I'm on 8/19 and I'm training some apprentices. However while I do have Brittany, Monica, Ward, Rio and Sally I don't have Kayla. Her properties are pregnant lover, cousin and property. She also has an apprentice score of 4. Perhaps she's not meant to be selected when training but I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.
On the varmod thing I'd take that any day over botnet and cheats. Maybe if you just playing through you are good but if you are trying lots of different combinations, pre-reqs and effects then varmod is essential. I'm getting ready to post my revamped pregnancy guide and I had to stop at .450a because trying to work that all out without varmod is an exercise in frustration. I guess it all comes down to purpose and need.