Meet the Educators Who Make It Happen
Below, you’ll find our incredible team of early childhood education professionals—each one bringing real-world experience, passion, and purpose to every class they lead. Want to see what they’re currently offering? Just click the Courses button to explore our available trainings!
Most of our courses are offered online for your convenience, but in-person options may be available when there’s enough interest—so let us know what works best for you!
Have questions about upcoming classes or want to know when new sessions open?
We’d love to hear from you!
📱 Follow us for the latest course announcements, schedule updates, and behind-the-scenes glimpses at how we’re helping early childhood educators grow every day.
Our
Story
Sherry Picha
Sherry Picha holds 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—bringing both expertise and heart to her work every day. With over 30 years in the field, she is a passionate leader committed to raising the bar for child care standards. A strong voice in political advocacy and provider mentorships across La Crosse County, Sherry actively engages in shaping both policy and practice through her leadership. She leads workshops and conferences, mentors fellow educators, and continually champions quality improvement in early childhood education. The Gro Academy is a direct reflection of her unwavering dedication to growing exceptional educators and creating a brighter future for young learners.
Arielle Brandt
Arielle Brandt brings over 10 years of hands-on experience in early childhood care, backed by a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. With a heart for nurturing young minds and a strong grasp of developmental milestones, Arielle has spent the past decade crafting safe, engaging, and growth-centered environments for children in childcare settings.
Now, as part of The Gro Academy team, Arielle is excited to support the next generation of educators. She leads with warmth, wisdom, and real-world expertise—offering new providers practical guidance, heartfelt encouragement, and the tools they need to grow into confident, capable professionals.
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Our Root System
Behind every thriving educator is a team quietly tending the soil. From technical systems and financial planning to communication, design, and day-to-day operations, our support team keeps The Gro Academy grounded, growing, and always ready to bloom.
Our
Story
Wes Brandt
Tech Wizard, Code Gardener & API Alchemist
Wes is the brilliant mind keeping The Gro Academy’s digital roots strong and thriving. Armed with C#, SQL, JavaScript, and {sudo} powers, he automates, optimizes, and untangles every behind-the-scenes system — from virtual classrooms and website tweaks to smooth databases and contact lists. He’s the go-to guru we count on to squash bugs, streamline workflows, and solve the tricky stuff — so our team can focus on helping educators grow.
His wizardry means our clients never have to think twice about the tech — they just log in, learn, and bloom in a space so seamless they don’t even know Wes already worked his magic. And with The Greenhouse — our future homegrown learning hub — on the horizon, Wes is planting seeds for a digital garden that’s always ready to grow.
