Kremer replaces retiring director at Leo Augusta
As the director of Leo Augusta Children’s Academy steps down, another is ready to step in to handle the childcare and education center in Blooming Prairie.
Following a lifelong career in child development with the last two years at Leo Augusta, Director Doug Anderson has announced his retirement. He’s planning to move to the Alexandria area as he embarks on retirement.
Meanwhile, the academy’s board of directors has named Jessica Kremer of Blooming Prairie as the new director.
“The Board was so impressed with Jessica’s commitment to education and child development,” said Board Chair Amy Hinzmann. “She wants to support our mission of active teaching and preparing kids for leadership in our communities.”
Kremer isn’t exactly a stranger to Leo Augusta as her 3-year-old son, Thorsten, attends the Academy. “He’s flourished under this model of child development versus traditional supervisory daycare,” said Kremer. “This is what attracted me to the Academy,” she added.
Kremer has served as senior research program coordinator at Mayo Clinic for the past 15 years. She is also a substitute teacher for Blooming Prairie Public Schools and an instructor for Southeastern Minnesota Emergency Medical Services. She volunteers as an EMT with Blooming Prairie Ambulance.
She has an extensive background in family studies, health and education. Kremer has a bachelor’s degree in family studies from St. Olaf College in Northfield with a concentration in biomedical studies. She also has a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Phoenix with emphasis in education.
“Our objective is to nurture children with engagement and activation, it’s critical in preparing kids for the next step in their life journey as they transition into full-time education,” said Kremer. “To be present at the beginning of a child’s life is both a joy and a gift. I’m humbled to have this opportunity.”
Leo’s Hinzmann agrees.
“This is a timely, professional pivot for both Jessica and the Academy. For decades, her compass has pointed to education, family and health. She wants to better our future.”
Kremer added, “I appreciate the challenge and the learning curve that is in front of me. I want the community and parents to know I will lead first as a parent, second as an administrator.”
The Academy, Kremer said, will continue to grow with child-centric care. “The team desires to foster stronger relationships with parents, children and community stakeholders. I will serve as a conduit to support this mission,” she said.
Kremer has also identified a leading-edge endeavor that she would like to undertake—early childhood intervention, which she says will create better child outcomes. Her objective is to draw on grant resources to support this initiative.
“Early intervention is critical to overcoming speech delays, social anxiety and the sheltered feeling many children have post-COVID,” Kremer said. “They are on sensory overload as the world has opened once again. Some are struggling and need support. We will be there.”
Anderson served as the Academy’s first director beginning in 2021. Prior to Leo Augusta, he was principal for more than a decade at NRHEG Elementary School in Ellendale. He served almost 40 years in education.
“I’m proud to sunset my career at Leo Augusta,” said Anderson. “My focus was to shape the Academy as an early childhood preparatory life skills school, not a daycare facility. We’ve achieved this by promising and delivering curriculum for every child at every level,” he said.
Hinzmann added, “Doug’s professionalism and love for children was an extraordinary gift to the academy. He has been instrumental in assisting with development of our vision and mission through these early years.”
Leo Augusta formed as a nonprofit organization in 2018 through the efforts of Craig and Robyn Kruckeberg of Blooming Prairie.