
Christian Academy
Colleen Vermillion
Assistant director

Role: Assistant director
Education: Bachelor of Arts in history with a minor in criminal justice, certification in women's literature, critical care paramedics license, and an associate degree in nursing.
​
Experience: I have worked in childcare on both the administrative and classroom sides for the past two years. In addition to my professional experience, I am also a mother of five, which gives me a deep understanding of children's needs and the importance of creating a safe, supportive environment for the families.
​
Favorite part about working with children: My favorite part about working with children is building strong, trusting relationships with both the children and their families. Watching children grow in confidence, independence, and curiosity is incredibly rewarding.
Fun Fact: I played college soccer at SLU and am currently a coach at Jackson high school.
​
​
Miss madi
lead teacher
.jpeg)
Role/Position: Infant Lead Teacher
Education/Certifications: Child Development Associate (CDA)
Years of Experience: 2 years
What I Enjoy Most About Working with Children:
I love watching infants grow, learn, and develop their own unique personalities. Being part of their early milestones is incredibly rewarding.
Favorite Classroom Activity:
My favorite moments are watching the babies learn how to crawl and gain confidence as they explore their environment.
Miss hannah
lead teacher

Role: I am the lead teacher for our oldest infant room.
What I enjoy most about working with children: My favorite part about working with children is seeing them learn and grow, especially when I get them this young and get to see them move up through the older classrooms in the center.
Experience: I have been working in childcare for 2 years now.
My favorite classroom activity: I enjoy arts and crafts, I love to give parents something to look back on from their child's early years.
A fun fact about me is I love photography!
Miss abigail
lead teacher
_JPG.jpg)
Role: I am the lead teacher of our Acorns room with 3/4/5 year old's!
Experience: I have been working in childcare for three years formally with over 8 years of babysitting experience.
Education: I am CPR and first aid certified along with many MOPD trainings! I am also a college student studying psychology and communication disorders with minors in family studies and child development. I am currently working on getting my CDA to best support your kiddos!
What I enjoy most about working with children: I love getting to know each child's personality, and watching them become their own little person. It is so special to me being able to form such bonds with them, and helping to transform their early years.
​
Favorite classroom activity: Circle time is by far my favorite classroom activity, I love watching the kids learn and watching them start to retain the subjects that I’ve been teaching them!
​
Fun fact: I have been to 40 concerts and I am in charge of our social media pages and website!
Miss Ellie
Lead teacher

​
Role: I am the lead teacher for our young toddlers room!
​
Education: I am a college student studying business administration and have taken many psychology courses as well!
​
What I enjoy most about working with children: I enjoy helping them learn and develop their own individual skills.
​
Experience: I have been working in early childhood through daycare for almost a year. I have also gained experience working with kids through volunteering in Sunday school, kids camps, and babysitting.
​
Favorite classroom activity: I enjoy singing songs with the kids during circle time. I aim to help every child learn and grow through positive learning experiences.
​
Fun fact: I have five fish and a frog!
Miss Jamie
Float staff

Role: I am a floater between the infant rooms
​
Education: I am a college student and I am also CPR certified.
​
Experience: I have been working in childcare for almost a year!
​
Why I love working with children: I love getting to watch the kids grow and build a connection with them in the process!
​
Favorite classroom activity: I love getting to do arts and crafts with the kids and getting to see their visions come to life!
Fun fact: I helped paint all the murals around our center!
miss lj
​float stAFF

Role: Floater
​
Experience: I have been working in early childhood for about a year!
Education: I am a college student studying psychology.
​
What I enjoy most about working with children:Working with children lets me see real progress, whether it’s a new skill, a boost in confidence, or a moment where they feel understood and supported. Their honesty, curiosity, and joy make the work feel rewarding, and knowing that I can be a safe, encouraging presence in their lives gives the job purpose. Being trusted to support and guide them during such formative years is a responsibility I value deeply.
​
Favorite classroom activity: Any hands-on learning, while focusing on student engagement. I enjoy interactive activities that keep students involved and curious!
Fun fact: My roommates and I have 8 pets! 5 fish, 1 cat, 1 frog, and 1 leopard gecko!
​
​
miss kinsey
float staff

Role: Floater
Education: I am currently attending Southeast Missouri State University, where I am working toward my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I have experience working with children in kindergarten through three summer school programs and have been working as a float for the past six months.
What I enjoy most about working with children: Getting to be a consistent, safe presence they can rely on each day. I value creating a secure and supportive environment where children feel confident to explore, learn, and express themselves. Watching them grow over time, develop confidence, and take pride in their accomplishments as they become their own individuals is incredibly rewarding.
Favorite classroom activity: Free play! It gives children a chance to explore, problem-solve, and express themselves independently, while I observe and provide support when needed. Stepping back and watching them apply what they know about the world through play is incredibly fascinating, and I love seeing their confidence and creativity grow over time. I also love getting to read with them. Storytelling helps children develop language and comprehension skills, expand their vocabulary, and strengthen their imagination. I love how it opens up opportunities for discussion, allowing children to connect with the story and share their own experiences. Watching them engage, ask questions, and make connections with each other through story telling is extremely fulfilling.
​​
Fun Fact: I have said that I wanted to be a teacher since I was able to talk!
​
​
​
Miss ava
Float staff
.jpeg)
Role: I am a floater working in all rooms in our center
Education: I am currently a college student studying interior design. I have various certifications and trainings including but not limited to CPR certification, positive behavior support certification, intellectual disabilities certified among others.
What I most enjoy about working with children: Helping the children learn and grow, as well as developing a bond with the children!
​
Experience: I have been working in early childhood for nearly a year!
​
Favorite Classroom activity: I enjoy teaching nursery rhymes and lullabies. I also like to focus on helping the children develop fine motor skills, communication skills, and have fun along the way.
​
Fun fact: I am an artist and painted the murals in our center!
​