Team and Board

Becky Stacy was named the Executive Director of the Appalachian Early Childhood Network in November 2020. Becky holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Elementary Education from Alice Lloyd College, a Master’s in Elementary Education from Morehead State University, and a Rank I in Educational Leadership from Eastern Kentucky University.

She is a retired kindergarten teacher as well as a former Early Childhood Navigator with Save the Children. She is a Level 5 Credentialed Trainer with the CHFS Division of Child Care. Becky is a strong advocate for early childhood professionals, families, and children in Appalachia.

“KT”, or Karen Thompson, serves as Appalachian Early Childhood Network’s Professional Development Manager. Her responsibilities include curriculum development for the training AECN provides, including the Commonwealth Child Care Credential and CDA, as well as training required by child care regulations. “KT” also coordinates large group professional development opportunities such as Pre-Service for Head Start agencies and Community Early Childhood Councils. She enjoys working on special projects as needed too!

“KT” comes to AECN with over 36 years of experience in early childhood including her beginnings as a nanny in the Washington DC area, moving on to Kindergarten Teacher in Maryland, as well as Center Director, District Trainer and Team Leader for KinderCare Learning Centers in the Nashville area. Upon returning to Kentucky, she began a 20 year journey with Eastern Kentucky Child Care Coalition serving as a trainer, STARS Quality Coordinator for Kentucky’s Quality Rating System, and Director of Training until January of 2021, when EKCCC ended its mission in the mountains and AECN began its own.

“KT” is also the author of the Teacher’s Tool Curriculum Series which includes curriculum books for Infants and Toddlers, Preschoolers, and School Age Children as well as for Family Child Care.

Tonya is from a rural farming community in Eastern Kentucky. She holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development and a  Bachelor  Degree in University Studies from Morehead State University and is working towards a graduate degree. She also holds a Professional Nanny Certification from Morehead State University and The American Council of Nanny Schools.

Tonya is a Level 4 Credentialed Trainer with over 30 years of experience in the early childhood arena as both owner/operator of a Type II family child care home and a Head Start teacher. Tonya has a heart for family child care, is passionate about the importance of early childhood development, and is committed to being a voice for children, families, and providers.

Originally from Northern Ky, Beth moved to the mountains to be near her daughter and grandchildren. Beth holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and has 33 years in the ECE field. Her experience includes owning/operating a Type II family child care home, working in Type I centers, and providing quality training as a KY Credentialed Trainer. Beth is committed to supporting our family child care providers and educating communities about the importance and value of family child care.

Cumberland Region Counties Served:   

Green, Taylor, Adair, Cumberland, Casey, Russell, Clinton, Wayne, Pulaski, Rockcastle, McCreary, Laurel, Jackson, Whitley, Knox, Clay, Bell, Harlan

Rebecca grew up in a small town in central Kentucky. She holds a degree in Early Education and is a former owner and director of a Type 1 child care center. Rebecca is currently working on her Kentucky Trainer’s Credential.

Eastern Mountain Region Counties Served:   

Leslie, Owsley, Lee, Breathitt, Perry, Letcher, Knott, Floyd, Pike, Martin, Johnson, Magoffin, Wolfe, Morgan, Menifee, Montgomery, Bath, Fleming, Mason, Robertson, Bracken, Lewis, Rowan, Elliott, Carter, Greenup, Boyd, Lawrence

Teresa graduated from Union College with a double major in Sociology and Psychology. She also holds an associate degree in child development. She has 35 years of experience working in the early childhood arena with a mixture of Head Start, Type 1 after-school programs, a tutor for Barbourville Independent School, and a KY Credentialed Trainer. Teresa is also a foster parent and has experience caring for children with special needs.