Region 1
Adams, Brown, Cass, Morgan, Pike, Scott

Quick Links

• Region 1 Media Coverage

• Region 1 Facebook Group

• View Regional Data Report

• Frequently Asked Questions

Action Council Members

• Amy Davis, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative 

• Brittney Brokaw, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative 

• Andrea Akers, Liberty School, Pre-K Teacher 

• April Darringer, John Wood Community College, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant 

• Brooke Walker, Community Child Care Connections, Recruitment and Retention Specialist 

• Carol Harlow, Transitions of Western Illinois Parents as Teachers, Program Supervisor 

• Cassandra Delaney, Memorial Behavioral Health, Project Director 

• Erica Maynard, Quincy Public Schools, Elementary Education Director 

• Julie Stratman, Regional Office of Education #1, Assistant  Superintendent 

• Kathy Fellhauer, Presbyterian Church Day Care, Director 

• Katie Janssen, Western School District, Prevention Initiative Home Visitor 

• Molly Dunn-Steinke, Chaddock, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

• Rosemary Grace, Jacksonville School District, Prevention Initiative Home Visitor 

• Sarah Farha, Liberty School, Pre-K Teacher 

• Shelly Sheffler, CUSD #4, Principal 

• Tina Combs, West Central Child Care Connection, CCAP Eligibility Specialist 

Family Council Members

• Amber Sichting, Morgan (Morgan County) 

• Brittany Berry, Jacksonville (Morgan County) 

• Brittany Klutz, Manchester (Scott County) 

• Carlee Jobe, Barry (Pike County) 

• Chandler Keltz, Camp Point (Adams County) 

• Danielle Jackson, Woodson (Morgan County) 

• Jamie Yording, Jacksonville (Morgan County) 

• Jayme Davis, Jacksonville (Morgan County) 

• Meyonna Minner, Jacksonville (Morgan County) 

• Sandra Bongambo, Jacksonville (Morgan County) 

• Sara Ogden, Winchester (Scott County) 

• Sinah Gosnell, Pittsfield (Pike County) 

• Zhanela Church, Quincy (Adams County) 

FY24 Action Council Notes

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (February 27, 2024)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (February 13, 2024)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (January 23, 2024)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (December 14, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (November 28, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (November 14, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (October 24, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (October 10, 2023)

FY24 Family Council Notes

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (February 28, 2024)

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (January 24, 2024)

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (January 7, 2024)

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (November 29, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (November 12, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (October 25, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (October 8, 2023)

Bridget English

Bridget English (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 1. Bridget has been an educator for 20 years, working with children from birth to age 22 in nearly every capacity possible in education. Bridget has previous experience in early childhood as a home visitor and case manager, and in nonprofit education administration as a grant writer, program director, and operations director. Bridget has also worked in nonprofit education as a Director of Development and as a Director of Marketing and Recruiting. Bridget has helped author early childhood learning standards and has designed/implemented multiple courses in education on a range of topics, from parenting to culturally responsive teaching. She is passionate about building inclusive communities as a means to empower families/students toward self-advocacy and successful educational outcomes.

Bridget has a BA in Communication and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in nonprofit management from the University of Illinois. She lives in central Illinois with her husband and has two daughters. When not traveling for sports, Bridget enjoys swimming, gardening, cooking, reading, and spending time with her family.

Brittany Peterson

Brittany Peterson (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 1. She has worked in the field of early childhood for ten years. Brittany’s professional journey has allowed her to work directly with children, parents and caregivers, and agencies that support and advocate for early childhood programs and services. Her work has primarily been working with children and families as a Prevention Initiative Home Visitor/Parent Educator with a school district in her region. Brittany has a passion for supporting families through connection and relationship building.

Brittany holds a bachelor’s degree in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education and Sign Language Interpreting. She lives in central Illinois with her husband Eric and four children, Alli, Maci, Ryder, and Brynli. Brittany spends her free time supporting all her children’s extra-curricular activities, serving as a member of various groups and organizations in her hometown, and coaching cheerleading for her local school district. 

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 25 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.