Meet Our Team

At UCC Preschool Academy, we have a highly qualified team of experienced/degreed educators who are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for your child. They are dedicated individuals who are passionate about early childhood education and strive to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families. We believe that each child is unique and has the potential to achieve great things. Therefore, our team works together with families to develop a personalized learning plan when needed that will meet the needs of the individual child.

Kristi Plummer - Director

Director

I am originally from the Wichita area but have lived in Manhattan for over 25 years. My husband Randy and I have been married since 1982 and we have four children and seven grandchildren. I have a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Studies and have been in the early childhood field since 2000. I have worked in various early childhood settings throughout my career and have been the director at UCC Preschool Academy since 2013.

Fun Facts:

There is a 17-year gap from my oldest to my youngest child.

I drove tractors and combines growing up on the farm.
I have not had great luck with cruises (one total rain out, one hurricane, COVID hitting U.S. threatening to keep us at sea).

Mrs. Amanda

Green Room Lead Teacher

I am the teacher in the green room. This is my 6th year at the preschool. I have been married for 21 years & have 3 daughters. Our oldest daughter is a freshman at KSU, our middle daughter is a sophomore at MHS & our youngest is a 6th grader at AMS. I love all things sports but especially track & cross country.

Fun Facts:

I spend most weekends watching my daughters run cross country.
I spend most evenings taking long walks.
My family enjoys old TV shows.

Mrs. Bailey

Green Room Assistant Teacher

Hi! My name is Bailey, I’m originally from Colorado, but have lived all over the United States for the past few years. I moved to Kansas last year with my husband and three kids (and of course my dog). I have a degree in music education and I’m excited to get back in the game at UCC loving on your little ones! I love the outdoors, reading, cooking/baking, fitness, and spending time with my family (and dog).

Fun Facts:

I love the outdoors.
I love reading, cooking/baking, & fitness.
I love spending time with my family (and dog).

Mrs. Caralee

Pink Room Lead Teacher

I've been happily married since 1995 & have 2 grown sons. Originally from southeast Kansas, I graduated from Pitt State University with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. I have been teaching since my youngest child was in first grade. I love spending time with my family & friends, am active in my church community & work with some pretty special ladies.

Fun Facts:

I have written a children's book, "A Home for Sadie" (published Spring 2024).
I enjoy taking long walks.
Crafting doesn't come naturally to me, but I enjoy trying!

Mrs. Lorena

Pink Room Assistant Teacher

I have been working with preschool students since 2022. I really enjoy their energy, curiosity, and creativity. I can't wait to learn, grow, & have fun together. Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband and 3 children. We are new to Manhattan so we have been exploring the area.

Fun Facts:

I like hiking.
I like reading.
I am bilingual in Spanish/English so I enjoy listening to music from both languages.

Mrs. Laura

Purple Room Lead Teacher

I am excited to be the Purple Room teacher this year! I grew up in the Wamego/Manhattan area, but moved away after getting my teaching degree from KSU. I taught in Missouri and south central Kansas before moving back to the area. I have a seven year old daughter, Dawsyn. She attended UCCPA as a four year old and we loved our experience, so I came back! Being able to teach and share my faith is a dream come true.

Fun Facts:

I started at KSU studying Early Childhood Education and German and ended up in Germany as a nanny for a year.
I wanted to see the world so I studied at the University of Alaska Juneau for a year before finishing my elementary education degree.
I decided to combine my passion for teaching and traveling and went to Romania to teach English alongside CRU.

Mrs. Amber

Purple Room Assistant Teacher

I am the assistant teacher in the purple room for the Monday and Wednesday class. My husband and I have been married since 2005 and have 3 daughters who are very involved in music and sports, so we spend a lot of time at their various activities. All 3 of my daughters went to UCC Preschool. I have been a substitute teacher here since 2017, so I have worked in almost every room with every teacher! I graduated from both K-State and Manhattan Christian College and have lived in the Manhattan area for over 25 years.

Fun Facts:

I coach middle school cheer at Riley County.
I play the piano- accompanying choirs, and playing in church.
I spent a semester in Italy.

Miss Mandi

Orange Room Lead Teacher

I have been a nanny for almost a decade, I graduated with an Associate's Degree in arts from Garden City Community College, and I have 10 published novels. When I'm not teaching the young, I'm writing stories for them. I strive to do both to the glory of God.

Fun Facts:

I am a published author.
I have a feisty kitten named Aravis and a grumpy hedgehog named Val.
My nickname in preschool was "Fred" because my teacher often got me mixed up with my many siblings and finally just started calling me Fred... which I still answer to, to this day.

Miss Claire

Orange Room Assistant Teacher

I am the assistant teacher in the orange room on Tuesday & Thursday. I’m currently a student at Kansas State University! I’m studying to become a Pediatric PA and am an active member of my sorority ADPI. I absolutely adore working with children and have gotten opportunities to in various capacities, so I’m excited to work with your kiddos and serve in this way too!

Fun Facts:

I love hiking.
I’m originally from Georgia.
I love humid weather.

Mrs. Vilte

Orange Room Assistant Teacher

I’m originally from Lithuania and have lived in Manhattan since 2023. I’m a mom who loves spending time with my family and watching little ones learn, explore, and grow! I enjoy being creative, trying new things, and making everyday moments fun and meaningful. I’m excited to be part of the school community and to get to know all the wonderful little ones!

Fun Facts:

I grew up in Lithuania.
I love animals and spending time outdoors.
I enjoy being creative and trying new things!

Mrs. Sandy

Red Room Assistant Teacher

I grew up in South Dakota. I have lived in Manhattan since 1987. I started working at UCCPA in 2015. I love working with kids. I enjoy teaching Sunday School at New Hope Church. I love spending my time with friends, helping others, and walking.

Fun Facts:

I like to walk.
I love doing craft stuff.
I enjoy time with family and friends.

Miss Kaitlyn

Orange Room Assistant Teacher

I am the assistant on Monday & Wednesday in the Orange room. I have lived in Manhattan since 2013, and I graduated from Cloud County Community College in 2025 with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. I love caring for little ones and helping them learn and grow! If I'm not taking care of children, I'm probably taking care of my garden. I also enjoy spending time with my family and reading good books.

Fun Facts:

I was homeschooled growing up.
My favorite place to be is outside.
I play the violin.

Mrs. Sherry

Purple Room Assistant Teacher, Tuesday/Thursday

I was born and raised in Billings, Montana area. I graduated from Montana State University and married my husband Craig. We have 3 grown, married sons. We moved to Washington State in 1998, where I got my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, and taught Kindergarten and 1st grade for 17 years. My husband and I retired and moved to Manhattan in 2025, as our only granddaughter lives here and attends UCCPA. I’m excited to help and not be in charge of the Purple Room. - - -

Fun Facts:

I enjoy reading through the Bible chronologically (2nd year - The Bible Recap).
I love to craft.
Being close to family and playing with a granddaughter is such a blessing!

Mrs. Tamira

Red Room Lead Teacher

I’ve been married since 1998 to a loving husband and we have 3 terrific boys: Michael, Jason, and Daniel. I enjoy spending time with my family and I love to travel. I’ve been at UCCPA since 2013 and absolutely love teaching 4-5 year olds.

Fun Facts:

I was a Kindergarten teacher for 10 years.
I will watch my kids play any sport.
I think being a surgery nurse would be awesome.
I would rather use paper.

Mrs. Reasa

Administrative Assistant

I was born and raised in Topeka, KS then attended Manhattan Christian College. In 2002 I graduated and got married in the same weekend. We have four smart and witty children (2 boys & 2 girls). We have lived in 10 different homes in Arizona, Kentucky, Tunisia, and Kansas. I started working for the preschool in 2017, after my first three kids were in elementary school. I enjoy getting to know the parents and children that attend the preschool.

Fun Facts:

I lived for 2 summers in a bombed out school building in Kosovo.
Our oldest and youngest children are 14 years apart.
I love cross country season with my family!