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
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 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! I currently attend Lincoln Land Community College to finish my associates degree.
Hi! My name is Makenna Gaffney and I am one of the two year old teachers! 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 finished my Bachelor's from National Louis University in May of 2024. I am the proud Mama of a sweet baby girl, Blair born in March of 2024. I am currently attending National Louis University to obtain my Master's degree. Along with my role as a Twos Teacher, you will also find me in the office sometimes helping keep the center going!
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.
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.
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 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 husband 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! 
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.
My name is Kaylie. I went to Highschool in New Berlin and graduated in 2019. I have two girls, Violet and Delilah. Being a mother is the best thing and inspired me to work with children. I started with Kountry Kids in October of 2022. I love to learn and have wonderful experiences 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. 
Hello! I am Taylor Brown. I started with Kountry Kids Learning Center in May of 2022. I work in the Twos Classroom. Things can get pretty wild with a class of two year olds.. but I wouldn't want to spend my day any other way! I have my CDA (Child Development Associate Credential.)
My name is Haley Robinson! I graduated from Lincoln Land Community College with my associates degree. I have 2 children of my own, Hayden and Levi. We have 2 dogs named Reese and Ivy. As well as a cat named Theo. One thing I love to do is take my boys to Centennial Park, we love the big hill! I started at Kountry Kids Learning Center in August of 2024.