Hello! I’m Brandi, the proud owner of Smart Beginnings Early Learning Center, which has been serving families since July 2017. With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, I’ve had the joy of teaching every age group from infants through 5th grade. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Leadership from Park University.

At Smart Beginnings, I’ve built a team of passionate, creative educators who share my commitment to providing children with a nurturing, developmentally sound foundation for a lifetime of learning and growth.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my partner and our four beautiful daughters: Addyson, Alexa, Averie, and Ashlyn. I enjoy playing volleyball, crafting, and cheering on my girls at their sporting events.

My favorite part of Smart Beginnings is the meaningful relationships we build with our children and their families. It’s a true privilege to be part of each child’s journey, and I’m honored to help shape the beginning of something special.

Hello, I am Amanda Von Behren, I am the Director of the Smart Beginnings Parkville Location. I am super excited to be a part of your child's journey here at Smart Beginnings. I have worked in various rooms throughout my years here at Smart Beginnings. In July 2017 I started as an assistant teacher and has since moved up to lead teacher. I began my management track as an afternoon administrator and am excited to now serve as your director. I love working for Smart Beginnings and love helping your children grow. I was born and raised in Minnesota and moved to Missouri when my daughter was about 4years old. She is now 20 and is going to Mizzou. I too have taken the jump into college; I’m currently going for my degree in Early Childhood Education. When not at work or doing schoolwork you will find me with my partner and her four girls. My favorite thing about working at Smart Beginnings is facilitating the growth and learning of each child in my care.

My name is Carla Curtis! I am excited to get to know your child at our Liberty Location. I have loved working at the Parkville location in their Pre-K classroom for the past 3 years. I graduated from Park University with a teaching degree and minored in business. I have worked in public education for over 15 years; I also have worked in early childhood for many years. I have been a teacher, lead teacher, supervisor, assistant director, as well as a director. I am married and have three daughters and a grandson that I adore. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, crocheting, quilting and walking for breast cancer and Dementia/Alzheimer's. I love to teach; when you’re teaching and that lightbulb goes off and that child gets it, you feel so good to be a part of it. I am proud to be working for Smart Beginnings. The vibe here is great and you always feel like you are a part of a team!

Hello, I'm Ms. Melanie!

I graduated from JC Harmon. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren. I love cooking and spending time with my grandchildren. I've worked in childcare for over 6 years, I love developing the bond with all the children I care for. I love to watch them grow and learn. Smart Beginnings is such a great place to work because it really feels like a big family.

Hi, I am Ms. Cheryl. I am the co-lead teacher for Little Movers Classroom. I have worked in childcare for 3 years. I started at Smart Beginnings at the end of February 2021. I have been the Little Movers lead since March of 2021. My fiancé and I have a 17-year-old daughter and five godchildren, four boys and one girl. We have six fur babies, two dogs and four cats. I have lived in Missouri all my life. I went to Park Hill high school and grew up in the Park Hill School District. I am excited to get to know you and your family and work with your child. I am also excited to watch the kids as they grow and meet new milestones. My favorite thing about working for Smart Beginnings is to watch how much each child has grown over time, they grow and change so fast.

Hi, my name is McKenna and I'm 24 years old. I've been in childcare for three years. I have two sisters; I am the middle child. I graduated from Staley high school and have always wanted to work in childcare or special education. My hobbies include shopping and hanging out with my friends and family. I'm excited to work at Smart Beginnings because I love working with children.

Hello,

My name is Madison, and I am 27 years old. I have two sisters I am really close to. I live with my mom; she is my best friend. I have worked in childcare for five years with all ages. My hobbies include shopping, self-care, and hanging out with my sisters or my mom. I like watching movies and driving back roads, listening to music. I also like to fish. One reason I'm excited to work here is because children are so special. I can't wait to teach them new things. I love working with children because I like to watch them grow and watch them move up in the world. I love to see them happy, smiling, and growing a little every single day.

My name is Madison, though most people call me Maddie. I’m in my 20's and very close to my family. I’ve been working in childcare for 3 years and babysitting for 9 years, and I absolutely love helping children learn, grow, and be happy.

I’m a big animal lover and have one dog named Davison. My favorite season is fall, and I enjoy shopping, reading, and spending time with loved ones. I also have a soft spot for energy drinks and love the colors black and pink.

What I enjoy most about working with children is seeing the joy on their faces as they discover new things and develop new skills.

My name is Grace, and I’ve been involved in childcare for as long as I can remember, from caring for my siblings, to working in Kidzone Ministry, to nannying. I began my journey at Smart Beginnings as a Multi-Focus Teacher and have since grown into my current roles as Classroom Coordinator and Afternoon Administrator.

Outside of work, I enjoy going to the gym and sewing. I have three siblings (with another on the way!) and live with my mom, dad, and our beloved dog, Duke, who is very much a part of our family.

What I love most about working with children is building strong bonds with each one and ensuring they are always well cared for and supported.

Hello, my name is Madilyn Acosta, and I am currently a full-time student at Park University working toward my Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. In my free time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my two dogs, an English Bulldog named Chimichanga and a Silky Terrier named Coraline. I come from a family of four girls, and one of my sisters is nearly ten years younger than me, giving me the special opportunity to be actively involved in her growth and development. That experience has fueled my passion for working with young children. I’m thrilled to be joining Smart Beginnings, where I look forward to helping your children grow, learn, and develop into their own unique selves.

