Ashland RTC - Meet the RTC Staff

Hi all and welcome to our page!

My name is Stacey Garvin Stevens, Director of the Ashland Regional Training Center. I joined the RTC in July 2015 as an Early Childhood Education Specialist and have loved every day that I get to work here. It is a blessing to work with an amazing team, providing technical assistance and support to our AMAZING districts. I am so humbled to be a part of the great work our coordinators, teachers, and support staff accomplish for the children and families in Eastern Kentucky.

Let me tell you a little bit about me! I graduated from Boyd County High School (a million years ago) and pursued a degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education at Eastern Kentucky University. Upon earning my degree and certification, I returned to Boyd County to teach preschool for the next 20 years. Even on the worst days, the classroom was my happy place. I always considered my job a “calling,” and my “mission” in life has always been, and continues to be, serving young children and their families by connecting, loving, supporting, and educating. Throughout my career, in challenges and accomplishments, I have been abundantly blessed.

I continued my education at Marshall University (Masters of Preschool Education) and Morehead State University (Rank 1 in Education). I love being the student, and I am still that girl that takes notes during trainings and reads articles online to stay up to date on the latest research and trends.

On a personal note, my top loves are my faith and my family. I have one son, Jonny, who is currently attending college at Middle Tennessee State University where he plays baseball. While I am missing him like crazy and am still trying to get used to the silence of an empty house, I am excited that he is pursuing his goals and dreams. It is the MOST fun being his mom. I also have a fur-baby, IzzyBella. She is very needy, but very loyal. I am fortunate to have a large extended family, most of which live in this area. We make spending time together a priority and get together often for outdoor activities, games, and food (always food!). I am a firm believer that faith and family are essential to success and happiness.

A little about me:

What’s your favorite memory from working at the RTC? Jamie Lester and I presented Preschool Pandemonium at Jenny Wiley. This included an overnight stay in the lodge, a ginormous rattlesnake, a very speedy and evasive cockroach, massive spiders, a country music concert, and a power outage (which occurred while I was in the shower). There is no “dark” like “lights out at Jenny Wiley Lodge dark.” Although we may have cried a little (I will let you decide who cried the most!) we ended up having an amazing training in spite of no air conditioning in the training rooms in August.

What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know? I do not like crafting or tater tots. How fun is that fact?

What advice would you give anyone who works with children? The first and most important thing we can do for children is to love them and embrace them exactly as they are. In doing that, everything else falls into place. There may be challenges, but there will ALWAYS be joy!❤

I am Carolee McCallister, the Early Childhood Behavior Specialist and Pyramid Model Coach for the Ashland Regional Training Center. I am a Marshall University graduate with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. I worked in the psychology department at a residential facility for adolescence and adults with intellectual disabilities for over 18 years before coming to Ashland Independent Schools where I worked as the District Behavior Specialist for 7 years. I have officially worked for Ashland RTC since 2021, but previously assisted with social emotional trainings and support prior to this time. I am blessed to provide support to wonderful staff throughout the region and to have an amazing work family.

I currently live in Ohio and have two wonderful sons, Brennen and Brycen. Brennen is 25 and works as a physician assistant. Brycen is 18 years old and attending college at University of Rio Grande and is studying to be a K-12 intervention specialist. In my spare time, I enjoy kayaking, baking, and crafting of all varieties. I also love to travel and spending time at the beach is my favorite!

What’s your favorite memory from working at the RTC? My favorite memory with the RTC has been the opportunities to travel to Orlando, Florida for a conference and to Chicago, Illinois for a training.

What’s a fun fact about you most people don’t know? I love all things Harry Potter and even put up a Harry Potter tree for the holidays.

What advice would you give anyone who works with children? Relax, provide children with your love and attention during the time you have them in your care. You are making a difference, even if it doesn’t always seem as if you are.

I am Shannon Dutton, the Secretary for the Ashland Regional Training Center. My background is filled with many years working as a Para Professional in preschool settings. This included working in the classroom and also with special needs children. I branched out once and worked a year as a Elementary School Health Assistant! As I near retirement, I am grateful for this opportunity to work with these wonderful ladies and to still be somewhat involved with the preschools in this area.

I grew up in the Boyd County area and moved as a teenager to Ironton, Ohio where I graduated from high school in 1989. I currently live in Boyd County with my husband of 33 years. We have 2 beautiful daughters, Corey and Emily. Corey is 27 and lives in Liberty, Kentucky and Emily is 13 and is currently in middle school. I love watching movies, shopping, swimming, and most importantly, spending time with my family! Important fact: The beach is my happy place.