The Kids Connection

Our Staff

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Mrs. Amanda- Owner/Director

Member of The Kids Connection family since: February 2016

Mrs. Amanda owns and operates The Kids Connection alongside her husband, Mr. Wayne. She has a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Mount Olive and more than 10 years of experience in the field. (She also has a degree in Health Information Management and a cosmetology license!) Her favorite thing about working with children is getting to watch them experience “lightbulb moments” as they learn and grow. When she is not working, Mrs. Amanda loves to read and spend time with her five children and six grandchildren.

Ms. Joann- Cook/Administrative Assistant

Member of The Kids Connection family since: June 1992

Ms. Joann has over 30 years of experience in the early childhood field! She lives in Varnamtown and has four children. Her favorite part of working with children is seeing their smiles and getting hugs from them. When she is not working, Ms. Joann enjoys music, concerts, cooking, yard work, and going to church.

Mrs. Pam- Floater/Cook

Member of The Kids Connection family since: November 1991

Mrs. Pam has more than 30 years of experience in the early childhood field! She greets our families at the door each morning and enjoys getting to know all of the children. She lives in Ash with her husband. When she is not working, she enjoys cross-stitching and gardening.

Mrs. Tammy- Teacher

Member of The Kids Connection family since: June 2016

Mrs. Tammy has over 30 years of experience working with children, many of which have been spent at The Kids Connection. She holds her North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and loves being a part of children’s lives. Her favorite part of working with infants is getting to cuddle them! When she is not working, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her sons and grandchildren.

Ms. Kayla- Teacher

Member of The Kids Connection family since: February 2016

Ms. Kayla is currently working toward her degree in Early Childhood Education at Stanly Community College. She has experience working in all of our classrooms, so you never know which one you might find her in! Her favorite part of working with younger school-aged children is hearing the stories they tell her about their school day. When she is not working, Ms. Kayla loves spending time with her son, Liam, and her family.

Ms. Lashawnda- Assistant NC Pre-K Teacher

Member of The Kids Connection family since: March 2019

Ms. Lashawnda recently earned her associate degree in Early Childhood Education, as well as a certificate in Administration from Stanly Community College. Her favorite part of Pre-K is meeting new children every year. She has four children of her own—three girls and one boy. When she is not working, she enjoys crafting, dancing, singing, cooking, and watching Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives! She also loves Crocs—so be sure to check hers out!

Ms. Mikayla- Teacher

Member of The Kids Connection family since: August 2019

Ms. Mikayla recently graduated from Brunswick Community College with her Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education. Her favorite part of the classroom is music time. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her two sons, her family, and her friends. She also loves to cook!

Mrs. Shauna- Lead NC Pre-K Teacher

Member of The Kids Connection family since: October 2019

Mrs. Shauna moved to Brunswick County from upstate New York in 2019. She has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Temple University and completed her Birth–Kindergarten Teaching Licensure program at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Her favorite part of Pre-K is watching students get excited about learning. She has a daughter, a son, and four pets (her other “babies”). When she is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to concerts, shopping, and reading.

Mrs. Racheal- Teacher

Member of The Kids Connection family since: September 2020

Mrs. Racheal recently graduated from Brunswick Community College with her associate degree in Early Childhood Education. Her favorite part of the classroom is dancing with her students and watching them learn new things. She has two sons and a daughter. When she is not working, she loves watching movies and taking weekend trips with her family. Fun fact: She loves Post Malone!

Ms. Katana- Assistant NC Pre-K Teacher

Member of The Kids Connection family since: August 2021

Ms. Katana holds an Associate of Arts degree and is currently working toward an associate degree in Early Childhood Education at Stanly Community College. Her favorite part of Pre-K is circle time! When she is not working, she enjoys boat rides, playing with her fur babies, and napping.

Ms. Gracie- Teacher

Member of The Kids Connection family since: August 2023

Ms. Gracie graduated from West Brunswick High School and is currently attending Brunswick Community College. Her favorite part of being in the classroom is playing with the kids and loving on them. When she is not working, she loves shopping!

Mrs. Renee- Teacher

Member of The Kids Connection family since: February 2024

Mrs. Renee has 19 years of experience working with children! She is currently attending Stanly Community College, working toward her Early Childhood Certification. Her favorite part of the classroom is seeing her students’ smiling faces every day. She has four children, four grandchildren, and one fur baby. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and dog, as well as cooking and baking.

Ms. LaTonya- Teacher

Member of The Kids Connection family since: May 2024

Ms. LaTonya holds her North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and has eight years of experience in the field. Her favorite part of working with infants is cuddling them—she loves the babies like they are her own. She has three children: two boys and one girl. When she is not working, you can find her reading and enjoying life!

Mrs. Trinity holds her Early Childhood Education certificate and has five years of experience in the field. She loves working with children and has two daughters of her own. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, shopping, and crafting.

Ms. Alana- Teacher

Member of The Kids Connection family since: November 2024

Ms. Alana is originally from Maryland and has more than five years of experience in the early childhood field. She loves spending time with her students. When she is not working, she enjoys hanging out with her friends and shopping.

Mrs. Crystal- Teacher

Member of The Kids Connection family since: January 2025

Mrs. Crystal has 35 years of experience in the early childhood field and 25 EDU credits from Western Piedmont College. Her favorite part of the classroom is music time with the children and learning from them. She has three daughters. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, swimming, and hiking.

Ms. Debbie- Teacher

Member of The Kids Connection family since: August 2024

Ms. Debbie attended Cape Fear Community College and has 15 years of experience in early childhood education. She has three daughters of her own. Her favorite part of working in the classroom is watching her students have fun while learning. When she is not working, she enjoys music, reading, and decorating.

Ms. Deb- Teacher

Member of The Kids Connection family since: February 2025

Ms. Deb is originally from Queens, New York, but has lived in Brunswick County for the last 30 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and Art History and has been in the early childhood education field for 25 years. Her favorite part of being in the classroom is watching students engage with each other and enjoy different activities. She has two dogs named Ollie and Layla. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, writing, painting, gardening, and going to the beach.