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Meet the Teachers

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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 my 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 attraction


  
 
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Ms. Anuja, Classroom Educator

Hello! I have a degree in education. I have worked with different age groups up to grade ten. I found my passion in nurturing preschoolers and supporting their early development. I have worked in another preschool for twelve years before joining KECC in 2024.

I live with my husband and two dogs and have two grown children. I enjoy spending time with my dogs, going on hikes with them and birdwatching in our backyard.

 

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Ms. Tabitha, Classroom Educator

Hello!  I’m Tabitha Schubert. I recently joined the Elephant team and can’t wait to work with my new class!  Since 2011, I think I have worked in every position in many Kirkwood schools, except cook.

Painting & drawing are some of my hobbies and my favorite vacation was a trip to Italy.  I believe no meal is complete without dessert!

 

 

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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.