Alicia Kassens, B.S.
Program Director

My name is Alicia Kassens and I joined Tots and Tales in December 2010. I have been in early childhood for 16 years as a teacher, paraprofessional, and as a Director for the last 3 years. I obtained my Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development in 2007 and my Bachelor of Psychology with Child Development in 2010. I am married and have a son and two stepdaughters whom I adore. Family is important to me and I hope that we exhibit that importance to you and your family while teaching your children through our Montessori curriculum. I look forward to our future together here at Tots and Tales! Welcome!

Adria Cole
Assistant Director

I joined Tots and Tales as the Assistant Director in August of 2010. I love all of the aspects of my job! My goal for our program and children is to have a safe, fun, and inspiring learning environment. I have one daughter and one granddaughter who is three and attends TNT. I have worked in all areas of childcare since 1980! I have an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. In my spare time, I love to read and spend time with my family.

Blue - Kayla Hannahan (2 to 3 year olds):
I am the co-teacher in the blue room and have been here a total of two and a half years as I was here before, left, but have been back about 6 months and now pursuing my Montessori certification. My goal for my students in the class is to show them that learning is fun! My favorite aspect of working at TNT is watching the kids learn and grow and then the happiness in their face when they learn something new. I have a great fiancé and five wonderful stepchildren that I love very much!

Blue - Stephanie Hernandez (2 to 3 year olds):
Hi! I am the co-teacher in the blue room and have been at TNT for almost 2 years. Knowing that I am one of the greatest influences on each child’s life in my classroom. I am married, have a 3 year old son, and a little girl on the way in May. I like to scrapbook and do photography in my spare time. My goal for each child in my room is to prepare them for their future in our center as well as provide a loving, safe environment. I look forward to working with your child!

Orange - Darrell Walker (6 to 12 year olds):

Orange - Kira O'dell (6 to 12 year olds):

Red - Ms. Phyllis (preschool ages 3-5):
I have worked at Tots N Tales for 17 years and LOVE working with children. Recently, I moved from the Toddler classroom where I was nicknamed by parents the “potty training guru” to the Pre-K classroom. It is fun working with a different age group. All children are so fascinating and teach me things each day too! I have been married for 38 years and have 3 beautiful daughters, great sons-in-law and 5 wonderful grandchildren. My husband and I enjoy spending time with our children and grandchildren and enjoy riding our Harley in our spare time. My philosophy on children is love, laugh and learn—and most of all LOTS OF PATIENCE!

Pink - Katey Gregory (1 to 2 year olds):
Hello! I am the lead teacher in the pink/rose rooms and have been here since November 2011. I love working with children of all ages! I was born in California but raised in Kansas City, Ks. I have a younger brother and sister who mean so much to me as I do not have children of my own but would like to eventually. My goal for our students is to teach them all I can and know to prepare them for life skills they need to know as they grow and develop. The two aspects I love the most is doing arts/crafts with my students and also seeing them grow and become smart, caring, and independent children.

Purple - Lee Turner (Preschool age):
I have been employed at Tots N Tales since 1995. I am married and have 1 daughter. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I believe that every child should have a kind, caring and loving teacher. A teacher should stimulate the minds of the children through play and learning. We should be a good role model in all aspects of the classroom. We should teach children good communication through open ended conversations. Teachers need to allow children to explore in their classroom and allow a child to make his/her own mistakes. I believe that teachers need to find each child’s own learning style and help them learn in the way that is best for them. I believe that you need to have diversity in your classroom, and bring each child’s culture into your classroom. This will help the children feel more welcome, safe and secure. Most of all, I think that you need to teach each child that they are special in their own way and that they are loved!

Yellow - Shari Stark (Pre-K and Kindergarten):
I have been at Tots N Tales for 12 wonderful years. My hobby is spoiling my grandchildren. My philosophy on children is love, patience and consistency.

Silver - Katie Fish (2 ½ to 4 year olds):
I am so excited to be at TNT! I joined the team about 2 months ago and am happy to be the lead teacher in silver and I have my Montessori certification. My husband and I have been married for 15 years. We have 2 daughters, age 13 and 7 respectively. I enjoy the great outdoors by camping, hiking, fishing and mushroom hunting! I believe that God has put me on this earth to make a difference in children’s lives. In order to be successful in this world, you have to learn to be respectful and kind which is my goal for the students in my room. The Montessori philosophy to discover in the worlds of language, mathematics, practical life, sensorial, and cultural subjects is my favorite for our students when a variety of these activities is offered!"

Green - Jodie Murphy (2 ½ to 4 year olds):
Hello everyone! I am the green room lead teacher and was just promoted to that in October 2011. I have been at TNT for four and a half years and am currently going through Montessori training. I have been married for 13 years and have a 12 year old son, Michael. I was a hair dresser for 23 years when I fell in love with TNT and the Montessori curriculum. Soon after, I decided to change and work here and I love my job! My goal for your child is to ready them for the outside environment, prepare them for school, and learn self discipline.

Aqua - Stacy Land (2 to 3 year olds):
Hi, I am the teacher in the Aqua Room. I have only been here a few months but I love my job as I am also pursuing my Montessori certification! I love being in the classroom again and doing art projects- the messier the better! I am also the bus driver for the school age students. I live in Belton, Mo with my boyfriend and have a 19 year old daughter. I am the oldest of three children. I love watching movies and goofing around on the computer. I also love to cook and going out to eat for Mexican. My goal for my students is to learn as much as possible and have fun while doing it.