Dr. Sara Kleven & Riley Kleven
Owners, Bottineau Children’s Academy
Dr. Sara and Riley Kleven are the owners of Bottineau Children’s
Academy and deeply engaged leaders within the Bottineau community. Dr.
Sara Kleven, originally from rural Nebraska, earned her Doctor of
Dental Surgery degree from Creighton University. She is the owner of
Oak Creek Dental, where she is known for providing patient-centered,
high-quality dental care with a genuine, compassionate approach to
families across the region. Her commitment to community health and
well-being is reflected both in her clinical work and in her
involvement in local service efforts.
Riley Kleven is a local farmer, entrepreneur, and civic leader who
currently serves as President of the Bottineau Chamber of Commerce. He
is the owner of the Botno Theater, helping re-establish it as a
vibrant community gathering place and entertainment venue. Riley also
serves as a Supervisor with the Turtle Mountain Soil Conservation
District, where he works to support responsible land stewardship and
the long-term sustainability of local agriculture.
Together, Sara and Riley founded Bottineau Children’s Academy to
address the region’s need for high-quality early childhood care and
education. Their vision for BCA is built on structured learning
environments, strong family relationships, and meaningful enrichment
opportunities for children. Today, BCA serves numerous local families,
employs a dedicated professional team, and partners with specialists
to ensure children receive well-rounded developmental support.
Beyond their business ventures, the Klevens are active sponsors and
supporters of community programs, family events, youth activities, and
local initiatives throughout Bottineau. Their shared commitment is
rooted in strengthening the community they call home — investing in
children, families, and the continued growth and vitality of
Bottineau.
Kirsten
Director
Hi, I’m Kirsten!
I’m originally from central Minnesota, and my husband, Major, and I have made our home here in Bottineau. Together, we have three boys, Maddox, Xavier, and Brexton and a dog named Dixie. Life keeps us busy with the boys’ sports and spending quality time together as a family. I’m extremely passionate about early childhood education and truly believe in creating a welcoming, caring environment for every child. My goal is to make each child feel valued while helping them learn, grow, and create lasting memories.
I can’t wait to meet you and your family!
Steph
Assistant Director
Hello! I’m Steph. I have two children Morgan and Max. I have a dog, a cat and a gecko. I love concerts, traveling, camping and doing embroidery. I am the only child and absolutely loved when my “out of town” cousins would come visit us! I have been in North Dakota for 13 years now. My favorite color is blue. I love anything with lots of veggies and I have never had cottage cheese or corndogs!
Kalinda
ECSE teacher
Hello! I’m Kalinda. I am originally from Antler, ND but have lived just outside of Bottineau for 10 years with my farming family. I have two children, Phoenix and Cooper. I am the ECSE teacher at Bottineau Elementary. My favorite color is purple. My favorite food is lasagna. I enjoy coffee, helping my husband farm, playing with my kids, and crafting. While I have many childhood memories from the farm I grew up on, two of the most cherished are feeding cows with my dad in the tractor and harvest time with my whole family.
Abby
Preschool Coordinator
My name is Abby, and I am from Minot, North Dakota. I have a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Minot State University and have worked with children since a young age. Currently a special education preschool teacher, I am excited to join the Children's Academy in Bottineau. I enjoy staying active, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Alyssa
Infant room teacher and Float
I’m 28 years old, married to my best friend, Cody, and together we have two wonderful children who keep life full of love and laughter. I hold an associate’s degree in Agriculture and have a strong appreciation for the outdoors and rural living. In my free time, you can usually find me spending quality time with my family, making memories and enjoying the simple things in life.
Jenna
School Age
Hi I’m Jenna. I am from Bottineau. I enjoy going to the gym, going on walks with my sister and being with my friends. I have two cats; Kicker and Mittens. My favorite color is Pink. My favorite food is steak. I have lots of memories as a child, but the one that stands out most was when my family took a trip to Disneyland!
Ashlyn
Preschool
Hi, I am Ashlyn! Born and raised in Bottineau, I love small-town life. I have worked in daycare centers and home daycares, always passionate about caring for children. I enjoy reading, thrifting, music, and coffee. As one of 10 siblings, I am a proud aunt to many. Fun fact—I was in a commercial as a child!
Shelby
Preschool
Hi, I’m Shelby! I am from Bottineau and have two children, Haisley and Mason. I love coffee, being outside, listening to music and hunting. I have three dogs; Oakley, Chester and Ava, one cat Gemma as well as two horses; Princess and Baylee. My favorite foods are Steak and Asian food. I also love the color purple. I remember a big trip we took as a family to the Black Hills, it was so beautiful!
Tayah
Preschool
Hi, I’m Tayah. I am from Bottineau. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have two cats and hope to get another dog in the future. Some of my hobbies are playing volleyball and going on walks. My favorite color is pink!
