About Us

Sue Towner had been the Director of Crow River Preschool for 15 years in 1989 when she was approached by the principal of Rogers Elementary Mr. Burland.  He expressed the growing need for childcare in the area.  With Sue’s experience and expertise, he knew she would be perfect.

​

Sue and Jim’s Vision:

Within months, Appletime at School in Rogers Elementary was opening their doors to the first of many families to come.  Not long after, they built a center in Rogers, which included infant, toddler, and preschool aged children.  With daughter Katie on board as Director, Appletime grew to expand in 1992 with a center in Elk River and then again in 1994, when Appletime at School in Otsego Elementary was established.

​

Since the first day, Jim, Sue, and all of the dedicated staff at Appletime have prided themselves on the warm, personal atmosphere of a center rooted in family.

​

When Jim and Sue decided to retire, they entrusted their center to their center directors.  LeAnn joined Appletime in March 1993 and Melanie joined Appletime in December 1993.  They understood Jim and Sue’s dream and continued to run the center with what was best for the children in their care.