Meet Our Team

Danielle Johnson
director
Danielle Johnson is the Director of the Puzzle Place Preschool & Childcare center at the North Dakota Autism Center. Danielle has a Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State University of Moorhead. She wears many hats while working at the center and enjoys every aspect of it. Danielle loves getting to know new families and thrives on being a part of the children’s lives. She loves that the center is constantly evolving to better serve the community and is excited to see it continue to flourish. Danielle has learned so much since first starting at the PPPC and continues to grow both personally and professionally. She believes the children have as much to teach us as the providers do. In her personal time, Danielle enjoys spending time with family and friends, performing music with her husband, and spending time outdoors.

Sammy Francis
head teacher
Sammy Francis is the lead preschool teacher at the Puzzle Place Preschool and Childcare. Sammy has her degree in early childhood education and special education from Rasmussen College. Her job at the center is creating and implementing lesson plans, keeping the children happy, and communicating with families. She formally worked as a DSP for the center and was a teacher in the day program. She enjoys seeing the children learn and grow each day, volunteering for events, and raising awareness. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, baby girl, and dogs. They enjoy hiking, spending time with family, and crafts!