Echoe
Substitute Teacher
Hi, my name is Echoe. My family and I moved to Bottineau in 2011. I am originally from Colorado. I have 3 boys and one daughter. I love traveling with them and spending time with them when our schedules all work out. I love staying busy and always have something going on.
Katja
Toddlers
Hi, I’m Katja! I am originally from near Kramer, but now live with my family in Westhope. I have one son Theodore. I have two dogs; Cash and Sissy and one cat Pepper. In my spare time I love to attend sporting events! I enjoy football and basketball! GO SIOUX! I also enjoy crocheting, being outside and at the pool. My favorite color is green. My favorite food is Brisket. Growing up I loved being able to go skiing at BWP with my friends and siblings!
Tasha
Toddlers
I’m a Seattle native who, after 15 years in North Dakota, chose to make Bottineau home for my family. During my time in Fargo, I fostered 22 children and adopted one, but being a mom to my son is my greatest joy. Beyond parenting, I run North Dakota’s only nonprofit exotic animal rescue and help with Bottineau’s Trap, Neuter, Release program for feral cats. I enjoy football, camping, gardening, cooking, scrapbooking, and time with loved ones in my free time.
Alexia
Toddlers
Hi there, I’m Alexia! I live in Bottineau, ND. I love doing all sorts of crafts and being outside, spending time with family and friends. I have a dog Daisy, who is a yorkie/poodle mix. I like all sorts of food. My favorite color is purple. My favorite memory from my childhood is pulling a sled with my older sister when I was little.
Penny
Infants
Hi! I’m Penny. I am from Bottineau. I have a son Brandon and a daughter Stephanie, as well as eight grandkids! I love animals, especially my lab doddle dog Willow and cat Ninja. I enjoy doing crafts in my free time. My favorite color is teal. My favorite food is chocolate. I have many fond memories from my childhood, but my favorite times were when we played games outside with the neighbor kids!
Naomi
Infants
Hello! I’m Naomi. I am from Bottineau, ND. I have two dogs, a miniature wiener dog and a springer lab. In my spare time I love to play basketball and golf, as well as spend time with my friends. My favorite food is Popcorn. My favorite color is pink. One of my favorite memories from my childhood is going to the Taylor Swift concert!
Taisyn
Infants
Hi there, I’m Taisyn. I am from Bottineau. I love golfing, rec volleyball, traveling and being at the lake. I have a daughter, Aliana and a dog named Luna. My favorite food is chicken alfredo with broccoli. My favorite color is pink. I have many memories as a child, but my favorite would be visiting the Peace Gardens with my Great- Grandma Mae.
Paulette
Infants
Hello there! I am so glad to be here! My favorite color is blue. My favorite foods are pasta, pizza and chocolate! Family is really important to me! We are a racing family, so you will find me at the track most weekends! My favorite memory of my childhood is starting school!
Kassie
Infants
Hi there, I’m Kassie. I am from Willow City, ND. I have three children, Grace, Charlie and Tucker. I enjoy reading, fitness, traveling, concerts, shopping and watching the KS chiefs play! I have been loving neutrals, but have lately started exploring greens and yellows. My favorite food is enchiladas or chocolate. As a child I have many memories on the farm, but my favorite would be working cattle, butchering chickens and putting up fence!
Chrissy
Infant Room
Hi there, I’m Chrissy! I am from Bottineau. I have one son, Kain. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have one dog, Willow, and one cat, Hazel. I love traveling, my plants, reading, and painting. My favorite food is chocolate and my favorite color is forest green.
Brenda
Kitchen
Hello, my name is Brenda. My husband and I moved to Bottineau in 2011. I have been in the food and grocery business most of my life. I help with animal rescue as well when I can! I love to cook and read.
Mary
Kitchen
Hello there I’m Mary. I am so glad to be here! I am originally from Fargo. I enjoy reading, doing word searches as well as board and card games and taking walks. My favorite food is venison steak. My favorite color is blue. My favorite memory from my childhood was when we took a train to Washington, D.C to visit relatives and got the opportunity to sightsee and walk through Air Force One!
Rhonda
Bus Driver
Hi, I’m Rhonda! I’m originally from Regan, North Dakota. I have two wonderful sons and three amazing grandchildren who keep me busy with all their fun activities. I have a sweet spot for Coke, chocolate, ice cream, and pizza. Violet is my favorite color, and I absolutely love watching Hallmark Christmas movies!
Katie
Chalk Wall Artist
Hi I’m Katie! I live in Bottineau, but I am originally from Wisconsin! I have two children Isabella and Bryce. My hobbies include; baking, pottery, gardening and anything crafty. I have two cats; Garcia and Sootu. My favorite color is green and my favorite food is jelly beans. My favorite childhood memory is fishing with my grandpa and playing with all my cousins.
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We offer a calm, consistent, loving, safe environment for your children!
