About Berlin

HI!! I'm Stephanie Neuman and I am the owner/director of Kountry Kids Learning Center, Inc. I was born and raised in Girard, IL. I come from a very close knit family, my parents are John and Jeanette Earley and I have one brother JR who all still reside in Girard. I graduated from Girard High School in May 2000. I received my Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in May 2004. After finishing my degree I moved home and accepted a position with Sangamon Area Special Education District (SASED) as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher at New Berlin Elementary and Ball/Chatham Elementary for 4 years. In June 2006 I married my husband, Kris and April 1, 2008 we welcomed our first child into the world, Charlie. When Charlie was 4 weeks old we purchased a former church to open our own quality childcare center. It was a whole new career path for me going from the public school to the private sector. After a very busy and stressful summer, we opened our doors August 18, 2008. May 9, 2010 we added our daughter, Elliana, to our family. In June 2011 I began pursuing my masters' degree, online, in Early Childhood Administration through National- Louis University. I graduated with masters' degree in December 2012. We are so blessed to have the best staff, students, and families EVER!! I LOVE MY JOB!!! 🙂

I am a life long native of New Berlin. I graduated from New Berlin High School in 1998 and pursued an Associates Degree in Business Administration from Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield. I am able to fulfill my lifelong dream by owning and operating KKLC. I love spending time with my wife and 2 children. In addition to being a business owner of KKLC and a father, I am a grain merchandiser for H&B Specialties in Pleasant Plains, and I help on my family's farm in the spring and fall.

Hi, my name is Eliza and I am the Assistant Director and lead PreK 2 teacher at Kountry Kids Learning Center. I was born and raised in Pleasant Plains. I graduated in 2017 from Western Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree and my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Administration in 2019 from National Louis University. I have a son named Hudson. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with Hudson and my family, shopping, and gardening. I joined KKLC in 2013 and have worked in most of the classrooms and have enjoyed getting to know the kids and families over the years.

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!

Miss Brighten is willing to help in any room needed, even the kitchen. You may see her when college is on break and throughout the summer.

Hi! I am Kaelyn Buehrle and I am the assistant teacher in the School Age Room. I have an 8-year-old son who has been at KKLC since 2013. 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!

I am Bill Crone (Mr. Bill) and I work with the After School Program and serve as Janitor at KKLC. I was born on June 30, 1977 and was born and raised in Jerseyville, Illinois. I currently live in Ashland, Illinois with my wife Ms. Heather (Two's) and my two step-daughters Krissy and Ally Simmons. I hold a B.S. in Agriculture Business with a Minor in Business Management. I joined KKLC in January of 2010 and have 5 years experience in childcare. My occupations outside Kountry Kids consist of being the Assistant Manager at Walmart in Jacksonville as well as a substitute teacher. I spend my free time enjoying sports, woodworking, and home improvement projects. My favorite season is fall and my favorite color is blue. I am a fan of the Chicago Cubs but enjoy watching all collegiate sports.

My name is Makenna Dawdy. I joined the KKLC family in March of 2020. I have babysat for local families for many years. I graduated from New Berlin in 2019. I currently attend Lincoln Land Community College. I love my family and my dog, Oakley. Also, I love my Toddlers & Twos!!

My name is Ali Eagan and I am the Co-teacher in the Infant Room. I joined KKLC in September 2020. I have babysat my whole life. I am 1 of 10 grandchildren, 2nd oldest (always watched the younger kids.) I graduated from New Berlin in 2013. I have lived in New Berlin since 2005. From 2017 to July 2020 I lived in San Antonio, Texas. I have family that also works at Kountry Kids Learning Center. I have a twin brother named Beau.

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. 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 am Jessica Howard. I have four children, 2 biological and 2 stepchildren. We love spending time with our family. I have been in childcare for years and love seeing children grow. My heart is truly in this profession to love your children like they are my own!

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 an assistant 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.

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 one son, Jaxson, that loves 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.

My name is Mary Preston. I joined in 2010. I used to work in the classrooms however I found my true spot in 2013 when I became the cook. I took a 2-year hiatus in 2018 and came back in 2020. I am the mother of one amazing adult son who is my whole world.

My name is Alyssa Ray. I am the float assistant teacher in the Infant Room. I graduated from Lewistown High School in 2020. In school I participated in band, FFA, Student Senate, and FCCLA. I have wanted to be a teacher ever since I was in Elementary school.

My name is Kayla Smith, I have been working with children all my life. I knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was 14 years old. I attended Lincoln Land College, where I graduated with an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education, as well as my Level 2 Infant/Toddler credential. I have been working at KKLC in the Infant Room since 2015. I love watching my kids grow and learn through the years.

Hello! My name is Brittney Smith. I work in the School Age program. I graduated from New Berlin High School in 2005. My husband and I both grew up in New Berlin, and now we are raising our two boys here. I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors. It is such a blessing to be a part of the KKLC family!

Miss Lori helps in the Kitchen on occasion. She can also be found driving the Big Blue Bus. Beep! Beep!

My name is Tiffany Thompson. I have been in childcare for many years and have been with KKLC since 2008. I work in the School Age Program. I graduated from New Berlin High School in 2004. When I’m not here I love to spend time with my daughter Rhealynn and husband Casey. I love to do art with kids and play outside.

Hi! My name is Ellie Wilson. I am the Toddler Room teacher. I live in Franklin with my husband and two kids, Ava and Riley. I have an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Lincoln Land Community College. In my free time I enjoy taking my kids to the zoo and park. Children have always had a huge part of my heart, so working at Kountry Kids Learning Center makes me feel very blessed.

My name is Lacey. I am the Twos Room teacher. I was born in Chatham, IL and graduated from Glenwood Highschool in 2008. I have two children. My oldest is my daughter, Gemma Jean. My son is my youngest, Spencer. I joined KKLC in 2013. In my free time I enjoy exploring any outdoors scenes, reading and just relaxing with my kiddos.

Miss Cailey works in our Twos room.

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!