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Our Team

About Us

Our team consists of passionate professionals who prioritize the well-being, safety, and development of each child. From experienced caregivers to skilled educators, we work collaboratively to create a space that fosters curiosity, creativity, and social-emotional growth. Through continuous training, a genuine love for children, and a commitment to excellence, we strive to ensure that every child receives the highest quality of care in a warm and engaging setting. Your child’s happiness, safety, and overall development are at the core of our mission, and we take pride in being a trusted partner in your child’s journey of growth and discovery.

We advocate for supporting job training services, anything to do with children and helping them grow and learn, and supporting the military.  

Meet Mrs. Kim:
Staff Manager
Meet Mrs. CJ: Learning & Development Leader
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Meet Mrs. Samantha: Learning & Development Leader
Meet Ms Lily: Play and Care Coordinator
Meet Ms. Jackie: Play and Care Coordinator
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Meet Ms. Brooklyn (Ms. B): Lead Assistant
Grace Ragains: Teacher
Meet Ms. Grace: Assistant Caregiver
Meet Ms. Alegra: Assistant Caregiver
This Could Be You!

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Meet Mrs. Kim: Staff Manager

Kimberly is the dedicated Manager of our facility, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for childcare to our team. Growing up in Sturgis and a graduate of Sturgis Brown High School, she embarked on a year-long journey with AmeriCorps NCCC before discovering her love for working with children.

As a mother of two amazing teenage daughters, Kimberly recognized her calling in childcare and pursued it to spend more time with her girls. After earning a well-deserved scholarship through AmeriCorps, she furthered her education, earning an associate’s degree in Medical Assisting from Western Dakota Tech.

Kimberly’s career path then led her into the world of dentistry, where she honed her skills as a dental assistant. It was during this time that she met her future husband and welcomed their youngest daughter into the world. Her desire to cherish these precious moments with her child inspired her to return to her true calling—caring for children.

For Kimberly, nurturing young minds has never felt like work; it’s a natural extension of who she is. She’s devoted to continuously learning, always seeking new ways to educate and nurture the children under her care. Working with children offers the refreshing experience
of their unfiltered honesty and unconditional love. Additionally, the sheer delight and pride they express when mastering new skills is a remarkable source of inspiration and joy for those who have the privilege of working with them. It’s these pure and genuine moments that make a career with children all worth it to her.

Currently residing in Rapid City, Kimberly enjoys spending quality time with friends and family. She’s an outdoor enthusiast, with a love for camping, hiking, and swimming when the weather cooperates.

When winter arrives, you’ll find her cooking, baking, and tackling mystery puzzles. Her infectious spirit often finds her singing and dancing alongside the children in her classrooms, creating a vibrant and joyful learning environment for all.

Meet Mrs. CJ: Learning & Development Leader

Mrs. C.J. is a high-energy, excited, and silly para-accountant turned daycare provider! Using her deep love and passion of children’s ministry, she joined the Imagination Station Daycare and Preschool team. She is not only a daycare provider; she is a mommy to 2 beautiful students that attend Imagination Station and wife to an RCS concrete mason. On her weekends she loves working on her husband’s family’s 106-year-old sheep and cattle ranch in Union Center, SD. She enjoys playing piano, canning, sewing, has a great appreciation for Western Art, and has taken up hobby photography. With a background working as a Sunday School Teacher and Nursery Attendant, Mrs. C.J. looks forward to helping students accomplish great and amazing things. She believes in constant uplifting and positivity of students and staff. A quick “mom joke”, silly dance, and a reheated cup of coffee are always at the ready! Being a Rapid City Central High School Alumni of 2010, she looks forward to acquiring her CDA to help children be prepared to take on the world! Well, maybe kindergarten first…

Meet Mrs. Samantha: Learning & Development Leader

Samantha is a passionate early childhood educator with 5 years of experience in the field. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 2019. While someone once tried to talk her into a different career path in high school, Samantha found her love for working with preschoolers was too strong to ignore, and she knew early education was where she was meant to be! What Samantha loves most about her job is the amazing imagination and curiosity that preschoolers bring to the classroom. She’s constantly inspired by their eagerness to learn and explore new things. Outside of the classroom, Samantha enjoys spending time with her family (including her son, Theo), reading, and hiking in the summer. Originally from Colorado, she recently relocated to our beautiful state and is excited to get to know all of the wonderful families here.

