Lena Rud

Executive Program Director

Simferopol State University, Simferopol, former Soviet Union

I began my career with Kinderberry Hill in 2005 as an infant teacher, a role that taught me so much about what families truly deserve from an early childhood program. In 2018, I became the executive program director at Kinderberry Hill in Woodbury. I am proud to be part of a school that I genuinely believe is one of the very best in the Twin Cities. We make a meaningful impact on children’s lives every single day as they grow, learn, and explore the world around them.

Utilizing the Reggio Emilia curriculum is one of the many reasons I love working at Kinderberry Hill. Its flexible, hands-on, child-led philosophy allows children to guide their own learning through their interests, passions, and observations. As someone who loves both art and nature, the Reggio approach aligns beautifully with my personal philosophy and inspires me daily.

There are countless reasons why my work is so rewarding, but the most important is that I get to help build a community where children thrive. Creating a culture of fun, engagement, and belonging for families and staff brings me immense joy. I am committed to fostering a workplace where everyone is treated with respect and where staff feel valued, appreciated, and empowered to grow both professionally and personally.

At Kinderberry Hill Woodbury, creativity, a love of nature, and a deep passion for children and families are at the heart of everything we do.

Outside of work, I enjoy painting, spending time outdoors, and crocheting.