Teachers & Staff

Gabrielle Foster | Assistant Teacher

My name is Gabrielle Foster, I am a senior at the University of Missouri-Columbia hailing from Chicago, IL. I am currently pursuing my BA in Psychology and minoring in Human Development and Family Services, as well as a minor in Business. It is an aspiration of mine to attend law school immediately after I graduate and I plan to obtain my PhD in psychology with a focus in child development further down the line. I chose to work at Nora Stewart Early Learning Center because of my experience here as a JumpStart team member. working at Nora Stewart Early Learning Center through JumpStart was very fulfilling and it sparked my interest to apply here full time for the summer. The kiddos at Nora Stewart Early Learning Center will forever hold a special place in my heart and that is why working here is worth it. For me the kiddos always come first!

Margaret Frye | Teacher

My name is Margaret Frye. I am a native New Yorker and have been a part of Nora Stewart since March of 2015. I began my teaching career in New York and Connecticut school districts, decided to become TEFL certified around 2006, had the chance to live abroad for a while, came back to the US and worked with Columbia Public Schools for about a year, traveled abroad again then returned to the US for the birth of my first grandson. Now there are two and I’m still here.

Chamonique Blair | Teacher

Hello, everyone my name is Chamonique Blair and I’m from Columbia Missouri. I have been working with children since 2010. I’ve worked with children aging from 0-5yrs. I do not have any children of my own yet, but I have 2 nephews and 1 niece that are a big part of my life.

I just recently joined the Nora Stewart family and have already bonded with the staff, children and the families. I am happy to be a part of the Nora Stewart Family, it feels like the right place for me to be.

Cheryl Howard | Executive Director

Cheryl Howard who is a native of Columbia, MO has been the Executive Director of Nora Stewart Early Learning Center since October 2006. She holds a Masters of Education in Counseling from Stephens College. She oversees the main mission of Nora Stewart Early Learning Center to provide education for children 6 weeks to age 8 years in a safe educational and nurturing environment. Her goal is to make sure every child who attends Nora Stewart Early Learning Center is to prepare to enter kindergarten.

Aqua Washington | Office Manager

Hi! My name is Aqua Washington, I am the Office Manager at Nora Stewart Early Learning Center (NSELC). I was born and raised in Columbia, MO. I also attended Nora Stewart Early Learning Center in my preschool years. I graduated from David H. Hickman High School and from Lincoln University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. I love being around and working with children so Nora Stewart Early Learning Center is the perfect match! My 3 year old son also attends Nora Stewart Early Learning Center, he has been here since he was 6 weeks old and to this day he loves it at Nora Stewart Early Learning Center. I am excited and proud in helping Nora Stewart Early Learning Center to achieve a dynamic future for our children in my role as Office Manager.

Jackie Ford | Cook

Hello, everyone my name is Jaqueline Ford I was born and raised in Saint Louis Missouri, I moved to Columbia Missouri in 1995. I am the mother of an amazing young man who has always been my pride and joy. Along with being a mother, I am also a grandmother of two talented girls.

I have been working with young children for 26 years and have been a part of Nora Stewart Early Learning Center for 10 years. Before I joined the Nora Stewart family I worked for Columbia Public Schools at Benton Elementary for 9 years as a paraprofessional.

When I joined the Nora Stewart family in 2006, I worked as the Lead Teacher in the 4 and 5-year-old classroom for 9 years and just recently moved to the kitchen. Even though I have the pleasure of preparing meals for the children, I am still able to do hands-on activities with the children. I am pleased to be a part of Nora Stewart and making a difference in ever child’s life.