Meet Ms. Lily: Play and Care Coordinator

Lily, a dedicated 20-year-old and new mother to a beautiful baby girl, brings a wealth of diverse experiences to her role at Imagination Station Daycare. Having lived in Hawaii, Germany, and England due to her father’s 20-year tenure in the Air Force, she and her family settled in the Black Hills in 2016. During her middle and high school years, Lily volunteered extensively in special needs classrooms, an experience that ignited her passion for education. This formative exposure solidified her aspiration to become an educator, with a focus on preparing students for success in both academic and emotional aspects as they transition to kindergarten. Lily is enthusiastic and well-prepared to contribute to the growth and development of her daughter and all the children who come through the doors of Imagination Station Daycare.

Meet Ms. Jackie: Play and Care Coordinator

Hello, I’m Ms. Jackie. In my free time, I enjoy spending moments with my son, Merrick, capturing special memories through photography, and building with Legos. Family time is also very important to me, and I cherish the moments we share together. I have had the pleasure of working in various childcare settings, where I’ve found great joy in watching children develop their unique personalities and grow into themselves. I am excited to bring my passion for nurturing and supporting young minds to Imagination Station Daycare.

Meet Ms. Grace: Assistant Caregiver

Hi, I’m Grace Ragains. I’m 15 years old (as of 2023). I come from a fairly large family. I’ve got my mom and dad, as well as my 3 older sisters and one older brother, and of course, I can’t forget my 2 dogs and 1 cat. I love working with kids! I have been babysitting my nieces and nephews since I was 11! I have currently lived in the Rapid City area for seven years. Some of my passions are writing, reading, working with horses, and, of course, working with kids. I would like to go to college to get a teaching degree and hopefully work with middle school students.

Meet Ms. Alegra: Assistant Caregiver

Hello, I’m Alegra. I have always had a deep passion for working with children, which began with babysitting and assisting at a daycare during the summer. I find joy in the fun and creativity that kids bring into every day. I’ve spent my entire life in Rapid City with my family, and I love being a part of this community. My hobbies include drawing, cooking, playing video games, and hiking. As a Provider’s Assistant at Imagination Station Daycare, I’m excited to contribute to the nurturing environment here. Be sure to check out my creative artwork displayed on the daycare’s picnic tables—I hope you enjoy it!

Meet Mrs. Larissa: Lead Teacher

Larissa Shaff is a dedicated childcare professional with a rich 16-year tenure in daycare settings. Having traveled the United States due to her father’s military service, she brings a diverse perspective and adaptability to her work. Possessing a CDA for 13 years, Larissa finds immense joy in witnessing children reach developmental milestones and cherishes the learning experiences derived from nurturing their growth. Beyond her professional life, she is a devoted wife and mother to three girls, extending her nurturing nature to her furry friend, Cedar. Her passions include culinary arts, particularly cooking and baking, relishing moments with loved ones, and she calls the beautiful Black Hawk area home.

Meet Ms. Khara: Teacher Assistant

Khara was born on the 8th of January in 2009 which makes her 14 almost 15. She has had multiple babysitting jobs and was a nanny for a summer. She is excited to begin her work as a teacher’s assistant with Imagination Station.  Khara has aspirations to be a teacher but not sure exactly what age group. She has lived in Rapid City her whole life with her mom and two sisters. Some hobbies she enjoys to do are dancing, singing, drawing, reading, writing, and playing video games. She is a freshman in high school, 9th grade.

Meet Ms. Shelly: Lead Teacher (Comets)

What makes you want to work with kids?

Children are creative, active, and have huge imaginations. I love being able to help them learn and grow. Being able to know that I make a difference in a child’s life is what it is all about.

How long have you worked with kids?

I started babysitting when I was around 10-11 years old.

Do you have any goals for the children in your care?

My goal is to help them learn, and love life. I want them to know they can learn so much that the world has to offer and brighten their lives with knowledge.

How long have you lived in the area?

I moved to Piedmont, SD in March of 2023. Before that I spent most of my life in Sturgis, SD.

What are your personal passions?

I love to keep my mind moving, whether it is filling it with more knowledge, or just simply writing.

What are your career passions?

When I choose to go to school it was originally for High School Education. After a few months I choose to follow my passion and go to culinary school. While attending school I decided to do care packages for children in children’s Hospitals. I want to one day be able to open a non-profit where I help children in need.

What is your family like?

I am a mom to a wonderful bonus kiddo. I have been married for 2 years.

