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

B R E

BRE

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 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

J A D E

BEGAN AT CECC IN 2026

JADE

J A Y L I N

BEGAN AT CECC IN 2026.

JAYLIN

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 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

BEGAN AT CECC IN 2023

LEAH

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

BRIANA

AMYAH

CHRISTINE

AVERY

DENISE

DILYNN

ELISE

JAHLEEHA

LEI

SUSAN

 

MADELEINE

 

MARITZA

 

ADMINISTRATION

 

J E N N A

Bachelors of Music Education, Missouri Baptist University

A.A.- Fine Art, Jefferson College

My name is Jenna Clements! I was previously the director at a privately owned childcare center here in St. Louis. Having been in the early childhood field for over a decade, primarily working with infants and toddlers, my heart is really in loving and nurturing children, pouring into teachers to grow successful educators, and creating a loving environment for families. In my albeit limited spare time, I enjoy playing video games, reading books, craft journaling, singing in the Jefferson College Community choir, leading worship with my husband, Kevin, at our church, and spending time with my beautiful boys (ages 2 & 5). I am so delighted to be a part of the CECC family! 

JENNA

K E N N A

KENNA

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

b a - eLEMENTARY EDUCATION DEGree, webster UNIVERSITY

my name is meredith Davis, 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.

MEREDITH

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ben and his family have been members of the CECC community since 2024 when his oldest son was unexpectedly and serendipitously admitted from spot 84 on the waitlist. They’re grateful for the consistently exceptional care the teachers and staff have given to his two boys, currently in the owl and frog rooms. Ben works in finance, holds a degree in data science, and serves as CECC’s board treasurer. He and his family have resided in Clayton since 2021.

BEN

Dylan’s history with CECC began in 1994, when he was the one in the classroom. He and his wife Isabella met as kindergarteners in Clayton Schools, and in the fall of 2025 they returned to CECC as parents when their daughters enrolled. Professionally, Dylan is a data scientist and product leader in AI, with ten years spent helping organizations think clearly about where they’re headed. He hopes to offer that same clarity to CECC’s strategic planning, so the school is still here in another thirty years.

DYLAN

ELIZABETH

Jessen’s family joined CECC in 2025, when her daughter began happily spreading her wings in the Butterfly Room. A Senior Consultant with a focus in organizational strategy, Jessen is passionate about helping organizations of all industries and sizes thrive. She’s excited to give back to the CECC community by working to support the school’s mission of fostering joyful learning as a member of the board.

JESSEN

John has two boys at CECC and he and his family have been a part of the Community since 2023 when his eldest son started in the toddler Goldfish room! His second started with CECC as an infant Caterpillar in 2025. John is a Commercial Banker with over 15 years of experience and a graduate of WashU and Mizzou. He was born and raised in St. Louis, and resides with his wife and boys in Town & Country. 

JOHN

Wade Self and his family live in Richmond Heights and have been members of the CECC community since 2024. His daughter Lois is currently in the Caterpillar Room. Wade is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine. He grew up in the Chicago suburbs, but has called St. Louis home for over a decade.

WADE