Associated Preschool Staff

Associated Preschool teachers are certified and licensed by the state of Minnesota. Associated Preschool is a non-sectarian and non-profit program serving Steele County for over 40 years. It is licensed annually by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, and is governed by a volunteer board involving parents, teachers, teaching assistants, children, and the director in continued growth and quality education. Associated Preschool is an equal opportunity preschool and does not discriminate in admission or hiring policies.

Mrs. Dotson

DIRECTOR & TEACHER
Hello, my name is Joan Dotson. I am the director and teacher here at Associated Preschool.
I am a born and raised Owatonna girl. I live with my husband and two boys Thor and Axel.
I love spending time with my family & friends, running, working out, spending time outdoors, camping and crafting.
I have worked with children as long as I can remember. I love seeing their smiling faces, making them laugh & learn every day! The joy in their faces makes my heart melt.
Ms. Nicole

TEACHER
Hi! My name is Nicole Matejcek and I am a teacher at Associated Preschool. I live in Owatonna with my husband, Eric, and our kids, Declan and Alaina. I have been working at Associated Preschool since 2017. Prior to that, I did youth ministry for 8 years. I also work for my parents at their business when I’m not at school. In my spare time, I enjoy crafting, working on our family tree and volunteering with my kids’ activities.
I absolutely love working at Associated Preschool, which is where I went to preschool as a child and my children also attended. It is so fun to work with our amazing kiddos and helping them learn new things every day.
Ms. Nana

TEACHER
Hi, my name is Jina Ringhofer, lovingly known by the students as Ms. Nana. I have lived in Owatonna my whole life. My husband Duane and I have 4 children and 12 grandchildren. Our youngest child attended Associated Preschool as did 9 of our grandkids!
I love gardening, nature and animals as well as spending time at the lake with family and friends.
I love working at Associated Preschool, the children really fill my cup every day!