“You’ll never be bored when you try something new. There’s really no limit to what you can do” -Dr. Seuss

Meet Ms. Kaitlyn: Teacher

Kaitlyn, a 20-year-old with nearly 4 years of childcare experience, is on a mission to follow in her mother’s footsteps. Growing up in a home where her mom provided childcare laid the foundation for her passion. Though adept with all age groups, Kaitlyn’s heart belongs to 1-2 year olds. Engaged but together for almost 5 years she and her fiancé are in the midst of planning their dream wedding. Their family includes two dogs, Blaze and Aurora, along with a cat named Cali. Recently becoming homeowners in Summerset, Kaitlyn and her fiancé are excited about remodeling their first house together. Her roots trace back to Black Hawk, where she attended Black Hawk Elementary and West Middle School. Despite her busy schedule, Kaitlyn cherishes spending quality time with close family and friends, creating lasting memories.

Meet Ms. Tessa: Lead Teacher (Moon Walkers)

Hello my name is Tessa. I am a mother of 2 I have a 5yr old daughter who just started kindergarten and a 2yr old son. I also have a fiance, dog and kitten. I have been working with children for about 6 yrs now and also worked at the hospital for a little bit. I am glad to be back and working with amazing children again.

Meet Chloe Maddox: Provider

Hi, my name is Chloe Maddox and I am 18 years old as of 2023. I just recently moved to Rapid City from Sundance Wyoming. I live with my boyfriend and we have 2 rabbits named Thunder and Cloud. After graduation i am going to go on and get my cosmetology license. I love working with kids as in Sundance I used to work at the daycare there. My parents would tell everyone that I worked very well with kids. 

Meet Jamie Scott: Provider

My name is Jamie I have a great personality, very friendly, love children , and I am a mom of a 14 year old boy.

Meet Ms. Emilee: Lead Teacher (Little Dippers)

Hi my name is Emilee, I’m 18 years old. I love working with kids. They always know how to brighten your day with their stories. I want to help them grow and make the future generations great.

Meet Mx. Mikayla: Teacher Assistant

What makes you want to work with kids?

I want to be their safe place. I want the children in my care to know that they can come to me for comfort and support at any moment. Creating a healthy, positive bond with children is the best part of the job.

How long have you worked with kids?

10 years! I started in an infant room and was the lead teacher with them for 4 years! I was with Starting Strong with the preschool program for a few years also! I knew after 2 years I wanted to continue childcare and obtained my Infant and Toddler CDA in 2019.

Do you have any goals for the children in your care?

The goals for the children in my care are to help them grow at their own developmental pace. Each child will hit each stage at different times, and I love catering to their individual needs!

How long have you lived in the area?

15 years! I have family here and I love the Black Hills.

What are your personal passions?

I enjoy watching shows and reading, but hanging out with my 3-year-old son, Ethan, takes the cake!

What are your career passions?

Working with kids is my favorite therefore, I want to continue this path by also obtaining my Preschool CDA.

What are your career passions?

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

Dr. Seuss

Meet Ms. Michelle – Substitute Teacher

Hi!  I am Michelle Clarke, I recently moved to the area from Michigan.  I have three daughters and eight grandchildren.  Back in Michigan I owned a cleaning business for 30 years.  I absolutely love the beauty of the mountains and all the natural sights here in the Black Hills/ Rapid City area.  I enjoy doing crafts (especially painting), music, hiking, camping, fishing, etc.  I am excited to be a part of the Imagination Station team as a substitute.

What are your career passions?

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

Dr. Seuss

Meet Jessica Stehman – Director

Jessica was the prior owner of Imagination Station for 16 years. She put her heart and soul into ensuring that the children were well loved and have a safe place to come every day. She has four kids of her own, two girls and two boys. Since her kids are growing older she decided to sell the business and see what the next adventure would be. In the interim Jessica has decided to stay on as our Director overseeing the facility and the programs. This transition will allow both Imagination Station and the new owners to continue Jessica’s legacy she has worked so hard to establish. We are truly blessed to have her continued guidance in this process.

What are your career passions?

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

Dr. Seuss

Meet Arya Peterson– Secondary Teacher

What makes you want to work with kids?

I want to work with kids because I have hopes to be a future art teacher.

How long have you worked with kids?

I have babysat my siblings since the age of 9, and babysat other kids since the age of 12.

Do you have any goals for the children in your care?

The goals for the kids in my care is to help them grow to be compassionate and understanding people. Encouraging kids to be creative and imaginative.

How long have you lived in the area?

I have lived in South Dakota my whole life. I attend Sturgis Brown High School as a sophomore.

What is your family like?

I have 4 siblings.

What are your personal passions?

I enjoy reading/writing as well as cooking/baking.

What are your career passions?

I currently work at Run Wild as well and am CPR certified. My plans after high school are to attend college, majoring in business and culinary arts. After college I want to own my own bakery.

