Kreative Kids Teachers

Who Works Here

At Kreative Kids Learning Center, our team members are eager to help your children to learn and grow!

Brittany Williams

My name is Ms. Brittany and I have worked at Kreative Kids Learning Center for 5 years. My favorite activities to do are music such as; singing, using instruments, or learning the use of body parts to create sounds. I enjoy seeing the child’s glow in their smile, laugh, or expression of “I did it!” or “Wow” knowing they’ve mastered something we’d considered “minor” to their “MAJOR” accomplishment of signing, engaging in language with music saying,”shake-shake” with an instrument and they model the movement as well as recognizing the language and combining the two. In my pastime, I enjoy spending time with my 4 1/2 yr old daughter and 2 1/2 yr old son who also attend Kreative Kids Learning Center, which they’ve been here at the center since they were 7 weeks old to present and they love school (daycare). – Brittany Williams

Millie Turner

I started working at the Center in December of 2001 after many years at an insurance company that is no longer in business. I don’t work directly with the children but am in and out of the rooms at various times. When not working, I like to travel, read, and take care of my flower garden. – Millie Turner

Michaela Lucas

Hello! My name is Michaela Lucas and I’ve been at the center for 10 months. My favorite activity to do with the kids is building blocks with them as well as music time! When I’m not at work I like to go out with my friends and go hiking! I’ve been in the baby room with Ms. Gigg, Ms. Rhea, and Mr. Brittany, there’s never a dull moment working with them. They all love the babies and their co-teachers. I’ve loved every minute I’ve spent in the baby room watching them grow, learn and develop in the first year of their life. I’m glad to be a part of it! – Michaela Lucas

Rose Thomas

My name is Rose Thomas affectionately known as Mrs. Rose. I am a wife and mother to 5 wonderful children and grandmother to 1 grandbaby. I have been employed at Kreative Kids Learning Center for 3 years as an assistant teacher and have over 10 years of experience working with children. I am a graduate from Lewis & Clark Community College with an associate’s degree in early childhood education which qualifies me to work as a lead teacher in a school or daycare center. In my pastime, I enjoy singing, attending church, and planning and attending family trips. – Rose Thomas

J’khiri Evans

Hey! My name is Mr. Evans! I’ve been a teacher’s aid at the center for almost 4 years now. I love working with children because they are our future. As an older generation, I feel as if it’s our job to give them all of our knowledge so they can add to it and create a better place for themselves and others. When I’m not at the center I’m running my own dance company for children; giving them an outlet to express themselves through movement and creativity. – J’khiri Evans

Betty Wesbrook

Hi, my name is Betty and I live in Livingston. In 1985 I started working at the center as an aide while I went to Lewis and Clark Community College. In August of ‘86, I was hired in the two-year-old room full-time. Since then I have worked in the preschool wing, school-age wing, and as the site administrator. In 2007 I left the setting of the classroom to become the assistant director. As the assistant director, I enjoy getting to work with all the staff of the center. Even though my role at the center is in the office I look forward to seeing the children throughout the day and hearing “ Hey Ms. Betty!” as the kids go through the halls. In my pastime, you will find me relaxing at the lake during the warm months, visiting the movie theater in the colder ones, and taking on many adventures with my 10 grandsons throughout the year. – Betty Wesbrook

Carolyn Hall

Hi, my name is Carolyn Hall and I’ve worked for Kreative Kids Learning Center for 31 1/2 years. I’m married and my husband and I are proud parents of one daughter. I started working for Alton Daycare in the 1980s. I have always had a love for children and I have watched them grow into fine young adults. As I end my talk about myself I would like to say always put children first and you will never go wrong. – Carolyn Hall

Mindy Wesbrook Courtney

Hey, I started here at the center-right after high school graduation in 2007. After taking some college courses at Lewis and Clark Community College I was hired as a full-time team member in January 2011. I have really enjoyed my time here at the center. I personally feel working with children allows me to stay youthful, continue to use my imagination and play, and learn all day. The children and I enjoy taking pictures, cooking activities, playing with sensory items, and sharing memories. If I am not working, you will find me spending time with my husband or creating memories with all the kids that call me Mimi. – Mindy Wesbrook Courtney

Michelle Owings

I have worked for Kreative Kids Learning Center for 3 years now. I am the cook. I really enjoy being in the kitchen and working with a wonderful staff. I have a 3-year-old son who has been coming to this daycare since he was 8 weeks old. I love seeing the kids here at the center. Their smiles and laughter brighten your day. If I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family. My son and I are outdoor people and love going on the river with MeeMee and Papa. – Michelle Owings

