Cornelia Stevens

Executive Director

Cornelia Stevens became the executive director of TOP Early Learning Centers in 2013, after serving as the South Central Region Director of the Kansas Children’s Service League. Much of her professional career has been dedicated to early childhood programming and serving children and families.

She has worked with several diverse organizations including the Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas, ResCare Kansas Life Choices, and the Correctional Reception Center. In these roles, she directed the Kansas Compeer programs, coordinated volunteers, designed programming for those with mental illness and developmental disabilities, and implemented specialized services such as the Mentoring Children of Prisoners program. These experiences helped her more clearly identify her passion for children and provided a strong foundation for her current work.

Miss Cornelia is also a parent of a TOP graduate. She feels her daughter is a powerful reflection of how early education successfully impacts future life outcomes.

  • M.B.A. – Baker University, Wichita, Kan.
  • B.A. – Music Therapy – Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
  • A.A. – Miami Dade Community College, Miami, Fla.

Candice Lee

Director, TOP Early Learning Center Northwest

TOP Early Learning Centers’ newest director, Candice Lee, began overseeing TOP Early Learning Center Northwest in September of 2021 after nearly a year as center director at Tutor Time Child Care/Learning Center. Miss Candice is no stranger to TOP schools though. She was a lead teacher at  TOP South from 2012 to 2017. She began her career in early childhood education in 2007, working as a lead teacher at Little Lambs Learning Center.

With a vibrant personality, Miss Candice’s joyful demeanor puts parents and children at ease, always making them feel welcome. She is a team player who interacts well with teachers and administrators, always putting TOP kids’ best interests above all else.

  • A.A. – Child Care and Development
  • Extensive experience with Microsoft Office and iWork software programs

Doris Vigil

Director, TOP Early Learning Center South

Doris Vigil leads the charge at TOP Early Learning Center South. She has been an employee of TOP Early Learning Centers since 2009, beginning her career at TOP as a lead teacher. Prior to her role as director at TOP South, Miss Doris served as director of TOP Early Learning Center Northwest and was an assistant director at TOP Early Learning Center North. She also had her own in-home daycare for nearly 20 years.

She brings to TOP a variety of skills, having held the following leadership positions: Sunday school teacher, Boy Scout Troop Advancement Chairman, Cub Scout Committee Chairman, Quivira Council Scout Unit Commissioner, Derby High School Band Booster Treasurer, Church Youth Leader, Children’s Sunday School Presidency Counselor, President of Church Women’s Group, Colven Elementary School PTA President, and Wichita Citizen Participation Organization Elected Member.

  • B.S. – General Studies with a concentration in Child Development – Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kan.
  • A.A.S. – Early Childhood Education – Butler Community College, El Dorado, Kan.

Shauntel Smith

Director, TOP Early Learning Center North

Shauntel Smith has a passion for early education. She has held multiple roles at early learning centers since 2001. Here at TOP, she has been a familiar face since 2009 when she became an Extended Day Assistant Teacher at TOP North.  In 2011 and later an Assistant Teacher. After earning her Child Development Associate credential in 2012, she became a well-loved Lead Teacher at TOP Northwest. Her positive attitude and amazing work ethic paid off when she promoted and became the Assistant Director there in 2014. Three years later, she moved to TOP North, retaining her Assistant Director title until 2021 when she became the Director there.

Miss Shauntel is also a TOP parent. Her youngest daughter graduated from TOP in 2014 and  two of her nephews also graduated from TOP.

  • A.A.S. – Early Childhood Education – Butler Community College
  • Phi Theta Kappa – Butler Community College
  • Nominated by TOP peers as Most Helpful during the 2014–2015 school year

Tammy Blunt

Finance Director

Tammy Blunt has been the finance director at TOP since 2012. She has more than 25 years of experience in accounting, financial reporting, financial statements, account reconciliation, financial analysis, taxes, cash flow analysis, payroll, and accounts receivable and payable. We like to say, she knows her job from A-Z.

In addition to overseeing the financial side of TOP, Miss Tammy also supervises the enrollment and kitchen staff, ensuring the highest quality customer service is provided to TOP families and making sure tasty, nutritious meals and snacks are served to our students.

Although she may be considered the director behind the scenes, it is her talent for juggling many balls that keep TOP reputable and financially sound.

  • B.S. – Administration of Justice, with a minor in Accounting – Wichita State University, Wichita, Kan.
  • Certified Total Quality Management – Kansas Newman, Wichita, Kan.
  • MS Office Packages, Peachtree, Symplex, Epicor, ASK/Manman, AS 400, Quick Books, Syteline, Macola, Global Ship Solutions
  • ISO Auditor Training ISO9000/01-QS9001 / Peer Reveiw Training