Office
Rebecca Dabbs, Director
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.
I began my tenure as Director of the SIUE Early Childhood Center in 2001. Prior to joining the SIUE Early Childhood Center, I 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, 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 Edwardsville, where I still live. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, nature walks with my dogs, working in my yard, cooking and reading.
Trisha Williams, Assistant Director
I have always had a passion for children and when going to college it was no surprise that I picked Early Childhood for my major. I received my Bachelor in Early Childhood in May 1998 and received my Master’s in Education in May 2004. Along with my degrees I currently hold my Illinois Early Childhood Teaching Certificate, am a member of Gateways to Opportunity, ECE Credential – Level 5, Infant and Toddler- Level 2, First-Aid Certified and CPR Certified.
I started working at the center shortly after receiving my Bachelor’s degree. I started subbing at SIUE Early Childhood Center in the Fall of 1998 and officially got hired in February 1999. I worked in the classroom from October 1998 to July 2024. I am currently the Assistant Director at the Center and started this position in August 2024.
Throughout the years I have attended numerous conferences that have helped educate me on the Reggio Amelia approach. Our center is inspired by the Reggio approach and the teachers in the building are still learning along the way. I love to go into classrooms and see the children exploring with nature items and learning from each other. I believe children are learning every day in everything that they are doing. The teachers do a great job of following the children’s lead and interest in the classrooms.
In my spare time, I love spending time with my husband and with my family. I have a total of 8 children, Joseph, Mykenzie, Marissa, Madison, Bobby, Reese, Carter and Alex, and grandchildren, all of them I love as my own. We keep busy with watching sports and going places. I love to read, take walks and going to Alley Spring in Missouri.
Tammie Baker, Office Manager
I started working in the office at the Early Childhood Center in October of 2022. I hold a bachelor's and master’s degree in Accounting from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
I was born and raised in Champaign, IL but have lived in Edwardsville for almost 30 years. I have a grown son who is currently in college. In my spare time I enjoy cooking and baking, gardening, reading, jewelry making, playing with my dogs, and spending time with my family.
