Dallas College

Student Experience: Christine LeSueur Benson

“After finishing high school in 1975 in Mississippi, I moved to Dallas. I desired to go to college, but work was of utmost importance and college was put on hold and almost forgotten. At Brookhaven, I started taking one class per semester. The thought of graduating with a degree inspired me to start taking more classes. 

“I valued the convenience of the weekend and evening classes that Brookhaven offered, which made it possible for me to take the classes I needed. I recommend this program to anyone who has a desire to succeed because they take all the excuses away. Twenty years after high school, I graduated with my associate degree in Child Development with honors. Within three years, I graduated from Dallas Baptist University with my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Sociology, and in 2005 received my master’s degree in education and counseling from DBU. I have now also received my director’s certification with the Texas Department of Protective and Family Services. 

“I will forever be grateful for the relationship I have established with the Dallas College staff. I credit my success to God, my husband and the incredible staff at Brookhaven. They taught me that I can accomplish anything if I try.”

As an education specialist II with Head Start of Greater Dallas, Christine is responsible for administering developmental screenings and teacher trainings, evaluating classroom environment, facilitating parent interactions, assisting teachers with children with special needs, and promoting advocacy between Head Start and other support programs. She earned her associate degree in Child Development from Brookhaven.


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Valerie Estridge

Valerie K. Estridge

Private Kindergarten Teacher Dallas
“In a nutshell, the most important thing I learned at Dallas College was respect: respecting the path others choose to take for their lives; respecting someone's time when involved in a group project; respecting the hard work of professors, peers, and philosophers who are working just as hard as you and more.”
Education Courses and Teaching Degrees
KJ Jones

Kriston Jackson Terrell

Senior Director of Early Childhood Programs United Way of Metropolitan Dallas
“I would and do recommend the Child Development program at Dallas College to any child care provider or person aspiring to become a child care provider. It helps you to be a better person, teacher and advocate for young children.”
Education Courses and Teaching Degrees
Amanda Krebs

Amanda Krebs

Assistant Teacher Akiba Academy of Dallas
“What’s been most fun about my studies is how laid back it is in the classroom. It’s a great teaching method, having such a relaxed style. We can do fun or silly group activities, and we’re still learning. In fact, we’re learning more because we’re seeing things from the kids’ point of view.”
Education Courses and Teaching Degrees
Darius Moss

Darius Moss

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Student
“Through therapy and soul-searching, I came to understand that school had always felt like my safe place growing up. School was my getaway from all the drama at home. That realization helped me understand my desire to work with kids from similar backgrounds.”
Education Courses and Teaching Degrees
Christine, Benson
Christine LeSueur Benson
Education Specialist II Head Start of Greater Dallas
Education Courses and Teaching Degrees
School of Education
Updated July 28, 2026