Contact the ECC

Director

Hi, I’m Stephanie! Early Childhood Education is more than my profession; it is my lifelong passion. My journey at the Early Childhood Center began in 1996 as a student worker. After twenty rewarding years as a lead teacher, I transitioned into the role of Director in 2016. I believe that the first years of a child's life are the most formative, and I am dedicated to creating an environment where every child and staff member feels safe, curious, and inspired to learn.

I am a firm believer that the best educators are also lifelong learners. My educational foundation began with an Associate of Arts degree from Jefferson College, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Missouri Baptist University and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Missouri, Columbia. To stay at the forefront of educational leadership, I am currently completing coursework towards a Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Missouri Baptist University.

My commitment to the field extends beyond the Center and into the college classroom. I am proud to serve as an Adjunct Instructor for the Early Childhood Education department at Jefferson College, where I have the privilege of mentoring and preparing the next generation of educators.

As a longtime Hillsboro resident and a member of the Hillsboro School District’s Board of Education, I am deeply invested in the success of our local schools and families. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy life in Hillsboro with my husband and our two adult children.

Senior Lead Teacher

Hi, I’m Stephanie Akins! Early childhood education is my lifelong mission. My journey at the Early Childhood Center began in 2010, and after serving as a Lead Teacher for over a decade, I transitioned into the role of Senior Lead in the Fall of 2025. In this position, I am honored to mentor our teaching staff and assist our directors with community outreach, fundraising, and special projects.

I am a firm believer that high-quality education starts with making families our top priority. My own educational path includes an Associate of Arts in Teaching from Jefferson College and a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Missouri Baptist University (Spring 2025).

To further support our students, I am currently pursuing a Master of Education as a Trauma-Informed Educator. This program has allowed me to learn even more about how behavior is always a form of communication. Our program strives to understand children rather than seeking to be understood, ensuring we build a foundation of safety and trust where every child feels secure and empowered to reach their full potential.

I am proud to be part of a team that strives for excellence every day. When I’m not in the classroom or studying, I’m usually enjoying quality time with my husband and my daughter.

Senior Lead Teacher

Hi, I’m Jamie Blumm, a Senior Lead Teacher here at the Jefferson College Early Childhood Center. My journey began right here at Jeffco, where I earned my Associate Degree through the A+ Program before completing my Bachelor’s in Teaching at UMSL in 2007. As a certified teacher (Birth–8th Grade), I spent nine years teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade in St. Louis.

I am so happy to have returned to Jefferson College, where I have spent the last nine years as a Lead Teacher for our school-age program and our 2–3.5-year-old classrooms. I am a firm believer that teachers are lifelong learners, and I am committed to evolving for the benefit of my students. Nothing beats those 'lightbulb moments' when a child is inspired by a developmentally appropriate activity to learn and do more!

Lead Teacher

Hi! I’m Sarah Culley, and I have always had a passion for working with children. My journey at the Early Childhood Center began while I was still in high school; I enjoyed the experience so much that I never left! I am proud to have 24 years of service at the center—six years as a student aide and 18 as a full-time employee.

After earning my Associate’s in Early Childhood Education from Jefferson College, I went on to complete my Bachelor of Science in Child Development. While I enjoy working with all age groups, I have a special place in my heart for two-year-olds. I love the balance of challenge and reward that comes with supporting them during such a pivotal stage of their development.

Lead Teacher

Hi, I’m Sam! I’ve been a part of the Early Childhood Center (ECC) team since 2017. Over the years, I’ve grown from an aide to an assistant teacher, eventually becoming the School Age Lead in 2020. Since January 2023, I have been the full-time Lead Teacher in one of our preschool classrooms.

My history with the ECC actually began decades ago—as a student! I started here at age two and stayed until I aged out of the program. My teachers made such a lasting impression on me that I decided to pursue my degree in Early Childhood Education. It is incredibly rewarding to teach in the same halls where I grew up, passing on the lessons and traditions that shaped my own childhood.

Lead Teacher

Hi, I’m Jasmine Marler! As a Lead Teacher at the Jefferson College Early Childhood Center, I’ve spent the last three years dedicated to nurturing young minds. I graduated in the Fall of 2025 with my Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education—a degree that, combined with my hands-on experience, allows me to create an environment where curiosity and confidence thrive. I am deeply passionate about providing engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences that inspire a lifelong love of learning in every child.

Assistant Teacher

Assistant Teacher

Hi, I am Sydney! I am an assistant teacher in the front classroom, working with our 3-to-5-year-olds. My journey at the center began as an aide in September 2024, and I stepped into my current role in January 2025. While I am finishing a degree in Communications, my experience here inspired me to begin a second degree in Early Childhood Education. Working with these children helped me realize that teaching is my true passion. I love contributing to a positive, supportive environment where our students can grow and learn every day.