Our Roots & Reason
The Gro Academy was founded on a deep-rooted belief that great early childhood education starts with great educators. With decades of classroom, leadership, and mentorship experience, we’re passionate about shaping the future of child care by empowering those who lead it.
Through purposefully designed, expert-led programs, we help aspiring and experienced early childhood professionals build the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to thrive. Our unique approach is fast-paced yet deeply supportive—combining practical, real-world experience with cutting-edge research and a commitment to quality at every step.
At The Gro Academy, we don’t just train educators—we grow leaders who inspire young minds, raise the bar for our profession, and make a meaningful impact from day one.
How We Took Root
The Gro Academy blossomed from a deep-rooted passion for planting the seeds of exceptional early childhood education. With over 30 years of cultivating knowledge and nurturing educators, Sherry Picha dedicated her career to tending classrooms and growing strong teams as an inspiring leader.
In 2013, she and her daughter, Savanna Tonne, sowed new seeds together by opening Sprout Early Learning Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin — a flourishing example of what’s possible when educators feel supported to do their best work. From these strong roots, The Gro Academy took shape — growing into a place that cultivates confident, caring early childhood professionals.
By empowering educators with the tools and knowledge they need to meet every child’s unique needs, we help bright futures bloom in classrooms and communities everywhere.
Who We Grow
We proudly stand beside both budding and seasoned early childhood educators — the dedicated growers of young minds during life’s most vital years. Whether you’re planting the first seeds of your teaching journey or tending to your practice so it can flourish even more, The Gro Academy is here to help you grow deep roots, strong skills, and blooming confidence every step of the way.
How We Grow Differently
At The Gro Academy, we believe growth should be purposeful, nourishing, and never stagnant. That’s why our approach is uniquely accelerated yet deeply rooted in each educator’s individual journey. We weave together real-world experience, cutting-edge research, and a passion for lifelong learning to cultivate training that’s efficient, effective, and truly empowering.
Our programs are designed to help educators grow forward — fast — without ever sacrificing quality, connection, or care. Because strong educators blossom when they’re supported every step of the way — and that’s exactly what we’re here to provide.
The Roots of Our Mission
The Gro Academy is rooted in the deep belief that a flourishing early childhood experience begins with strong, well-nurtured educators. With decades of classroom, leadership, and mentorship experience, we’re dedicated to cultivating the next generation of early childhood leaders — empowering them to plant seeds of possibility and help young minds blossom.
Through purposefully designed, expert-tended programs, we help both budding and seasoned educators grow the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to thrive. Our unique approach is like a well-tended garden: fast-growing yet deeply supportive, combining real-world wisdom, hands-on experience, and the latest research — all nourished by a commitment to quality at every stage.
At The Gro Academy, we don’t just train educators — we grow resilient, passionate leaders who nurture each child’s potential, raise the standard for our profession, and help every learner bloom from day one.
Our Dream in Bloom
We dream of a world where every child blooms brightly with the support of caring, confident educators — growing strong roots that help families and communities flourish, now and into the future.
Meet Our Gardener-in-Chief
Sherry Picha brings both expertise and heart to her work every single day. With an Associate Degree in Child Care and Development, a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood, and a Master of Arts in Servant Leadership, Sherry’s journey is deeply rooted in nurturing others.
With over 30 years in the field, she’s a passionate leader dedicated to raising the bar for child care standards and growing the next generation of exceptional educators. Sherry is a strong voice for political advocacy and provides mentorships across the state of Wisconsin, shaping policy and practice through her tireless leadership.
Through workshops, conferences, and one-on-one mentorship, she continues to cultivate spaces where educators feel supported to thrive. The Gro Academy is a direct reflection of Sherry’s unwavering commitment to planting seeds of possibility and helping educators—and the children they serve—bloom brighter every day.
