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Our History

For nearly 30 years, educator Kate Horst has been creating and modeling early childhood development practices and tools with community leaders, teachers, and parents through the support of partners and philanthropic funders utilizing relationship-based interactions and evidence-based instructional design.

SEEDS began through collaboration with a University of Minnesota study and involvement in the Minnesota Early Literacy Training Project. Over many years SEEDS has moved through Reading Corps PreK, Early Reading First Grants, the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, CARES for Learning, and now FluentSeeds. Each of these entities has built upon our work through deep community partnerships, moving the SEEDS model forward for children and adults.

The model has undergone rigorous independent evaluations that prove its efficacy in preparing children for kindergarten and reading by grade 3.

SEEDS embeds the art and science of sensitive and responsive relationships into every interaction. SEEDS classrooms and homes have stood the test of time because they are defined by balanced interactions that support learners to feel respected and capable.

Quality relationships and trust are vital to move learners from knowledge to mastery. ©SEEDS of Learning programs respect and support adults with fun and meaningful activities embedded in daily routines to ensure kindergarten readiness for the children in their care.

Meet Our Team

Emily Grunt

Program Director

Carla Ann Horst

Seeds Operation Manager

Ana Quintero

Program Associate

Alyssa Moylan

Operations and Finance Lead
Portrait of Executive Director, Kate Horst, smiling, wearing black turtleneck

Kate Horst

Executive Director
Headshot of Kelle Green

Kelle Green

Marketing and Communications Manager

Virginia McManus

Evaluation and Data Manager
Headshot of Nereyda Hurtado

Nereyda Hurtado

Coach and Trainer

Tempestt Gilmore

Program Manager
Headshot of Irene Segura, Program Coach

Irene Segura

Coach and Trainer
Headshot of Kayme Hugley

Kamye Hugley

Training and Development Manager