Bekah Barrales- Owner/Administrator
I am the Owner/Administrator of Bee Balm. I have been at BBLC since September 2005 and purchased the center from the previous owner in June of 2014. I have a B.A in Art History from UW Madison and two credentials from UW-Milwaukee; a Child Care Administrator's Credential and a Leadership Credential, as well as numerous other courses and experience in Early Childhood Education. My heart has always been in working with children and I feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of their lives by providing a safe and happy place for them to grow and learn.
I have a husband, Manuel, an amazing son, Luka, who attends Bee Balm, twin step-daughters, Daphne and Tasha (Luka, Daphne, and Tasha all have the same birthday!), and two lively puppies, Sizu and Iker. I enjoy playing tennis, reading, gardening, and spending as much time as possible with my family. I love coming to work each day because I can always count on one of the kids to say something to make me smile or laugh!
Kyle Klenko- Director of Operations
I have been working at Bee Balm Learning Center since June 2009. I hold the position of Director of Operations. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and look to utilize my skills to make Bee Balm the best early learning center in Madison. I enjoy working with children because every day offers something different. Not only am I helping them learn, but I'm also learning from them constantly. I have three siblings; an older brother and sister, and a twin brother. In my free time I love spending time with friends and family, staying active, and participating in almost any sport. I'm a huge Badgers, Packers, and Brewers fan and look forward to going to as many games as I possibly can.
Kaelynn Vanderslice - Director of Student & Staff Development
Hello Bee Balm Learning Center family and friends! My name is Kaelynn. I have worked at BBLC since 2015. I have found a second home in my time here and am excited for many more happy years to come.
When I began working here I was the Lead Teacher in the Tiger Lily room. After two years a Lead I have transitioned into the centers Child Enrichment Coordinator. My BS in Social Work (with an emphasis in early childhood development and psychology) has prepared me for this new role.
I am not the only one in my family to have found a happy home here at BBLC. My son, Emry and (step) daughter, Juliet are enrolled here and enjoy coming here each day. This environment has promoted them to be life-long learners as well as nurtured their indivuality. I couldn't ask for a better center to work for nor have my children attend.
Liane Rhodes- Community Relations Coordinator
I began working at Bee Balm in February of 2012. I loved getting to know all of the children in the center but the infants and toddlers absolutely stole my heart. I became the Lead Teacher in the Sweet Peas in August of 2012, and then in August 2015 I took the position of Activities Coordinator. In 2021, I now serve as Community Relations Coordinator. I received my degree from UW-Whitewater. I live here in Madison with my husband, daughter Kelly, son Nolan, and our Boston Terrier named Arnold. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, baking, watching movies, and reading.
Donna Malin - Office Support
I have been at BBLC since February 2013. I have a Bachelors Degree from UW-Stout in Child Development and Family Life. I have been working with children/families for over 25 years! I really enjoy coming to BBLC and working as an Office Support member, as well as float around the Center. My hobbies are card making and hanging out with family and friends.