Meet the Staff
DIRECTOR
My name is Alex Renyer and I am the Director of UCD. I have been with UCD for 7 years and have experience in every classroom. I went to Washburn Tech and received my Child Care Certificate in 2013. I received my CDA (Child Development Associate Credential) in February 2016. Outside of school and in my spare time I sell Thirty-one bags!
TODDLER TEACHER
My name is Rachel Frakes. I am a sophomore at Washburn University studying elementary education and middle school mathematics. I started working at UCD in August 2018 and have been working in the toddler room. A fun fact about myself is that I am on the Washburn basketball team!
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
My name is Merika Pine. I currently work as an assistant and float teacher in all classrooms. I am a freshman at Washburn University working on pursuing a degree in elementary education. I have worked in childcare for the past 4 years and I have been with UCD since May of 2018. A fun fact about me is that not only do I love children, but I also love animals, which led me to follow a vegetarian diet.
ASSISTANT TEACHER
Hi, my name is Bailee Robertson and I’m from Carbondale, KS. I have been working in childcare since 2016. I have worked with newborns all the way up to preschool and now I am excited to be working at UCD and helping out in the KR Room!
TEACHER
My name is D’Mya Valdivia. I have been with UCD since May of 2017 and I help out in all the classrooms. I am a third year student at WU. My current major is Anthropology and Communication, with a minor in Sociology. On campus I am Secretary of Washburn’s BSU and a Summer Orientation Counselor. I started working with children my junior year of High School and received my Lead Teacher Certification from Washburn Tech.
TODDLER TEACHER
Hi! My name is Toni Miller and I am from Valley Falls, KS. I am majoring in Early Childhood Education and have worked in childcare since 2015. I have always loved working with children and someday hope to open my own home daycare. My favorite color is pink, I love to read, go hiking and occasionally do a kickboxing class! I am looking forward to working with the toddler class.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
My name is Marla Foster. I am the new Assistant Director here at UCD, and couldn't be more excited to start this adventure! I have been in Kansas since 2017. I have 3 kids, a dog and a snake. In my free time I love spending time with my family, and being outside!
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INFANT TEACHER
My name is Kaylie Collins and I work in the Infant and Toddler classrooms. I have been with UCD since December 2016. I am a senior at Washburn University studying Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Unified. Fun fact about me… I love wiener dogs!
PRESCHOOL TEACHER
My name is Mariah McKnight. I have worked in all classrooms at UCD and I am currently the lead teacher in the Preschool room. I have been with UCD for 3 years and I enjoy working with all of the children and staff. TEACHER
My name is Larisse (Lara) Williams. I am the mother of 2 daughters, Jane 4 and Ally 8. Previously I had an in-home family daycare for 6-1/2 years. Recently I became a full time student at Washburn University attending the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. I love arts and crafts and hiking.
CUSTODIAN
My name is Aunastasia Penny. I am 16 years old and a junior at Hayden Catholic High School. I just started here at UCD not that long ago and I really do enjoy being with kids every day I’m here. I have been working with kids since I was 14 years old babysitting for my sister. Fun fact about me… I used to be a pretty good athlete playing volleyball and basketball before my injury.
ASSISTANT TEACHER
My name is Josh Mitts. I am a student at Washburn University. I joined UCD as a volunteer but loved interacting with the kids so much that when I was offered a job I gladly accepted. I am a cross country runner and am majoring in Criminal Justice.
TEACHER
Hello! My name is Ellie and I am currently a junior at Washburn majoring in elementary special education and esol. A fun fact, I am also on the Washburn softball team! In my free time I love camping, hiking, and trying new coffee shops!
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