Our staff has over 100 years of combined early childhood experience. KKLC strives to provide high-quality, individualized care for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. Facilitating the development of our students in an age appropriate environment that fosters physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth. KKLC is one of five programs in Sangamon County that has been awarded a star rating by the Illinois Quality Rating System, verifying our quality and commitment to the children and families we serve.
The National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs offers early childhood leaders the opportunity to demonstrate and document quality performance using research-based criteria and evidence-based practices. The National Accreditation Commission provides a comprehensive, ongoing quality improvement system that recognizes the inherent diversity among programs through the self-study and award process. We are proud to be accredited by the National Accreditation Council.
Our Staff



Hello! My name is Rachel Bandy and I am the PreK 1 teacher. In 2008 I obtained my CDA. I live in New Berlin with my husband and son. We spend our free time outside fishing, camping, and caring for our miscellaneous farm animals. In the fall of 2019, I joined the KKLC family and absolutely love the interactions I have with each child every day!
Hi! I am Kaelyn Baker and I am the assistant teacher in the School Age Room. I have a son
who has been at KKLC since 2013, and now also a daughter. I graduated High School in
2013 and worked as a paraprofessional in New Berlin school until 2020, until I joined the
KKLC family. In my spare time I love being with my family and cooking! My favorite color is
blue and I enjoy Fall; going to baseball games and music! I am blessed to be a part of the
KKLC family and seeing each child grow and flourish!
Hi! My name is Makenna Dawdy and I am the two year old teacher! I started at KKLC in
March of 2020. I currently reside in Waverly but am a New Berlin native! I have my
associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Lincoln Land Community College and
am currently attending National Louis University for my bachelor’s degree in Infant/Toddler
Studies. I have my two fur babies, Oakley and Luna!
My name is Aubrey Guillen and I am the Newborn teacher. I have worked at KKLC since
March of 2018 and have shaped my life around Early Childhood Education. I have a
bachelor’s degree from Western University. Caring for and teaching young children is a
passion of mine and I am blessed for everyday that I am able to work in this career. I have a
son, Alexander, who is fortunate to grow up at Kountry Kids Learning Center as well.
Hello! My name is Luanne Loving. I do a little bit of everything at KKLC. I have worked in the medical and child care field since college. I volunteer EMS for New Berlin as well. I currently work for New Berlin Schools and Kounrty Kids Learning Center.
I am Christy Martin and I am a teacher at KKLC. I started here in February of 2021. I am a
single mother of a daughter Evangline Noel and son Evander Marvin. I also have two dogs,
Max a Shih Tzu and Kia, a rescue Pitbull. I am the second oldest of five children and the
only girl. I am currently attending Lincoln Land Community College and will graduate in May
2023.
Hello! My name is Lisa McQueen and I am the Administrative Assistant at Kountry Kids
Learning Center. I am originally from Ohio but moved to the Franklin area where my
husband grew up. We have a son, Jaxson and a daughter, Gracelynn, that love KKLC as
much as I do! I joined the team in September 2020. I graduated from a community college
in Toledo, Ohio with an Associates degree in Office Administration.
My name is Heather and I became part of the KKLC family in 2018 as a part-time teacher/helper. I work full time at New Berlin School District. I live in Loami with my husband, Sean and our two children Lily and Landon.


Hi! My name is Courtney. I graduated High School in 2006. I love to be outside, enjoying the weather! I love swimming, walking, and going to the park with my kids along with family cookouts. I live with my boyfriend and my two children, Serenity and Logan. I joined the KKLC family in March of 2021. Being here is my home away from home and working with the toddlers is always so much fun!
My name is Salem and I work in the Toddler Room as an Assistant Teacher. I have been
working at KKLC since March 2022. My favorite things to do are playing with the kids,
helping them learn and achieve goals, and creating a bond with them. At home, I love to be
with my boyfriend and son, or I love to visit family. I am a lover of all animals and I find joy
in helping my friends.
Hello! My name is Kylee and I work in the Twos classroom. My husband, Aaron, and I are
raising our son, Cutter, in Franklin. We enjoy spending time on our family farm and being
part of the action! I have been in childcare since 2017 but found my true home here at
Kountry Kids in March of 2022. I have had my Child Development Associate (CDA)
Credential for many years and use the skills I’ve learned daily in the classroom.
Hi There! I’m Jordan, dog mom to 3 fun babies. I joined the KKLC family in early 2023. I have
been working with children and people with disabilities since 2018 and love every minute of
it. I enjoy peanut M&Ms and spending time with my huge family.
My name is Kaylie. I went to Highschool in New Berlin and graduated in 2019. I have a baby
girl, Violet in August of 2022. Being a mother is the best thing and inspired me to work with
children. I am newer to childcare but love to learn and have wonderful experience every
day!
Hi! My name is Abby. I graduated Highschool from JHS. I enjoy reading and traveling, as well
as spending time with my family! I’ve always enjoyed being with kids, so joining Kountry
Kids is allowing me to make a career out of it! I’m very easy going and fun.
My name is Jordan. I have 2 children of my own that are the greatest joy in my life. I have
been in childcare since 2020. I have obtained my Child Development Associate (CDA)
Credential and am excited to be working towards the next step in furthering my education.
I really enjoy working with all the kiddos at Kountry Kids and hope to create meaningful
bonds with everyone I meet here!