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. 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 20 of years experience in the early childhood arena  as both owner/operator of a Type II family child care home and a Head Start teacher. Tonya is passionate about the importance of early childhood  development and being a voice for children, families, and providers.

Cumberland Region Counties Served:   

Tonya is currently serving the Cumberland Region until a new Family Child Care Specialist is hired.

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