About kirkwood area every child promise

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Every child and family are prepared for success as they enter kindergarten.

What does it mean to be "prepared for success" in kindergarten?

Our families must be connected to the basic resources necessary to have stability and hope. Our children must have access to the life and learning experiences that give context and meaning to new knowledge. 

Preschool scholarships and connections to quality early childhood experiences

Information and assistance navigating resources in order to meet the basic needs of the children and families we serve

Access to Promise Place, a clothing and supply closet where families can get assistance with items to support the basic needs of their children ages 0-6

Coordination with resources such as Kirk Care, Parents as Teachers, Kirkwood Public Library, and Kirkwood School District in order to provide holistic support for families

Sarah Erwin has been a librarian for 14 years, most recently  serving as Director of the Kirkwood Public Library. She now enjoys staying home with her two children and volunteering in the community. Sarah has a Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Evansville. 

Dan obtained his Master's Degree in Education from University of Missouri-St. Louis and spent part of his career as a high school history teacher in University City. He was elected to the University City School Board and also served two terms on the Board of Alderman in Glendale. He retired from Barnes Jewish Hospital Foundation in 2012 after 35 years as a professional fundraiser, helping to build the Siteman Cancer Center and the Goldfarb School of Nursing. Dan and his wife Anita live in Kirkwood. Their son Ryan, and daughter-in-law Kristen, are doctoral students at the University of North Texas.

Melissa Sandbothe has been an educator for more than 30 years. She obtained her Education Specialist Degree from Webster University and a Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the University of Missouri, Columbia. She was employed by the Kirkwood R-7 School District for 16 years as Director of Early Childhood Special Education, Kirkwood Early Childhood Center Principal, and retired from the position of district Director of Special Programs. In retirement, Melissa continues to be involved in the world of education as a part-time Special Education Coordinator for The Soulard School. Being a "Mimi" is now her all-time favorite role as her 6 children begin their own families.  

Rickey Boyher has been an educator for over 10 years. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Washington University in 2009 and her Master of Arts in Teaching (Elementary Education) in 2014. Rickey is also certified in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. She has spent most of her career as an educator working for schools whose mission is to make education a more equitable place. Rickey has worked at various St. Louis schools as both a general education teacher and special education teacher. She has taught Kindergarten, Fifth grade, and Special Education in grades K-6. Rickey’s commitment to educating youth and ensuring children are prepared for school is a priority for her. She has always been passionate about creating a classroom community that celebrates students’ unique strengths while also fostering a sense of shared experience. Her experience in Special Education has allowed her to better understand the varied learning styles of students and how to accommodate for those differences. Rickey thoroughly understands the importance of school readiness and is excited to support Kirkwood families! 

Meredith Byers, MD

Meredith S. Byers, M.D. is a Kirkwood parent of 3 and has lived in Kirkwood for 18 years. A private-practice radiologist with St. Luke's/Rayus Radiology, she has served as a PTO Executive Officer at KECC, Keysor Elementary, North Kirkwood Middle School, and Kirkwood High School, and has served on Kirkwood School District's UNITE Task Force, Strategic Planning Commission, and Sustainability Committee. She currently serves on the Kirkwood School District Health Advisory Council and as a Director on the Special School District St. Louis County Board of Education.

Penny Chastain

Penny has an AAS Occupational Therapy Assistant degree and a BS in Community Health Promotion. She has spent the last 20 years serving in various social service professions. She has worked in the medical field as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, in Autism research, and in education. She currently has over 10 years of experience as a Parent Educator through the local school district. As a Parent Educator and a KAEChP board member, she has worked to build relationships with our community partners, expand our community outreach, manage social media platforms, and manage the KAEChP Preschool Scholarship program. Most recently, she was a member of the Kirkwood School District’s Taskforce to close the Opportunity Gap and was chosen as one of Kirkwood School District's Teachers of the Year in 2019. She is committed to making sure all children and their families feel supported in the community.

Laura Cochran

Laura is beginning her seventh year with KECC and couldn’t be more excited! She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in Early Interventions for Autism and Sensory Impairments through Lindenwood University. She was raised in Kirkwood and met her husband here as well!  They've been married five years now have a baby boy named Lucas who was born in August!  In her free time she loves cooking, playing golf, and is a certified scuba diver!  She is looking forward to a year of growth and learning together! 

Carole Hughes

Carole Hughes majored in K-12 vocal and instrumental music education. She served as a youth mentor and church camp counselor on the local, regional, and national levels. She graduated from Normandy Senior High School, lives in Maplewood, and is an elder at Webster Groves Christian Church (DOC). 

Jeremy Mapp

Jeremy Mapp, EdD, currently serves as the Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for the Kirkwood School District. He was previously the Director of Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity for Lindbergh Schools where he led professional development and guided district work in the area of equity. Prior to that, he was the assistant principal at Keysor Elementary School in the Kirkwood School District, an elementary and middle school teacher, and a house parent at Joe’s Place, a home for homeless teenage boys in the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District, which gives him a PK-12 perspective of supporting students of diverse backgrounds. Jeremy Mapp earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Maryville University, a Master of Arts in Elementary Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology both from Truman State University. His approach to every day is that "I see and appreciate differences in people and find ways to make these unique qualities positive rather than negative." He is excited about the opportunity to continue impacting the lives of students earlier in their educational experience. 

Arthur McDonnell

Arthur McDonnell grew up in Kirkwood, attended Kirkwood High School, and graduated from Principia College in 1964. Art served in the U. S. Coast Guard and then joined the family grocery business in 1965, after working there since age 12. Arthur married Barbara Monfort and they have two grown sons. He was elected President of the Kirkwood Area Chamber of Commerce in 1986 and was named Kirkwood Business Person of the year in 1995. He went on to be elected to the Kirkwood City Council in 2000 and 2004 and  then served as Mayor of Kirkwood from 2008 until 2016.  Arthur is involved in many Kirkwood organizations, including serving as a Board member of SPROG, a member of the Advisory Board for Parents as Teachers, past President of the Kirkwood Rotary Club, President of the Historic Train Station Foundation, Board member of Kirk Care, and Chair of Cars and Guitars Festival. Arthur is an active gardener and cook, but does not know how to play golf.

William O'Bright

William grew up in Kirkwood and attended Kirkwood High School. A public servant since the age of 15, he has volunteered for national and international historical services and has worked in the National Park Service and local community centers. William has a bachelor's degree in history from Webster University and a master's degree in library and information science from the University of Missouri - Columbia. He continues to serve his community as Assistant Director of Technology and Operations at Kirkwood Public Library and is excited to help the children of Kirkwood live happy lives.

Wallace Ward

Wallace is currently a member of the Kirkwood City Council and is the Past President of the KAEChP Board. He has also served on the Kirkwood Budget and Finance Committee, Kirkwood Park Board and Kirkwood Tax Increment Finance Commission. Wallace served 9 years on the Kirkwood School District School Board and has been a member of several task forces for the Kirkwood School District. Other service and leadership positions include: President of the Educare Early Childhood Foundation for 25 years; 13 years on the Missouri History Museum Board; Appointed to the St Louis County Finance and Master Plan Commission in 1995 by County Executive H.C. Millford; served on the board of the Stages Theater Co.