Early Learning Center

Meet The Teachers

Our lead teachers must have extensive experience and education to teach at our school. Lead teachers in the Pre K 3 and Pre K 4 classrooms are required to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education or a similar field of study. This requirement is crucial, ensuring our teachers have the background knowledge of child development to provide a developmentally appropriate classroom environment for their students. Our teaching staff regularly attends trainings and seminars to continue their growth of knowledge in early childhood education.

	Alison Beach, Director , , Alison is from Topeka Kansas where She graduated from Topeka West High School. She graduated from Drury University in Springfield Missouri in 2015 with a Bachelors in Psychology with an emphasis in child advocacy. Mrs. Beach enjoys going on adventures with her family in her free time. Alison joined the ELC in April 2023.
	Crysten Allen, Assistant Director , , Crysten is a Duchesne High School and University of MO- Columbia graduate. She graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis in Child Development and Education in 2013. She joined the ELC in 2018. Mrs. Allen enjoys kayaking and traveling in her free time.
	Taylor Marut, Infant Lead Teacher , , Taylor has many years of childcare experience, the majority of which have been spent in infant and toddler classrooms. She has experience with Reggio, Montessori and traditional teaching styles. Taylor previously worked at the ELC from 2018-2022, she then moved to Columbia, MO for a few years. She returned to ELC in May of 2025. In her free time she enjoys ballet and tap dancing.
	Shannon Knabach, Infant Lead Teacher , , Shannon has worked in the early childhood field for 5+ years. She spends her free time as foster mom and making homemade coasters and scrapbooking. Caring, loving, and watching children grow and learn is her passion. Shannon joined the ELC in January 2025.
	Danyelle Jackson, Toddler Lead Teacher , , Danyelle has been with the ELC since 2016. She has over 9 years of experience in childcare. Danyelle has three boys and enjoys crafting, being outside with her children, and playing guitar in her free time.
	Jerrica Motley, Toddler Lead Teacher , , Jerrica was born and raised in Missouri. She has been in child care field for 10 years. She has three children of her own, two girls and one boy. Jerrica enjoys teaching in the toddler room because she loves to see the children thrive and grow! Jerrica started at the ELC in March of 2023.
	Jenna Smith, Two Year Old Lead Teacher , , Jenna has been working with children since a young age. She started working with little kids at the churches and then moved into babysitting and nannying. In her free time, she likes to draw, doodle, and paint! Jenna joined the ELC in August of 2024.
	Brenda Miller, Two Year Old Lead Teacher , , Brenda has worked at the ELC since 2019 with our two year old class! Brenda loves doing art with her class and is very creative! Brenda has two children and enjoys photography, hiking, and cheering on our STL sport teams in her free time.
	Taylor Dames, Pre K 3 Lead Teacher , , Taylor earned a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Central Missouri in 2019. She loves being active with the children in her class since she is a giant sports fan herself! Taylor enjoys playing a variety of sports in her free time including softball and volleyball. Taylor has been with the ELC since 2019.
	Kayla Forbes, Pre K 4 Lead Teacher , , Kayla graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 2021 with a bachelors in Psychology and a minor in Child Development. In her free time she enjoys gardening and hanging out with her friends and family. Kayla joined the ELC in March of 2023.
	Haley Callaway, Cafeteria Manager , , Haley manages our meal service at the ELC. Haley creates our menus and cooks our meals! Feel free to message Haley if your child has an allergy that you are concerned about while attending school. She works with all of our families to ensure the children receive a healthy and allergen safe meal! Haley has been with the ELC since 2018.

Contact Us

St. Peter Early Learning Center
333 S. Second Street
St. Charles, MO 63301
636-947-9669

Monday – Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm

Email: abeach@stpstc.org or cwappelhorst@stpstc.org

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