Little Owly’s Nest for Knowledge is committed to early childhood education and development. Continue reading to learn more about our staff.

I have always had a strong desire to work with children. Ever since I was a child, other children were always drawn to me and I to them.  Maybe it is because I am young at heart, maybe it is because I loved my childhood so much I wish that for all other children as well, or maybe it is because they are just so darn cute!

My love for children continued with me throughout my life.  In high-school I became a teacher’s aide to a 3^rd grade teacher.  In college I chose to major in psychology because my heart went out to those kids that were a little less fortunate or just needed someone to make a difference in their life.  I was able to do an internship at the University of Kansas Medical Center along side a behavior psychologist and worked with children seeking medical help due to a psychological problem.  After graduating from the University of Missouri I received my Master’s of Education in Counseling at Wichita State University .  During this time I pursued a practicum at Cloud Elementary School where I worked as a counselor while utilizing play therapy.

During my time at the University of Missouri I was a lead teacher at Columbia Montessori School.  I taught all age levels and enjoyed learning the Montessori Philosophy.  While getting my graduate degree at Wichita State I worked at a Mom’s Day Out program and nannied for two families.  After graduating from Wichita State I chose to become a pre-school teacher.  I thoroughly enjoyed watching the children learn and acquire new skills.

After all my experience I have decided to bring my expertise, ideas, teaching philosophies, and love for children into my own daycare.  I would love to be able to have a place where children love to come everyday, can learn and have fun at the same time, where parents feel comfortable leaving their children, and where teachers are eager to make a difference in each and every child’s life!

I would like to thank my husband, friends, and family for helping make this possible and providing me with much love and support along the way!

I have always loved working with children! I am a K-State graduate in Elementary Education with a minor in Behavior Disorders. I also have a Masters in Reading  from UMKC.  Many years ago I taught 3rd grade!

I am married and we have 3 children and 2 dogs!  Our oldest graduated from the University of Arkansas and we have 2 at K-State.  Our dogs are Stella and Lilly!

I decided I would like to get back to working with kids and have found Little Owly’s to be the perfect fit for me.  When I am not working I enjoy tennis, reading and traveling!

I am thrilled to continue my sixth year at Little Owly’s! I received my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Kansas in 2010.  I also have completed twelve hours of credit toward my master’s degree while obtaining my teaching license.  After college, I taught second grade for three years in Derby, Kansas.  Although I loved that position, I felt my true calling was to teach younger children.  Therefore, in 2014, I took a job teaching Pre-K in Wichita, Kansas.  My husband and I moved to Kansas City in June 2015, and we could not be more excited to be in the Kansas City area and closer to both of our alma maters!  Rock Chalk!  I started working at Little Owly’s in June 2015 as the Lead Pre-K Teacher and became the Assistant Director in August 2016. Along with teaching second grade and Pre-K, I have also taught dance and have cared for children with special needs.  My husband Cory, and I have two kids; Graham (5) and Margo (3). Graham started at Little Owly’s when he was an infant and just graduated from the program in May 2021. He is now a big kindergartner! Margo has also been at Little Owly’s since she was a baby and is now in the preschool class. Both children LOVE Little Owly’s and have only made the most wonderful memories here. It is a special place for our whole family! When I’m not spending time with your sweet little ones, I enjoy hanging out with family and friends, cooking, watching KU basketball, and shopping!

My name is Miranda and I am one of the toddler teachers. I’ve been at Little Owly’s for almost 2 years. My first year I was one of the downstairs floaters but now I love working with the babies. I have my Bachelors in Health Sciences from UMKC. I have 2 kids of my own, Brody and Jackson. Jackson (5) has a congenital heart defect so I was a stay at home mom for the first few years of his life. He is doing much better now and just started Kindergarten. My oldest is 8 and in 2nd grade. My plans are to go back to school to become an RN.

My name is Stacy. I have been working in childcare centers or as a nanny for over 30 years. I have been  working at Little Owly’s in the infant room for almost 4 years now. I love coming to work each day to care for the babies.  I can’t imagine not being around children. I have 2 boys of my own. Braeden is in college and Zane is a senior in high school. Nothing compares to the snuggles we get all day and watching the kiddos grow and then sometimes even taking care of their siblings too!

