Bright Beginnings

We prepaid for over a year in advance because we believed that we would stay there for that period. Our contracts (we had 2) stated that if we discontinue the childcare services for any reason, our unused weeks would be refunded in full. Due to health reasons, we decided to move our daughter from Bright Beginnings. We were supposed to get our money back 30 days from the day of notice. We gave notice in October 2011, and until now (middle of February) we have not received anything. We are owed more than $9,000. The owner, Gale Spiegel, never returned our phone calls, messages, or letters. We even had a lawyer send her a letter which she ignored as well. We have to call her from different phones, as she recognizes our number and never answers. The last time we spoke to her, she gave my husband a fake cell phone number when he asked her for a contact. We even stopped by, and we were told she is not there. Her lack of communication tells us that she flat out does not want to pay us our money back. We intend to pursue legal action and notify the MO Dept of Child and Senior Services, the Attorney General and call Channel 5's We're On Your Side.
We have seen reviews on other web-sites where people have similar complaints. If anyone is trying to get their money back also, please post here. If you haven't gotten your money yet, perhaps we can cooperate in getting her to pay us back.
Please be aware of this place!