Seize the time... Live now! Make now always the most precious time. Now will never come again.

Jean-Luc Picard

Meet Madison Suhr – Infant/Tot Teacher

What makes you want to work with kids?

What makes me want to work with kids is that I’ll be able to experience and watch them grow and learn into their own person and also being able to grow with them as their learning new things every day!!

How long have you worked with kids?

I’ve been watching kids ever sense i was able to babysit my nieces and nephews, but actually working with kids it’s been 2 years!

Do you have any goals for the children in your care?

Yes!! My goal is to be able to help children express their emotions the right way and to be able to help them develop social skills and help prepare them for the future!

How long have you lived in the area?

I’ve lived in South Dakota my whole life!!

What is your family like?

I have a single mom and 3 younger siblings.

What are your personal passions?

I love to cook, i also love plants and helping others!!

What are your career passions?

I’ve always wanted to be a Labor and delivery nurse, but I’ve started to lean more towards being a councilor!!

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

Dr. Seuss

Meet Ms. Gen – Substitute Teacher

What makes you want to work with kids?

I want to work with kids because I have hopes to be a future art teacher.

How long have you worked with kids?

I’ve worked with kids since I was 15 babysitting.

Do you have any goals for the children in your care?

The goals for the kids in my care is to help them grow to be compassionate and understanding people. Encouraging kids to be creative and imaginative.

How long have you lived in the area?

I’ve lived in rapid city SD for 4 years now after moving here from Ny.

What is your family like?

I have a single mom and 3 younger siblings.

What are your personal passions?

Spending time outdoors with my family. I love to draw and paint.

What are your career passions?

My dream job is to be an elementary school art teacher.

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

Dr. Seuss

Meet Kinley Hess – Preschool Teacher

What makes you want to work with kids?

There are so many advantages to working with children! It is an amazing opportunity to watch and help shape children into confident and aspiring young adults.

How long have you worked with kids?

Between babysitting and childcare, about 5 years.

Do you have any goals for the children in your care?

My goal is to make everyday a happy and healthy learning environment for each child. I like to help make sure they are meeting their age appropriate milestones.

How long have you lived in the area?

I moved to Rapid City, SD in 2008 from West Virginia.

What are your personal passions?

I keep very busy with three jobs! However, in my free time I like to catch up on my favorite shows like Grey’s Anatomy or Gilmore Girls. And without a doubt, you can always find coffee near me!

What are your career passions?

When I started college, I had every intention to become a police officer. By the time I graduated my plans changed. My goal now is to go back to college to become a mortician.

“Don’t be afraid to start over again, this time you’re not starting from scratch, you are starting from experience.”

Meet Zoe Rodriguez – Secondary Teacher

I have lived in the Summerset area since 2014 and am currently enrolled in Sturgis Brown High School. I have a passion for being outdoors fishing, hiking, and camping. I also really enjoy playing the piano. My plans for college is to study forensic pathology but I am also really interested in child forensic interviewing. My family fostered for a handful of years which opened my eyes to this need within our community.  

Meet Crystal Pederson – Preschool Teacher

I’m Crystal Pederson and I have been a teacher at Imagination Station since January of 2010. My favorite age to work with is preschool but I like to spend time with the younger kids sometimes too. I want to help all the children I care for to grow and expand their minds, to learn about the world around them, and, above all, to become the caring adults they are meant to be.

I was born and raised in Rapid City and have lived in the Black Hills my whole life. I’m glad to be able to raise my kids here with my husband, Sam. We have two sons, Sawyer, who was born the summer of 2011 and Parker, who was born in the winter of 2016. We completed our family with our daughter, Madelyn, in the spring of 2020.

I am working towards an undergraduate degree in Sociology with a specialization in culture and society and I am minoring in Library Media. After completing my degree, I plan to pursue a masters degree in Library Science. I hope to spread my love of literature with children and help people improve their lives.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading and creating new things. For the last several years, I have painted and hidden rocks to help spread kindness throughout our community. Last year, I got a Cricut Smart Cutting Machine and I have been exploring making signs and shirts since then.

“It’s been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.” – Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables (Anne of Green Gables, #1)

Meet Nakia Thurman – Secondary Teacher

Nakia is passionate about building long term relationships with children in her care as well as creating a genuinely comfortable atmosphere for both the children and their families.

On a day away from the daycare, you can find Nakia working hard on her academics or cruising through the Black Hills, cliff jumping, hiking, and paddle boarding.
Getting to know the children, the family’s and their stories are the highlights of her career. When Nakia finishes high school, she plans to pursue a career in the medical field and get her Doctor in Nursing and becoming an OBGYN. Nakia is one of four children and has lived in the Black Hills for a little over 9 years.

