Region 1
Adams, Brown, Cass, Morgan, Pike, Scott
Region 1 Reports
2023 Early Childhood Needs Assessment highlights data and stories from community members across the Region and includes strengths, family- and community-identified needs, and recommendations for how to make our local Early Childhood services more accessible.
2023 Addendum includes additional community feedback captured as our Team and Action and Family Councils shared the initial report’s findings throughout the Region.
2024 Action Plan is a living community document that focuses on the top priorities from our Region’s initial Early Childhood needs assessment. Council members developed Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals for each recommendation and plans and timelines to fulfill them.
2024 Early Childhood Needs Assessment: Focus on Mental & Behavioral Health features stories from families and Early Childhood providers about the challenges and successes they have accessing Mental and Behavioral Health services.
2024 Mental & Behavioral Health Addendum includes new information about the available Mental and Behavioral Health resources shared by caregivers, Early Childhood professionals, and community members after the release of our initial report.
2025 Action Plan Progress features the Region’s top Early Childhood priorities and highlights their goal progress and how to get involved.
2026 Changes in Early Childhood report highlights major changes in our Region’s Early Childhood and Mental and Behavioral Health programs, and spotlights Birth to Five Illinois’ most significant progress.
Action Council Members
April Darringer, John Wood Community College, Early Childhood Instructor
Chandler Keltz, West Central Child Care Connections, CCAP Health & Safety Coach
Christina Breuer, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Bailee Duesterhaus, The Community Foundation, Program Manager
Brittany Westlake, Hobby Horse, Assistant Director
Jasmine Thompson Blum, Adams County Health Department, AOK Network Coordinator
Jennifer Ross, J&J Legislative, LLC, CEO
Jennifer Russell, University of Illinois Extension, Community & Economic Developmental Educator
Jessica Niederer, Educational Day Care, Director
Jessie Davis, Babies & Books, Home Visitor
Kylee Orr, Pleasant Hill CUSD #3, Superintendent
Leslie Vigor, Regional Office of Education #1, Climate and Culture/Social Emotional Learning Coach
Rosemary Grace, Jacksonville School District #117, Social Worker
Sara Cramer, Early Childhood & Family Center, Director
Sharon Johnson, Beardstown CUSD #15, Assistant Principal
Family Council Members
Addison Mick, Beardstown (Cass County)
Alex Chiatello, Mount Sterling (Brown County)
Allison Grainger, Quincy (Adams County)
Anna Chumley , Jacksonville (Morgan County)
Anna Sprague, Jacksonville (Morgan County)
Audra Pilarte South Jacksonville (Morgan County)
Barb Mason, Mount Sterling (Brown County)
Chris Taylor, Barry (Pike County)
Elizabeth Adcock, Winchester (Scott County)
Katie Tobin, Winchester (Scott County)
Lindsey Vosse-Ochoa, Baylis (Pike County)
Lynda Seed, Jacksonville (Morgan County)
Naomi Trotter, Jacksonville (Morgan County)
Rachael Johnson, Jacksonville (Morgan County)
Shaylon Mason
Meet Your Regional Team!
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Regina Nichols
Regina Nichols (she/her) is the Region 1 Administrative Support. Regina brings a broad range of experience to the Team, having served in administrative capacities in the banking, education, legal, and insurance industries. Regina has been working with youth and children in her community for over 20 years in a variety of settings. In addition to serving as an Administrative Assistant in a middle school for five years, Regina serves as the coordinator for the Mount Emory Baptist Church Youth Group, as a Board member for Humble Beginnings, and as a mentor for the Humble Horizons Sister Circle. She is also active in the Wood River Baptist District as a Region Two Youth Coordinator.
Regina and her husband, Pastor Johnny Nichols, live in central Illinois, have been married for 27 years, and enjoy working on behalf of the church community. Regina has two daughters and two grandchildren. When not working on behalf of the faith and youth communities, Regina enjoys biking and spending time with her family.
Community Resources
Family & Community Resources Guides:
