Hello! I am Brandi, owner and director of Smart Beginnings since July 2017. I have worked in childcare for over 20 years. I have taught every age group from birth to 5th grade. I received my bachelor's degree in early childhood and leadership from Park University. Together with a team of dedicated and creative teachers, I am committed to providing your family with a loving and developmentally sound foundation for a lifetime of learning. When I’m not at Smart Beginnings you will find me enjoying family time with my partner and my 4 beautiful daughters Addyson, Alexa, Averie, and Ashlyn. I love playing volleyball, crafting and attending my children’s sporting events. My favorite thing about working at Smart Beginnings is the amazing relationships we form with the children and their families.

My name is Theresa Reinke. I have worked at Smart Beginnings since July 2017. I have taught in many different classrooms during my career here at Smart Beginnings. I am currently one of the lead teachers in the Pathfinders classroom as well as the assistant director. Before I joined the Smart Beginnings family, I was a nanny for a family for eight years. My family and I live in Weston, MO. I have two children, a daughter Kaitlyn and a son, Silas. Working with children is a passion of mine and I enjoy watching children learn new things every day. It is so much of a passion that I am currently in school working towards earning my Early Childhood Education degree. When I am not at Smart Beginnings or working on homework. I enjoy watching my daughter and son play all the various sports they play. My biggest goal for my classroom is to keep my students engaged in meaningful play-based activities and lessons throughout the day. I strive to create a positive, loving, and nurturing environment for my students, and firmly believe that it is essential for children to learn and develop cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally. To me preschool is where the foundation to achieve success in a classroom setting is established and creating a strong foundation is critical for the next stages in a child’s life. One of my favorite things about working at Smart Beginnings is that we work to build strong relationships in our classrooms and to build positive classroom communities.

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.

Hello, my name is Jasmine!

I've been working at Smart Beginnings since November of 2024, and I've been in childcare for seven years now. I've worked for Liberty Public Schools as a Kidzone counselor since October of 2021, working with school age kids. I'm currently attending Western Governors University (online) for my Bachelors in Elementary Education. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, drawing, painting, bracelet making, watching TV, cartoons, anime, and true crime. I'm the youngest out of five siblings, and my mom's only child. I also consider myself a dog mom. I know how to play the Viola and trombone and hopefully I’ll learn how to play the cello one day. I'm excited to be joining the Smart Beginnings community and I can't wait to meet the new kiddos and create amazing bonds with them and their families. That is my favorite part of the job.

Hello! My name is Kari. I am the assistant teacher in the Bright Beginners classroom 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.

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.

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.

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 Grace. I'm an online senior in high school, I graduate in three weeks. I've been in childcare almost my whole life, from watching my siblings to working in Kidzone Ministry to Nanning. My hobbies include going to the gym and sewing. I have three siblings and another on the way. I live with my mom and my dad, and we have a dog named Duke that I consider my family. The thing I love most about work working with children is the bonds I can grow with each child and making sure they are properly taken care of.

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, I am Amanda Von Behren, I will be your child's teacher while they are in the Explorers classroom. 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 am also the afternoon administrator. 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 school work 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 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!

My name is Emily, and I like to go by "Em". My background in education so far is High School. I graduated from Park Hill High School in 2017, and I am currently working towards furthering my education. I enjoy cars, mechanics, playing animal crossing and cooking. I have been with my partner, Nic, for 5 years and we live together with our dog, Blue. Most of my professional background is in caregiving and have enjoyed this career path since working at a summer camp for a family friend. I enjoy working with children and seeing their imaginations. I am excited to work for Smart Beginnings to further my experience with kids and giving them an enriching opportunity to learn.

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, Ms. Mary Ann here! I am a mother of 2 amazing children. I have been a caregiver for 15 years and I find it very enjoyable. I love watching children learn and grow. I am excited to join the Smart Beginnings team and have a positive impact of the lives of the children in our care.

Hello, my name is Airianah I am a multi-focus. 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.

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.