Classrooms
Chloe Young, Meadow Room Child Development Supervisor
I began teaching at the Early Childhood Center in 2023, following graduating from SIUE with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and a minor in public health in 2023. I'm looking forward to starting a master's program in education at SIUE. The ECC was my top job choice, and I am so happy to be part of such a supportive and caring team.
I believe children learn best through hands on experience and should be supported in their interests to encourage their curiosity and love for learning. I strive to treat each child with a positive attitude, love, and support to create a safe space in the classroom. Being silly and having fun is also an important component to building a judgement free and welcoming environment to encourage learning, development, and connection. My goal is to make sure children are successful in their endeavors and live a life of happiness and fulfillment.
When I'm not at the ECC, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going to concerts, doing all kinds of art projects, and hanging out with my 3 ferrets.
Jodie Katan, Meadow Room Child Development Associate
My name is Jodie Katana and I’ve lived in Granite City my whole life with my parents and my sister. I graduated from Granite City High School. While I was in High School, I took early childhood classes that were offered to the students and enrolled in the vocational classes where I interacted with children. I went to college, unsure what I wanted to major in, until I worked in a childcare setting, where I applied for a CDA; Child Development Associates certificate.
Years later I graduated from SWIC with an Associate in Early Childhood Education, along the way I worked in the field for 13 years. I reside in Granite City with my husband and daughter. I was able to stay home and take care of her and my niece. I used my knowledge and education to teach them before going to school and now they have grown to be intelligent children.
Now that my daughter is older, I returned to work and I am excited to be back in the field that I love. I am honored to be part of the SIUE Early Childhood family to teach your child about the world around them. Also, I’m so excited to meet each one of you and being part of your individual family.
Amelia Reichling, River Room Child Development Supervisor
Hello! I am Amelia Reichling - educator, photographer, and artist. I began teaching at the ECC in the Cypress room, during the 2023 - 2024 school year. This year will be my first year to teach in the River room, accompanied by Elizabeth and an amazing support staff of student workers. I have worked in childcare since I graduated high school in 2014. Recently, I worked as a private nanny and also as the lead teacher in a preschool classroom at Head Start.
In 2023 I completed my Masters degree in Education at Lindenwood University with an emphasis on early childhood special education and technology. Although my formal studies are finished for now, I continue to learn from my peers, literature, and through experiences with children in the classroom. Additionally, I study Spanish and Korean languages in my free time. ¡Me encanta aprender! I love to learn!
I live in Belleville, IL where I grew up with my older sister, Amanda, and my dog, Teddy. Although I am new to Edwardsville, I am excited to get acquainted with the community and engage with the families in the area.
I strive to foster positive relationships and learning experiences for all children in my classroom. Our school family is strengthened when we celebrate our unique differences and support one another through challenges big and small. Children learn best through play-based and child-led experiences. As a result, many learning experiences occur through hands-on projects, inspired by the children’s interests. I utilize the children's ideas to create the most engaging learning experiences throughout the school year. 만나서 반가워요! Nice to meet you!
Elizabeth Mayfield, River Room Child Development Associate
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 Child Development Supervisor
Upon graduation, I taught kindergarten at Mullanphy School until 2005, a St. Louis Public magnet school with a math and science focus. Our school was located down the street from the Missouri Botanical Gardens, which made it possible to collaborate with the Gardens. We often went on walking field trips and participated in onsite investigations at the gardens. During my time at Mullanphy school, I also wrote a grant to help establish a school/community garden and became interested in teaching children to read. I 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 May 2012 along with a special education letter of approval in the fall of 2012.
I believe that children learn in open-ended project work. Once children are immersed in a project, they become problem-solvers, communicators and can 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.
I am a long-time resident of Edwardsville. I live with my husband, Brad, and have two children, Claire and Dylan. I enjoy being outside, hiking, walking, swimming and gardening. I also enjoy reading, shopping, and spending time with friends.
Patti Marsee, Prairie Room Child Development Associate
I am the assistant teacher for the Prairie Room at SIUE-ECC. I earned my associate's degree in applied science in 2006. I then worked as a pediatric occupational therapy assistant in many school districts in Montgomery County and Bond County for approximately ten years. In 2015, I switched to retail and hospital pharmacy and have practiced that for the last nine years. I was working as a substitute teacher right before the pandemic. When that passed, I began working in an early childhood room in 2021-2023 in Hillsboro, Illinois. In the summer of 2023, I relocated to Edwardsville.
I have three grown children, Vaughn 29, Eden 25, and Tom 22. I live with my 5 year old golden doodle, Zuma.
I still work part time in a hospital pharmacy. When I have free time, I am with my children or family most of which are in Hillsboro. I enjoy walking Zuma and being outside. I like to watch college and professional football, as well as attend any sporting events. I try to find time for workouts, tennis, and golf.
Trish Scheibal, Cypress Room Child Development Supervisor
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. 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.
Jenny Leitner, Cypress Room Child Development Associate
Hi! My name is Jenny Leitner, and I am the assistant teacher in the Cypress room. I have been lucky enough to join the ECC in the beginning of the 2024 school year and I am looking forward to what I will learn here! Although I joined the ECC this year, I have been working with kids since I was 16 and have loved every minute of it!
I am passionate about creating a nurturing and loving environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy exploring the beauty of nature, whether it's hiking, biking, or simply walking on trails. I'm passionate about art and love experimenting with new mediums, which I like to incorporate into classroom activities to inspire creativity in the children!
I also love spending time with my family and friends, and believe in the importance of building strong, supportive relationships both at work and in life. I'm always excited to try new things, whether it's a new craft, a recipe, or a fun adventure with loved ones. In the near future I plan to further my education at SIUE!
Deena Gaddy, Willow Room Child Development Supervisor
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.
Vacant, Willow Room Child Development Associate
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.