Crystal Smith

My name is Chrystal Smith. I am 29 years old and a mother of one, Essence Parker age 2. I am a school-age teacher and have been an employee at Kreative Kids Learning Center for 2 years. Some of my favorite things to do are art, play card games, and learn something new. However, the nicest part of my day comes from just having open, honest conversations with the children. Helping them solve personal problems and just overall reassuring them that everything will be ok in the end. I used to enjoy going out but since becoming a mother I just enjoy quality time with my daughter; teaching her and exposing her to all the joys of life. Working with the school-age helps prepare me for when she’s older. Kids have some similarities but MANY differences and I enjoy learning from them as well. – Crystal Smith

Mellissa “Lisa” Henderson

My name is Mellissa Henderson and I have worked at Kreative Kids Learning Center for 35 years and my favorite thing to do with the children is to play games such as Uno and board games. I also like to watch them do their own art activities and creations. I have a daughter named Kenyatta that attended the center in the past. I like seeing them grow up and become their own positive individual. I also like seeing them in a safe environment. In my pastime, I enjoy shopping and reading books. – Mellissa “Lisa” Henderson

Alexandria Trieste

Hi! My name is Alexandria Trieste. I started with Kreative Kids Learning Center in May of 2021. I attended Kreative Kids Learning Center as a child through the years of 1999-2009 with it was called Alton Daycare and Learning Center. My favorite activities to do with the children are to do art projects with the children where they have a chance to showcase themselves and their artistic skills. I love working with children for an abundance of reasons, but the one that sticks out the most is watching the children learn and grow. As a teacher, I get the opportunity to witness the children socialize, express themselves through art and play, how they handle conflict, and most importantly, I get to watch them learn. Outside of Kreative Kids, I spend most of my free time with my two energetic pups. – Alexandria Trieste

Melissa Morgan

Hi! My name is Melissa Morgan. I began working for Kreative Kids Learning Center part-time during the summer of 2017 and ‘18 while working for a head start during the school year. But on September 10th, I decided to work at this center full time. On September 24, 2018, I began working full-time in the two-year-old room. I enjoyed seeing their faces light up when they potty in the toilet for the first time. On June 1, 2021, I began working with the three-year-olds. I love doing art with the children. I enjoy working with the children to see their consistent growth. I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren when I’m not working. – Melissa Morgan

Tamayo Barbee

My name is Tamayo Barbee. I have been working at Kreative Kids Learning Center for 17 years. I love playing with the children, teaching them, and watching them grow. I love to listen to old school music in my off time and shopping. I am an avid watcher of horror, action, and comedy movies. I also enjoy baking in my time outside of the center. – Tamayo Barbee

Lori Terrell

Hi, my name is Lori Terrell. I’ve been working at Kreative Kids Learning Center for 25 years. Working here at the center and helping children learn and grow brings me so much joy! Watching them grow and knowing that you are a part of helping them to become the best that they can be is so refreshing. I love being silly with them and having fun learning through art, song, and dance. The children keep me young! The love they give is Awesome! They make my days so much better. I also love watching movies, playing games with my family and everyone knows to eat! – Lori Terrell

Cassie Havis

Hello! I have been at the center for 3 years and every day you get to involve yourself in the children’s lives to help make a difference and help shape the children into the path of success. It’s always exciting because each day brings on a different way for you to be a role model to the kids and create an impact on their future. Outside of the center, I love to read and focus on college and becoming a teacher.  – Cassie Havis

Rheashaunta “Rhea” Valentine

My name is Rheashaunta Valentine. I started working at Kreative Kids as a part-time teacher in April 2011. In October 2012 I became a full-time teacher. I like to do a lot of activities with children. I enjoy doing art, sensory tables, playdough, playing basketball, and that’s just to name a few. I truly love working with children. There are so many reasons why I enjoy my job. Besides parents, teachers are a huge part of children’s lives. We help teach them the fundamentals of life. I have worked in every classroom in the building. It makes me happy to see how I have taught so many children things like walking, how to hold their spoons, share, helping them conquer fears, and even just listening to their problems and helping them solve those problems. I also learned a lot from them too, like patience, a different way to communicate, and how to take time out and just have fun. Unconditional love is just a bonus! – Rheashaunta “Rhea” Valentine

Gigi Marie Cooley-Taylor

Hi! My name is Gigi Marie Cooley-Taylor. I started working for Kreative Kids Learning Center in 1994 when it was called Alton Day Care and Learning Center. I have worked in the infant room, toddler room, and two-year-old room while being at the center. I love music time with the children. We have our own Kreative Kids choir. I love when the children start language skills and their awesome dance moves! What I like to do in my downtime is the church. I was ordained on January 30, 2021! I love preaching the word of God! Spending time with my husband Manuel Taylor-Bey and dog Piper Cooley. – Gigi Marie Cooley-Taylor

Abby Ressler

Hi! My name is Abby Ressler. I have been here at Kreative Kids for two months. The reason I have chosen to work in the early childcare field is to simply make a difference and to be a part of the growth and development of children. Working here I’ve already made many connections with staff and kids! I can’t wait to continue my journey in the field and become a part of the Kreative Kids family. – Abby Ressler