Meet the Teachers of Traditions
DARRA DRAHEIM, Director. I have been a preschool educator for several decades. I graduated from MU - Columbia with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood education. I have previously taught Kindergarten, Sunday school, Bible school and taught third grade in Lee's Summit at Prairie View Elementary. I am a long time Lee's Summit resident, am married, and have two married children, and four adorable granddaughters. I am dedicated to continuing the excellence of our program, and I appreciate the opportunity to work with you and your child.
CHRISTI BOYER, Bears. I am married and have two wonderful teenage boys. Both of my boys started school at Traditions, so we have been part of the Traditions family for many years! I am a Lee's Summit native. Besides teaching at Traditions, my husband and I own a swimming pool maintenance business and I own an apothecary business. I love reading, traveling, working jigsaw puzzles, spending time with friends and family, and watching Royals baseball and Chiefs football! I am excited to return to Traditions this year and work with your children in the Bears room!
ANNA DRAHEIM, Bears, My name is Ms. Anna and I am so excited to be teaching in the Bears room this year! I graduated from UCM in 2005 with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I also have a Master’s Degree in Teaching from Webster University. This will be my 19th year of teaching, but my first year teaching preschool. I’ve spent the last 18 years teaching third grade. I have 2 daughters who both attend Traditions. Harper is a Giraffe and Poppy will be with me in the Bears room! I am looking forward to getting to know your Bear and your family!
KAIT HUSS, Bears. I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Child, Adult & Family Services. After graduation, I started my career working with Head Start in Iowa. I worked with families in homes & then ended up teaching in a classroom because I found a love for teaching. My husband and two kids moved to Lee’s Summit in 2022 and during that time I became a stay-at-home mom. In March of 2024, I began my journey with Traditions. Both my kiddos and I love it so much and can’t wait to begin the school year!
JENNIFER MILLER, Zebras. I received my Elementary Education degree from the University of Saint Mary. I was a substitute teacher in the Shawnee Mission district until I moved to Lee’s Summit to teach first grade at Westview Elementary. In addition to being a teacher, I have 10 years’ experience as a Nanny. I decided to stay home once my 3 boys came along. I have been teaching in the Zebra room since 2009. I’m looking forward to another fun and productive year with your child.
KATRINA SMITH, Bears. I live in Lee’s Summit with my husband and our 2 young children. I graduated from Mizzou and Rockhurst with my masters in Speech Language Pathology. Although I work in long term care as a health care professional, I have enjoyed part time jobs and volunteer opportunities as a coach, educator and mentor for children and young adults. In my free time, I love to travel with my family, go for a long run, foster dogs from the KC animal shelter and dance with our local Ethnic Dance Troupe to celebrate my Slavic roots. I am so excited to be back at Traditions with wonderful, caring teachers and I can’t wait to meet all the kids and families!
RONDA WEAVER, Zebras, Hi! I’m Ronda Weaver and I am thrilled to join the Traditions staff teaching in the Zebra class. A graduate of Truman University with a degree in elementary education and a Master’s degree in teaching from Webster University, it was my privilege to teach in the Lee’s Summit school district for 25 years in grades 1st, 4th & 5th. Two children, Holli and Kerby, their spouses, plus 6 terrific grandchildren brighten my days. I am excited to be back at Traditions! Looking forward to seeing our Zebras!
ELIZABETH BIRD, Giraffes. I have a Master’s degree from Kansas State University, where I met my wonderful husband. We have been blessed with beautiful twin daughters and the chaos of our house is complete with our two dogs. I have specialties in several areas, including theater and writing. I have been with Traditions preschool since its inception, working behind the scenes. Some of my earliest memories are helping Darra, my wonderful mother, make example projects. So, you could say I’ve been doing this all my life! I am excited for the opportunity to help your child grow and learn!
LINDA BYRD, Giraffes. I am married and have two wonderful children of my own and three adorable grandchildren! Since my children are now adults, it is refreshing to “revisit” the younger years at Traditions. I count it a privilege to teach and nurture the young ones at this school. I have had the joy of teaching children for more than a decade. Every child is a unique individual with a unique personality and I look forward to working with your child.
CHRISTIE JOHANSEN, Giraffes, I am married and have two wonderful boys. We moved to Lee’s Summit in 2017 after living in Illinois for 10 years. My husband and I both grew up in Missouri so when the opportunity came to move back, we took it. I have a Retail Merchandising degree from MU and have stayed at home with my boys since they were born. I volunteer at their school as needed and am often cheering them along on the sideline with their sports. I am very excited to work with your children and look forward to a great year!
JAMES MCMANUS, Giraffes. My wife and I have two children ages six and two. I have been fortunate to stay home with them both. When we moved to Lee’s Summit, our oldest attended Traditions until kindergarten. We were so impressed that we knew we wanted our youngest to attend too. Now that she is old enough, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to teach as well! I graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a degree in Psychology of Rehabilitation and have spent much of my career working with youth and children in social services. I love working with families and helping them discover who they are and being a resource on their journey. In my free time I like to exercise, be outdoors and watch the Chiefs.
LAURA NASTASI, Zebras. I have previously taught with Darra for over 15 years in Zebras and Giraffes. I have an Elementary Education degree from MU and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from UMKC. I have experience teaching 4th grade in the LS school district. My husband and I are longtime residents of Lee’s Summit. We have four children and an adorable grandson.
LESLIE WASSON, Giraffes, I have been teaching at Traditions since it opened in 2010 and I have been teaching and working with Darra for over 20 years! My husband Dan and I have been living in Lee’s Summit since 1986, and we have raised four wonderful children here, who are now adults and four amazing grandchildren! I received my degree from the University of Central Missouri (UCM) in Family and Child Development. I enjoy living in Lee’s Summit and spending time with my family and friends. I have always loved teaching and working with children of all ages. I am looking forward to a fun and exciting year at Traditions!
LESA WEST, Zebras. Hi! I’m Lesa West and I am thrilled to join the Traditions staff teaching in the Zebra class. It is my honor and privilege to have such an important role in your child's life! As an educator my goal is to build a trusting relationship with your preschooler by nurturing your child's needs and embracing their struggles with encouragement. I want each child to know that learning is fun! A graduate of Central Missouri State University with a degree in Elementary Education 1-8 with a minor in Early Childhood Pre-k – 3rd and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Webster University. It was my privilege to teach in the Lee’s Summit School District for 33 years in grades K, 1,2,3 and 4.! I am married and have two children, Kyle and Mitchell. I have one cat, Munch and two grand puppies, Jasper and Poppie. I enjoy spending time with my family, scrapbooking, reading and making cards. I am looking forward to an exciting year of learning and fun!
Our mission is to foster a love of learning in your little ones, through creativity and experience.
“Teaching is a calling, not just a job.”
— Darra Draheim, Owner of Traditions Preschool
