Jennifer Gardner
Jennifer (Jen) Gardner is a dedicated early childhood education professional based in Castle Dale, Utah, with more than 25 years of experience working with preschool-aged children. Currently serving as an Assistant Teacher at Kiddie Korner Preschool, she is known for her kind, patient, and nurturing approach to supporting young learners. Jennifer’s passion for teaching began at an early age and has grown into a lifelong commitment to helping children learn, grow, and thrive in a positive and encouraging environment.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has gained diverse experience across multiple educational settings, including roles with Head Start of Northeastern Nevada and Davis School District. Her work has included supervising classroom activities, supporting developmental learning, and fostering strong communication with both children and families. She also launched a summer preschool program in her home and has taught children ranging from 18 months to 9 years through her church and community involvement. Jennifer holds a diploma in Early Childhood Education from Stratford Career Institute, graduating with highest honors, and has completed additional training in childcare safety and curriculum development.
Jennifer’s journey reflects resilience, dedication, and a deep love for working with children. She has built meaningful, lasting connections with generations of families, often teaching the children of former students. Known for creating joyful learning experiences, she finds fulfillment in witnessing those “lightbulb moments” when a child grasps a new concept. Looking ahead, Jennifer aspires to open her own preschool, continuing her mission to provide a warm, supportive space where children can flourish and feel valued every day.
• Early Childhood Education Diploma
• Stratford Career Institute
• Stratford Career Institute
• Graduated with highest honors from Stratford Career Institute Early Childhood Education program
• 2009
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• Relief Society Secretary
• Nursery Leader
• Primary Teacher
• Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• County Delegate at Emery County Democratic Convention
• Castle Dale Elementary PTA
• Emery County Library
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the amazing people who have guided and inspired me throughout my journey. Sandra Huntington, my boss at Kiddie Korner Preschool, took me under her wing and taught me all the basics since I didn't go to college for education. She's always encouraged me and taught me the ropes, showing me what to expect in my position and how to be there for the children first and foremost. My grandmother was another huge influence - she taught me what it means to be Christ-like through her quiet example of love and compassion. And my mother, who passed away on Thanksgiving Day 2023, was always my best friend and inspiration. She had a great love for children and made it a point to know all the kids in our church congregation by name. They all knew her as grandma. Her love of God and her encouragement, especially when it came to my job, was a wonderful example to me. Through the loss I've experienced in my life, I've been inspired to be my best self every day and give to the children in my classroom the same nurturing care that my mother and grandmother shared with me growing up. The kids brighten my day, and I know that even on bad days with my depression and anxiety, if I can go to work, the kids are gonna brighten my day.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to trust that what’s meant for me will happen in the right time. I believe God guides our paths, so I focus on putting in the work, staying faithful, and trusting the process. When you combine effort with belief, things have a way of working out as they’re meant to.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If teaching young children is your dream, go for it. Don't give up. Pursue whatever means you need to pursue to make it happen. I believe in God, and I believe He guides our lives, so if you put your trust in Him and you put in the work, then things will work out. If that's what it's meant to be, it'll happen for you. I've had depression and anxiety my whole life, and it's made things hard for me, but I found my place working with these little kids. They brighten my day, and seeing that light bulb go off when they grasp a concept is the most rewarding thing. So don't let obstacles stop you from pursuing what you're passionate about.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My top values and priorities are my beautiful family and my faith. Family means everything to me. I'm one of four children, the oldest, and I have two sisters and one brother. My brother sadly passed away in 2022 from COVID pneumonia, and my mom passed away on Thanksgiving Day 2023. She was my best friend. In our family, we don't believe in stepkids or adopted kids - once you're in the family, you're always part of the family. My brother's stepkids are still our nieces and nephews, and my sister-in-law is still my sister. I live with my dad, and we take care of each other. We love to go out for rides together and take pictures of nature. I live in an area where I'm 15-30 minutes away from mountains and 15-30 minutes away from the desert, and we just love to go out and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. My faith in God guides my life, and I try to follow the example my grandmother set for me of what it means to be Christ-like - to be loving and kind to one another. I've also been teaching children in my church since I was young, working with kids ranging from 18 months to 9 years old. In my work, being there for the children first and foremost is what matters most. I want to give them the same nurturing care that my mother and grandmother gave me.