Meet Our Team

Lauren Mellen

Lauren is the director at Abundant Life Christian Childcare & Preschool. She has a Missouri teaching certificate in early childhood development and has been working in the childcare field since 2018. Her goal at ALCC is to create and foster a loving, home-like environment for each child where they can learn and grow to reach their full potential. She seeks to build long-lasting relationships with the families in her care and offer support in each and every child's developmental needs. She lives in Troy, Mo and enjoys hiking, coffee, and spending time with her family.

Sherry Riefel

Joanna Rodriguez

Mia Quiroz

Hannah Alls

Teacher: Thing 1 Room

(Infants)

Teacher: Thing 2 Room

(1 Year Olds)

Teacher: Cindy Lou Who Room

(2 Year Olds)

Teacher: Sam I Am Room

(3 Year Olds)

Ms. Sherry is the oldest of nine children so most of her life has consisted of taking care of babies and toddlers. She ran her own home daycare for 25 years.

"My free time consists of following the Cardinals and watching children in the evenings and on weekends."

Ms. Joanna grew up in a family of 13 children where she gained a lot of hands-on experience working with children, but also discovered a love for working with them!

"Along with being around kids, I have a love for music, drawing, singing, and crafting."

Ms. Mia has worked with children of all ages from birth to high school. She currently serves as a youth leader with 10-18 year old. She has worked at latch key in the Lincoln County School District with 5-10 year olds and has previous experience as both a teacher’s assistant and a lead teacher in a preschool classroom.

"My husband and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary on August 28th. We met in our church youth group and have been best friends ever since. Together we just bought our first house! We also have a baby boy named Kale Elisha and a 1 year old dog named Albert. I enjoy being outdoors— hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking, and camping. I am a huge animal lover and coffee lover. In my free time I am a youth leader at Journey Church. My husband is becoming an Outreach Pastor and my heart is for children's ministry!"

Ms. Hannah has worked in childcare since 2020 doing Sunday School and babysitting jobs. She has always loved being around children and hopes to be a foster parent one day.

"I live in Troy and I enjoy singing, reading, and playing guitar and piano. I have completed First Aid and CPR certification classes."

Ada Simons

Sandy Balas

Teacher: After School Care

Floater

Norma Rogers

Teacher: Horton Room

(4 Year Olds)

Maria Reeds

Teacher: Lorax Room

(3 Year Olds)

Mrs. Maria has worked in childcare for 17 years, arranging and carrying out each day's plans. She has participated in teachers conferences in person and on line and is also CPR and first aid certified.

"I love playing with and teaching young kiddos because they are just so eager to learn and grow. I've been married for 23 years. We have 3 adult children. I enjoy collecting pencils, reading and drawing. I also play around with the guitar a bit."

Ms. Norma is the mother of 2 grown children, grandmother of 15 mostly grown children and great grandmother of 17 little blessings ranging in age from 5 months-10 years old.

"God has blessed me with a love for children and He has allowed me to work with children most of my adult life. I am looking forward to having a fun learning experience with your child and getting to know them better throughout this journey."

Ms. Ada is a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. A long time ago she was a licensed child care provider in Ohio. She has also worked as a school cook, school janitor, and restaurant cook. She directed her church nursery for a while and participated in girl scouts for 19 years.

"I love animals, children and adults in that order. Thank you for trusting me with your children!"

Ms. Sandy has raised four boys, been a foster mother to many babies and is a grandmother of 11 and a great grandmother of 15.

She works most of the time as our afternoon infant teacher, but also helps out in other classrooms as needed. Ms. Sandy always has a ready and willing spirit!

"I love working with children!"

Brittany Mellen

Office Assistant/Floater

Ms. Brittany's main profession is as a music teacher, but she loves spending her extra time at ALCC loving on kiddos and helping with behind the scenes work in the office and throughout the building. As a teacher, she has 10+ years of experience working with children of all ages. Ms. Brittany also holds a degree in Biblical Counseling from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC.

"A few of my simple joys include: afternoon lattes, spending time with my little nieces, brunch at cute cafes, and travel"

Kim Nichols

Afternoon Office Assistant

Ms. Kim is a retired nurse with a B.S. in nursing from the University of NC. Her nursing care was primarily in Hospice nursing where she worked in many home settings----giving her opportunities for interaction with children and families. As the oldest of four in her own family, she cared for three brothers growing up. Here at ALCC, Ms. Kim primarily works in the office during closing hours, assisting teachers and parents throughout the afternoon.

"My interests include: piano, long walks, visiting new places and reading good books."

Stephanie Rodriguez

Assistant: After School Care

Ms. Stephanie also grew up in a family of 13, which helped her grow in her knowledge of childcare and caused her to fall in love with working in childcare. She regularly helps in her church's nursery and kids ministries.

"In my spare time I enjoy reading, cooking, and baking of any kind!"