a d a

i have been at cecc since early 2021.

ADA

B E T H

Began at CECC: 2017

B. A. - EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY

My name is Miss Beth, and I am the lead teacher in the Dragonfly Room! I have been working with children since I was 12, when I first began babysitting for family and friends. I graduated from Lindenwood University in 2012 with a BA in Early Childhood Education and have since gained experience in a variety of preschool and elementary programs. I have also babysat, nannied, and worked as an au pair in both England and Australia.

I joined CECC in August 2017, and I especially enjoy working with toddlers and twos – it’s truly my favorite age group. My teaching philosophy centers on modeling; I believe children learn best when we show them how to behave and speak rather than simply telling them.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend and our five cats. I also love traveling, camping, hiking, biking, and roller skating – I played roller derby for 12 years and still enjoy getting on wheels whenever I can.

BETH

C A M I L L E

Began at CECC: 2024

CAMILLE

D I A N A

Began at CECC: 2000

B A -ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

I AM THE LEAD TEACHER IN THE OWL ROOM. I HAVE BEEN TEACHING FOR over 25 YEARS, PRIMARILY WITH THE PRE-K AGE. IN MY SPARE TIME I ENJOY COOKING, GARDENING, SHOPPING, DECORATING, WATCHING SPORTS, AND SPENDING TIME WITH MY HUSBAND, DAUGHTER AND POMERANIAN, FLOYD! I LOVE CHALLENGING MYSELF AND THE CHILDREN I TEACH!

DIANA

I S A B E L

Began at CECC: 2025

ISABEL

J E N N A

Began at CECC: 2025

I am the lead teacher in the goldfish room! Before coming to CECC I was a nanny and have worked as an infant/toddler teacher. I enjoy working with this age group and getting to watch them learn and grow throughout the year. In my spare time I enjoy to run, read, and walk my dogs.

JENNA

M A R G A R I T A

Began at CECC: 2017

Certification in Speical Education & C.D.A. - Harris-Stowe State College

Hi! I'm Margarita, and I've been a teacher at CECC since 2017. In total, I've been teaching for 27 years, ranging from 2-year-olds to 4-year-olds! This is my second year being the lead teacher of the Butterfly Room. I love spending time with my sons and husband, doing arts and crafts, and going home to visit my family in El Salvador.

MARGARITA

M A R Q U I T A

Began at CECC: 1988

C D A - forest park community college

MY NAME IS MARQUITA, BUT EVERYONE CALLS ME QUITA. I HAVE BEEN AN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR for over 30 years and am currently the duckling lead teacher. I HAVE TAUGHT MANY AGES BETWEEN INFANCY AND PRESCHOOL AND HAVE LOVED THEM ALL. I ENJOY SPENDING TIME WITH MY CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN. I ENJOY DESIGNING CAKES AND SINGING IN MY CHURCH CHOIR. i always try to REMEMBER on the other side of challenges are reward.

MARQUITA

M A R Y

Began at CECC: 2025

B.A. - Legal Studies, Webster University

Hello! I have been working at CECC since January of 2025. I absolutely adore early childhood education and have a passion for equity and inclusion within education. I have a background in special education as a paraprofessional within the Special School District of St. Louis County as well as the private setting working with individuals with Autism and Emotional Disturbances. 

I hold a Pre-Law degree from Webster University and love using my legal knowledge and skills to promote advocacy in every capacity to every person.

MARY

T R A C Y

Began at CECC: 2012

b a - elementary education, course work early childhood education lindenwood UNIVERSITY

My name is Tracy and I am the lead teacher in the turtle room! I graduated from Lindenwood University with a degree in elementary education and a minor in early childhood education. I’ve worked at CECC since December 2012. I started working in a preschool setting right after graduating from college and knew preschool was the place for me! I have loved teaching the many age groups I’ve gotten to work with in my time at CECC. 

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, baking and cooking new recipes, and spending time with my family. 

TRACY

V I C K I

Began at CECC: 1984

b a - elementary education, minor early childhood education central missouri state UNIVERSITY

I AM THE LEAD TEACHER IN THE CATERPILLAR ROOM. I HAVE BEEN with THE CENTER for over 30 years. i WORKED WITH THE PRESCHOOL FOR 10 YEARS BEFORE TRANSITIONING TO WORKING WITH THE INFANT/ TODDLERS. SINCE ALL CHILDREN ARE SPECIAL, IT HAS BEEN VERY REWARDING TO WORK WITH THE INFANTS DURING THEIR FIRST YEAR AS THEY GROW AND MEET THEIR MILESTONES DURING THEIR FIRST YEAR OF LIFE! SUCH A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART FOR THOSE I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF TEACHING. in my spare time i enjoy traveling to south carolina, being with family and friends, cooking and playing with my dog, cleo.

VICKI

 

FULL-TIME ASSISTANT TEACHERS

C A R L O T T A

Began at CECC: 2018

CARLOTTA

C A R M E N

Began at CECC: 2007

My name is Carmen Briz, and I’ve had the joy of working at Clayton Early Childcare Center since 2007. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep passion for caring for infants and toddlers—it’s truly where my heart is.

