The Growing Place
Childcare Center
MEET THE TEAM OF
The Growing Place
Jane Works
Founder
Founder and Owner, Jane Works, grew up in Ottawa KS. In 1969 she married Joe Works and from that marriage have 3 children and adopted one. She attended Kansas State University where she received her BS in Elementary Education. From there, she attended Pittsburg State University and received her MS in Elementary Education. She started as a substitute teacher for USD#258 before taking a job as a fourth-grade teacher with the district and then moving to sixth grade. She loved teaching and was with the district for 19 years. In May of 2006, she left the teaching field to open The Growing Place and pursue her life's dream of owning a childcare facility and preschool.
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In her spare time, she enjoys being outside, even riding her bike every chance she gets. She has a love for books and music from different cultures. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends and traveling.
Sarah Kennington
Center Director
Sarah has a BA in Early Childhood and a minor in Special Education. She has worked in the field for 25+ years from as far west as Garden City to far east as Fort Scott, Kansas. While residing in western Kansas, she obtained an Equine Therapist license. While there, she also worked for CASA as a court-appointed advocate - helping children in the foster care system. She's a certified CCNP with the CACFP program along with having endorsements with KAIMH as an Infant Family Associate and obtaining her NAMC Montessori teaching diploma.
When she's not working, she enjoys spending time outside with her family. She has a horse-loving family that ropes, and barrel races during summer. She also enjoys baking, decorating cakes, and crafts in her spare time.
Tara Garner
Assistant Director
Tara absolutely loves her job, which has given her the opportunity to teach infants all the way to school-age children. She started her Early Childhood Education career In 2010 and since then has gained her International Montessori teaching diploma and her Child Development Associates degree (CDA).
She's also a mom and stepmother of a total of five children. She's engaged to the man of her dreams. Her family would much rather be outside swimming, camping, and fishing
than being inside watching TV.
Jamie Hawley
Administrative Assistant
Jaime started with the Growing Place in 2014. She received her Associate's in 2015 from the University of Phoenix and moved as The Growing Place's Administrative Assistant. She handles all the billing, payroll, and accounting needs.
Since being in the office, she has brought many animals
to the center. She takes care of Blaze, the center's breaded
dragon, along with her beloved Yoda, who loves coming to work with her and seeing all the children.
In her spare time, she enjoys all different kinds of crafts and activities. On weekends, she likes going camping and fishing with family and friends. She has one amazing daughter and loves spending time either her every chance she gets.
