Reference Letter

Lexi Olinger
3/19/2018
To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this reference at the request of Lexi Olinger. I am a Lead Teacher at Peace Lutheran
Church and Early Childhood Center. I have known Lexi for about three years as she has been a part-
time assistant teacher at Peace Lutheran, at times I supervised her actions in my classroom and
mentored her development of working with children (this began on a more full-time basis in January of
2018). Based on her involvement in my classroom and willingness to step up in leadership situations, I
rate her performance in the field as excellent.
Lexi has many strengths to offer any employer or opportunity. Lexi took multiple courses at South
Dakota State University where she furthered her understanding of working in this setting and learned
hands-on. With her major of study being Early Childhood Education, she has a wide variety of
knowledge in immediate work with children and educating them. She is willing to step in to oversee
activities, especially when she knows it is necessary and effective to the work place. She is an excellent
leader and team player!
In my case of working with children, Lexi has learned to fly by the seat of her pants as kids are
unpredictable. She has taken ideas and thrived in making them happen. Even when situations seemed
difficult, she helped the children learn and cope with their feelings by problem solving. Lexi also took on
responsibility of leading a part-time classroom multiple times when the children needed a break from
the space we were in. In this setting, she could teach them more about colors, animals, shapes, or
other such topics. Lexi has also always asked for extra tasks throughout the day or ways she could
assist my job to lesson my work load and allow me to spend more time with the children. Lexi has
helped me to identify and brainstorm solutions for children who are having behavioral outbreaks in my
classroom on a regular basis – this could include physical outbreaks or screaming/yelling. While
brainstorming, she has helped me to alleviate some of my own frustrations to keep a clear mind and
pinpoint a way to end these behaviors.
In closing, I would absolutely recommend Lexi to any setting where she is engaging with children. I look
forward to having Lexi in my classroom to take on more responsibility or oversee activities. She would
be an outstanding addition to your staff. I would be more than willing to have a conversation about
Lexi’s abilities if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,

Sarina Ylitalo

Peace Lutheran | 1104 22nd Ave S, Brookings, SD 57006

Office: (605)692-5272 (ask to speak to Sarina) | toddler2@peacebrookings.org