Welcoming Cassie Wichelhaus as Peekadoodle Director of Education

At the end of the 2026 school year, Stef Stoddard will be stepping away from her role at Peekadoodle to begin a new position as Executive Director at Lone Mountain Children’s Center.

Ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition has been a top priority for both our founder, Ellen Park, and the entire school community. Over the past several months, we have been intentional in planning for the future and identifying the right leader to carry our mission and values forward. We are truly thrilled to share that Cassie Wichelhaus will step into the role of Director beginning June 2026.

Cassie brings deep experience, strong leadership, and a genuine love for this community. She holds a BA in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kansas and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from San Francisco State University. She completed her field study here at Peekadoodle, spending time in every classroom and developing a strong understanding of our intentional curriculum and philosophy. Over the years, she has served in multiple roles within the school and truly embodies the Peekadoodle approach to early childhood education. She is also a parent in our community, with her eldest, Teo, graduating this year and her young son Otto currently in the Fulton Frogs class. Needless to say, Cassie has a unique perspective on what makes Peekadoodle such a special place.

Cassie has worked closely with Ellen (our CEO and Founder) for many years and is deeply committed to honoring Peekadoodle’s vision while continuing to grow and evolve the program in meaningful ways. She values strong partnerships with families and understands that the heart of Peekadoodle lives in the classrooms and in the relationships between children, teachers, and parents.

We are confident that Peekadoodle will continue to provide a warm, enriching, and consistent experience for children and families throughout this transition and well into the future. Our teaching team, curriculum, and school culture remain strong and deeply rooted in the values that have guided Peekadoodle since its founding.

Message from Cassie

I’m honored and excited to be stepping into the role of Director beginning Summer 2026. Peekadoodle is more than a workplace for me, it’s woven into my family’s life. It is a place where my children have grown up and thrived and where I continue to grow professionally. Over the past several years, Stef has served as an incredible mentor—not only professionally, but personally as well. She has been by my side through many transitions as I navigated pregnancy, motherhood, completed my Master’s in Early Childhood Education, and took on various roles at Peekadoodle. I have served in our classrooms as a long-term substitute, as an interim office coordinator, as manager of operations, and as a parent in the community. Each role has taught me more than the last about Peekadoodle, and I feel ready and confident to take on this next challenge. 

I’m deeply thankful to Ellen, Stef, Edie, and the entire teaching team for their trust and support, and I look forward to continuing to learn alongside Stef this final semester. I’m excited to keep serving our wonderful children and families as Peekadoodle grows.

I am also open and happy to answer any questions anyone may have and looking forward to a fabulous spring semester and new school year! 

Message from Ellen Park: Founder and CEO of Peekadoodle

While I’ve known about Stef’s departure for some time and I’m genuinely so excited to see Cassie step into this next chapter of leadership, I won’t lie, change is hard. Even when it’s good. But what makes it easier is knowing how incredibly lucky I am to have such an amazing group of people in the community, families and staff alike. I have the utmost respect for Cassie as a professional and complete trust in her skills and abilities; she is the perfect person to take the reins! I am looking forward to working with her closely and seeing Peekadoodle continue to thrive! 

Message from Renee and Ian Halvorsen: Former PPA Chair and Treasurer, parents to 2023 graduate and current kendi student

It is hard to imagine Peekadoodle without Stef Stoddard so attempting to fill her substantial shoes must have been a highly unenviable task. But how lucky we are, as a Peekadoodle community, to have Cassie Wichelhaus already in the fold and poised to make the transition to Director. Not only does she have the background in rigorous childhood education and the interpersonal skills with students to inspire, motivate and make learning joyful; but also the business sense to be a capable administrator and the ability to be a trusted advocate for our children. It will be hard to say goodbye to Stef, but we are relieved to have Cassie here to continue to spread Peekadoodle magic for years to come.

Message from Edie Rindal: Senior Lead Teacher and Curriculum Specialist

I am so grateful that Peekadoodle has Cassie to step up- it is her time! She is uniquely qualified in so many ways. She has had a true 360 degree view of what makes Peekadoodle the special place it is and I look forward to watching her steer the ship into its next chapter. We already have such a strong, supportive relationship and she also knows I am completely available to help/support/encourage in any and all ways needed. This is an exciting time for our school and I am thrilled to be a part of it. 

Message from Ms Delaney: Lead PreK Teacher

I’m very excited and extremely honored to continue watching Cassie lead Peekadoodle to new heights. It is a privilege to see Peekadoodle flourish through change and progress with purpose. As a part of the amazing teacher community, we will carry on unconditional support for Cassie through this next step and for Peekadoodle’s bright future ahead.