Hello, my name is Sheyenne Curtis. I am a teacher in the Explorers classroom at our Liberty location. I am super excited to have a small role in your child’s journey here at Smart Beginnings Early Learning Center. I enjoy working here at Smart Beginning so much that I will be furthering my education in Early Childhood Education. Watching my nephew grow and become the highlight of our family has been one of the deciding factors to continue my education as well. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, baking, and playing with my dogs. I look forward to teaching your kids and watching them grow.

Hello, my name is Airianah I am excited to be in the Adventurers classroom. I really enjoy quality time with my family and my friends, ever since I was in 4th grade I have been a runner and enjoyed that. I have always enjoyed working with children since I was very young with having younger siblings and many younger cousins. So, finding an environment as amazing as this one was a blessing. Some of my favorite things are my family, watching my favorite tv shows & movies, coming to work, and just being myself. I always like to set big goals for myself to make me work harder. I have definitely found a big joy in what I have accomplished so far in life. I’m super excited and filled with joy to be a part of this team and make a difference.

Hello! My name is Emily, my background is mainly in caregiving but in the summer of 2024, I worked at a summer camp and found a love for working with children. I’ve been with Smart Beginnings since October 24’ and have enjoyed every minute. In 2026 I will begin furthering my education in early childhood education. Some of my hobbies outside of work include painting, going on walks with my dog Blue, working on cars and playing card games with my grandparents. I love travelling, my favorite colors are baby pink and baby blue. I love forming connections with the children and getting to see the children's imagination through the eyes of an adult.

My name is Carla Curtis! I am excited to get to know your child in the pathfinder classroom. I graduated from Park University with a teaching degree and minored in business. I have worked in public education for over 15 years; I also have worked in early childhood for many years. I have been a teacher, lead teacher, supervisor, assistant director, as well as a director. I am married and have three daughters and a grandson that I adore. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, crocheting, quilting and walking for breast cancer and Dementia/Alzheimer's. I love to teach; when you’re teaching and that lightbulb goes off and that child gets it, you feel so good to be a part of it. I am proud to be working for Smart Beginnings. The vibe here is great and you always feel like you are a part of a team!

Hello, my name is Jay! I graduated from KU in December of 2023 as an English major, but I've taken many child development classes both in high school and college. I grew up taking care of my younger sister then branched out to babysitting other kids and I have volunteered in elementary schools helping kindergarten teachers. Some of my hobbies include hanging out with my family and my cat, listening to music, and getting back into reading. I'm excited to work at Smart Beginnings because I really enjoy working with children and building personal relationships with them!

Hello! My name is Kari. I am a multi focus teacher here at Smart Beginnings Early Learning Center. I attended Park University, studying Theater and Early Education. Outside of Smart Beginnings, I love playing various types of games, and teaching at my church. I really look forward to discovering new opportunities and learning new things while teaching at Smart Beginnings.

Hello! I am Ms. Kelsey, a proud mom of three; two boys and one girl. I also come from a big family with seven younger siblings, so being around children has always been a big part of my life. As a child I spent much of my childhood on my grandparents’ farm in Kansas, which helped spark my lifelong love for animals. I have one cat, and if I could own any animal, it would definitely be a panda, they are my absolute favorite! When I am not teaching, I enjoy swimming and taking nature walks with my kids. Halloween is my favorite holiday, and I am a big fan of scary movies! My children are my world, and they’re a big part of why I’m so passionate about teaching. I’m thrilled to be joining Smart Beginnings and can’t wait to help your children learn, grow, and thrive. Working with little ones is truly special to me, and I’m honored to be part of this journey.

Hello, my name is Alyssa, and I am a sophomore in high school. After I am done with school, I plan on going to the University of Reno Nevada to get a teaching degree. I have a younger brother, and he is a really fun guy, and has the biggest heart that I have ever seen. I love working with kids because they bring me so much joy seeing them learn and grow. Some of the things I love to do in my free time are reading and doing art. If you don’t see me reading. I am doing art. I love being with Smart Beginnings and being able to help your kids grow and learn.

Hi! My name is Addyson, and I am a junior in high school. After graduating, I plan to join the Air Force. I have three younger sisters who mean the world to me. Growing up around childcare has given me a deep love for working with kids, building friendships, and watching them learn and grow. Some of my favorite hobbies include playing competitive volleyball, reading, and coaching younger teams. I love being part of the Smart Beginnings family because we focus on creating meaningful bonds with children that leave a lasting, positive impact.

My name is Kathryn Holloway. I am a mother to two boys, I also have 2 cats. I have been cooking as a profession for 17 years, but I've been cooking since I was a child. I have primarily worked in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. I have prepared meals for as many as 150 people. I enjoy cooking and baking. What I enjoy most about Smart Beginnings is being able to watch the children grow and develop their own personalities.

Hi, I’m Shelbi,

I am the nutrition specialist at the Liberty location. I am 24 years old, and I have one daughter and one stepdaughter. I grew up in a small town and love all things outdoors such as archery, camping and going on nature walks. I love spending time with my family whenever I can. I am super outgoing and get along with everyone I meet.