Staff

About Our Staff

We know that every child is unique and deserves a unique education. Our highly qualified teachers and staff guide the way for your child to become independent while making good choices. We strive to ensure that your children will be introduced to every aspect of learning in their formative years, so they're prepared for the future.

We are extremely proud of our excellent staff of teachers, directors and support staff. We require on-going training for our staff through state classes, orientation videos, in-house training, and other certified professionals in the education field. All of our staff is trained in First Aid and CPR. We take great pride and responsibility to keep safe, educate and nurture the children within our care.

We strive to be the top leader in quality childcare and invite you to stop by to meet us! We would love to have your family join ours!

Meet Our Team

Crystal and Joshua Kast Josh and I purchased Children Are Special Early Learning Center in 2004 from Josh’s parents Kathy and Terry Kast. We were blessed with the opportunity to purchase the business with the help of my parents Mike and Theresa Watson. We have grown so much in the past 20 years and love what we do. We get to impact children daily and the greatest reward is watching them grow. We have four children of our own and have watched each of them grow through all of the classes here at the center.
Theresa Watson - Cook / Office Assistant Teacher Employed with CRS since 2004 My name is Theresa Watson, and I am a wife, mother, and grandmother to 4 awesome grandkids. I worked for the Moses Lake Postal Service for 33 years and retired in 2010. I love making healthy meals that the kids love.
Kali Kast Summer - School-Age Kali has grown up at the daycare. She has recently completed her second year of college and is headed toward finishing her bachelors in Elementary Education. She is excited to be back for the summer working with our school age children.
Oksana Kononenko - Toddler Oksana is our Toddler Room Lead Teacher. Oksana has been working at Children Are Special for 5 years and has a gift for caring for little ones. Her patience and love for each of them is evident. We are blessed to have her part of the team.
Lupe Agbisit - Program Supervisor Lupe has been with Children Are Special for 12 years. She has a heart for education and a love for observations. She finds fun ways to engage children and challenge them to be their best. We are thankful for her and all her hard work over the years.
Makiya Kast - Preschool Makiya has grown up at the daycare. She recently completed her first year of college finishing with her short certificate in Early Childhood Education. She loves to make learning fun. We are thankful for her hard work and dedication to the family business.
Melissa Odarchuk - Preschool Melissa has been with Children Are Special for 3 years. She is hardworking and dependable. Mellissa loves getting to know all the children on a personal level and working with people who love teaching.
Tessa Franz - Preschool Tessa has just recently joined the Children Are Special Team. She comes to us with a bachelor's degree in philosophy of education and has many years of teaching experience with children of all ages. We are excited to welcome her and look forward to watching the children grow under her leadership.
Maria Lynch - Toddler Maria graduated from MLCA in 2024. She is attending BBCC finishing her AA while also taking Early Childhood Education Classes. She will have her short certificate in the Fall of 2025. Maria is a hard worker and loves impacting the children in her care.
Jasmine Arizpe Valdez - Pre-Kinder Jasmine is the newest member to the Children Are Special Family. She comes to us with four years of classroom experience; teaching Kindergarten and 1st Grade. We are excited for the children to meet her and ready for an amazing summer Pre-K schedule.