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! 




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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!
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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.

ASSISTANT TEACHER

​Hi, my name is Lauryn.  I am 19 years old and I graduated from Hayden High School.  I love what I do.  I work at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Topeka and UCD!  I love kids, my friends, and my dog.



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ASSISTANT TEACHER

My name is Karlie Miller.  I’m a junior at Washburn University and I’m double majoring.  I’m hoping to graduate in 2021 with an Associates in Occupational Therapy and a Bachelors in Psychology.  I absolutely love kids, which is why I’m working at UCD.  I’m mostly in the toddler room, but I do bounce around to other rooms.  After I graduate I’m hoping to work in a pediatric hospital to help kids learn and grow into amazing individuals.
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ASSISTANT TEACHER

Hello!  My name is Dani and I am a Junior in the Education program at Washburn University.  I also work at Old Navy and enjoy baking in my free time.  I have been with my boyfriend Zach, for 5-1/2 years; we just purchased our first home!  Zach and I both have insanely long hair, so any hair care tips are always appreciated!  We’re thinking about expanding our little family to include a furry friend, but who can take the extra shedding?

INFANT TEACHER

​My name is Lexi.  I’m a Junior at Washburn University.  I am majoring in Mass Media.  I have worked with children at a daycare for three years but started here this February.  I grew up with a big family.  I have 3 brothers and 3 sisters.  My favorite thing is traveling and going on adventures. 
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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!

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

​My name is Rachel Johnson and I am the lead teacher in the Kindergarten Readiness room, as well as UCD’s Assistant Director.  I have been working with children for 17 years and have been with UCD for 8.  I attended Highland Community College and received my Child Development Associate Credential in 2015.  Outside of school I have a wonderful husband, to whom I have been married for 18 years, and an ornery daughter named Aislynn who is attending Kindergarten this year.  Fun fact about me… I love superheroes and Chuck Taylor shoes!

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!


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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. 

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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.
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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. 





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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.





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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 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.
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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!