Hi! I am Jami and I have been at Little Owly’s for the past few years. I received my BS in Early Childhood Education at KState. I am also pursuing my masters in social work. I have two daughters and the cutest puppy in the world. In our classroom we love to utilize all of our senses with creative play! I can’t wait to sing and dance with your kids!

Hello! I have been working at Little Owly’s since December 2019. I have my BS in Business Management. This has been the most caring and supportive team I have been a part of throughout my 15 years of childcare. I have worked with various ages of children, but I’m currently teaching the three year old group. It is incredible to see the stages of development during this age. I have been married to my handsome husband Keith for 21 years and we have twins who are 18 years old. I feel like having twins was the kick-start to my love of teaching children! I look forward to many more years at Little Owly’s!

I have a wonderful husband named Ray and between the two of us we have eight children and fourteen grandchildren. I have been in early education about 35 years. I have worked with all ages of children in many facets including overseas in military facilities to Head Start programs. My passion is to make a positive difference in childrens’ lives. I believe the most precious jewels you’ll ever have around your neck are the arms of your children!

My name is Jessica and I am the Pre-K teacher at Little Owly’s! I knew I always wanted to be a teacher since I was in kindergarten! It’s always been a passion of mine and I enjoy watching children learn and grow. I love being able to do what I love most and that is to teach and to make a difference in children’s lives. I have over 10 years of experience working in Early Childhood Education Centers and I have an International Montessori Diploma from the North American Montessori Center. I believe that children’s education in early childhood is the pave way for their future and I am thrilled to be a part of that. Outside of teaching, I love to play with my dog and root on my favorite Kansas City teams! Go Chiefs, Royals, Sporting KC, KU!

I am so happy to be here at Little Owly’s. Here is a little about myself. I have been married 23 years to my husband, Arthur. I am a proud parent of four children. My oldest, CeCe is in the Navy and recently made me a grandma! I have three boys, Jr.,15, Sean, 14 and Tony, 12. I love to watch my boys play sports! Currently they are involved in football and soccer. I have 15 plus years experience working with children, from infants to school age. I would say I love working with kids! Infants are the ones that tug at my heart; to watch them learn and grow everyday is amazing. Thank you for letting me care for your little ones.

Working with children is such an exciting experience, especially as a floater! I get to be everywhere and get to know everyone. I am usually floating downstairs with the cute little babies. I love seeing them absorb all the learning they’re being taught! They’re so smart! I have been at Little Owly’s for a year now, but have been working with kids a little over a year. I am the oldest of four and love my siblings to the max! I graduated from UMKC in 2020 with my Bachelor’s in Psychology. I plan to further my education to be a Registered Behavior Technician.

My name is Kelly and I am one of the substitute teachers at Little Owly’s Daycare and Preschool. As an energetic person devoted to helping children, I enjoy spending time guiding the children to think creatively, solve problems independently and respect themselves and others. With a degree in Fine Art from the Kansas City Art Institute, I can hopefully plant the seed of creativity in the children I work with.

I have been married for 26 years to my wonderful husband Rob and we have 4 sons, 2 dogs, and a cat. For more than 20 years, I have been actively engaged in parenting my boys and have been a regular volunteer at my children’s schools, organizing and assisting with various programs and activities. My dual role as mom and teacher gives me a special insight into where students are coming from and where they are headed. For the past several years, I have been working as a teacher and teacher’s aide at a local Early Childhood Development Center. I am also currently working as a part time nanny for a family with 2 young children.

Hello! My name is Lanae Shelly and I am currently a full-time substitute teacher at Little Owly’s. I started working here in December 2021 and began full-time in August. As a full-time sub I work in every room so I get to know all of the kiddos. Therefore, if you ever hear about Miss “Anae”, “Nae”, or “Wanae” that’s me! I recently graduated with BA in Psychology in Spanish and am working towards my Master’s in Business with an emphasis in Management and Marketing. When I’m not at work or at school, I really enjoying hanging out with my friends and family or having random concerts in my car. I am happy to have been apart of the LO family for almost a year and love getting to spend time with all of your children!