Meet Our Experienced Educators
Nena Koelling
Owner & Director
Since August 2004, Nena has had the joy of serving as the owner and director of Learning Connection Child Development Center. She earned her degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1989. Nena first discovered her love for teaching while working with two-year-olds and later spent seven years as the director of Capital Region Child Care Center.
She takes great pride in the growth and reputation of Learning Connection, which has been honored multiple times as the community’s “City’s Best.” This success reflects the dedication of the teachers, who create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported, and empowered to become confident lifelong learners.
Outside of her work, Nena enjoys spending time with her daughter and twin sons, as well as taking walks, going on scenic drives, and watching movies.
Sara Neeley
Assistant Director
Sara is the Assistant Director at Learning Connection, as well as the Coordinator for the Infant, Toddler, and Two-year-old classrooms. Her journey with the center began in 2004 through an internship with Central Missouri State University. She graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Child and Family Development.
Sara married her husband in 2007, and together they have two children, Tanner and Ava. As a family, they enjoy spending time at Kauffman Stadium cheering on the Kansas City Royals. When not at baseball games, they can often be found in the woods riding four-wheelers and camping. One of their favorite vacation destinations is Orlando, Florida—especially visiting Universal Studios.
Sara truly loves supporting teachers, families, and most importantly, the children. In her role, she helps ensure that every child has a safe, happy, and engaging learning environment.
Alyssa Rollins
Alyssa Rollins has been part of the Learning Connection team since October 2014. She primarily works in the infant room, though she also helps in the office during closing and can often be found tackling handy “woman” projects around the center. While Alyssa holds a degree in Engineering, her love for childcare has kept her dedicated to her role at Learning Connection.
Alyssa married her husband in July 2010, and together they have four daughters. When she’s not at the center, she can usually be found at a field or court—either playing a sport herself or cheering on her girls. As a family, they enjoy competitive games of wiffle ball in the backyard, volleyball matches in the driveway, and evening walks around the block.
Working at Learning Connection has been a true blessing for Alyssa and her family. She has cherished the opportunity to bring her children with her to work and watch them grow and mature in each classroom. She feels fortunate to be surrounded by such an amazing staff and wouldn’t want to work—or have her children attend—anywhere else.
Betsy Simpson
Betsy Simpson has been with Learning Connection since its beginning in 2004. She serves as the Preschool–School-aged Coordinator and also teaches Pre-K. Betsy is a proud mother of five grown children, all of whom grew up at Learning Connection, with three currently working at the center.
From a young age, Betsy knew she wanted to be a teacher, and it has truly become her passion. She finds great joy in watching children make meaningful connections in their world—both emotionally and academically. Betsy strives to develop genuine relationships with each child and their families, believing that every child is unique and deserving of a personalized approach.
Dedicated to continual growth in her profession, Betsy works to ensure she is the best teacher possible to prepare children for kindergarten. In her classroom, families can always expect a fun, engaging, and nurturing learning environment.
Employment Benefits
We have multiple benefits for those working full-time hours at Learning Connection:
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2 weeks of vacation (PTO) after 3 months of employment and 3 weeks of vacation after 10 years employment
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Ways to earn additional PTO
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Paid holidays
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Your health insurance monthly premium costs are partially paid by us, when you get insurance on your own
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AFLAC insurance and Life Insurance possibilities
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50% off childcare at our center
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Working with people who enjoy their job and love to have fun while doing so
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Working at a childcare center with high rate of teacher retention
