Our Team

Gwen S, Owner

Gwendolyn was born and raised in Duluth, MN, and worked in childcare for more than 4 years. She participated as a volunteer on mission trips to both Vilnius, Lithuania and to Kotzebue, Alaska. She was awarded the President’s Lifetime Achievement and was the recipient of the National Community Service Award through years of volunteer hours. She also won the title of “Miss Minnesota Teen USA” in 2020. Gwendolyn graduated from Lake Superior College with High Honors — attaining her Associates of Arts Degree. She recently started her own home rental business, as well as continues her love of childcare through Heartland Daycare. Some of her hobbies include hiking, mountain biking, and swing and ballroom dancing. She is a huge food lover, and enjoys cooking and baking just as much as eating out and trying new foods. Most of all, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their dog, Milo.

Anna B, Administrator

Anna is deeply invested in the future generations of Duluth, and has made it part of her mission to bring childcare opportunities to the families of this beautiful area. Having four children of her own, education, caregiving, and personal relationships are things she deeply values. Anna obtained her post-secondary education at the College of St. Scholastica where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and minored in Communication.

Anna strives for success — a quality that developed at a young age. She became the youngest cross-country runner in her high school to go to state, and then qualified for the Junior Olympics, successfully running a sub-5-minute mile.

Lynnette H.

Lynnette attended Pine Technical College where she obtained diplomas in both Accounting and Accounting Microcomputer Specialist. She is currently enrolled at Aspen University where she is working on a Bachelors in Healthcare Administration. Before joining Heartland, Lynnette owned a bookkeeping business for 16 years. She has also served as the City Clerk for Rutledge for almost two decades. 

When not at work, you can find Lynnette running her outfitting business that specializes in outdoor recreational activities for disabled, veterans, and youth hunters. She enjoys camping, fishing, hunting, riding motorcycles, traveling, crafting, reading, playing the piano, and spending time with her family.

Lindsey P., Staff LPN

Lindsey moved to Minnesota in 2004 from Oregon. She lived on the Iron Range and started her path in the healthcare field. Prior to Heartland, she worked as a License Practical Nurse and Certified Nursing Assistant. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys the outdoors spending time with family — which includes her husband, 3 children, her nephew, and her dog.

Mary P., Daycare Director

“I started babysitting with my older sister when I was 8, and continued until I left for college. I was licensed as a Respite Provider after that to provide respite to foster children. After graduating from Moorhead State University with a Bachelor of Social Work, with concentrations in Sociology & Psychology, I moved back to Sandstone, and was hired as a Family Collaborative Worker in the Willow River School. Shortly after, I was trained in Child Protection Investigations and continued that role for 18+ years. Since then, I’ve worked in customer service, as a paraprofessional, and as a direct support professional. I have also handled accounts receivable & payable, cost reporting, and billing. However, I missed working with children! Teaching at Heartland Daycare gives me the wonderful opportunity to be part of kids’ growth and learning.”

Destiny L., Teacher

“Throughout my career, I’ve found immense joy in working with children. Their boundless energy and curiosity never fail to inspire me.” Ms. Destiny is extremely creative — which pairs wonderfully with child care. Whether it’s engaging students through arts & crafts or storytelling, she strives to help make learning fun and exciting. “I love to sing and listen to music… I’ve seen firsthand how music can ignite a child’s imagination and foster a love for learning.”

In her free time, she enjoys taking photos as a second shooter for Rebecca Lange Photography. She also loves to draw, sing, and spend time with her family, friends, and animals.

Heather H., Teacher

Ms. Heather attended Rasmussen College where she obtained her Associate’s Degree in early childhood education — specializing in special needs. She has over 20 years of experience working with children in a variety of different environments including center-based care, in-home care, an elementary school setting, and providing mental health services. No matter the setting, one thing remains consistent and that is Heather’s passion for teaching and nurturing children.

“There is nothing better than the face of a child mastering a task that they have been working so hard to achieve!”

Stevie D., Teacher

Stevie was born in Wisconsin. In 2021, she met her fiancé while in college in MN, and later they moved to his hometown — Sandstone! She has a degree in Law Enforcement and is pursuing another in Social Work.

Ms Stevie recently became one of the teachers at Heartland Daycare. “I love coming to work everyday. It’s so fun seeing all of the kids’ personalities grow. I love working with them!”

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her fiance and her one-year-old puppy. “I love summer activities like swimming, tubing, and just being outside. I also love reading and writing when I can get the time to do it. I am also a very big music person and listen to it whenever can.”