Meet Our Team
At the Learning Lighthouse, our teachers are at the heart of what we do. Our team is passionate about creating a warm, encouraging environment where children feel safe to learn, play, explore, and be themselves! We believe the early years should be filled with curiosity, connection, and plenty of fun — and our teachers are here to help each child build confidence and a lifelong love for learning! Meet our amazing team below!
My name is Missi Jones. I am the Director/Teacher at Learning Lighthouse. I have lived in Lawson for the past 31 years. My husband Joe and I have two sons. Our oldest is married with a baby on the way in early November. Our youngest son graduated from Lawson High School in 2025 and attends The University of Missouri. I enjoy traveling, walking, reading, bicycle riding and spending time with family and friends. This will be my 20th year teaching at Learning Lighthouse, and I have loved every year of it. I love watching your children grow from the 1st day of their school year to their last.
Missi Jones - Director/Teacher
Brooklyn Eberth - Teacher
My name is Brooklyn Eberth. This is my 4th year teaching at Learning Lighthouse. I grew up in Lawson and graduated from University of Central Missouri in 2015. After 6 years of living on the east coast, my husband Devon and I were excited to move back to Lawson to raise our 3 kids; Brooks, Rayna, and Quincy in this community. I love being active and creative, whether it’s being artistic and designing or inspiring my children to learn, be healthy, and to have fun. I’m looking forward to doing that with your children too!
Heather Cowan - Teacher
I’m Heather Cowan, and I’m excited to be starting my 8th year at Learning Lighthouse! I spent my first two years here as a substitute before joining the team as a full-time teacher six years ago. Outside of school, I’m married to my husband, Jeremy, and we have three kids: Avery, Westin, and Lawson. Life is definitely keeping us busy! Avery is expecting our first grandbaby next year, Westin is going to be a senior this year, and Lawson is starting middle school this year. Needless to say, we have a lot of exciting things happening in our family! We also have two Goldendoodles, Hazel and Baker, who are very much part of the family and keep us entertained. I’m so thankful to be part of the Learning Lighthouse family and can’t wait for another fun year of learning, laughter, making memories and watching your child grow.
Stephannie Muiller - Teacher
My name is Stephannie Muiller, and I am a proud Lawson alumnus. My husband and I have six children and four grandchildren. Our youngest, Reese, is a freshman at Lawson High School. Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and friends and cheering on my kids at their many activities. I especially enjoy football and am a big Kansas City Chiefs fan! I also love riding side-by-sides and making memories with the people I love. This is my ninth-year teaching at Learning Lighthouse, and I feel very blessed to be part of such a wonderful community. I can’t wait to get to know your little ones and watch them learn, grow, and discover new things. I truly believe I learn something new from these young minds every day! Thank you for sharing your little ones with us. We are excited for a wonderful year filled with learning, laughter, and lots of memories!
Sue Clinton - Teacher
My name is Sue Clinton. I am excited to be part of the preschool teaching team this year. Lawson has been my home for many years, and I am proud to be a part of this community.
I am a mother of three grown children and a proud grandmother of six grandchildren. My family has given me many wonderful experiences that I bring with me into the classroom, especially a love of children and a desire to help them learn, grow, and feel confident.
I spent 30 years working in the dental field before retiring. After retirement, I began working as a substitute at the preschool, where I have had the opportunity to work with children and become familiar with the preschool environment.
This year, I am excited to begin teaching on a regular basis. I look forward to getting to know each child, encouraging their curiosity and creativity, and helping them build the skills they need as they begin their educational journey
Candy Bales - Teacher
My name is Candy Bales. I have lived in Lawson forever. I am married to Mark Bales. We have 3 grown daughters and 11 grandchildren and great grandchildren. We are blessed and proud of our loving family. I’ve worked in childcare since I was a teenager. I have worked as a para in the Excelsior School District for over 28 years and just retired this past year. This will be my 8th year working at Learning Lighthouse Preschool in the afternoons.