Classrooms
Chloe Young, Meadow Room Teacher
VACANT, Meadow Room Assistant Teacher
VACANT, River Room Teacher
Elizabeth Mayfield, River Room Assistant Teacher
I started teaching at the Early Childhood Center in August 1999 after attending Lewis and Clark Community College studying early childhood education. I have since completed my child development associate certificate.
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.
My husband, Mark, and I have three beautiful children, Joshua, Jenna and Julia. Both Joshua and Jenna are graduates from our Center. 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.
Beth Martens, Prairie Room Teacher
I earned my bachelor of science in early childhood education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1998. While working on my undergrad, I worked as a teacher assistant and as a student worker at the Early Childhood Center from 1994 to 1996.
Upon graduation, I taught kindergarten at Mullanphy School until 2005, a St. Louis Public magnet school with a math and science focus. Since we were down the street from the Missouri Botanical Gardens, we were able to collaborate with the Gardens and often went on walking trips. During my time at Mullanphy school, I helped establish a school/community garden. I also became interested in teaching children to read and began a master's degree program in literacy education during the fall of 2005, the same year I began teaching at ECC. I completed a master of science in literacy education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2013.
I believe that children learn in open-ended project work. Once children are immersed in a project, they become problem-solvers, communicators and are able to exhibit their personal strengths.
In project work, I believe it is my job to pay close attention to details and pursue answers to questions to further strengthen the project. I am always amazed at how much I learn from a project. If it is exciting and new for me, it will be for my students, as well.
My husband, Brad, and I have two children, Claire and Dylan. The youngest, Dylan, is in second grade and Claire is in fourth grade. I enjoy being outside; hiking, walking, swimming and gardening. I also enjoy arts & crafts; baking, scrapbooking, stamping and jewelry making (beading).
Deena Gaddy, Willow Room Teacher
I started teaching at the SIUE Early Childhood Center in 1996 after receiving my Child Development Associate (CDA) certification. In 2009, I earned my associate of arts from Southwestern Illinois College in 2010. From there, I went on to earn my bachelor of science in early childhood education in 2013 from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
As a professional educator, my goal is to best serve my students' needs while providing adaptive education. I believe my best teachers are my students. I feel it is important for teachers to be positive, flexible, caring, warm-hearted, approachable and welcoming to their students. My greatest role in the classroom is to make sure each child can achieve success.
I have two children. When I am not working, I enjoy going to the gym, shopping, attending church, and spending time with my family and friends.
Trish Scheibal, Cypress Room Teacher
Hello! My name is Trish Scheibal and I am proud to be the teacher in the Cypress Room. My first experiences with the Early Childhood Center 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. I also taught swimming lessons at the YMCA for about 17 years. I started teaching at the Early Childhood Center in August of 2009. I look forward to completing my master of science in early childhood special education within the next few years.
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 believe that parents are their child’s first teacher. I believe that too often, children and their abilities are underestimated by many. Children thrive through the exploration of their surroundings, as well as their involvement in experimentation and investigation. Children learn best through experiences that are engaging, purposeful and adaptable. I am honored to be a part of this wonderful profession and look forward to collaborating with all of the families in the Cypress Room now and in the future.
I am blessed to be married to my best friend, Dave. Altogether, we have four children and one son-in-law: Christopher, Megan, Greg, Kristan and Tim. We also are the proud grandparents to three amazing grandchildren. In my free time, I enjoy camping, cooking new recipes, tending to our gardens, reading, and watching sports (Go Cardinals!). I especially love spending time with our growing family.
Courtney Gibson, Volunteer Classroom Assistant
I graduated from Edwardsville High School in 2003. While there, I took three years of child development classes and worked in the Just for Kids Preschool on the EHS campus in addition to participating in the co-op child care experiences (N.O. Nelson Elementary School, Eden Childcare, LeClaire Elementary). I began volunteering at SIUE Early Childhood Center in June 2004 while also working at the Edwardsville YMCA Preschool since 2008.
I’m active in my church ministries including Masterpiece Project (all abilities, all ages), preschool Sunday school, and VBS. I hold a Certificate of Lifetime Membership in Girl Scouts USA having earned the Gold Award. As a Girl Scout I served as a Leader-In-Training with a Daisy (kindergarten age) troop, worked with younger girls as an older Girl Scout, and served as a Program Aide assisting in helping at Neighborhood sponsored events.
I live in Edwardsville with my dog, and enjoy working out, walking with friends, country music & dancing, spending time with my family, and babysitting for my two nieces
