Meet Our Teachers
At Ward Parkway preschool, we believe that you, the parents, are the most valuable resource in your child’s development, and we are excited to partner with you in this journey.
Ward Parkway Preschool teachers are caring, qualified, and dedicated to helping foster your child’s love of learning and most have been with our school for over 10 years. Our staff members hold degrees in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or a related field with enough early childhood college-level hours to qualify them through Missouri Accreditation.
Our teachers are trained in CPR, First Aid, and attend 10-12 hours of Early Childhood inservice each year. We look forward to meeting you in person.
Kim Manford
Kim Manford has been a Director at Ward Parkway Preschool for 25 years. Kim attended the University of Kansas where she received her degrees in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Special Education. Kim was born and raised in the NW suburbs of Chicago where she developed her love for Lake Michigan but settled in the KC area after marrying her husband, Jeff 33 years ago. They have 2 grown children, Jacob (30) & Shelby (27) (married to James). Kim loves her new role as “Lolli” with the arrival of her first grandson, Judah born August 2023 and granddaughter Lily Belle who arrived November 2025. In her spare time, Kim enjoys traveling anywhere coastal and 70°, organizing closets and baking. One of Kim’s favorite things about her role at WPP is walking alongside parents as they love and lead their children.
Amanda Bartel
Amanda Bartel currently serves as a Director at Ward Parkway Preschool. For 7 years, she was a teacher in our Preschool 1 class and during the 2021-2022 school year Amanda transitioned to her new role. She has an Elementary Education Degree from Tabor College. Amanda and her husband, Paul have been married for 24 years. They have 4 children, Micah (20), Silas (18), Salem (15), and Norah (12), all of whom attended WPP. Together they enjoy cooking and discovering new recipes. Amanda also enjoys yoga, walking, and reading. She loves helping children feel safe and loved during their first experiences at school.
Rachel Dold
Rachel Dold is one of our teachers for our Preschool 1 class. She has been at Ward Parkway Preschool for 12 years. Rachel attended Truman State University and received her Health Education degree. Rachel and her husband, Chris have two children, Caroline (22, & attends Oberlin College in Ohio), and Henry (19) who is heading off to Mizzou this fall. In her free time, Rachel enjoys reading, photography, and spending time at the lake.
Evin Felix
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Shawna John
Shawna John is thrilled to start her first year teaching Pre-K in the Yellow Room! She’s been substituting in different classrooms over the past year. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University, she spent three years working in the chemistry field, including a wastewater testing lab. Then, she went on to get her master’s degree in Education and taught Chemistry at Piper High School for five years. For the last four years, she’s been enjoying some quality time with her kids, Elliott and Ally, who both attend Ward Parkway Preschool. She’s really looking forward to sharing her passion for science with her new students. She also loves reading, weightlifting, and tending to her plants.
Saushan Kaplowitz
This is Saushan’s 6th year as a Purple Room teacher teacher at Ward Parkway Preschool. For several years, she helped out as a substitute teacher in various classrooms. Saushan studied Early Childhood Education at Northwood University in Texas. She has been married to her husband, Craig for 17 years and they have 3 children…Kendan is 15, Damien is 13 and Pepper is 9. (All of their children attended Ward Parkway Preschool!) In her free time, Saushan enjoys playing board games, card games and yoga.
Jennifer Lukens
Jennifer has been an amazing part of our staff for 20 years. She took a short break when she moved to Utah for her husband’s job, but now that they are back in KC, we are thrilled to have her rejoin our staff! Jennifer works in our Preschool 1 class with our littlest friends! She graduated from Indiana University and also took some additional college classes in Early Childhood Education from JCCC. Jennifer has been married to Charles for 31 years and they have twin daughters Allie and Gabbie who are 29. Jennifer is looking forward to welcoming their first grandchild in January! In her spare time, they enjoy time at the lake, spending time with their 3 Cavalier King Charles pups,
Sarah McSpadden
Sarah is excited for her first year teaching in the Green Room! She grew up in western Oklahoma and has a biology degree from Oklahoma Christian University. Sarah and her husband, Ryan, have two children, Otis (6) and Jo (4), and two dogs, Minnie and Ripley. Otis attended Ward Parkway Preschool for Pre-K, and Jo currently attends Ward Parkway as well! Sarah loves gardening, hiking, watching and playing sports and games, and spending quality time with her family.
Robyn Palmer
Robyn Palmer is beginning her 3nd year teaching Pre-K in the Blue Room. After attending KU, Robyn taught Pre-K and Kindergarten for 14 years before being blessed to stay at home full time with her own children. She has been married to her husband, Jeff, for 29 years and they have a son Wyatt (28) and a daughter Merritt (22). In her free time, she enjoys cooking, gardening, reading and Pilates.
Jenn Scott
This is Jenn’s first year teaching Pre-K in the Yellow Room! Before that, she had the pleasure of getting to know the children at Ward Parkway Preschool as a substitute. Jenn relocated to the KC area three years ago, after living in Portland, Oregon for many years. She lives with her husband, their 5 year old son (a WPP graduate!), and their newest family member, Ryder the golden retriever. Jenn has a master’s degree in Counseling from Central Michigan University, and worked in various social service roles before taking some time to be at home with her family. She and her family love the outdoors, and in her free time you can find her greeting the sunrise with her dog, hiking, biking, and finding new places to explore with her family. Jenn is very excited to bring her love of nature and wonder to the classroom!
Leslie Small
Leslie has taught Pre-K at Ward Parkway Preschool for 8 years. She is married to her wonderful husband, Brian, and together they have two grown sons, two daughters-in-law, and four amazing grandchildren. She loves reading, and cherishing quality time with her family. Originally from St. Louis, she has called Kansas City home for the past 24 years. Leslie graduated from Florissant Valley College in St. Louis with a degree in Special Education. Leslie’s mission as a teacher is to help children fall in love with learning and spark their curiosity in ways that stay with them for life.
Briana Van Deusen
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.