Meet our Staff
Mandy Spohn, MA
Mandy Spohn earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a focus on deaf and hard of hearing education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She went on to earn her Master's Degree in Special Education with endorsements in Early Childhood and Deaf and Hard of Hearing education. Mandy taught with Lincoln Public Schools for five years before opening Here We Grow Preschool in the fall of 2012. She lives in Lincoln with her husband and three, young children.
“Being an early childhood educator and joining each student on his or her learning journey has been such a privilege. I opened Here We Grow Preschool with an unwavering commitment to provide a quality option for all learners in our early childhood community, and what an amazing community it has become. I’m beyond honored to have the opportunity to serve our students and families.”
Jennie James, MA
Jennie James graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and an endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education. Immediately after graduating, she went on to earn her Master's Degree in Special Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Jennie started her career in education at Norris, teaching in the preschool program there for 12 years. She moved to Lincoln Public Schools and taught in the Early Childhood program for 19 years before retiring in May, 2025.
“I believe the foundation for learning in early childhood begins with a positive, trusting connection between a child and their teacher. When children feel safe, seen, and supported, they are more willing to explore, take risks, and engage in new learning experiences. My “why” for teaching is the joy and satisfaction I experience from watching a child’s confidence grow when they realize they have accomplished something new–whether it’s zipping a coat, writing their name, or having a successful interaction with a friend. There is such a supportive community of teachers, families and learners at Here We Grow, and I’m so excited to be on the team!”
Rylee Suggett
, BA
Rylee Suggett graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science, along with minors in Education Studies and Psychology. Before joining Here We Grow, she spent several years working in various childcare settings, gaining valuable experience and growing her passion for teaching young learners.
“I have always loved working with children and being part of their growth and everyday discoveries, whether it’s learning a new skill, making a friend, or finding joy and discovery in play. I’m so grateful to be a part of the Here We Grow community and to work with families in helping their children thrive and fostering their love for learning!”
Speech Language Services at Here We Grow
Here We Grow is proud to partner with Beth Brady of Your Corner Speech and Language. This additional service provides families with a quality option for supporting their child’s developing communication skills.
Beth Brady, MS-CCC
-SLP
Beth Brady earned her Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She went on to earn her Master’s degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin cities in Communication Disorders with a specialty in Aural Rehabilitation and hearing loss. Beth started her career on the cochlear implant team of Fairview Medical Center in Minneapolis before moving back to Lincoln and joining the Early Childhood Special Education team at Lincoln Public Schools. It was at LPS that Beth and Mandy first met and worked together! After leaving LPS in 2009, Beth worked a private clinic until 2022 after which she left to open Your Corner Speech and Language Services. She lives in Lincoln with her husband and three teenagers.
“Here We Grow is one of my very favorite places to be. Children are encouraged to develop their independence, communication and play; making them more competent and confident communicators. Mandy, Amber and Jonelle understand that children are happier when they are able to express themselves clearly. They make perfect partners, integrating speech therapy goals into everyday routines. This consistency results in better speech and language and faster progress! I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with the families and teachers at Here We Grow.”