Staff

OFFICE STAFF

Rebecca Dabbs MacLean, MS Ed

Director

rdabbsk@siue.edu

Christy Horton, MS Ed

Administrative Specialist

chorton@siue.edu

My first experience with the SIUE Early Childhood Center came when I was three-years-old and attended the center myself. I later earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1989 and Master of Science in Early Childhood Education in 2005, both from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. I have worked at the ECC since 2001 and enjoy learning more every year about early education and young children.

I married my husband Dave in 1994 and we have two children. Jake was born in 1995 and Katie was born in 1998, and they both are graduates of the Early Childhood Center. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time at our cabin on Bull Shoals Lake, reading a good book, and watching reality television. I have also been a school board member for the Triad School District since April 2005.

Amie Sudbring

Office Support Associate

asudbri@siue.edu

I joined the ECC team in August of 2008.  I married my husband, Allen on August 1st, 2009.  We live in Glen Carbon with my two daughters, Ryleigh, born in December of 1998, and Olivia, born in October, 2005, and our two dogs, Juno and Chewie.  Olivia is a 2011 graduate of the Prairie Room.  I also have two step sons, Kenny, born in January, 2001, and Aidan, born in June, 2002.   In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family watching movies, and just hanging out.  I also enjoy live music, and when I have the time, a good book.

TEACHING STAFF

Early Pre-School (2-3 Years Old)

River Room

Trisha McCulloch, MS Ed

Lead Teacher

trigray@siue.edu

I am the lead teacher in the two and three year old River Room. My first experiences with the Early Childhood Center actually came during my undergraduate years when I did my observations in the two year old room. I later started subbing at the ECC in October 1998 and was hired in February 1999. I earned both my Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Early Childhood Education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1998 and 2004 respectively. The teaching philosophy I bring into the classroom every day is that children learn through play. I emphasize this factor in every aspect of the children’s day.

I married my husband, Bob, in 2000, and have three children, Joseph, Mykenzie, and Marissa, and two step children, Bobby and Madison. Joseph and Mykenzie both attended the center when they were younger. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my children, going on bike rides with my family and taking evening walks.

Elizabeth Mayfield

Assistant Teacher

emayfie@siue.edu

I started teaching at the Early Childhood Center in August 1999 after receiving my associate’s degree from Lewis and Clark Community College, and I am currently the assistant teacher in the two and three year old River Room. I believe that children learn through life experiences, which is the way I approach every day in the classroom. The children’s experiences and interactions are their own unique form of work.

I married my husband, Mark, in March 1998, and we have two children. Joshua was born in 2002 and attended the ECC from 2004 to 2007, and Jenna was born in 2006 and currently attends the center. In my spare time I enjoy reading, shopping and spending time with my family and friends. I am also a peer companion for SHARE, which is support group for the Pregnancy and Infant Loss organization.

Meadow Room

Sheri Rallo, MS Ed

Lead Teacher

srallo@siue.edu

I started teaching at the ECC in 1991 when I was 19 years old. Prior to beginning teaching, I received my Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from SIU Carbondale in 1989. While working on my undergraduate degree I worked at the SIU Carbondale Child Development Lab, where I also completed some of my undergraduate course work. I later received my Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from SIU Edwardsville in 2005. I was also awarded the Student Affairs Students First Award in 2006. In the classroom, I believe in providing a safe and nurturing environment where children are respected and valued. I also believe that children learn through play and that the curriculum should be based on their interests.

I married my husband Jeff in 1990, and we have two children. Sierra and Chad were born in 1993 and 1996 respectively and both attended the Early Childhood Center when they were younger. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and watching movies.

Judy Ryder

Assistant Teacher

jryder@siue.edu

Pre-School (3-5 Years Old)

Prairie Room

Beth Martens, MS Ed

Lead Teacher

bmarten@siue.edu

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from SIUE in 1998. While working towards my bachelor’s degree, I worked as a student worker at the Early Childhood Center from 1994 to 1996. After I graduated I taught kindergarten at the Mullanphy School in the St. Louis public school district for six and a half years before becoming a lead teacher at the SIUE Early Childhood Center in 2005. I am currently pursuing my Master of Science in Literacy Education as well as a special education certificate. I believe in open ended project work and hands-on activities and enjoy using an outdoor classroom.

I have been married to my husband Brad since 2000. We have two children together: Claire was born in 2006 and currently attends the Early Childhood Center and Dylan was born in 2009. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, scrapbooking, and shopping. I also like to travel to Florida, go to the beach, and be outside with nature.

Amber Larson

Assistant Teacher

amlarso@siue.edu

Willow Room

Stephanie Henschen, MS Ed

Lead Teacher

szacha@siue.edu

I graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1989. Two years later in August 1991, I started teaching at the Early Childhood Center. I then went on to earn my Master of Science in Early Childhood Education in 2006. In 2006, I was also awarded the Dr. Susan W. Nall Early Childhood Education Award for Academic Achievement. I believe it is important to provide children with a safe and supportive environment in which they are able to learn and grow at their own pace and feel successful along the way.

I have been married to my husband, Jeff, since 1996, and we have two children who both attended the Early Childhood Center. Taylor was born in 1997 and Drew was born in 2001. In my free time I enjoy reading science fiction, being outside, spending time with my family and watching my children play sports.

Tracy Traylor

Assistant Teacher

ttraylo@siue.edu

Cypress Room

Trish Scheibal

Lead Teacher

tohm@siue.edu

I am the lead teacher in the Cypress Room and started teaching at the SIUE Early Childhood Center in 2009. My first experiences with the ECC came in 2000 when I completed my observation hours during my first semester in the Early Childhood program. I went on to earn my Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Sociology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2002. After graduation I taught 2nd grade at St. Mary’s School in Edwardsville for six years. Currently, I am pursing my Master of Science in Education at SIUE. I believe that each child is a unique individual that we, as educators, are privileged to help mold by using our knowledge and experience with their ideas and thoughts.

I have two children, Christopher born in 1990 and Megan born in 1994. In my free time I enjoy being involved in my children’s sports and extracurricular activities. I also love swimming, gardening, and reading John Grisham books.

Deena Gaddy

Assistant Teacher

dgaddy@siue.edu

I started teaching at the SIUE Early Childhood Center in 1996 after receiving my Child Development Associate degree. In 2009 I earned my Associate of Arts from Southwestern Illinois College, and I am currently attending SIUE to attain my Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. As a professional educator, my teaching philosophy is to best serve my students. I too must be a constant learner and adapt lessons and activities to meet the need of each child. I must present myself with a positive attitude and be flexible, caring, warmhearted, approachable, and welcoming. I believe that my best teachers are my students, and while growing as a learner myself, it is my goal to make sure each child can achieve success.

I have two children, Terrance III, born in 1989, and E’Shara, born in 1994. When I am not working I enjoy going to the gym, shopping, attending church, and spending time with my family and friends.

Health & Safety

Lealia Williams

Assistant Teacher

leawill@siue.edu