Where am I?
Meet the Panda Teachers
Melissa Hoyer - lead teacher
Welcome to the Panda room! I’m happy to have the opportunity to share with you who I am. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from The University of Missouri St. Louis and am certified in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Special Education. I have been teaching at KECC since March of 1998 and have filled the roles of part time substitute teacher, assistant teacher, 3-4 year old classroom teacher, program coordinator, and finally 4-5 year old classroom teacher.
My family life consists of a wonderful husband, Andy and two children – Molly and Danny. Both Molly and Danny have attended KECC. Danny is now in the Penguin room and Molly has moved on to St. Mary Magdalen School inBrentwood. She is in second grade. The rest of my household includes a dog and three cats – yes, that’s right, three. I am very close to my extended family as well. My mom lives in House Springs Missouri and I have a brother, three sisters and 10 nieces and nephews!
I enjoy old movies, gardening, reading, and being with friends and family. One of my favorite things to do is to go to my family’s “Club House”. My mom has a river house on the banks of the Meramec River inEurekaMissouri. Nothing fancy but a great place to play, relax, and get away from it all (even though it’s only 30 minutes away).
Marya Leaich - assistant teacher
I am Ms. Marya. I am new to the Panda Room this year. I have a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconin - LaCrosse. I am licensed in Early Childhood, Elementary Education and English as a Second Language (ESOL) and have been working on a reading endorsement. I have taught kindergarten, 3rd grade, ESL Preschool (3-5). After moving to Missouri in 2008, I began working at KECC in the Elephant Room with 2 and 3 year olds.
I have lived in many places including, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and now Missouri. I live with my husband, Russ in Ellisville. We have 2 pet mice and a lot of uninvited spiders in the house. I enjoy walking, hiking, jogging and biking. I love exploring all the amazing places in Missouri and am open to suggestions on places to visit (hint hint). I have also discovered a new love for pulled pork sandwiches at Bogarts and the Soulard Market Place.
Courtney Sickles - assistant teacher
I am Ms. Courtney and I am 23 years old! I graduated in May of 2010 from theUniversityofCentral Missouriwith a Bachelors of Science Degree in Child Development. I started working full-time at KECC in August of 2010. I worked in the Panda Room last year as well. Although I have worked briefly in every classroom at KECC, I really enjoy being at the 4-5 age level!
KECC is where my love for children all began. However it was further back than just last year. I came to KECC as a Junior in High School to do my 2 week Service Project. It was then when I realized how passionate I started to become about kids. I then decided to pursue Child Development as my major in college. I came back to KECC on my winter and summer breaks from College as a Substitute Teacher. I was very blessed that the summer after my graduation, there happened to be an opening in the Panda Room. I consider myself very lucky to have gotten this position and the opportunity to work with such wonderful kids and families, along with a great Staff.
Besides being an Assistant Teacher, I am also a Volleyball Coach. I started playing volleyball when I was in 4th grade. I played year-round from 7th grade all the way through College. I am now the Junior Varsity Coach atVisitationAcademy. This is my first year, but I am loving every minute of it!
Laura Cobb - classroom volunteer
Singing has been a big part of my life since elementary school. I started singing in my church choir very early, then joined the show choir in high school and acappella in college. Friends from my accappella group, "The Amateurs" still stay in touch.
The subject of autism is very interesting to me. I have been wanting to work in autism research since high school and college.
I really like dogs. I have a dog, Buddy, who is 13 years old. The vet says he is probably part German Shepherd and part Corgi. He is spoiled rotten, but is very, very sweet and loving. People say he has a sweet face, and I agree.
Terry Hinkle - Assistant Teacher (Thursday/Friday)