About Us

Who We Are

Building a Better Community, One Child at a Time.

Wishing Well operates two facilities in DeForest: Wishing Well Preschool and Childcare and Wishing Well 2.0 School Age Program proudly serving infants through school-age children in a warm, creative, family-friendly environment.

  • Accreditation & Recognition

    • Nationally Accredited status by the Association for Early Learning Leaders confirms excellence in curriculum, safety, staff qualifications, and child-centric practices. The only YoungStar participants in the DeForest-Windsor area with a 5-star by the State of Wisconsin’s child care rating system. Has also been voted Best Child Care in the Deforest-Windsor area for ten years running.

  • Holistic Development

    • Emphasizing developmental milestones through play, creative activities, and nurturing care; Wishing Well cultivates social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth in a bright, engaging setting.

  • Parental Engagement & Communication

    • The use Brightwheel to share daily updates - meals, naps, learning moments, and photos - so parents stay connected to their child’s day.

  • Community & Convenience

    • Situated in the heart of DeForest and managed by a caring team, Wishing Well is deeply rooted in community values and trusted by local families. Amenities include a robust child-teacher ratio, secure facilities, and reliable operations.

With a lifelong passion for early childhood education and a deep commitment to nurture young learners, I am the grateful owner of Wishing Well Preschool and Wishing Well 2.0 School Age Program. My career in Early Care and Education began in 1996. After joining Wishing Well in 2003, I became its owner in October 2006, bringing together my years of experience and heartfelt dedication to children and families.
I am a strong believer in the power of relationships and play-based learning as foundations for helping every child thrive. I strive to create environments where every child, family, and educator feels seen, supported, and inspired. My leadership is marked by curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to fostering nurturing and engaging spaces for all.
I am a proud graduate of UW–Madison, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish, and I consider myself a lifelong learner. I have completed professional credentials at both Nicolet College and UW Milwaukee, continually expanding my expertise in early childhood education.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family, and supporting community-centered initiatives that uplift children and caregivers. My heart—and my dedication—remain rooted in Wisconsin, where I raised two adult children.
Each day at Wishing Well, I bring together my love for children, education, and community, leading with heart and ensuring that every child's unique potential is celebrated.

Administrative Team

Sheila Smozynski Owner

Angela Evans Director

My journey into the world of Early Childhood Education began over 18 years ago when I first stepped into Wishing Well Preschool & Childcare. As a stay-at-home mom with previous experience in Property Management, I had no experience with children other than with my own. As I settled into my role as a Toddler Teacher, I quickly discovered that my passion for education was matched by my love for children. Each day brought new challenges and rewards, from guiding toddlers to down the road working with Preschool ages.
As my commitment to fostering a safe and enriching environment it became evident that I was meant to guide and teach children and in 2017 I graduated from University of Wisconsin Milwaukee with a degree in Early Childhood Education. After 13 years of dedicated service, I was honored to be appointed as the Director of Wishing Well. This new role allowed me to expand my impact beyond the classroom and in 2019 we became the first Accredited Childcare Center in the DeForest area.
While my career flourished, my personal life was equally vibrant. I am a proud wife and mother of three children: two college students and a high school student. Ultimately, my story is not just about a career; it is about a lifelong commitment to nurturing the hearts and minds of children. As I continue this journey, I am reminded that every child is a unique gift, and it is our responsibility to help them shine!
Tracie is the director of our school age center and 4K program. She has a passion for guiding the children through their school age years and has over 10 years of experience in the director role, as well as over 20 years of experience in the early education industry. She has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, and holds credentials in administration and inclusion.
Tracie believes that every school age child deserves a safe and supportive environment where they can grow academically, socially, and emotionally, beyond the traditional classroom setting. She is committed to fostering a program that balances structure with choice, promotes creativity and critical thinking, and nurtures strong relationships between children, families, and staff.
Tracie ensures that every child receives personalized care, and that her team is supported, trained, and inspired. Her approach combines routine, creativity, and compassion—encouraging children to grow into confident, curious learners. While not at Wishing Well 2.0, Tracie is busy being a mother to her three children. She enjoys attending sporting events, hiking, kayaking, and skiing.

Tracie Kayartz Director

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