Prairie Flower Children's Center
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Board of Directors

About the Board

As a nonprofit, Prairie Flower is managed by its board of directors. The board works as a team to set policy, hire and evaluate the director, manage the organization's financials and create a strategic vision to guide Prairie Flower into the future.

Board members serve two-year terms (and can continue for up to three consecutive terms). Three board members are elected in one year, and four in the following year, to keep a staggered schedule of when board members join and roll off. When vacancies occur, they are filled as soon as possible.

Join the Board!

**We are currently looking to fill one-two vacancies on the board.**

(But we're always keen to hear from prospective board candidates who are interested in serving on behalf of our mission and nature-based early childhood education in our community.)

​Why join the board?

Serving on the board is a rewarding experience, and an opportunity for personal and professional growth. It's a great way to learn about nonprofit operations, and make a difference in the community. Board members have often been parents of children who attend Prairie Flower programs, so it's an excellent way to connect with other parents and shape the programming that your children enjoy.

However, being a parent is not a requirement. We hope to get diverse perspectives and skill sets on the board -- your unique experiences can help strengthen our decision-making.

What are the responsibilities?
In short: show up, be prepared and contribute to discussions and decision-making.
  • Commit to a minimum of one two-year term on the board.
  • Attend board of director meetings (1st Monday of each month, 6:30-8:30 p.m.), as well as special meetings as needed.
  • Regularly check email and be available for phone consultation if needed.
  • Stay informed about board matters; be prepared for meetings; and review and comment on minutes, reports and email discussions. 
  • Actively engage in fundraising for the organization in whatever way best suits you. 
  • Participate in the board's and committees' annual evaluation, planning efforts and goal-setting. 
  • Actively promote Prairie Flower Children’s Center; encourage and support employees and volunteers; and work in the best interests of the organization. 
  • Maintain confidentiality as defined by the organization policies and laws of Iowa.
    ​
Am I really qualified?
Yes! We always have a mix of veteran board members and new board members, each with different experience and skill sets. You do not need to have prior nonprofit experience to apply. If you are passionate about Prairie Flower's mission and vision, that is the most important thing!

​How do I apply?
To apply for one of the open board positions, fill out the linked application packet, and email it to [email protected].​
Board member application

Board member bios

Lindsey Harris

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Board President​ - [email protected]
  • Board member since: 2024
  • Occupation: Educator, currently teaching part-time with organizations like The Community Academy, Story Theater Company, and as a substitute with ACSD
  • Why I serve: I am passionate about providing opportunities for kids to learn and explore the world authentically and in community; I know that this is how the most memorable, meaningful, and joyful learning takes place. I have also loved working with small mission-driven non-profits and am excited to keep learning and working to ensure that Prairie Flower can continue to offer community, confidence, and focused play opportunities to kids in Ames.
  • Favorite thing about Prairie Flower: I love the organization's dedication to their values and welcoming spirit. (My 5 year old daughter is just getting started in PoemTree and I will be excited to get my 6 month old involved when she's a bit older!)
​
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Tamsyn Jones

Board Secretary - [email protected]
  • Board member since: 2021
  • ​Occupation: Senior Editor & Magazine Coordinator for Practical Farmers of Iowa
  • Why I serve: I'm passionate about holistic, child-led learning and believe deeply in Prairie Flower's commitment to nature-based learning, nurturing the whole child and protecting unhurried childhood. This approach is needed more than ever today. I'm grateful to the visionary founders of Prairie Flower, who recognized the vital role Nature plays in the lives of children (and adults) as a source of wonder, wisdom and beauty. 

    My son has been part of Prairie Flower's programs since he was a toddler, moving through our Little Song, Morning Song preschool and now our PoemTree program for older children. I hope that by serving on the board of directors, I can help to ensure this special place will remain a haven for the minds, bodies and imaginations of all children in our community.
  • Favorite thing about Prairie Flower: The view of Nature as a guide and co-teacher; the gentle rhythms of the day; the celebration of Nature's many gifts; the friendships my son has made; and the community that Prairie Flower fosters.​

Debra Kumar

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Board Treasurer​ - [email protected]
  • Board member since: 2022
  • ​Occupation: Part-time lecturer at Iowa State, for the Human-Computer Interaction graduate program
  • Why I serve: I wanted to use some of my free time to help out in the community, and felt connected to Prairie Flower's mission of encouraging unhurried childhood, play, and connection to the natural world. I've really enjoyed learning about non-profit governance and operations through my board role.
  • Favorite thing about Prairie Flower: the friendships that my children and I have made with others in the Prairie Flower community. We moved to Ames 3 years ago, and now we feel we have found our community!
​
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Kayla Lyftogt

Board Member at Large - [email protected]
  • Board member since: 2025
  • Occupation: Data Literacy Researcher at Iowa State Extension in Community and Economic Development Department
  • Why I serve: I am passionate about making nature-based experiences accessible to all children. I believe in the opportunity for children to learn in rhythm with the seasons and based on what intrigues them, which is the type of learning Prairie Flower supports.
  • Favorite thing about Prairie Flower: I appreciate that my son has the opportunity to learn and explore in an environment that is not rushed and supports his deep curiosities. I am also honored to be a part of an organization that makes nature-based education accessible to full time working families and families that benefit from financial assistance.
Our location:
1517 Northwestern Ave, Ames, IA 50010
​Along CyRide Green #2 route (16th & Northwestern stop)

We're on the second floor inside Bethesda Lutheran Church. Enter via "Faith & Life" entrance.


Questions? Contact us:
(515)-292-4312

​[email protected]
  • Home
  • About
    • Our Educational Philosophy
    • Our History
    • Cooperative Model
    • Statement on Anti-Bias Education
    • Staff
    • Annual Reports & Strategic Plan
    • Board of Directors
    • Employment
  • Preschool
    • Overview
    • Seasonal Festivals
    • Enrollment Process
    • Tuition & Fees
    • Summer Session 2025
  • School-Age
    • Poemtree Afterschool Program
    • School-Age Summer Camp
  • Toddlers
    • Parent-Child Club
  • Resources
    • Preschool Supply List
    • School Calendar
  • Support us
    • Giving
    • Volunteer