Office
Rebecca Dabbs MacLean, Director
I am beginning my 17th year as the Director of the SIUE Early Childhood Center. The ECC is inspired by the internationally acclaimed schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Under my leadership, the early childhood team designed a constructivist curriculum rich in early and emergent learning experiences.
Prior to joining the SIUE Early Childhood Center, I have had the pleasure of working with young children and families for many years, in a variety of settings, including working as a Preschool and First Grade Classroom Teacher, as a Resources and Referral Trainer/Consultant, an Inclusion Specialist, a Center Director and Adjunct Instructor.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in early childhood education, both from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. I am a Gateways to Opportunity Registry Trainer, hold an Illinois Early Childhood Teaching Certificate, an ECC Credential - Level 5, an Infant Toddler Credential - Level 2, and Illinois Director Credential - Level I.
I am member of several professional organizations including the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), National Coalition of Campus Children's Centers (NCCCC).
I grew up in the Edwardsville area where I still live with my husband, DJ, and two children (ECC graduates) Wilson and Elizabeth, who are both in college. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, nature walks, working in my yard, cooking and reading.
Christy Horton, Assistant Director
My first experience with the SIUE Early Childhood Center came when I was three-years-old and attended the ECC 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, listening to live music, and my new passion Boot Camp exercise classes. I have also served the Triad School District since April 2005.
Lealia Williams, Parent Support Associate
My name is Lealia Williams and I am a native Chicagoan. My family moved to Edwardsville, Illinois in 1998. I started teaching at the SIUE Early Childhood Center in 1998 as an assistant teacher with the toddlers. I then went back to school and became a student worker at the Early Childhood Center. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in 2000 from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. In 2014 I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood with a Specialization in Special Education from Kendall College in Chicago. I enjoy working with children. I have worked with children for over 20 years.
I believe that children have the capacity to learn anything provided the right environment and adequate support. I also believe that parents are the child’s first teacher and that children learn at their own pace. I believe children learn through play, art, music, thinking, discovering, and the environment.
During my professional career, I was engaged in several rewarding opportunities. They included the following: Working at the Early Childhood Center on SIUE campus as an Assistant teacher working with the toddlers and preschool teacher; Lived in Germany where I worked in the field the education as an assistant teacher, school age teacher, paraprofessional aide, toddler teacher, and case manager. Each of these positions provided me with an enhanced understanding of child growth and development.
In order to be of service to the community, I ran for and was elected to the Glen Carbon Centennial Library Board from 2008-2010. My experience in that position gave me the experience needed to serve as a Library Assistant at the SIUE East St. Louis campus in the Learning Resource Center. Both experiences gave me insight into the operation of a public library and the services it provides to the community.
I have been married for twenty-three years to a recently retired United States Army Major and we have four children; two girls and two boys, twenty-one, seventeen, thirteen and nine years old respectively.
There are many activities I enjoy during my leisure time, including: traveling, spending time with family and friends, reading books and networking and meeting new people. As parents, one of our major responsibilities, in addition to being our children’s first teacher, is providing each with a variety of experiences that will permit them to be self-fulfilled, maintaining curiosity, and exploring their talents.
Aina Rivas, Office Graduate Assistant
Hi! my name is Aina, I am a graduate student studying art therapy counseling at SIUE. I am originally from Mexico but have lived in Florida for most of my life. I really like art and enjoy warm weather and working with the kids at the ECC. I am currently doing an internship at St Louis Children’s Hospital doing Art therapy and working on research on resiliency in children. I look forward to a great year here at the ECC!
Sadie Tanner-Pobocik, Office Graduate Assistant
I am a graduate assistant in theoffice at the ECC! My program of study here at SIUE is Art Therapy, and I love to do art projects with the kids!
I am originally from New Orleans, and I moved here for graduate school with my dog, Maggie. I love the Fall and watching the leaves change, and I am grateful for all of the outdoor space the ECC provides for us to be outside!
Yolanda Vidal, Kitchen Graduate Assistant
Hello!
My name is Yolanda and I am a graduate assistant in the kitchen this year. I am currently a third year Masters of Art Therapy Graduate student and hope to be an art therapist working with children one day. I am originally from Indiana and moved here with my two cats, Suki and Ghost. I love reading and being outside and I am so excited to be working at the ECC this year!
