Before There Was Googols of Learning
There Was Googols of Fun
For over 20 years, Director Amy Gottschamer has been passionate about enriching the lives of children and their families. In 2003, she brought joy and exploration to countless families with Googols of Fun - a beloved children's learning and play center. When the business evolved into what today is Googols of Learning, she brought a piece of that playful spirit with her - literally. A section of the original climbing center now sits at the heart of the facility, standing as a symbol of the care, growth, and fun that continue to shape this space under Ms. Amy's leadership.
Googols of Learning Child Development Center is a full-time childcare facility with developmentally appropriate preschool programming, offering an enriching environment for children between the ages of one- and six-years-old in the Lawrence, Kansas area.
Our Mission
Googols of Learning is dedicated to providing a high-quality learning environment that provides a safe, nurturing, and supportive setting for young children to grow and learn using a curriculum that enhances the social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development of each child served, while setting the standard in early childhood education.
Our Values
We promote healthy lifestyles and provide a setting where there is acceptance, respect, caring, and encouragement. In the warmth of this atmosphere, we hope to help the child develop a positive attitude toward learning and responsibility, as well as, self-discipline, self-confidence, and self-esteem. We assist in cultivating competent problem-solvers and their social skills in relating with each other and adults. We show respect for the child and the child's family always and will cooperate with and reinforce the educational efforts at home. We value ongoing education in our teaching staff. We support child advocacy, engage with early childhood community leaders, and look to interact with the community at-large in whatever ways possible.
Our Vision
In all we do, we strive to be a standard of excellence in the local early childhood community. We aim to become nationally accredited by the NECPA (National Early Childhood Program Accreditation) Commission.
Our Facility
Our facility is thoughtfully designed to create a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. With bright, spacious classrooms, age-appropriate play areas, and modern safety features, every detail supports your child’s development and well-being.
About Us
Our caring teachers and staff members set Googols of Learning apart by creating an environment that fosters learning, fun and community. We are passionate about nurturing each child’s unique potential. With extensive training, years of experience, and a genuine love for teaching, our educators create a supportive, engaging environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. In all we do, we strive to be a standard of excellence in the local early childhood community.
Amy Gottschamer founded Googols of Learning Child Development Center in Lawrence, Kansas in 2005. She completed her M.A. in History and an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Administration. She holds a Kansas Department of Health and Environment Program Director’s license and a National Director’s Credential.
Ms. Amy is an advocate for early childhood education, serving on the state board of the Kansas Association for the Education of Young Children, the Douglas County Board of Toys for Tots, and the Recommendations Panel under the governor’s Early Childhood Advisory Group. She has also contributed to the Workforce Development Advisory Group and served as an advisor to the Lawrence School District Teacher Cadet program.
When she’s not dedicated to advancing educational initiatives, Ms. Amy is a wife and mother of three sons. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and immersing herself in audiobooks and podcasts, with a particular interest in history and genealogy.
Executive Director
Admin Team
Myka Felch is a native Lawrencian and owns a pit bull named Hank. She started in 2021 as an intern through Free State High School and subsequently went to work for Googols. Myka completed her Child Development Associates (CDA) in May 2024, and enjoys hiking, thrift shopping, and watching movies. Myka also serves on our administrative team as the Assistant Director.
Ms. Cheryl is a native of Ottawa and has lived in Lawrence for 10 years. She has a bachelors in elementary education and taught for 20 years, kindergarten through 4th grade. She has 2 adult children and 3 beautiful granddaughters. When not spending time with them, she loves taking pictures and is learning to play the ukulele.
Mr. Mark
1 - 2.5 Year Olds
Baby Einstein's
Ms. Chloe
Co-Lead Teacher
Ms. Savannah
Co-Lead Teacher
2 - 3 Year Olds
Bernoulli's Babies
Myka Felch is a native Lawrencian and owns a pit bull named Hank. She started in 2021 as an intern through Free State High School and subsequently went to work for Googols. Myka completed her Child Development Associates (CDA) in May 2024, and enjoys hiking, thrift shopping, and watching movies. Myka also serves on our administrative team as the Assistant Director.
Lead Teacher &
Assistant Director
*CDA-Infant/Toddler
Samareah Love has been with Googols since 2022. She is known for her patience and playful energy, making her the perfect addition for the 2-year-old room!
Assistant Teacher
*CDA In Progress
Ms. Vivian
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Olivia
Assistant Teacher
2.5 - 4 Year Olds
Pasteur's Playmates
Kelly Greene moved to McLouth, KS, from Albany, MO, where she lived for 19 years. She grew up in Shawnee and graduated from DeSoto, so she’s feeling ‘home’ again. While in Albany she worked for the Albany R-III school district for 10 years in their preschool programs. Prior to that she stayed home to raise her two children. Kelly has been at Googols since 2013! She says, “I’m a big kid at heart and love just sitting and talking to the kids at Googols, coloring and playing with play-doh.”
Lead Teacher & PBS Coach
Soleil Cummins Grinnell joined Googols in 2024! She had the pleasure of interning at several centers before finding her place here. Soleil is currently working toward getting her CDA (Child Development Associate credential) in Preschool care and education!
Assistant Teacher
*CDA In Progress
Sariah Love has been at Googols since 2019. She is pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy. Sariah loves to travel, paint, thrift, and craft. Working with children is very rewarding for her. In her spare time, she also love spending time with family.
