Executive Director

Jill Bartlett, Executive Director, has worked at Northland Early Education Center since July 2002. She attended college at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa as well as William Jewell College in Liberty, MO, where she graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She came to NEEC with 15 years experience in accounting and business management. She is a proud long term Northland resident and currently lives in Kearney, MO, along with her beautiful daughter, Chase, adorable son, Parker and husband, Thad as well as our dog Sage.

As executive director, Jill is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the organization, including managing committees and staff as well as developing strategic plans in collaboration with the board of directors for the future of the organization.

Program Director

Brea Nichols, Program Director since 2007, is a familiar face at the school. She began her career at NEEC in 2000 working as an assistant teacher in the Blue Room for over three years and as lead teacher in the Brown room for three years after that. Brea was born and raised in Dennison, Iowa.  She comes from a very large family with three biological brothers, two adopted brothers and two foster sisters. She moved to Kansas City in 2000 and earned her B.A. in Psychology with an emphasis in child development and education from Park University. She is currently pursuing her M.Ed. in Educational, School and Counseling Psychology at the University of Missouri-Columbia.  In her spare time Brea enjoys spending time with her son, Tanner, cheering for ISU and running

As Program Director, Brea ensures that all services are meeting accreditation and licensing standards and that families are satisfied with the quality of services they are receiving from NEEC.

Development Director

Andrea McKown graduated from Missouri State University with a degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. Before joining the staff at the Northland Early Education Center, she spent the last eight years working in special events management, marketing, and fundraising for the non-profit sector, including the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging. During her time as Marketing Director for the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Andrea planned and managed all marketing and public relations efforts and generated major sponsorships for over 40 children's charities during the annual PGA Nationwide Tour Price Cutter Charity Championship. Andrea, born in Trenton, Mo, has spent the last 12 years in Springfield, Mo and recently relocated to the Northland area, where she resides with her husband Nate and beautiful daughter, Gabrielle (aka Gabby), as well as her adorable dog, Barley.

As Development Director, Andrea is in charge of securing funding for the school through grants, annual fundraisers and annual giving. In addition, she'll be raising awareness of the wonderful early education and therapy services provided by Northland Early Education Center.

Office Manager

Cindy Nekuda has been NEEC’s Office Manager since May 1991. Cindy has two sons Allan and Kevin.

Office Assistant

Dawn Henry has been NEEC’s Office Assistant since June 2005

Christy Huntsucker- Purple Room
Infant Room

My name is Christy Huntsucker. I came to NEEC in December of 2006. I worked here for 4 years back when it was called Lighthouse Preschool. For two summers I got to substitute here and work with all of the age groups. I have also done in-home care for a child with special needs for about a year and worked with autism programs at North Kansas City School District for 2 years.

I married my wonderful husband, Michael, in June of 2003 and have 2 cats. In my spare time I enjoy baking, cooking and shopping. I love to read cookbooks and try new recipes.

Paula Morrow- Pink Room
Infant Room

Hi, my name is Paula Morrow. I have worked for NEEC since 1992, all of which has been in the Infant department, though my association with the school began 1 ½ years earlier as a parent when my youngest son began receiving therapy services. I graduated from Kansas City Board of Education Program of Practical Nursing in 1984.

Amy Croghan- Red Room
1 year old room

My name is Amy Croghan, and I started working at NEEC in April 2006. I have my bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from the University of Kansas and love to incorporate music into our lesson plans and daily tasks. I am married and have a son with special needs. I enjoy working with young children and watching them absorb all the information around them.

Niki Monteil- Green Room
1 year old room

Hi my name is Niki Monteil and I am the lead teacher in the Green Room.  I grew up in Columbus, KS and now live in Platte City, MO.  I have lived in the Kansas City area for about four years. I graduated from Park University in May 2011 with my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education: Birth through Grade 3.  Also in May, I got married to my husband, Brian. We have a two-year-old Chihuahua named Izzy and a five-month-old Labrador named Jade.  I have one older brother and two wonderful nieces. I absolutely love working with children and I am excited that I got to begin my career in August 2011 with Northland Early Education Center as an educator.  I have worked in early childhood education for a little over a year, but have had much experience during my field work as a student at Park University and through student teaching.  My hours are 6:30 am – 3:00 pm Monday – Friday.  Feel free to visit the Green Room anytime!

Natasha Palmer-Brown Room
2 year old room

I am Natasha Palmer and I have worked at NEEC since February of 2004. I have my BA in Middle School Education; English and Speech. I worked as the lead teacher in the Green Room then looped with a group of children to the Yellow Room. From there I looped again with the same group of children to the Blue Room. When those children were ready for kindergarten I decided to return to the 2 year old classroom and began in the Brown Room in January of 2009. I enjoy the energy and hunger for learning of the 2 year olds.

Todd Hoover- Yellow Room
2 year old room

I’m Todd Hoover and I’m the lead teacher in the yellow room. I just returned to NEEC after going back to school. I have degrees from Pittsburg State University in Communication Education and Special Education. I have been a preschool teacher since 2000 and who know how many more the future will bring. I enjoy doing theatre and creating art in my spare time. I plan on one day opening up a theatre for special needs adults and children. I hope your children are as excited to have me as a teacher as I am to have them as students.

Holly Baucom –Blue Room
3-5 year old room

My name is Holly Baucom and I have been the lead teacher in the blue room since January 2009. I have a special education degree in Early Childhood. I really enjoy working with the preschool age. I also have a 10 year old son and enjoy fishing, swimming and watching the Green Bay Packers

Crystal Rodriguez – Orange Room
3-5 year old room

My name is Crystal Rodriguez and I am the Lead Teacher in the Orange Room. I have worked at NEEC for several years, primarily working in a Pre-K classroom. I have a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work. I have altered my career path and have returned to school to receive my Elementary Education degree. I am passionate about teaching and plan to continue learning and growing in this profession. I hope to continue to be a part of a program that enriches children’s lives, preparing them for their future, and helping them to be life long learners!

Sarah Bruce-Gold Room
Before & After School Program

My name is Sarah Bruce, my husband and I have two beautiful children, Mariah (12) and Isaiah (3). I have worked for this great school for almost 14 years. For the past 3 years, I have been the lead teacher in the Gold room, before that I was the lead teacher in the Orange room for five years. I am currently taking classes to obtain my AAT (Associate in Arts Teaching) degree. After I obtain my degree, I plan to attend Park University to obtain my teaching certificate. I have truly enjoyed spending time with every child that has come and gone over the past thirteen years.

Occupational Therapist

Karen Weseloh is NEEC’s Occupational Therapist. She received her degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Kansas. Karen has been working with children at NEEC for over twenty years. She keeps active with her husband and two college-aged sons.

Physical Therapist

My name is Abby Williams and I am a physical therapist at NEEC. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Applied Health Sciences from Wheaton College and my Doctorate in Physical in Physical Therapy from Wichita State University. I began working at NEEC in June of 2011 and love coming to work to play with kids every day. My family so far is myself, my husband, and one big spoiled dog!

Speech & Language Pathologist

Tina Kemp is one of NEEC’s Speech and Language Pathologist. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University and her Master’s Degree from Oklahoma State University. Tina has been providing speech and language pathology for NEEC kids since April 2008. She lives in Parkville with her husband and their two sons.

Special Instructor

Shannon Crim is NEEC’s Special Instructor. She received her Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Park College. Shannon has been with NEEC since 1999, first as the Program Director and now as the Special Instructor. She lives in Weatherby Lake with her husband, Brian, and their two children, Evan and Luka, both of whom attend NEEC.