About Our Team

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Little learners

Meet our Leadership Staff.

Our dedicated leadership team, led by Executive Director Audrey Waid, is committed to advancing early childhood education and family support across our service areas. Each member brings a wealth of experience and passion to their role, ensuring the best outcomes for the children and families we serve.

Audrey Waid joined Little Learners Childhood Connections as the Executive Director in January 2023. In this role, she supervises the administration and overall business activities, strategies, and relationships of the organization.
Born and raised in Clay Center, KS, Audrey graduated from Clay Center Community High School in 1993. She initially worked in the medical field for three years before attending Kansas State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Human Services in 2000. After several years in social services, Audrey pursued a Juris Doctor at Washburn University School of Law, graduating in 2009. She briefly worked as a recruiter for her alma mater before moving to Nebraska to serve as an Assistant Adams County Attorney, where she gained experience in civil litigation and acted as the County Coroner.

Seeking to return closer to her roots, Audrey joined Salina Family Healthcare Center, a federally qualified health center and family medicine residency program, in October 2011.

As the Chief Compliance Officer until May 2022, she ensured compliance with federal and state laws, provided legal advice on employment and HR issues, conducted investigations, and managed contracts. She was also a member of the executive management team.

In May 2022, Audrey opened her own law practice, Waid Law, in Clay Center. Her practice areas included family law, wills and estate planning, probate law, business law, HR consultancy, and healthcare compliance law. She also has experience in environmental law, employment law, contract negotiation, and conflict resolution.

Audrey served as President of the Kansas Women Attorneys Association in 2019-2020 and is currently the District C representative. She is a past member of the Kansas Bar Foundation Board of Trustees and a current member of Rotary International, the Society of Human Resource Management, Kansas Bar Association Employment Law Committee, Kansas Business and Professional Women, Clay Center Business and Professional Women, and Clay Counts Coalition.
In her spare time, Audrey enjoys spending time in her yard, reading, kayaking, and being with her husband, family, and friends. Her guilty pleasure is watching Below Deck on Peacock.

I am Lisa Daniels, the Program Director for Little Learners Childhood Connections. I reside in Concordia, Kansas, and commute daily to Clay Center for my role.

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Kansas State University, graduating in 1991. My professional journey began as a substitute teacher in Manhattan, Kansas, before transitioning to a different career path in Texas.

In 2007, I joined Little Learners Childhood Connections as the Site Director and Lead Preschool Teacher for our Cloud County Head Start program. I taught in Concordia until 2020 when I advanced to the role of Education Coordinator. In 2023, I embraced my current position as Program Director, where I find great fulfillment in contributing to the growth and development of our employees, families, and the children we serve.

I have been happily married to my husband, Forrest, since 1992, and we are blessed with two wonderful children: Robin, a teacher in Concordia, and Emily, a Pharmacy Technician in Austin, Texas.

In my leisure time, I enjoy spending quality moments with my family and watching classic TV series on Hulu.

Little Learners Childhood Connections is a cause close to my heart, and I am committed to enhancing the program for the benefit of the communities we serve.

Kristin Oestreich joined Little Learners Childhood Connections as Fiscal Officer in June 2012. She is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the organization including grant budgeting and reporting, payroll, financial reporting, and compliance.

Kristin was born and raised in Clifton, KS. She graduated from Clifton-Clyde High School in 1998. She pursued higher education at Cloud County Community College, earning an associate’s degree, and continued her studies at Kansas State University, graduating in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Business-Accounting.

Upon graduation, Kristin worked in the banking industry for three years as a loan processor and also obtained her producer insurance license before transitioning to roles in healthcare finance. At Mercy Regional Health Center and later at Clay County Medical Center, she managed fixed assets and CIP ledger, reconciled accounts, and supported audit and budget processes, gaining valuable experience in financial management.

Since joining Little Learners Childhood Connections, Kristin has enhanced organizational fiscal policies and procedures to ensure compliance with OMB and Health, Human Services Federal Financial Regulations, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. She has also managed multiple renovation, construction, and technology projects as Project Manager.

Outside of work, Kristin is an active member of St. Mary of the Assumption in Clifton, serving as a Lector and Altar Society member, and as Chaplain for Clifton Unit 227 American Legion Auxiliary. In her leisure time, she enjoys embarking on new adventures with her husband and children, spending time with her beloved pets, strength training, walking, and exploring the outdoors.

