the lead teacher in the Spruce Toddler classroom. She has lived in West Lafayette for over six years along with her husband, Mike of 18 years and their two daughters Zylee, 10, and Morgan, 4.  Zylee attended MSGL for two years and this will be Morgan’s second year in the River Birch Classroom.  In 2007, Dena started as an assistant teacher in the toddler room with Lena Atkinson.  She then took a maternity leave from teaching to have her second child.  Dena is returning in the Spruce Toddler room for her fourth year as the lead teacher.  Dena enjoys being outdoors, traveling, gardening, and spending time with her family.  She also loves to have picnics in the park with her girls and swim.

I knew from a young age that I would enjoy working with children.  I love how unique each child is and I enjoy watching them learn and grow in their own way.

In 1994, Dena received a degree in Elementary Education from Iowa State University.  She has held many different positions in education since receiving her degree, some of which include substitute teaching, tutoring, a Director of Education for Sylvan Learning Center in Minnesota, and a first grade teacher for 7 years while living in Maine.  Dena attended Seton Montessori Institute in Chicago and has been AMS certified in Birth to Three since Fall 2012.  This will be Dena’s fifth year with MSGL.