Meet Our Staff

Becky is a Professional Trainer and Child Development Specialist with Champions for Children. In addition to providing training, she assesses children for behavior and learning challenges and works with parents, directors and teachers to develop intervention plans for the success of the child. Becky received her M.S. from UT Tyler in Health Sciences and obtained her Certified Health Educator Specialist credentials from NCHEC. Becky has worked as an early childhood educator for 23 years. She has experience in teaching birth through twelve year olds, as well as music, physical education and drama. For 9 years she was the director of a licensed child care center followed by another 9 years as the owner of a licensed child care home. She is a Professional Developmental Specialist for the CDA Council for Professional Recognition. Becky understands the importance of the early childhood years and works towards building a better childhood through education opportunities for children, parents, caregivers and educators. Because children matter!

Alicia was born/raised here in Tyler and received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Studies from the University of Texas at Tyler. She also obtained her Certified Health Educator Specialist credentials from NCHEC and is CHES certified. Alicia’s love of working with children started at a young age with teaching nursery and preschool age children at her local church. She was also a preschool teacher at a local preschool for many years with experience with children 18 months to 5 years old. She understands how important early childhood development is in laying a strong and healthy foundation for children’s future. Alicia is excited to be working with Champions for Children to help set that foundation for young children to make a difference in their lives. Because Children matter!

JJ is Champion's front office manager. She assists with the website, calendar schedules, mailings, conference registrations and curriculum sales.  She also helps with our Resource Room and Lending Library.  JJ received her Child Development Associate credential from the Council for Professional Recognition and has over 31 years working in the child care field.

JJ has served as a Director, Assistant Director and Preschool teacher of all ages during that time. She has worked with children in her church as the Children’s Coordinator. She has also served as Vacation Bible School Director and as a Children’s Discipleship Training teacher.   JJ believes if a child is taught the basic essentials for development of life at a very young age, they will be able to conquer any obstacle throughout their life and succeed.

Rachel helps to ensure the continued success of the specialized programs to help children succeed through her marketing and graphic design skills. She has been working with nonprofits since 1997 in various capacities including marketing, public relations, grants, special events, graphic design, and donor/volunteer recruitment. She has a BS in journalism and an AA in commercial art. Rachel believes that early intervention is key for special needs children. Rachel’s goal is to spread the word about Champions for Children’s mission and the importance of its great programs.

Sarah has a BA in Sociology with an emphasis on family and marriage dynamics from Arizona State University. She has a varied professional background to include adult mental health case management, foster care case management, college administration and merchandising/retail. A native of Tempe, Arizona, Sarah has lived in the Tyler area since 2009 and now feels like a local. Sarah is a strong believer in the ability of education and lifelong learning of all kinds to improve one's life and provide personal fulfillment. Champions for Children provides a place to help those early educators to establish the foundation for children to reach their potentials. She is excited to be able to be a part of this organization in being successful with its mission and goals by supporting all those involved inside and outside of Champions.