Meet the Team - Nido Campus

"One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child." -Maria Montessori

Jodi Hartfield
Nido School Director / Infant Lead Teacher
Jodi Hartfield

Jodi Hartfield is a dedicated early childhood educator with over a decade of experience in childcare. She currently serves as the infant room teacher at Kinder Haus, where she nurtures and supports the developmental needs of the youngest learners with compassion, structure, and intentional care.

Jodi holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education. She is also certified in Montessori education for ages 0–3, bringing a thoughtful, child-centered approach to her classroom that fosters independence, exploration, and growth from the very beginning.

Her professional philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child deserves a safe, engaging, and loving environment in which to thrive. With her deep understanding of infant development and a commitment to best practices, Jodi creates a space where both children and families feel valued and supported.

Beyond the classroom, Jodi is actively involved in her church and enjoys capturing meaningful moments through photography. She treasures quality time with her husband and their three children, finding joy in the simple, everyday experiences that shape a strong and connected family life.

Tammie Baughman
Infant Teacher
Tammie Baughman

Tammie Baughman has years of experience being around babies. She was a nanny for three families before working with the babies at the Nido School. Mrs Tammie worked at Kinder Haus for three years prior to joining the Nido School. She enjoyed the family friendly atmosphere and home-like environment of Kinder Haus. When she heard that the Nido School was opening she couldn't stay away! "I love seeing the babies reach new milestones!"

Tiffany "Tiffy" Welch
Toddler Lead Teacher, Training and Development Coordinator
Tiffany "Tiffy" Welch

Affectionately known as “Tiffy,” Tiffany Welch began her journey at Kinder Haus Montessori in February 2015 as an assistant in the Toddler Classroom. Her natural connection with the children and dedication to early childhood education quickly stood out, and she was soon offered the Lead Toddler Teacher position, a role she held through October 2023. After spending time supporting other areas of the school, she returned to the Toddler Classroom as Lead Teacher for the 2025 school year.

When asked what she loves most about working with toddlers, Tiffany shared:
“These babies are incredible! There is so much change and growth and learning happening in those first three years, and I am so thankful to be a part of it.”

Tiffany’s passion for teaching began early—she knew as a young child that she wanted to be a teacher and often played “school” with her dolls and stuffed animals. In 1998, during her senior year of high school, she enrolled in a program that allowed her to assist a 1st-grade teacher at a local elementary school. That hands-on experience marked the beginning of her teaching career.

Since then, Tiffany has pursued studies in education at Southeastern Louisiana University (SELU) and gained experience teaching various age groups before finding her true calling at Kinder Haus. She is Montessori-certified in Birth to Three through the North American Montessori Center (NAMC) and also received her MACTE-accredited Birth to Three certification through the Center for Guided Montessori Studies (CGMS).

Outside the classroom, Tiffany enjoys spending time at home gardening, practicing her crocheting skills, and caring for her many plants. She cherishes time with her husband, their blended family of six children, and her extended family.

Kayley Rousse
Infant Teacher
Kayley Rousse
Kayley Rousse is a dedicated childcare professional with two years of experience in nurturing and educating young children. Kayley's enthusiasm creates a positive environment where children feel safe, loved, and excited to explore new things. In addition to her hands-on experience, Kayley is CPR certified, ensuring that she is well prepared to handle any emergencies that may arise in their work. This certification reflects her commitment to the safety and well-being of the children in her care. Outside of her professional life, Kayley likes to spend quality time with her family, eat at restaurants, and shop.
Jacelyn Ballance
Toddler Teacher
Jacelyn Ballance
Jacelyn started at Kinder Haus this past April 2024. She has fallen in love with everything at the Nido school. Prior to working as an Infant teacher, she spent three years behind a chair in a 5-star children’s salon. While doing that, she was also an ABA therapist for children with autism. "My heart for each child is so big! I am excited to experience this time with these tiny humans."
Tania Stanchec
Nido Aftercare Teacher
Tania Stanchec
Ms. T is one of the aftercare teachers at Nido. She comes to Kinder Haus after spending 9 1/2 years in the public school system. She was born and raised in South Louisiana. She has three children and over 20 nieces and nephews and loves babies! She is excited to care for and watch your infant grow throughout this school year! She spends her free time with her husband and children enjoying concerts and sporting events, cooking and traveling.
Marissa Dufrene
Nido Substitute Teacher
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Marissa plans on attending Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond pursuing a degree in nursing and hopes to be a nurse practitioner. Her interests are working out, shopping, and spending time with friends and family.