From Overcoming Challenges to Building Confidence: ECEC Apprentice’s Journey
Creation Date: 09/29/2026
Allie Kassl-Doherty has already experienced a journey filled with change, challenges, and growth. Her story reflects perseverance, family, and a commitment to becoming the best educator and mother she can be. In 2018, she was serving in the military, and in 2020, she welcomed her daughter during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, she left the military and moved back to the Chicagoland area to be closer to family.
She began working in early childhood education, motivated to learn more about children and become a better mom. What began as a desire to grow as a parent soon became a professional journey that helped her discover her strengths as an early childhood educator.
When she first began the College of DuPage Apprenticeship Program, she realized it would take more time and commitment than she expected. Balancing online coursework and assignments with her responsibilities as a mom, wife, and early childhood professional was sometimes overwhelming. Rather than letting those challenges discourage her, she adapted. One strategy that made a significant difference was logging into her online courses early and setting daily goals for completing assignments and studying. Creating a routine helped her manage her responsibilities and stay on track. Through the process, she discovered that one of her biggest lessons was learning how to adjust and overcome challenges—both in the classroom and in her coursework.
One of the most meaningful professional lessons she has gained through the apprenticeship is the importance of observation. She learned to slow down and observe children rather than assume their behavior, needs, or feelings. This change in perspective has helped her better understand the children she works with and has strengthened the relationships she builds with them. She has also applied this lesson when working with parents. By listening, observing, and looking at the bigger picture, she has developed a stronger understanding of the families she serves. As she explains, the program has helped her see the bigger picture and become more intentional in her interactions with children and families.
Her director and mentor have been two of her biggest supporters throughout the apprenticeship. Having people she can turn to with questions has helped her navigate challenges and continue moving forward. Knowing that her mentor had also completed the apprenticeship program was especially comforting and inspiring. It gave her someone who understood what she was experiencing and could remind her that completing the program was possible.
The apprenticeship has not only helped her develop professionally—it has helped her believe more in herself. Her confidence has grown as she has gained knowledge and experience. One of the most rewarding parts of her work is knowing that parents trust her with their children. That trust means a great deal to her. She is proud of herself for taking the opportunity to participate in the apprenticeship and for continuing even when the experience felt overwhelming. Most importantly, she has learned that she can overcome challenges by adapting, asking questions, seeking support, and moving forward. Furthermore, the program has also brought her one step closer to her long-term goal of becoming the director of her own early childhood center, with a focus on supporting children with behavioral needs.
As she nears the end of the apprenticeship, she looks forward to celebrating how far she has come. Sometimes the biggest challenge is simply taking that first step and believing that you can do it. Today, she can look back at the young woman who began the apprenticeship—balancing motherhood, marriage, work, and school—and see how much she has grown.
She entered the program wanting to become a better mom and early childhood professional. She is leaving with greater confidence, stronger professional skills, deeper relationships with children and families, and a clearer understanding of the bigger picture of early childhood education. Allie’s journey reminds us that with perseverance, support, and a willingness to grow, challenges can become stepping stones. With each new skill and experience, she is moving closer to her goal of leading her own center and creating a place where children can receive the understanding, support, and care they deserve.