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Meet Our Staff
Director
 Erin Kespohl
Erin
and husband Greg are lifelong Columbia residents. They have 3 children,
Connor (9), Anna (7) and Claire (3). Erin received a BS in Elementary Education
from the University of Missouri in 1993. She gained valuable administrative experience
at Columbia United Church of Christ in the areas of Preschool, Youth, and College Ministry.
While a student at MU, Erin created and coordinated Fellowship of Christian University Students.
She held this position for 5 years and was youth director for 1 year. Erin loves to sew, cook, sing,
go camping or do anything outdoors! She loves to watch children make their own discoveries.
Experience in Early Childhood and Elementary Education includes: Director, Little One's Day OUT (4 years) Parent
Educator, Parents as Teachers (4 years) Teacher, Russell Elementary (4 years) Erin also serves as the Toddler Teacher.
Preschool I Teacher
 Kate Heine
Kate grew up in Columbia and has been an active participant at Columbia United Church of Christ throughout her life. She is an accomplished journalist who has recently returned to Columbia after a two year assignment as a Feature Writer for the Waco Tribune where she penned a column and earned numerous accolades. She is preparing for a return to graduate school to use her writing skills in the field of public health. We are fortunate to have her with us for the interim. Kate has a beautiful spirit and a special gift for children. She has extensive child care experience from a young age and nurtures and encourages children in a sincere and honest manner. Preschool I
Teacher, Little One's Day OUT (1st year)Waco Trubune:
Columbia
United Church of Christ:  Youth LeaderSunday
School TeacherOutreachPreschool II Teacher
Elaine Noltie
Hi, my name is Elaine Noltie, or as some of my pre-schoolers call me, Mrs. No No,
Mrs. Natty or just Noltie. My background is in early childhood education and I've worked in the educational
field for 20 years. At LODO I have served as the toddler, Pre-School I and Pre-School II
teacher. My family and I moved to Columbia 16 years ago from Ontario, Canada. My husband Doug and
I have three daughters, Aislinn (16), Brianne (12), and Caitlynn (9). Although our family is still
in Canada, Columbia is definitely our home. Throughout my years with children, the one constant that
I have discovered is how amazing each and every individual child is. They surprise me every day with
their love for life and the way everything is so amazing to them, as if they are forever seeing things for the
first time.Teacher
, Little One's Day OUT (4 years) Parent
Educator, Parents as Teachers (8 years) Director, YMCA Day Care (2 years)Head
Teacher, Junior Kindergarten Matthews Hall
School (1 year)Nursery
Worker, Missouri Athletic Center (MAC)Elaine
enjoys singing, storytelling, scrapbooking, exercising and volunteering
as a swim parent for her daughter's swim team. Most of all, she enjoys
meeting new people and being with children.
Preschool I Teacher
Kim Bailey Kim has been part of LODO since its inception and has served as a teacher
for four years. Kim is a 1994 graduate of Central Methodist University with a BS in
Business Administration and a minor in Communications and Psychology. Kim and her
husband have two children who both attended LODO. Kim enjoys spending time with her
family and friends. She also likes to go antiquing in her spare time. Kim has always
enjoyed working with children. She provides a loving and nuturing environment in her
classroom.
Teacher,
Little One's Day OUT (3 years)Preschool II Teacher
Laura Spradling Originally from New Madrid, Missouri, Laura and her husband Jim moved to
Columbia in 1998. They have two children, Abram (5) and Charlie (18 mos).
Laura recieved a BS in Criminal Justice in 2000 with plans to work with troubled youth.
She has always had a passion for working with kids and has served at her church as a
junior high leader, church leader, nursury worker, and VBS volunteer. She has a strong
desire to teach children something new and loves to see them discover new things. Laura
enjoys reading, going for walks, playing with her children, and studying God's word.
Teacher,
Little One's Day OUT (2 years)Laura has a natural way of loving children and we are
proud to have her on our Little
One's DAY OUT teaching team.
Assistant Teacher
Betty Smith St. Louis, Missouri was Betty's home until moving to Columbia in 2004. After
working in the business world as an executive secretary for 23 years, she accepted early
retirement and worked in the St. Louis County Public School system for six years as an
assistant teacher. Druing those same six years, she also worked for the St. Louis County
Parks as a tour guide at some ot the county's historical museums. Betty has 3 children - two
daughters and one son. Her daughters and three of her grandchildren live in Columbia, enriching her
life, as she loves being with children. Her hobbies include church involvement, reading, travel,
entertaining, and keeping in touch with both new and long-time friends.
Assistant Teacher,
Little One's Day OUT (2 years) |