Kid's Castle - Monroe

My name is Ursula Mesnard and I have 2 daughters, ages 23 and 14. I attended Richland Community College and I have been in daycare for 20+ years. I have worked with different age groups, however, two-year-olds have always been my passion. I have been with Kids Castle Learning Center since the very first day they opened. I started off as the two-year-old teacher, got promoted to Assistant Director and now am serving as Director at the Monroe location. Thank you for allowing my staff and myself to have the opportunity to love and nurture your children.

Hi, my name is Diane Johnson. I am 25 and have a 2-year-old daughter. I have been with KC for a little over a year. I love working with children and am working towards my teacher certificate after attending Richland ECE classes. I am currently one of the Infant 1 teachers and my babies are the highlight of my day!

My name is Patricia Coburn; however, everyone just calls me Patty. I have a daughter and twin sons whom I love spending time with. I have worked at Kids Castle Learning Center for five years as a Teacher’s Assistant. I first started out in the School-Age room and then decided it was time for a change and transferred to the Two-Year-Old room where I am still at today. I love my two’s and want to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work with your children.

I’ve been in daycare since 2002. I am currently working on my teaching degree/CDA. I have been with Kids Castle for just shy of two years and I have worked with a variety of ages. I am looking forward to many years with KCLC!

Hi, my name is Natalie. I am currently pregnant with my first baby girl. My family is greatly looking forward to her arrival! I am now working in the school age and Pre-K 1 rooms. I attended a year and a half of early childhood courses which makes me School age teacher qualified. Children are my passion and I’m so excited to be here as a part of this team.

My name is Samantha Emery. I have worked in childcare for two years in Indiana before moving to Illinois. I have a minor in ECE from Indiana State and will continue working on my bachelor’s at Millikin University. My age/classroom in the Pre-K 1 room is a dream come true. My students bring so much joy to my heart every day. This is an adventure I am proud to be a part of!

Hi, my name is Christina Robinson. I have been with KCLC for about a year and am currently a teacher in the toddler room, they light up my world. I love working with the kiddos and teaching them new life skills every day!

My name is Jacquelyn Boaden. I am a recent music graduate from Millikin University with a plan to pursue music therapy. I have only been at Kids Castle for a few months, but I have grown to love all of the children and the staff. I am thankful for every day I get to enjoy here

Hi, my name is Audrey Allen and I just recently started working at Kids Castle learning Center in October of 2017. I am a graduate of Millikin University and have a Bachelor’s in Psychology. I am the teacher in the two-year-old room and I absolutely love my class. My kiddos are bright, and we strive to help them learn through play and creative activities. I love my job here at Kids Castle!

Hello my name is Brandy Whitney and I am currently the Teachers Assistant in the Young 3’s classroom at KC. I have been in childcare for a few years now but I have been a KC employee for little over a year. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE working with children. I have a goal of wanting to become a teacher someday.

Hi, my name is Rebekah Edwards. To share a little bit of my educational background, I have a Bachelor’s degree from Kentucky Mountain Bible College. Also, I am currently in the master’s program for Professional counseling at Liberty University. On a more personal note, I am married to a wonderful man and we have a little boy at home that we just adore. We also have a little Yorkie whose name is Opie. I love teaching your little ones at Kids Castle Learning Center. They are wonderful children and a pleasure to know.

Hi, my name is Roberta Vest; however, everyone calls me Bobbi. I have worked in childcare for 19 years and 6 of those years have been at Kids Castle Learning Center. I love working as a Teacher Assistant in the Infant 2 classroom. When I have free time, I spend every moment I have with my four daughters. We love to swim, fish, and go on nature walks. Children are my life and I enjoy every minute I get to spend with them.

My name is Mary Reed. I have lived all over the U.S., but Utah is my favorite! I moved to Illinois to be closer to my family and grandkids. Education has always been important to me and I am the first of my family to have a BS degree in Education. I have taught schools in many states as well. It has always been my passion. I have worked at KC for a year and am currently in the Infant 2 room. I wouldn’t trade my babies for the world!

Hi, my name is Nystasia Harris-Shelley I’ve been with Kids Castle for 10 years. I have worked with many of the ages but I would have to say young infants are one of my favorite age groups. I am cross trained as assistant director so I fill in when I am needed. I am a mother of three and I am currently working towards my bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership expected graduation in May 2019.

My name is Dixie Kreher and I have been in childcare for over 30+ years. I have an advanced Science Degree in childcare and Education. I have three boys of my own and currently am raising three of my wonderful grandchildren. I have been in the Kindergarten Readiness room for 8 years at Kids Castle Learning Center and love every child individually.

Hello, my name is Kylie Hufford and I am 20 years old. I attended Mt. Zion High School and graduated in 2016. I have been employed at Kids Castle Learning Center for 4 ½ months and have worked with various ages. I love children and have been working with them since I was 10 years old.

I started out babysitting my little brothers and when I was about 12 I started working as a nursery aide at my grandma’s church for 2-3 years.

My name is Alex Ufkes. I have been here at KC for 6 years. I started as the 2’s teacher long ago, moved to young 3’s and trained shortly after that for Assistant Director. I am a foster mom, have a wonderful 1 year old daughter, and love children of all ages. I have 2 associates from Richland and have a year invested in a Millikin ECE degree. Teaching has always been my passion and I love my job.