Amy Lee joined Little Learners Childhood Connections in February 2024 as the Human Resource Director, bringing with her over 20 years of experience in human resources, including management. In her role, Amy is responsible for recruiting, hiring, and orienting new employees, managing day-to-day HR duties, and planning multiple All Staff trainings.

Born and raised in Wichita, KS, Amy graduated from Southeast High School in 1989. She began her career in the inventory department at Rent-A-Center, working full-time. In 1996, she transitioned to Greenway Electric, where she worked in Payroll and Human Resources, eventually becoming the HR Manager. It was here that her passion for human resources ignited and has flourished ever since.
In July 2021, Amy moved to Leonardville, KS, to be with her now-husband on his family farm. Following the move, she joined HCI Hospitality in Manhattan, KS, as the Payroll Specialist, processing payroll for over 2,000 employees. In early 2023, she returned to her HR roots at Pottawatomie County as the Human Resource Specialist.

Amy and her husband enjoy spending time together, camping, boating, and having fun with family and friends.

I am the Education/Transition Coordinator at Little Learners Childhood Connections, bringing over 11 years of dedicated service to our Head Start program. With a decade of experience as a classroom Teacher, I recently transitioned into my current role, where I continue to contribute to the growth and development of our students and support our exceptional staff.

My journey with Head Start began long before my professional career, as my own child was a beneficiary of this program. This deep-rooted connection has fueled my passion for early childhood education and advocacy.

Beyond my professional commitments, I enjoy enriching my knowledge through reading, unwinding with Netflix, and cherishing moments with my family. I am committed to fostering an environment where every child can thrive and succeed.

I joined Head Start in 1991, shortly after the program received its inaugural grant, initially serving in a classroom role for one year. Since then, my journey has encompassed various coordinating positions, including roles as Nutrition Coordinator, Parent Involvement Coordinator, and Social Services Coordinator. For the past 15 years, I have dedicated myself to the role of ERSEA (Enrollment, Recruitment, Selection, Eligibility, and Attendance) Coordinator. My tenure at Head Start has deeply enriched my life, and I am profoundly committed to the services we provide to children and their families.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I have enjoyed a fulfilling 41-year marriage with my husband, and we are proud parents of two grown children and grandparents to grandchildren who bring us immense joy. I find fulfillment in active involvement with my church, cherished moments with family and friends, daily runs, and quality time spent with my grandchildren.

Sofia Gallup serves as the Health & Nutrition Coordinator at Little Learners Childhood Connections; she is dedicated to ensuring that young children receive the best nutrition and health support. Sofia, a native of Beach, ND, is a highly accomplished professional who is excited to serve the community. She graduated with a double bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Valley City State University in 2021, where she also participated in Track and Field. During her time at VCSU, Sofia received several prestigious awards, including Outstanding Graduate Student, National Major of the Year for the Society of Health and Physical Education, and the Viking Impact Award for her contributions to the track program, recognizing her excellence on the track and positive impact on the school and community.

With over 7 years of experience in recreation and coaching, Sofia has worked in various roles, including as a Recreation Manager as well as Basketball, Volleyball, and Track coaches for various ages and levels ranging from 1st grade- to High School Athletes. She has also taught at multiple educational institutions, starting Chamberlain Public Schools during the COVID-19 pandemic she became a full-time substitute while finishing school online. The next year she moved to the Crow Creek Indian Reservation where she taught middle school PE and Health and coached basketball and track. She then moved to Kansas and has been at Concordia High School teaching and coaching various sports for the past 2 years. Sofia’s diverse background in recreation management, coaching, and teaching equips her with a unique skill set to positively impact the kids she serves.

In her personal life, Sofia enjoys watching and playing sports, playing board games, and listening to all kinds of music. She loves to spend time with her husband, Sam, and their daughters, Sammy and Stockton.

Kathy Crimmins has been an integral part of Little Learners Childhood Connections since 2007, beginning as a Home Visitor before advancing to different roles including Child Care Coordinator in 2017, and currently serving as the EHS Coordinator since 2023. Her dedication to early childhood education is underscored by her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Cloud County Community College, earned in 2003, and her Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies with concentrations in Early Childhood and Sociology from Fort Hays State University, completed in 2019.

Outside of work, Kathy finds joy in spending time with her husband and three boys, all of whom are avid sports enthusiasts. She also enjoys indulging in movies, reading, and expressing her culinary creativity through cooking and baking.

