Flexible Classroom Educators

Ms. Carla

My name is Carla Ruth, this will be my second year here at KECC.  Before coming here, I was at Keysor Elementary doing Adventure Club.

Working with preschool age children has always been my goal. I've enjoyed seeing them learn new things. Having them be curious about the teachers and our school.

I look forward to this upcoming year. I will be in all of the 3/4 classrooms once a week.

Ms. Jayonna

Hi, my name is Jayonna! I am one of 11 children so I am really big on family. At a young age, I knew that I wanted to take care of people.

In 2015, I started working in childcare professionally . I am in the BSN program at Chamberlain University and want to become a labor and delivery or school nurse.

I enjoy doing just about anything with my fiancé and my two stepkids, I am a virtual stylist, love to spend time with my family and  watch movies (anything Marvel).

I am so happy to be a part of KECC. 

Ms. Josie

Hi, I’m Josie!

I joined the KECC team in 2025, and I’m so excited to be back in Kirkwood after graduating from KHS in 2020. I recently finished my degree at Webster University (Dec. 2024) and am now pursuing a master’s in Early Childhood Education at UMSL.

After working in marketing, I realized how much I missed working with kids, which led me to this new path.

In my free time, I love reading and spending time with my dogs!

Ms. Sally

Hello. My name is Sally Lester. I have been very fortunate to work at KECC over the past few years. It is a very happy and positive environment with a fabulous staff.

In 2024, I worked one day a week in each of the 3/4 classes and got to know each student very well. I was lucky to move up with my favorite little people to the 4/5 classrooms in 2025.

My husband and I live in Kirkwood with our two dogs, Midge and Eloise. We have a grown son, Griffin, who lives in Columbus, Ohio and is a Senior Business Data Analyst. 

Finance and business are where I spent my early career.  After I retired, I decided to do something I love…working with kids!

I come from a very large Irish family (4 brothers, 3 sisters and numerous nieces and nephews). We are very close and I have been around children my entire life.

Ms. Taylor

Hi, my name is Taylor! 

I have been with KECC since 2024, beginning at the Robinson Preschool and now part of the Flexible Classroom Educators.

Prior to moving to St. Louis, I worked in early childhood special education, as well as nannying. I love working with kids, and watching them learn and explore!

Some of my favorite hobbies are watching movies, playing with my dogs, doing crafts, and attending Mizzou football games!

I’m excited to meet everyone this year as a flex teacher!