First Steps Childcare Team

Brandee Gartrell
Program Director
My husband and I have 3 children, two adults and one in high school. I am a member of First Baptist Church and I sing in the choir. A degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Early Childhood has given me many years of experience. I taught for WPS for 17 years, mostly in Pre-K. For the last 8 years I've been the Financial Secretary at FBC and now, the Director at First Steps Childcare Center! I'm so excited that you are joining our family at First Steps Childcare Center! I can't wait to see how God uses our staff to help your children grow and learn.

Raylie Vassar
Teacher
Hi there, I'm Raylie Vassor. I have been a stay at home mom to my daughters for the last 3 and a half years. My family and I recently moved back to Woodward from Kansas. This will be my first time in childcare and I am very excited for this new adventure at First Steps Childcare Center.

Libee Gartrell
Assistant Teacher
My name is Libee, I'm 16 years old and a sophomore at Woodward High School. I am in FFA and show livestock. I have seven goats and this year we are breeding them out. My favorite things to do is hangout with friends and go on late night Brahms and Sonic runs.

Izzy Barcoe
Assistant Teacher
My name is Izzy and I'm thrilled to be joining the team at FSCC this year! I live right here in Woodward and am currently a High School Senior. After graduation, I plan to study physical therapy in college. At home, I have one sister, a dog and three cats - so there's never a dull moment! I am so thankful that God led me to this opportunity to be part of FSCC and I am excited to learn, grow and make wonderful memories with all of you this year!

Anita Marriott
Food Services
My name is Anita Marriott and I live here in Woodward with my husband Mark. I am retired from being a bank teller. I have a son and a daughter and their spouses. I have 6 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. I have always loved children which lead me to work here at FCSS making their lunches and of course love hugging on all of them!
​
Favorites
Drink: Sweet Tea
Food: Mexican
Candy: Reeces
Hobbies: Crafting & love outdoors
Season: Spring and Fall
Store: Hobby Lobby
Flower: Daisies, but love them all
Color: Pink

Brittany Humphrey
Assistant Director
Hello! I'm Brittany, I am the FSCC Assistant Director. I am happily married to my husband, Zachary - we've been together for 11 years. I'm the proud mama to my 2 year old daughter Colbie. In 2024, my family and I mad the move to Vici, OK from Peoria, AZ, where I spend a decade working in childcare. I began my journey teaching littles for four 4 years, then stepped into the role of Assistant Director for 2 years and eventually served as Director for 4 years. Throughout my career, I have learned so much about working with children and nothing is more rewarding than watching the incredible growth that happens in those first few years of life. I am truly excited to begin this new year and look forward to making a positive impact at FSCC

Rylie Kruse
Assistant Teacher
Hi! I'm Rylie and I'm 17 years old. I am a senior at Vici High School. This is my third year cheering. Cheering with my best friends in my favorite part. I love making new memories together. When I'm not at school or cheering, I enjoy spending time with my family playing games, watching movies and sharing stories about our days. I am so excited to be a part of this amazing group at FSCC and can't wait to get to know you and your families!

Annie Phillips
Teacher
My name is Annie and I am thrilled to be guiding your children this year at FSCC. I hold a CDA in childcare and have 16 years of experience working with young learners. My background includes supporting children with special needs, such as blindness and autism. I am passionate about creating an inclusive and nurturing environment for every child. While I am single and do not have children of my own, I truly cherish the time I spend with my students. Over the past year, I have had the joy of helping FSCC open its doors, getting to know new families and even reconnecting with families from previous daycares. I am very excited to have your child in my class and look forward to all the fun, learning and growth we will share together at FSCC this year!

Kaytlen Boston
Assistant Teacher
Hello! My name is Kayt and I'm 17 years old senior at Woodward High School. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with your children this year. Watching kids learn, grow and discover their potential is something that truly excites me. Everyday I spend with them inspires me even more to pursue a career in teaching. I can't wait to get to know each child, support their growth and create a positive and encouraging environment where they can thrive.

Emma Miller
Assistant Teacher
Hello everyone! My name is Emma and I'm so excited to meet you all. I have a passion for working with children because I love watching them grow, learn and explore new things. I especially enjoy singing songs and dancing with the kids. It's so rewarding to see them develop new skills and form friendships along the way. I can't wait to get to know each of you and share in this wonderful experience together.

Linda Conaway
Curriculum Director/Teacher
My name is Linda Conaway and I live in Vici, Oklahoma with my husband Eddie. We have four grown daughters and two grandbabies. I have a love for the outdoors and creating. I also play volleyball and was a national volleyball coach in Arizona for many years. I attend church at Vici Christian and stay very involved in our community as the town coordinator. I started teaching 26 years ago in early childhood starting in Head Start, then kindergarten enrichment, then pre-k and now preschool. I love watching the excitement of celebration and accomplishment in a child. I have spend the last year with FSCC and am excited for the next year to come.

Joselyn Howard
Assistant Teacher
My name is Joselyn and I am a devoted mother to a two-year-old and a passionate educator. I was born and raised primarily in Mexico and I am fluent in two languages. With five years of experience ranging from part-time babysitting during high school to working as a teacher's aide, I bring a strong foundation in nurturing and guiding your children. I believe that learning is most meaningful when it involves movement, play, and hands-on discovery. I am excited to get to know you and your children and look forward to all the adventures and discoveries we will share together this year.

Keirstyn Altland
Assistant Teacher
Welcome families! My name is Keirstyn Altland, but everyone calls me Ms. Kiki and I'm excited to be a part of your learning this year. I'm originally from Vici, OK and I'm currently working toward my associate degree in Child Development. My dream is to one day open my own daycare and continue making a difference in the lives of little ones. I'm thrilled to be here and can't wait to learn, grow and have fun with all these amazing kiddos!

Sarah Clark
Assistant Teacher
My name is Sarah and I am the assistant teacher in the preschool classroom here at FSCC. I have previous experience at another daycare facility and I am truly passionate about working with children. I've always felt drawn to their curiosity and creativity. My goal is to provide each of my students with love and a meaningful learning experience every day. Outside of the classroom I enjoy swimming and writing stories in my journal. I am so excited for this year at FSCC and look forward to a growing and learning together!

Christy Pollard
Teacher
My name is Christy and I have 3 daughters. We love spending time watching them play sports. I love to read in my spare time. I worked for WPS as a Pre-K paraprofessional for 3 years and then moved on to work at Western Plains Youth & Family services as a professional with the C.O.P.E. program for 1 1/2 years for middle school students. I'm just now starting at FSCC but I'm so excited to get to know each of you and your child.