Assistant Teacher
3 & 4 Year Olds
Bohr's Bunch & Franklin's Family
Mary Heston has been at Googols since Spring of 2023. She has loved working with children for over 30 years! She has two grown children and one granddaughter. Her daughter is Ms. Sam - our own Toddler lead teacher! She is married to her husband, someone she calls, "A great guy!" and has 6 outside cats. Ms. Mary loves cooking and spending time with her family.
Lead Teacher
*CDA-Preschool
Debbie Crabtree has upwards of 35 years experience in early childhood working with children between 1- and 5-years-old. She has also worked as a Para in the Lawrence Public Schools. Originally from Baldwin City, Ms. Debbie has 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren. She loves spending time with them, her family, and her German Shepherd! Ms. Deb believes "The most rewarding accomplishment is watching children learn what you teach them, and their smiles, so rewarding!"
Lead Teacher
![bethany[97]](https://i0.wp.com/googolsoflearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/bethany97-e1763515008409.jpg?resize=1200%2C1500&ssl=1 "bethany[97]")
Bethany Freeman is originally from Wichita, joined Googols Spring of 2025, and has been working in childcare for 6+ years. Bethany is also a Googols mommy, and has a toddler of her own, as well as 2 step-kids, 2 cats and a bearded dragon! She loves kayaking, camping, shopping, and cuddling animals. Mrs. B plans to earn a CDA with a preschool emphasis and has started her coursework. Bethany says her approach in the classroom is to “love every child like they were my own.”
Assistant Teacher
Matthew Eckles joined Googols in 2024! He had the pleasure of interning at several child care centers through the USD 497 Early Childhood Education Program before finding his place here. Matthew is currently working toward getting his CDA (Child Development Associate credential) focusing on 1-3-year-olds!
Assistant Teacher
*CDA-Infant/Toddler - In Progress
Emma Stillman joined Googols Spring 2025. While she’s new to Googols, Ms. Emma has been working in childcare for 3+ years.
Assistant Teacher
Pre-K
Galileo's Group & Mendel's Munchkins
Pamela King-Smith is originally from North Carolina. She has two children who are KU grads and a 3rd child now a freshman at KU. Prior to coming to Googols, she worked as a substitute Teacher, primarily with kindergarten classes, and as an K-1 academic Para-educator. While she has worked in education she also studied art at Kansas State, and graduated from North Carolina State with a BA in History. Pamela’s passion is art and in her spare time she works as a freelance artist. Pamela believes in Albert Einstein’s words, “It is the supreme Art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”
Lead Teacher
*B.A., History
Mary Barke started with Googols in 2022 in the Pre-K program. She was an elementary teacher for over 30 years with Lawrence Public Schools. She has always taught primary students- Kindergarten, First and Second grades. After retiring, she missed the students and substitute taught for 8 years. She substitute taught at all grade levels including, ESL, music, art and P.E. She was also a building sub at both Hillcrest and Cordley schools. It is so rewarding when children grow and learn! Every day in the classroom brings a time to explore, discover and try new things. When not at Googols Ms. Mary enjoys gardening, movies, reading, spending time with friends and playing with her 2 silly cats.
Lead Teacher
*B.A., Elementary Ed.
Diego Rios originally hails from Kansas City, but is currently in Lawrence to attend KU. He is studying social work and wants to minor in applied behavioral science for Early Childhood Education. Before starting at Googols in September 2020, Mr. Diego worked at a summer camp and volunteered at two child care programs. He enjoys his two dogs and three cats, hanging out with friends, listening to music, riding bikes, and working out. Regarding young children, Mr. Diego believes, "They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel."
Assistant Teacher
*B.A., Early Childhood Ed.
(expected 2026)
Nolan Smith has worked the last 3 ½ years as a Group Leader for Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, Kansas before joining Googols of Learning in January of 2025. He worked primarily with kindergarten and 1st grade students after school and on summer vacations over at Sunset Hills Elementary. Mr. Nolan describes himself as whimsical and friendly and enjoys just sitting and listening to a child tell him about their day. Mr. Nolan can usually be found in the mornings in the pre-k room, Galileo’s Group.
Assistant Teacher
Support Staff
Ms. Cheryl is a native of Ottawa and has lived in Lawrence for 10 years. She has a bachelors in elementary education and taught for 20 years, kindergarten through 4th grade. She has 2 adult children and 3 beautiful granddaughters. When not spending time with them, she loves taking pictures and is learning to play the ukulele.
Office Manager
*B.A., Elementary Ed.
Ms. Anita Martin is the Specials teacher at Googols. Who doesn't know Ms. Martin? A school teacher in the Lawrence Public School district for 19 years (and a few in Topeka too), she taught children from kindergarten through 6th grade. After retiring she continued to sub in the district before joining us here at Googols in August of 2008. A teacher with seemingly endless energy, Ms. M. is the teacher as well as a playmate, just as likely to get up and dance and play kickball with the children! Maybe it's those 4 boys she raised! She focuses on music skills from playing instruments and listening to music from various cultures, to learning about musical concepts such as rhythm, tempo, and singing loud/soft or fast/slow. PE concepts can include anything from balancing on a beam, to throwing a baseball!
Specials Teacher
(Music & P.E.)
*B.A., Elementary Ed.
Mr. Mark
Kitchen Manager
Mr. Ian G.
Assistant Cook
Can You See Yourself Here?
Where could you have more fun working than at a child development center designed like a children's edutainment center? We think it's the best—and we’re pretty sure you’ll agree!
If you are a hard-working, nurturing adult that cares about setting the groundwork for a child’s lifelong love of learning, then please consider a career in early childhood education with Googols of Learning.
