Loryn, Executive Director, Co-Owner
Loryn joined Nestling House in September 2019. She earned a B.A. in History from UWM in 2009. Prior to joining Nestling House, Loryn worked at Marquette University Child Care Center for over a decade, a majority of that time as an infant teacher. She grew up in Bay View with two younger siblings where she resides to this day with her husband Al, and their two dogs, Wyle and Willa. She enjoys board games, video games, and making crafts! Loryn is a big proponent of children learning through play and by watching the adults around them. She very much wants the children in her care to feel safe and loved for who they are as individuals. While she can be serious when she needs to be, she prefers to be silly and relaxed around the kids. She’s always up for a dance party or a PJ day! She feels immensely grateful for the relationships she’s made while at Nestling House and says, “Nothing beats coming to work to see my friends, both children and adults alike! Nestling House is such a special community, and I am proud to be part of it!”
Fun fact: “Music makes me happy—there's a song for every situation and mood! I grew up listening to 90's Country music and Garth Brooks is my favorite artist, but you'll catch me listening to Taylor Swift, Josh Groban, or the Soundtracks from Hamilton, Frozen, and Encanto frequently!”
Janelle, Enrollment & Finance specialist, co-owner
Janelle originally joined Nestling House in September of 2018, and, after leaving at the end of 2019, returned in January of 2023. She earned an M.A. in Early Childhood Education from UC Denver, and a B.A. in philosophy from NYU. She has over five years of experience in formal group-care settings and over a decade including babysitting and nannying. Additionally, she taught English in China for a year to children three years old and older. She is especially interested in and passionate about outdoor play and risky play. Janelle believes that in the care of trusted adults, children feel safe and have the confidence to explore their environment and learn! Janelle grew up in Texas and moved to the Milwaukee area in 2018. She, her husband Calvin, and their dog, Nessie, now live in the Hawthorn Glen neighborhood. She enjoys live music, knitting, camping, cooking, and traveling.
Lindsay, Herman Location Director, Co-owner
Lindsay joined Nestling House in 2021. She has over seven years of experience with children of her own as well as having started an in-home daycare during the pandemic. Lindsay believe strongly in the power of nurturing and responsive care to build strong and positive attachment relationships. She is a big proponent of nature play, free play, and individualized interest exploration, and appreciates the value of including children in caretaking routines to help foster independence and self-confidence. Additionally, she aims to offer a safe place to get creative, messy and be a kid! Lindsay is originally from Waukesha. She moved to Bay View in 2017 where she now lives with her husband, kids, mother-in-law, and dog. Her hobbies include gardening, cooking, puzzles, yoga, hiking, and visiting northern Wisconsin.
Fun fact: “I was a Nestling House parent for four years prior to working at Nestling House, and now I am a proud co-owner.”
Betsy, Howell location director, co-owner
Betsy joined Nestling House in September 2020. She earned a B.A. in International Politics with a focus on Latin America & Asian Studies from UW-Milwaukee where she was also a Rotary Exchange student to Belgium. Betsy grew up in Milwaukee and has been teaching dance lessons to children of all ages since 2007. She and her husband, Matt, are the owners of Mezclando Milwaukee Dance Co. and currently teach Salsa Dancing at Delaware House in Bay View where they reside with their three wonderful children. Betsy is also a fluent Spanish speaker! About Nestling House, she says, “It’s the only place in the world where my singing is enjoyed and encouraged!”
Fun fact: “I can wiggle my nose!”
Jess, lead teacher, co-owner
john, chef
John joined Nestling House in January 2022. He is a retired MPS Chemistry Teacher and veteran College for Kids instructor. John studied Ecology and Evolution at Earlham College, SUNY Stony Brook, and Indiana University. He grew up on the East Side of Milwaukee and now resides in Bay View with his wife. His hobbies include exploring and relaxing in nature. In his own words, “I support children in their work by the bellyful.”
Fun fact: “After taking a summer workshop with Friends Mime Theater I thought I could pay for college using my juggling and balancing skills. Ha!”
Sarah Barton, Co-Founder
Sarah co-founded Nestling House in 2016 with her husband Eric out of the desire to bring a unique child centered care option to the Bay View neighborhood. Sarah has gained extensive experience in early childhood education as a teacher, trainer, and leader. She earned a master's degree in education with a focus on early childhood education and urban school leadership from Temple University. Sarah's lifelong passion for all things related to babies and early brain development has been one of the driving forces behind Nestling House.
Eric Busiek, Co-Founder
Eric co-founded Nestling House along with his wife, Sarah Barton in 2016. He served as the director of the center for it’s first two years. With a master's degree in Education & Human Development from George Washington University, and experience in student-centered learning and special education, Eric brings expertise in child development and a deep belief in the value of child centered, play based learning. In addition to his role as administrator, Eric transports children to Nestling House from neighborhood schools.