About Us

Founded in 1974

Wauwatosa Day Care and Learning Centers was founded in 1974 by Rosemary Krause and Janey Brandt and has been a cherished part of the Wauwatosa community for over five decades. Driven by our mission to support the emotional, social, physical, and intellectual growth of each child in partnership with their family, our center has long been a safe, nurturing space where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

Wauwatosa Day Care Through the Generations

In 2013, Rosemary and Janey passed the torch to their daughters, Mary Beth Krause and Colleen Heinowski, who continued to uphold the strong tradition of excellence in early childhood education. In June 2023, after years of dedicated service, Mary Beth and Colleen sold the company to long-time employee Danielle Rageth, ensuring the legacy of high-quality care remains intact.

Danielle, who has been a part of the Wauwatosa Day Care family for 20+ years, is committed to carrying forward the values that have made this center a beloved community institution. Under her leadership, Wauwatosa Day Care and Learning Centers continues to provide a nurturing, family-friendly, environment where children are at the heart of everything we do.

As we move forward with the new leadership, we remain deeply rooted in the values that have guided us since day one: compassionate care, strong community partnerships, and a child-centered approach to learning. We are excited to continue to serve the families of the Wauwatosa area and ensure that every child who comes through our doors has the foundation they need for a bright future.

Photo (Left to Right): Mary Beth Krause, Danielle Rageth, Janey Brandt, Colleen Heinowski at Wauwatosa Day Care and Learning Centers 50th Anniversary Party held at Betty Brinn Children’s Museum on October 23, 2024.

Meet Your Leadership Team

Danielle Rageth | Owner

Danielle Rageth has been the owner of Wauwatosa Day Care and Learning Centers since 2023. Danielle obtained the Wisconsin Professional Credential for Child Care Administrators from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 2006, and has an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Waukesha County Technical College.

Starting as a preschool teacher for Wauwatosa Day Care and Learning Centers in 2001, Danielle soon realized her passion was in forging and expanding relationships with the entire family of the children in her classroom. As a Director from 2005-2019 and Program Director from 2019-2023, Danielle has developed programs that has delivered high-quality childcare experiences to thousands of children and their families. It is Danielle’s emphasis on family that makes Wauwatosa Day Care and Learning Centers a highly sought-after childcare option.

Outside of her time at the centers, you will find Danielle spending quality time with her family -husband Dave and daughters, Alison and Lily.

Linsey Sexton | St. Jude

Linsey Sexton is currently one of the directors at our St. Jude location. She started as a teacher in 2014 and then took on the role of Center Director in 2020. Linsey has an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Waukesha County Technical College and has worked in the early childhood field since 2009.

Her passion for providing children with the best possible environment to help them achieve their developmental goals in creative and exciting ways is one of the reasons why Wauwatosa Day Care and Learning Centers continues to be a highly sought after childcare provider and well recognized within the Wauwatosa community.

When not at the center, Linsey loves reading and spending quality time with her husband, Eric and her daughter, Frankie.

Sylvia Martinez | St. Jude

Sylvia Martinez is currently one of the directors at our St. Jude location. She started as a teacher in 2016 and then took on the role of Center Co-Director at the end of 2021. Sylvia attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where she studied Social Work and Early Childhood Education between 2010-2012 and has worked in the early childhood education field since 2011.

Sylvia has a passion for nurturing young minds and supporting families in their early educational journey, while also assisting in creating a positive environment where children strive to achieve their developmental goals in a variety of ways.

When not at the center, Sylvia enjoys spending quality time with her two children, JaiCee and Lennox, relaxing at home, making Target runs with her kids, and traveling!

 

Tamika Rodgers | 121st Street

Tamika Rodgers is the center director of our 121st Street location, bringing 29 years of experience in the early childhood education field. She has worked at Wauwatosa Day Care and Learning Centers since May 2018 starting as an infant teacher at our Glenview location and then transferring to our 121st Street location when we opened our doors in October 2022 and being promoted to center director in 2023.

Tamika is dedicated to creating a space where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to explore their world. Her early childhood certificates have allowed Tamika to build a strong foundation in understanding the unique needs of young learners.

In addition to overseeing daily center operations, Tamika works closely with teachers and staff to ensure a high standard of care and education, while building strong relationships with families. She believes in the importance of collaboration and open communication with parents and strives to provide a place where every child’s individual needs are met with compassion and respect.

When Tamika is not at the center she enjoys spending time with her daughter, Anessia.

Chris Demski | Trinity Woods

Chris Demski has been an Administrative Assistant at Wauwatosa Day Care since August of 2022. She is based out of our Trinity Woods location, and works closely with the owner, Danielle Rageth.

In May of 1987, Chris began her journey at Wauwatosa Day Care as a classroom teacher and worked her way up to being a Center Director. She possesses an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Waukesha County Technical College and holds an Administrator credential.

Chris stepped away from WDC to raise her two children and soon realized she missed the early childhood field; quickly, she found her way back to it. When not at the center, Chris loves to visit her now grown children, gardening, traveling, spending time with her dogs and her husband, Mike.

Jenele Baldwin | Trinity Woods

Jenele Baldwin is the Director at our Trinity Woods location. For over 20 years, her professional experience encompasses working with children of all age groups, in various childcare settings. Jenele chose directing at Wauwatosa Day Care because it offered a beautiful natural environment with dedicated staff and an excellent reputation.

In 2017, she earned an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, and in 2020 she became a Diakonal Minister, a special ministry that specializes in Health and Human services.  Jenele is also currently a level 13 on the Wisconsin Registry and a Tier 3 trainer for early childhood.

Jenele is a mother of two incredible boys, a proud sister to six brothers and one sister, and a wife of eighteen years to Josh, her adoring husband.

Overall, Jenele is proud of the accomplishments that the center and staff have made in the process, which is continual. She is excited to meet and serve all the families at WDC, looks forward to a commitment-to-work as the Director at Wauwatosa Daycare.

Katie Mueller | Trinity Woods

Katie Mueller is the Assistant Director at the Trinity Woods location. She has been working within this role since September of 2023 and is a long-term friend of WDC, as she began her post-college teaching job with the company in 2002, up until 2008, as a preschool teacher, Assistant Director, and Director.

All in all, Katie is thrilled to be back in the early childhood education field, as well as being at WDC, now that her two children are growing older. As a self-proclaimed “kid at heart”, it means the world to her to be able to be a part of your child’s early experience.

During Katie’s time away from the center, she was as a nanny for eight years, as well as a deli manager at Sendik’s for eight years. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family, watching television, traveling, baking, and being a Swiftie!

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