Our team brings care, professional learning, reflection, and a shared commitment to creating places where children and families feel welcomed, respected, and known.
Training Day at the College
Our adult team
Growing together since 2017
Silly Billies opened in 2017, building on Mandy’s early childhood care and education experience that began in 2004. Each team member brings their own history, strengths, and relationships to our shared work.
Founder, Executive Director & Mental Health Coordinator
Mandy Johnson
More than 20 years in early childhood care and education · Since 2004
Mandy brings together her ECMH-E® and QMHA-R credentials with experience in family and peer support, parent education, home visiting, reflective supervision, early childhood education, and program leadership. Mandy and Patrick are parents to eight children, and Mandy also has one surrogate daughter. She leads with both professional knowledge and lived experience.
Youth Enrichment Lead Teacher & Co-Founder
Patrick Johnson
With Silly Billies since it opened in 2017 · Full-time since November 2025
Patrick holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Wartburg College and brings more than 13 years of experience with Lane County supervising teams that supported adults with disabilities. His strengths in inclusive services, staff leadership, operations, and community support now guide Youth Enrichment, where he creates connection, adventure, and belonging—including daily summer field trips.
Infant & Toddler Lead Teacher
Haley Frogge
Since 2017
Mandy and Haley met in 2017 as they both began surrogacy pregnancies, forming an instant friendship that has continued to grow alongside their families and Silly Billies. Haley has worked across all of our programs and has become Mandy’s trusted right hand in all things. Together, they have continued taking college classes to grow as early childhood educators. A mother of two daughters, Haley is also a devoted animal lover, knows an amazing amount about rocks, and is a genuinely kind soul who would give someone the shirt off her back.
Preschool Lead Teacher
McKenzie Burgher
Since 2019
As Mandy’s first daughter, McKenzie has been part of Silly Billies from the time she could walk and talk. Growing up, her family and siblings lovingly called her “Mini Mom.” She officially joined the team in 2019 and initially planned to become a nurse, but while serving as a summer activity lead, she discovered her natural gift for working with children. McKenzie returned to college to deepen her knowledge of early childhood education and soon became Mandy’s Co-Preschool Teacher. As her confidence and leadership grew, Mandy proudly stepped back and McKenzie stepped up to lead the preschool, creating amazing experiences for children. A mother to one daughter and one dog, McKenzie is strong, creative, and a true blessing to our team.
Co-Teacher & Assistant
Katelynn Litson
Since 2021
Katelynn has served as a Co-Teacher and Assistant and is pictured leading a small-group art project. She recently finished college, continues working part time with Silly Billies, and is enjoying her new internship at Wild Soul Beauty Bar.
Infant & Toddler Teacher
Nancy Love
With Silly Billies since 2024 · More than 40 years in early education
Nancy brings a beautiful full-circle connection to Silly Billies: she was Mandy’s preschool teacher and first introduced her to spin art as a child. In this photo, years later, Nancy told Mandy, “It’s your turn”—a joyful reminder of how learning and relationships continue across generations.
Substitute Teacher & Program Support
Brittany Hackbart
Since 2025
Brittany first got to know Silly Billies while picking up her niece from one of our programs. With experience in adult caregiving, she brings patience, warmth, and a helping spirit wherever she is needed. Brittany supports all of our programs as a substitute and is most often at our Springfield Infant & Toddler site.
Team Silly Billies
Growing, learning, and celebrating together
Our relationships with one another help us create warm, connected places where children, families, and educators can grow together.
Growing young leaders
Warmth, energy, and connection
Our high-school staff build relationships, practice leadership, and help children learn through shared experiences across our programs.
Youth Helper
June
Since 2024
June brings warmth, energy, and connection to the program. Reading with the little ones is one way she builds relationships, practices leadership, and helps children experience the joy of books together.
Youth Helper · Paving the Way
Emma
Since 2024
Emma first belonged to Silly Billies as a child in our program. Before the Youth Helper role had even been established, she helped pave the way for it through her dedication, determination, and willingness to speak up, ask for opportunities, and pursue work that brings her joy. Today, Emma sets a strong example while building relationships and encouraging learning, teamwork, and connection.
Youth Helper · Animal Education
Caroline
Since 2026
Caroline has a special love for animals. She plans and shares thoughtful, age-appropriate animal education moments across all three Silly Billies programs, helping children learn about animals through gentle, hands-on experiences rooted in curiosity, kindness, and respect.
Learning together
Reflection and professional growth strengthen our care.
Our team invests in relationship-based professional learning, coaching, and reflection so we can keep growing alongside the children and families we serve.
“Together, we have created programs where children feel loved, families feel seen, and relationships remain at the heart of the work.”