I believe that love is the most significant gift we can give a child. It creates the foundation for their development and learning, helping them grow with confidence and curiosity. To support this belief, I regularly take part in continuing education and professional development to stay current with the latest research and best practices in early childhood care. This helps me better support each child’s unique developmental journey.

Outside of work, I love spending time with all my grandkids. I also enjoy cooking Mexican food for family and friends, which brings me much happiness.

I’m excited to partner with you in your child’s early learning experience. Please feel free to reach out anytime—I’m here to support both you and your little one.

CARMEN

C H R I S S Y

Began at CECC: 1998

certificate of PROFICIENCY in early childhood education meramec Community college

Hello! I’m a teacher’s assistant in the Butterfly Room, and I’ve had the joy of working at the center for over 27 years. I also have 30 years of experience in early childhood education and a Certificate of Proficiency from Meramec Community College. In my free time I love shopping, enjoying movie nights, and spending time with my husband and daughter.

CHRISSY

C H R Y S T A L

Began at CECC: 2023

CHRYSTAL

E L L I E

Began at CECC: 2023

ELLIE

h e a t h e r

Began at CECC: 2025

HEATHER

J E A N N E

Began at CECC: 1984

C D A - FLO VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

I have been with the center for over 30 years. I’ve worked with all age groups, but I mainly work with the two-year-olds. in my spare time my husband and i enjoy seeing movies, going out to eat, and going for walks.

JEANNE

J E N N Y

Began at CECC: 2017

JENNY

k a n d a c e

Began at CECC 2025

KANDACE

K A T I E

c d a - MERAMEC COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Began at CECC: 2017

I’ve worked at cecc since 2017 with 1-2 year-olds. in my free time i like spending time outside, reading, shopping and spending time with friends and family. i have always loved working with kids and i hope to for many more years.

KATIE

K E L L E Y

Began at CECC: 2021

KELLEY

L E A H

LEAH

l i l l y

Began at CECC: 2025

LILLY

L I N D S E Y

Began at CECC: 2015

MERAMAC, FOREST PARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE & Melhville High School

I have worked at CECC for 10 years. I love being creative with the children through art and songs. I enjoy watching them grow and develop their personalities. Just married to my high school sweetheart. I enjoy spoiling my 11 nieces and nephews. I love to spend as much time with my friends and family!

LINDSEY

L U C Y

Began at CECC: 2007

as a ‘floater’. i get to work with children (and babies) of all ages, which i really enjoy! i love working with children of any age because i get to watch them grow and develop. i also enjoy working with all of the teachers at the center, we make a great team. when i am not working i enjoy spending time with my infant granddaughters (twins!), going to the muny, and reaching, CROCHETING, baking, and COOKING!

LUCY

M E L I S S A

Began at CECC: 2023.

MELISSA

M O R G A N

Began at CECC: 2022

MORGAN

O l i v i a

Began at CECC: 2025

OLIVIA

P A M

Began at CECC: 2014

PAM

P A T R I C I A

Began at CECC: 2022

PATRICIA

P A R I S

Began at CECC: 2020

PARIS

 
 
 

PART-TIME ASSISTANT TEACHERS

AMELIA

CHRISTINE

ANABEL

DENISE

ANNA

DILYNN

JEANNIE

KAELYN

MADELEINE

REBECCA

 

SUSAN

 

TSIGE

 

ADMINISTRATION

 

A N N E

i’ve been a part of the administration team at the center for over 30 years. i enjoy meeting and getting to know all of the families. it’s a joy to see the children thrive and grow at our school. in my spare time, i like spending time with my two daughters, center alumni, and my husband. i also enjoy shopping, hiking and watching hgtv.

ANNE

K E R I

KERI

M E R E D I T H (M E R I)

b a - eLEMENTARY EDUCATION DEGree, webster UNIVERSITY

my name is meredith, but most all the students know me as meri. i am born and raised in st. louis. i joined the clayton early childhood center community in 2013 as a teacher in the preschool rooms. after working for a number of years in the classroom, i transitioned to the role of PRESCHOOL program coordinator. when i’m not working with our teachers and students, i’m usually in the kitchen trying to pursue amateur baker status or walking the aisles of a craft store.

MEREDITH

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

BEN

B R I G I D

Brigid joined the cecc community in 2020 when her son started in the caterpillar infant room. Brigid has 15 years of sales and client development experience and is currently leading sales at Chapman & Co., a local leadership consultancy.

BRIGID

C H A L L I S

Challis Kinnucan is a developmental psychologist and works as an assistant professor at Saint Louis University. As a former preschool teacher, her work and service now focus children’s socialization and the roles that parents, teachers, and mentors play in promoting effective problem-solving, critical thinking, and civic engagement throughout childhood and with college-age students.

CHALLIS

JOHN

S T E P H A N I E

Stephanie and her family have been a part of the CECC community since 2020 when her oldest sons (twins) started in the Turtle room. She also has a younger son who started in the Ladybug infant room in 2021. Stephanie is an Industrial Engineer and Supply Chain professional with over 15 years of experience in the industry.

STEPHANIE