Tiffany Holte is an experienced professional in the field of early childhood education and facilities management. Born and raised in Minnesota, Tiffany moved to Kansas in 2008 after meeting her husband, Josh. Together, they have six children, five of whom attend Clay Center Community High School, and one who is in middle school at Clay Center Community Middle School.

Tiffany began her journey with Little Learners Childhood Connections in August 2009, starting as a center aide in the classrooms. Her dedication and commitment to the organization led her to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), allowing her to drive the bus and further support the center. In 2022, Tiffany transitioned to the role of Transportation Assistant, where she played a crucial role in coordinating transportation logistics.

In September 2023, Tiffany was promoted to her current position as the Transportation and Facilities Coordinator. In this role, she is responsible for coordinating transportation across all four sites of Little Learners Childhood Connections, maintaining the fleet of vehicles, and overseeing facility maintenance and repairs at all six locations. Her attention to detail and organizational skills ensure the smooth operation of these essential functions.

Outside of work, Tiffany enjoys spending quality time with her family and watching her children participate in various sports activities. Her passion for her family and her work makes her a valuable asset to both her home and professional communities.

Jenny Schaich brings over 18 years of dedicated service and experience to her role as Clay County Site Director. Beginning her career in 2006 as a bus monitor, Jenny has continually expanded her skills, obtaining her CDL and CDA certifications along the way. Her journey includes diverse roles within the educational setting, from AM and PM classes to full-day sessions, serving as both a Center Aide and Teacher’s Aide, as well as managing bus routes.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Jenny prioritizes family time with her husband Aaron and their two children, Brena and Quinn. Their activities range from enjoying the outdoors at the lake to attending football and basketball games, and simply cherishing moments together at home.

Jenny’s commitment to excellence, combined with her extensive background in education and leadership, underscores her dedication to enhancing the educational experience in Clay County.

Erin Nisbeth began her journey with Little Learners Childhood Connections in 2012 as the Family Service Worker at Ottawa County Head Start. She currently serves as the Site Director/ FSW there. She has spent the majority of her time building lasting relationships with families and aiding in the growth and development of all the children that have attended Ottawa County.

She graduated from South Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Services in 1994 and has continued to work in Early Childhood Education since.
When she is not cheering on the Chicago Bears, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Kansas City Royals, you can find her spending time with her family, listening to True Crime podcasts, and watching crime shows on TV.

Glenda Willis joined Little Learners Childhood Connections as the Site Director in Republic County in August 2022. In her role, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the site and Head Start classroom, provides family support services, and focuses on recruiting and maintaining enrollment.
Born and raised in Belleville, Glenda has lived her entire life in Republic County. She graduated from Belleville High School, attended Cloud County Community College, and earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from Kansas Wesleyan. Glenda spent several years as a substitute teacher, working in Belleville, Hillcrest, and Pike Valley schools.

In 1986, seeking full-time employment, Glenda began working as a dispatcher for the Republic County Sheriff’s Department, a position she held for 10 years. During this time, she also took the EMT class and worked part-time as an EMT for 30 years. In September 1996, Glenda started working for the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), where she remained employed until her retirement in August 2022.

Glenda has three grown children: Jaymie in Lebanon, MO; Jerad in Cuba, KS; and Jordan in Wichita, KS. She is also a proud grandmother to 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Most of her spare time is spent traveling to watch her grandchildren in various activities. She enjoys lawn work, gardening, shopping with her granddaughters, and spending time with her horse and mini donkey. Glenda’s greatest joy is when her entire family is together.

Hello! I am Laurie Logan, and I have been with Little Learners Childhood Connections for one year. I began as the Education Coach and am now stepping into the role of Washington County Site Director. My journey in early childhood education spans 24 years with Parents as Teachers home visiting, which has profoundly shaped my approach and dedication to fostering young minds.

On a personal note, I have been happily married to my husband, Buddy, for 38 years. We have two wonderful daughters who have grown into productive and accomplished individuals. Both are married and each has three children, making me a proud grandmother to six delightful grandchildren. Being a grandma is my favorite pastime, bringing joy and fulfillment to my life.

About Our Team

Little learners

Meet our Leadership Staff.

Audrey Waid

Lisa Daniels

Kristin Oestreich

Amy Lee

Kathy Crimmins

Sofia Gallup

Angela Michaud

Tiffany Holte

Deb Wallace

Jen Schaich

Erin Nisbeth

Glenda Willis

Laurie Logan