Her Story
About Rebecca
Rebecca Ellison is the Center Director of a KinderCare center in O'Fallon, Missouri, where she leads a rapidly growing program currently serving 95 children. Her path back to KinderCare came after two years directing at another early education company and six earlier years within the KinderCare system, and she was drawn back by the organization's culture, its benefits, and its NAEYC accreditation. Ellison's career in the field spans multiple roles, from lead preschool teacher and assistant director to her current position as center leader, giving her a well-rounded understanding of early childhood education at every level.
Ellison's commitment to the profession is deeply personal. Her interest in working with children took root in childhood, when she helped run programs for kids at her church, and that early spark was reignited later in life through her experience raising her own children, including her son, who is autistic. This personal connection shapes her professional priorities: she places strong emphasis on preparing children for kindergarten, catching developmental delays early, and connecting families with the evaluations and support they need. She is equally dedicated to the growth of her staff, investing in teacher training and leadership development so that educators can build their own skills while delivering the best possible care and instruction to children.
Academically, Ellison holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education Business Leadership–Child Development along with an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education and Teaching, both from Rasmussen University, and she is also a certified CPR and First Aid Instructor. In recognition of her leadership and impact in the field, she was named a Top Influential Woman for 2026 representing O'Fallon, Missouri. Ellison leads with a clear set of guiding values, chief among them integrity, or as she puts it, doing the right thing even when no one is watching, and she encourages others, especially young women entering the field, not to place limits on their ambitions but instead to set bold goals and pursue them without fear of failure.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rebecca
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for children and for the teachers I work alongside. I've also always been a bit stubborn, and that persistence keeps me going even on the harder days. This field has always been part of who I am, and that's what makes me excited to come to work every day.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is not to be afraid to fail. Failure is part of growth, and what matters most is what you do with it afterward. I try to learn from every setback and use it to improve a little more each day.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I'd tell them not to limit themselves. You can be and do whatever you want, so set your goals, including leadership goals, and go after them. Don't be afraid to ask how to get there, and stay persistent along the way.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Our workforce has changed significantly, and staffing shortages remain one of our biggest challenges. Balancing everything, supporting our teachers while meeting the needs of children and families, takes real intentionality. At the same time, I see an opportunity in this: building workplaces where our staff feel genuinely valued and supported.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Operating with integrity matters most to me, both professionally and personally. I believe in doing what's right even when no one is watching. That principle guides how I lead my center and how I try to live my life outside of work.
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