Kessel Kids’ new director Melissa Vobr believes that caring for children is “more an art than a science.”
    “Each individual is unique and there is no one way to care for a child that is necessarily correct,” she said.
    Vobr, born and raised in Cresco, began her new position June 2.
    A mother of two – Joey Marie, 2, and Jaylee Mae, 8 weeks – Vobr said she has always enjoyed being around kids.
    “I really like to see people succeed and see kids grow,” she said.
    After graduating from Crestwood High School in 2000, she received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor business administration from Wartburg College.
    Although Vobr is new to the director’s seat, she’s not new to working with kids.
    After graduating college she worked as assistant director at Kessel Kids for about a year. She has also gained experience working with children while employed at Goodwill Industries and as a teacher’s associate at Crestwood Elementary School. She has also worked at Opportunity Homes, Inc. and Howard Residential Care Facility.
    One reason she decided to return to Kessel Kids is because she missed working with young children.
    Vobr’s first day at her new job was also the first day in a new building for Kessel students and staff. Kessel Kids held their first day of child care at Cresco’s new Early Childhood Development Center June 2.
    “There are so many opportunities with this new building,” she said.
    Vobr said it will benefit Kessel to be located so closely to the school and other organizations, such as Head Start, HAWC offices, Keystone AEA and preschools, that they will share the Early Childhood building with. The building also gives kids more room to play, she said.
    Much of Vobr’s job revolves around the business end of Kessel Kids. However, she’s also looking forward to getting to know the kids who attend day care at the facility, and making sure they are provided with the best care possible.
    “As a parent myself, I want to be assured when I walk out the door and drive away from my child that I know they are in good hands,” Vobr said. “I want parents to feel comfortable leaving their kids here
    Vobr looks forward to working with the Howard-Winneshiek School Board, the Kessel Kids Board and the Kessel staff. She also looks forward to taking a leadership position and actively working with and teaching the Kessel staff.
    “There are endless opportunities for growth,” she said. “I’m looking forward to all the changes we can make. I’m hoping to be that leader and take this place in the right direction.”
    She is excited to have the opportunity to meet parents, children and other community members who may be interested in learning more about Kessel Kids.
    “I welcome new people to come and check out the facility. I’m open to any suggestions people may have,” Vobr said.