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.
	Crysten Wappelhorst, 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. Ms. Wappelhorst enjoys kayaking and traveling in her free time.
	Danyelle Jackson, Infant Lead Teacher Danyelle has been with the ELC since 2016. She has over 9 years of experience in childcare. Danyelle has two boys, 7 and 11, and enjoys crafting, being outside with her children, and playing guitar in her free time.
	Kayla Bauer, Infant Lead Teacher Kayla graduated with her bachelor's degree in psychology with an emphasis in child development in 2021. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and hiking.
	Haley Callaway, Toddler Lead Teacher Haley loves working with our youngest students! As a mom, Haley understands how important it is to nurture the social and emotional well being of toddlers!
	Jerrica Motley, Toddler Lead Teacher Jerrica was born and raised in Missouri. She has been in child care field for 10 years. She has two girls, who are 4 and 8 years old. Jerrica enjoys teaching in the toddler room because she loves to see the children thrive and grow!
	Lauren Godsey, Two Year Old Lead Teacher Lauren was born and raised here in St. Charles. She has one son, Andrew, who currently attends the ELC. Lauren has been working at the ELC since March of 2023. In her free time, she likes to sew and make various crafts.
	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.
	Sarah Klein, Pre K 4 Lead Teacher Sarah Klein earned her Elementary Education degree from UMSL in 2007. She has taught at the ELC since 2017. Ms. Klein has one daughter who attended the ELC. In her free time, Ms. Klein enjoys running and going to the park with her daughter.
	Hillary Wyman, Pre K 4 Lead Teacher Hillary Wyman earned her degree from St. Joseph's College. She has been working with children for over thirty years. In her free time, she loves cooking with her daughters, Santana and Anya, as well as reading and walking her dog, Hiro.
	Britney Bartels, Cafeteria Manager Britney manages our meal service at the ELC. Britney creates our menus and cooks our meals! Feel free to message Britney 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! bbartels@stpstc.org