Meet the Illinois AEYC Staff

Tonya J. Frehner

Director of Programs

Tonya began as the Director of Programs/Statewide Accreditation Mentoring Project Coordinator for Illinois AEYC in November ‘06. She comes to the association with a background in education and public policy. Tonya received her MS in Education from Southern Illinois University in 2004 and her BA in Public Policy/Political Science from Blackburn College in 2000. She served as the Vice President of Operations for Jobs for Illinois Graduates Inc. for five years joining efforts to restore both $4 and $6 million dollar state appropriations as she assisted in their diversification of funding sources.  She was the programmatic administrator overseeing program development as she helped develop their 501 C3 status. Contact Tonya at the Illinois AEYC Office if you are interested in bringing a group to Springfield to visit legislators.