Program Kids' Day Out
About Our Staff
Kristina Smith
Jessie Mounce
Denise LeDuc
Cindy Brewer
Trish Ross

Jennifer Ortega

Mary Burns

Kathy Robinson

Vanessa Ames

About Our staff

Every Kid’s Day Out teacher is highly qualified, well trained, and experienced. They provide a stimulating Christian learning environment and a nurturing atmosphere. Staff members are dedicated professionals who truly care about children. Our teaching staff is carefully selected and trained. All staff members are CPR Certified and hold certificates of completion for education and training in “Safeguarding God’s Children” (Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse).Our applicants are careful screened. Teaching and child care positions are only offered to people who are passionately committed to delivering excellence in early childhood education and Christian child care services. Directing staff are involved on a daily basis in the oversight of each class to ensure that it is operating within Kid’s Day Out’s policies and guidelines. Kid’s Day Out teachers partner with parents to nurture, and educate. They serve as role models for young children and are ultimately responsible for the success of this program. Our teachers provide ongoing dialogue with parents at drop-off and pickup time and written communication specific to each child.

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Kristina Smith

As Director of Kid’s Day Out program and mother of two young girls, Kristina is  devoted to educating young children in a faith filled and fun environment designed to give children an understanding of God’s love and ultimately to bring children and families closer to Jesus. 

Kristina was born in Fayetteville, but has since traveled extensively.  She returned to NW Arkansas to attend the U of A.  Kristina is CPR Certified and holds a certificate of completion for education and training in “Safeguarding God’s Children” (Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse).  She has worked with the children at St. Thomas since 2000; first as a teacher and then director. Kristina enjoys painting, sewing and spending time with her husband and their children.  She is also a strong supporter of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Comments from Kristina – “Kid’s Day Out has been a wonderful environment for both me and my children. My children have developed a love for Christ while learning and developing new skills and making great friends. I love teaching the children music and watching children’s faces light up when they learn something new and interesting and feel the love of Christ.”

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Jessie Mounce

Jessie was raised in Nebraska and raised 4 children of her own, four step children, and helping to raise her grandchildren. Jessie’s favorite pastime is reading. She has lived in NWA since 1985 and has worked for KDO since 2003 in that time she has been lead teacher in the 3’s class and co-teacher in the 2’s and pre-K classes. Jessie has also substituted in the toddler and nursery classes. She is efficient in every class room with any age student. She is always ready to help take care of any special needs and is generous with her time and gifts of service. Jessie is CPR Certified and holds a certificate of completion for education and training in “Safeguarding God’s Children” (Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse).

Comments from Jessie - “I love working with the children at KDO. The fun, friendly and loving atmosphere is great! It is most rewarding when a one of our little ones hugs me. That is thanks enough for all we do.”

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Denise LeDuc

Denise and her husband are raising 3 children of their own. She grew up in Kansas, but has also lived in North Carolina and South Dakota before coming to NWA. Denise first enrolled her children in the program and served on the KDO Board of Directors before coming on as a teacher in 2005. Denise is CPR Certified and holds a certificate of completion for education and training in “Safeguarding God’s Children” (Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse).
Denise’s favorite pastime is playing with her children.

Comments from Denise - “I love working with the children at KDO because it is a different adventure every day.”

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Cindy Brewer

Cindy Brewer is a NWA native. She and her husband are raising their two beautiful young girls. Cindy first enrolled her children in the program and then hired on as a substitute and then assistant director. Cindy holds a BSBA from the University of Arkansas, is CPR Certified and holds a certificate of completion for education and training in “Safeguarding God’s Children” (Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse). Cindy has worked in all classes and is very experienced and efficient with all ages. Cindy’s favorite pastime is spending time outdoors with her family.

Comments from Cindy – “Time is precious.. I love being a part of something this wonderful and fulfilling.”

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Trish Ross

Trish Ross was born in Pasadena, CA and moved to NWA as a young child.  Trish and her husband are raising their three wonderful children.  Trish has worked for KDO since 2002 and is very experienced and efficient with all ages. She specializes in Pre-K education. Trish is CPR Certified and holds a certificate of completion for education and training in “Safeguarding God’s Children” (Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse).  Trish’s favorite pastimes are spending time with her family, reading, gardening, & camping. She also volunteers with the Girl Scouts of America Noark Council.

Comments from Trish – “My favorite part of working with our pre-K class is witnessing   their excitement when they learn something new and the glow in their faces the last few months before kindergarten.”

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Jennifer Ortega

Jennifer Ortega was born and raised in Illinois.  After living in Texas for many years she moved to NW Arkansas in 2005. Jennifer is the mother of two teenage boys.  Jennifer teaches in the early toddler class.  She enjoys Bible studies, nature-gardening, hiking, painting, and interior decorating.

Comments from Jennifer – “I love children and sharing God’s love with them.

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Mary Burns
Mary Burns is originally from Baltimore Maryland.  She and her husband raised their three daughters in Pennsylvania and moved their family NW Arkansas in 2003. Mary has worked for KDO since the Jan 2004. Mary has worked in nearly every class at KDO. In addition to her employment for St. Thomas, Mary provides nanny services for two young children.  Mary is CPR Certified and holds a certificate of completion for education and training in “Safeguarding God’s Children” (Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse).  Mary’s favorite pastimes are reading and bowling.

Comments from Mary – “I love children.  Watching them grow, explore, and discover new things is very rewarding.  Children are our gift from God.”

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Kathy Robinson
 Kathy is a NWA native. She and her husband are graduates of the U of A and remain loyal Razorback enthusiasts.  They have one active young son.  Kathy has been with the KDO program since Fall of 2003.  She started in the two’s class and moved to the three’s class where she teaches now.  Kathy is an energetic and creative teacher with a magnetic personality.  Kathy holds a BSBA in Marketing from the University of Arkansas.  She is CPR Certified and holds a certificate of completion for education and training in “Safeguarding God’s Children” (Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse).  Kathy is passionate about long distance running and enjoys gardening and vacationing with her family.  Kathy is a strong supporter of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Comments from Kathy – “I love to work with children, KDO provides the social interaction that children need.”

Vanessa Ames

Vanessa was born in South Texas.  Her family moved to NWA when she was 3.  She and her husband live in Springdale where they are raising their three beautiful daughters.  Vanessa has attended the U of A and plans to return to finish her Criminal Justice degree once her children are all in school.  Vanessa has worked in childcare since 1998.  She has taught in Montessori Schools and Coleman Children’s Academy before coming to St. Thomas in February of 2005.  She is CPR Certified and holds a certificate of completion for education and training in “Safeguarding God’s Children” (Protection of Children and Youth from Abuse).    Vanessa enjoys the outdoors, camping and hiking with her family. Her hobbies are photography and reading. She is also an avid supporter of   the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Comments from Vanessa – “I love working at KDO because it gives me the opportunity to work with and care for other children as well as be near to my own.”