Our Staff

Our staff implements a child-centered, hands-on, developmentally appropriate classroom environment that challenges them to be successful in kindergarten.

Keri Garrison, Director

Keri Garrison is the Director of Stepping Stones Early Learning Center. She has 20 years of experience as the Stepping Stones Kids Klub director, and 20 years of experience with education substitute teaching within the Knoxville Community School District.

  • Preschool teachers all have an Early Childhood Degree or Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Endorsement.
  • Each classroom’s lead teacher has at least an Associate or Child Development Associate Degree (CDA) in early care and education.
  • All staff members are trained and certified in CPR, First Aid, Mandatory Child Abuse Training, and Universal Precautions as well as yearly training requirements by the Department of Human Services.
Keri Garrison

Stepping Stones Staff

Abby Prichard

Abby Prichard

Angelina Lovell

Angelina Lovell

Anna Anderson

Anna Anderson

April Vander Heiden

April Vander Heiden

Ava Sanderson

Ava Sanderson

Bethany Puffinbarger

Bethany Puffinbarger

Braylee Mason

Braylee Mason

BreAnn Young

BreAnn Young

Caitlynn McKinney

Caitlynn McKinney

Chelsea Kingery

Chelsea Kingery

Cindi Dale

Cindi Dale

Dana Hummel

Dana Hummel

Dana Wilkins

Dana Wilkins

Emma Carlson

Emma Carlson

Gail Young

Gail Young

Janiya Oliver

Janiya Oliver

Jean Loughman

Jean Loughman

Jessie Goemaat

Jessie Goemaat

Kaden Kruse

Kaden Kruse

Katelyn Hardwick

Katelyn Hardwick

Kathy Izon

Kathy Izon

Keri Garrison

Keri Garrison

Kim Broughton

Kim Broughton

Maggie Wilkins

Maggie Wilkins

Megan Stuart

Megan Stuart

Molly Anderson

Molly Anderson

Monica Wilson

Monica Wilson

Rayne Olson

Rayne Olson

Reese Groenendyk

Reese Groenendyk

Shanya Overton

Shanya Overton

Sam Meador

Sam Meador

Sierra Vander Weerdt

Sierra Vander Weerdt

Taylar Lovell

Taylar Lovell

Tina Hayes

Tina Hayes

Zoe Conrad

Zoe Conrad

What Our Families are Saying

“Stepping Stones is hands down the best at what they do. Our son, Sam (18 months old), absolutely loves “school” and begs to go every morning (even on the weekends–HA!). The staff is always very knowledgeable, polite and is exceptional with the kids. Sam is in the Grasshopper room (1-year-olds), and they have so many fun activities and crafts that are sent home (which make Mom and Dad very proud). We feel Sam’s development and social skills are noticeably more developed than many other children his age. We attribute this to Stepping Stones’ early learning curriculum. To say we are impressed is an understatement. They’ve far exceeded our expectations, and we both rest easy knowing our child is getting the very best.”

Ben and Katie Truetken 
Ben and Katie Truetken

“We were incredibly blessed with the opportunity to send our children to Stepping Stones Early Learning center over the last 4+ years (including the Kids Klub program) until just recently with our move out-of-state. From our own experience, we can attest to the love and care that every member of the staff exhibited to our children on a daily basis. Their education programs are a huge reason that our oldest is excelling with her studies now in elementary school. We cannot say enough positive things about Pam, the staff and Stepping Stones, and we will miss everyone.”

Jim and Reagan Faust 
Jim and Reagan Faust

“We are so pleased with the quality of care Stepping Stones Early Learning Center has provided to our children. Three of our four boys have at some point attended the Early Learning or Kids Klub programs. Not only do we feel comfortable knowing that they are being taken care of, they are receiving a quality education at the same time. The curriculum is absolutely amazing, it is definitely giving the children an advantage when they get to Kindergarten. We cannot thank Stepping Stones Early Learning Center and the fantastic support of staff enough for all they do for our children.”

Amy and Ritchie Reidel 
Amy and Ritchie Reidel

“We enrolled our daughter at Stepping Stones when she was 18 months. We chose Stepping Stones because of the convenient hours, certified staff, and the nurturing environment. Prior to Stepping Stones, we were using an in-home daycare and weren’t pleased with the inconvenient hours and lack of curriculum. We felt that Stepping Stones provided the structure we desired for our daughter, without feeling sterile. We feel that the environment has benefited our daughter in language development, social skills, and early literacy. While it is a “center,” we always feel welcomed by the staff and trust that our daughter is in good hands. I would absolutely recommend Stepping Stones to any parent that is looking for quality childcare and preschool. We look forward to how she will grow over the next few years in the program.”

Ben and Elly Shaw 
Ben and Elly Shaw

“Stepping Stones has continually provided outstanding care and outstanding curriculum for my kids. I know that when I drop them off, that they’re going to have a day during which they are engaged with both adults and children and will learn as much as they play. There’s no question that my son was ready for kindergarten because of the quality care and education he received there.

Adrienne Erazo 
Adrienne Erazo

“Little did we know, the hardest part of becoming parents would be the decision on who would get the privilege of caring, teaching, nurturing and guiding our three most treasured life accomplishments (our babies) alongside us. After multiple phone and face-to-face interviews at different centers and in-home facilities, we walked out of SSELC with no question where our children were going. The team of teachers are the best of the best and have become family. From teaching lessons to instilling amazing qualities in our children, they always go above and beyond. Our children love “school,” and all of the teachers make us feel blessed we chose the right facility on the first try! All three of our children started between 2–3 months old and will continue through the preschool program, finishing more than prepared for Kindergarten. Not one minute of one day have we regretted the decision or worried about our children’s growth or well-being while at SSELC, making it so much easier to be a 2-working parent home. In one word—PHENOMENAL!”

T.J. and Amie Blain 
T.J. and Amie Blain