About
The WFA Team is composed of administrators, teachers, and support staff. Each of these members is dedicated to serve, educate, and develop WFA families. All team members are screened through the Missouri Family Care and Safety Registry. Each of the administrators and teachers are certified in Infant/Child CPR and First Aid. The entire WFA Team is extensively educated and trained in areas pertaining to early childhood development.
The administration includes the Owner, Renee Knobbe, the Director, Leanne Elmendorf, the Head of Admissions, Angela Nesslage.
Each class has a team of teachers. The team is led by the Head Primary Educator (HPE). The HPE collaborates with the Primary Educator of the class. These individuals are supported by the Secondary and Assistant Educators.
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Waverly Forest Academy knows that a successful program can only be achieved on a foundation of committed teachers. Early childhood education is known for a statistic that supports high turnover of teachers. We at Waverly Forest Academy believe in offering our teachers the best working environment, competitive wages and benefits. The return on our investment is a dedicated team, who continue to strengthen our reputation by their ongoing training and years of service. The WFA team is very involved in maintaining the reputation we have worked so hard to earn. Many of our team members select to work four 10 hour days per week so they are able to communicate with families at drop off as well as pick up, and to provide consistency of care which is crucial to each child’s growth and development.
Meet The Administration
Renee Knobbe
Renee Knobbe is the owner of WFA and Angie’s sister. Renee founded Little Guppy Child Development Center in 1997. Previously, she served as the Executive Director of Patterson Schools, overseeing 6 early childhood centers. Renee received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and her Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling. Both degrees were earned at Lindenwood University where she went on to teach Early Childhood Education classes at the masters level. She is trained in Project Construct, Conscious Discipline, the Reggio Approach, High Scope, Creative Curriculum, and Students in the Middle. Renee has a love for tennis, and baby rolls!
Angie Nesslage
Angela Nesslage founded Waverly Forest Academy in 2009, and served as Director until 2020. She currently serves as the Head of Admissions for WFA. Previous to this, Angie was the Director of Little Guppy Child Development Center from the day it was opened in 1997 through 2008. She has been in the field of Early Childhood Education since 1995. Angie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Lindenwood University in 1997. She has completed graduate classes in early Childhood Education at Webster University. Angie is trained in Project Construct, High Scope, Creative Curriculum, Conscious Discipline, and the Reggio Approach. Angie has been married to her husband Corey since 2000, and they share two sons.
Kannon 19 yr
Owen 15 yr
Leanne Elmendorf
Leanne Elmendorf accepted the role of Director for the 2022-2023 school year. Leanne brings 17 years of Early Childhood experience to our WFA Team. She was previously an Assistant Director and Lead Teacher with Bright Start Academy. She graduated from Central Methodist University with a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development and a minor in Psychology. She has earned over 200 hours in continued education hours and has earned a Director Certification. Leanne is the proud mother of 3 beautiful daughters:
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Jaelynne 12 yr
Adelynne 10 yr
Brooklynne 8 yr
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Leanne is also very active with her family outside of work and enjoys watching her daughters compete in a variety of sports. Basketball is by far her faviorite.