Meet Morgan Metzger – Secondary Teacher

Hello! My name is Morgan Metzger, working with kids and creating special and unique bonds with each kid is very awarding. The beginning of my junior year of High School I was volunteering at Girls Inc. it helped me realize that I love working with kids to not only to watch them but to be a good role model for them. I’ve always done some babysitting jobs since middle school, working at the daycare made showed me how much I just love children, saying that I have been here a month (June 2022) it’s been an amazing time being able to grow relationships with the kids and staff. My goal for the children in my care is to make them feel as safe and comfortable in and around the daycare. 10 years is how long I have been living here in the area and it never seems to get boring. I have a mom, dad, and a younger sister including my three dogs and 14 fish to call my family.

My hobbies include playing the clarinet and doing any group activity with it. Along with hiking, fishing and camping. I also love to read and write, and learn about how to make my fish tank the coolest of them all. When I graduate High School my goal is to get a master’s in elementary education, and maybe even reach for the stars and get my Ph. D in astronomy to be a professor.

“Earth is a small town with many neighborhoods in a very big universe.” – Ron Garan

Meet Sammi Moen – Provider

Hi! I’m Sammi Moen and my current position at Imagination Station is Lead Teacher. I have been here since May of 2013, but I have been working in childcare since January 2011. I love working with all ages, but you’ll primarily see me with preschoolers! I am also a full-time student at BHSU pursuing an Elementary Education degree with a Minor in Reading. I expect to graduate in the spring of 2024. Working with kids has been a blessing and I knew that I wanted to make a career of it. My other blessing is my son, Maxwell. He was born in October 2020 and has kept me and his father Tim, my boyfriend of 11 years, on our toes ever since. When I have some spare time, I enjoy watching movies and playing trivia!

My educational philosophy statement focuses on the social and emotional development of a child. I believe social skills and emotional stability (or emotional safety) are the most important things for anyone to have, not just children, but usually it is necessary for these pillars to be obtained early in life for success later in life. My goal is to create a safe, playful environment where all children are loved and taught the necessary independent skills to be happy and to create healthy relationships with their peers. I will help them be the best person they can by showing them how to be a confident, honest, respectful, loving, understanding person as well as all the other wonderful attributes that will make them succeed, such as being tough but empathetic, determined, motivated, and to be proud of themselves.

“No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship.” ~ James Comer

Meet the Robinson Family: Owner

Bracken grew up in Kadoka, graduating from Kadoka High School. He joined the South Dakota National Guard in 2000 and is still serving today as the rank of Major. He became a Signal officer in 2006 and is serving in a full-time capacity as a Logistician officer. Bracken has deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Bracken graduated from Black Hills State University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.

Kim grew up in Rapid City, graduating from Central High School. She joined the SD Army National Guard in 2002 and is proud to still serve, currently as the Health Services HR Officer for the Medical Readiness Detachment in the rank of Major. Kim completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of South Dakota in 2006, and her master’s at Colorado Technical University in 2010. She is now a partner at R&R Accounting and Tax.

The Robinsons live in Summerset, SD with their four children, Arya & Kylie (daughters) and Aiden & Quinn (sons). Their family enjoys being outdoors hiking and fishing, baking and crafts. All four of the Robinson children have attended Imagination Station with a consecutive 10 years in the facility.

Meet the Rodriguez Family: Owner/Director

Paul grew up in the Black Hills area, graduating High School from Sturgis Brown. Upon graduating High School, Paul immediately shipped off to Army Basic Training to join the South Dakota Army National Guard. Paul is currently active in the SDARNG on Camp Rapid, at the rank of Captain. Paul has one combat deployment to Iraq in support Operation Inherent Resolve. Paul attended college at Black Hills State University, graduating in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Professional Accountancy. Since then, he has obtained his CPA license and is now a partner at R&R Accounting and Tax.

Leslie grew up in Wyoming, graduating from Sundance High School. She received her bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics from Black Hills State University in 2011. She is currently pursuing her MBA in Applied Management through Black Hills State University. She has worked in the banking industry for 11 years with her current employment is with Dacotah Bank as a business banker.

Paul and Leslie along with their two children, Zoe and Easton, reside in Summerset, SD. The family loves outdoor activities including swimming, fishing, boating, and camping. They also enjoy all sports and music. Their youngest is currently enrolled in Imagination Station and has been for 6 years.