Early Learning Center

 Colleen Bloom, Infant Lead Teacher  

Colleen started working as a teacher’s aide in our Preschool I classroom in 2002. She has a BA in Human Development and Family Life specializing in Early Childhood Education from KU. In August 2007, after completing practicums in KU’s infant, toddler and preschool classrooms and receiving her degree, she became the lead teacher in the infant room. 

Colleen is from Overland Park, Kansas and is married to her husband, Eric.They have one son, Beau who attends Stepping Stones. 

Colleen wants to offer a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with open communication between parents and staff in the infant classroom.  She loves working at Stepping Stones and enjoys playing with the babies and helping them learn lots of new things.

Katie Moore, Assistant Lead Teacher

Lance Greenly, Lead Teacher  

Lance has worked at the center since 1988. He was a teacher’s aide in our preschool room while attending KU and Penn Valley Community College and took over as the lead teacher in our toddler classroom in 1990. Together his classes in Early Childhood Education, more than 20 years of experience and continued professional growth in the field have made him an expert with toddlers. 

Lance is from Atchison, Kansas, is married to Casey and has three sons, Isaac, Zachary and Austin.  Lance enjoys getting down and having fun with the toddlers. 

Through his enthusiasm, creative activities, sense of humor and sharing of knowledge he wants to provide a happy environment for the children, their parents and the other staff.the babies and helping them learn lots of new things.

Jessica Thurber, Assistant Lead Teacher

Jessie started working at Stepping Stones in January of 2018 as a teacher’s aide in the Toddler room. She quickly moved her way up to Assistant Lead Teacher in August of the same year. She has worked in a childcare setting for a total of five years. Her very first job was at a childcare center – she started when she was 16. She’s been babysitting children of all ages since she was 13 years old. 

Jessie was born and raised in Lawrence, KS and graduated from Free State High School. She’s married to Alex and has two dogs – Zeus and Artemis. She has two older brothers and a younger sister. She’s fortunate to have her parents and grandparents living nearby.  

Jessie seeks to provide a friendly energetic colorful environment for children to laugh, love, and have fun all while learning. She loves bringing creativity and hands-on activities to the children, allowing them to express themselves as a little human being

Jamie Keener, Lead Teacher  

Jamie began working at Stepping Stones in August of 2010 after being a toddler at Stepping Stones herself! She started as an assistant teacher in the toddler room. A few years later, she was promoted to Toddler Assistant Lead Teacher. Over the years, she continued to prove herself and took over the Preschool 1 classroom in 2016. 

Jamie was born and raised in the area. She and her husband Cody have a lovely family full of love and fur babies..

Jamie is a Positive Behavior Support guru. She places a lot of importance on social & emotional learning.

Kayla Bryant, Assistant Lead Teacher

Kayla joined Stepping Stones in June of 2021 as a teacher's aid in Preschool 1. She quickly rose through the ranks and became the Preschool 1 Assistant Lead Teacher. Kayla graduated from KU with her degree in visual art. Kayla started babysitting at age 12. Since then, she's had experience working with babies, being a lifeguard, nannying, and substitute teaching. 

Kayla is originally from Overbook, Kansas. She's very close with her mom, stepdad, and little brother. Kayla enjoys making clothes, tie-dying, weaving, and anything related to textiles. She collects Squishmallows and loves to express her creativity through the expertly blended colors in her hair!

Lori MacDonald, Lead Teacher  

Lori joined Stepping Stones as the Preschool 2 lead teacher in August 2009. She has 10 years of experience as a kindergarten teacher and a background in art. 

Lori is originally from Lawrence and moved to New Jersey after high school. After living there for 30 years, she returned to Lawrence in November 2008 with her husband, Tom.  

Lori believes that there is a special bond that develops between teachers and young children. That is why she often refers to the teachers and students in her classroom as the “Preschool 2 family.” Teaching at Stepping Stones allows her the opportunity to play a role in her students’ emotional, social and academic development which is a role she warmly welcomes. By introducing the children to interesting and fun subjects each week, she hopes to foster their enthusiasm and passion for learning. 

Neil Kinsey, Assistant Lead Teacher

Neil joined Stepping Stones at the Preschool 2 Assistant Lead Teacher in September 2019. He received a Bachelor's degree in Speech-Language-Hearing from the University of Kansas in 1999 and his Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2001. Prior to working at Stepping Stones, Neil was the Lead Teacher of the Language Acquisition Preschool at KU. 

He is the youngest of seven siblings, four brothers and two sisters. His parents have inspired him to always continue learning and to do good for others.  

Neil is very happy to be part of the Stepping Stones family and he enjoys providing an environment where children feel safe, happy, and excited to increase their knowledge about the world.