Meet the Teachers
Ms. Melissa, Lead Educator
I have been part of the KECC family since 1998! Yep! That's a lot of years! I hold a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education but found my sweet spot in Early Childhood.
I have lived in the St. Louis area all my life and currently live in Dogtown with my husband Andy, my daughter Molly, my son Danny, and youngest son Billy. Living where we do makes it so easy for us to visit our favorite places often. We love going to The Zoo, The Missouri Botanical Gardens, and many more St. Louis attractions.
Ms. Kelly, Classroom Educator
Hello, my name is Ms. Kelly Hagen. I have been working professionally with children since 2002. I have taught several different age groups, starting as young as 6 weeks old. For the past 15 years, I taught infants & toddlers.
I married my high school sweetheart, Joe and we live in Fenton with our 19 year old daughter, Kayla.. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family; I love to shop, go to the zoo & take pictures.
In 2024, I joined KECC & look forward to a great year in the Panda room.
Ms. Becky, Classroom Educator
Hello, my name is Becky Hartle, and I am so excited to be part of the Panda Room here at KECC!
As a flex teacher in 2024, I had the unique opportunity to interact with all of our wonderful students throughout the school year, and I look forward to helping each one grow and learn in their own special way.
Family is incredibly important to me. My husband, Matt, and I have four children: Kailey (20), Lila (18), Kurtis (16), and Jake (14). We also share our home with a dog, named Bear, and a cat, named Ella.
In my free time, I love to travel, watch sports, and take photos of beautiful sunsets.
Ms. Sally, Flexible Classroom Educator
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.