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 Vanessa Pennington and i am 22 years old. I've been working in childcare for 4 years, both in centers and as a nanny, I'm a huge chiefs fan and love sports of all kinds.
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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.


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ASSISTANT TEACHER

My name is Kamryn and I go by Kam. I am a Freshman at Washburn and I am on the softball team. I am from Edmond, Oklahoma. I am undecided in my major but I am looking forward to my upcoming years at Washburn!
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Infant Co 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.

INFANT TEACHER 

Hello! My name is Baylee Blaufuss and I'm a freshman at Washburn University. I'm majoring in elementary education and hope to teach kindergarten or first grade someday. I started working at UCD in august and I'm excited to continue getting to know all the kids and staff! Some of my hobbies include traveling and watching my brothers play sports.

LEAD TEACHER

My name is Charity Hays, I am 26years old! I have been in this field for 7 years I went to Washburn tech and graduated in 2014. I love working with kids, seeing them develop everyday and seeing them achieving new things. I have lived in Topeka for 23 years and then moved to emporia with my fiancé and just moved back to Topeka. I am getting married July 3rd, 2021

LEAD TEACHER

Hi, my name is Bailee! I'm very excited to be back and helping around UCD. I've been in childcare since 2016 with some breaks here and there but i always find myself coming back to it, i love getting to see kids grow and learn!

Assistant Director

​My name is Marla. I am the new Assistant Director here at UCD, and couldn't be more excited to start this adventure!  I am originally from Oregon, but moved to Kansas in 2017. I've been in child care since 2015 and love it so much! 

PRESCHOOL TEACHER

​My name is Cassidy! I am from Rossville, KS. I have worked in childcare since 2017 and I really enjoy and love working with children. I am working towards a degree in Early Childhood Special Education. I love binge watching Netflix and eating Mexican food. I have 3 cats and 2 dogs. I am excited to be here and work with your children:) 

aSSISTANT TEACHER

My name is Allison Dunn. I am a Freshman at Washburn University majoring in Kinesiology. A fun fact about me is that I LOVE dogs. IN my free time i like to hang out with friends, get coffee, and binge Netflix!
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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!

ASSISTANT TEACHER

My name is Bailey Zungia and I'm a junior at Washburn University. I am a member of the Washburn softball team and I'm majoring in Elementary Education. I am the youngest child of four. I love working with little kids and helping them learn!

ASSISTANT TEACHER

My name is MaryAna Barnes, I am a sophomore at Washburn University majoring in elementary education with an emphasis in high incidence special education. I have a great love for children! In addition to summer nannying, i have 8 years experience caring for children of varies ages. I have experience working with children inside school classrooms as well! I am also a member of Washburn Volleyball team!

ASSISTANT TEACHER

Hi my name is Jordan Hausher. I am a sophomore at Washburn university. I am from Owasso Oklahoma, i am majoring in secondary education. I love taking trips back home to spend time with my friends and family!

ASSISITANT TEACHER

Hi my name is Skylar, I am from Mulvane, KS. I play soft ball at Washburn University, and I'm majoring in Accounting.  I  have been working at UCD since summer of 2019, i really enjoy watching all the kids learn and grow.