Region 13
Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, Washington

Quick Links

• Region 13 Facebook Group

• View Regional Data Report

• Frequently Asked Questions

Action Council Members

• BreeAnna Pelczynski, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative 

• Sarah Brashear, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative 

• Abigail Beam, SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital, Registered Nurse (RN) 

• Crystal Donoho, Child Advocate/Consultant

• Emma Conway, Germantown Elementary School, Pre-K Teacher 

• Jennifer Clark, Clark Academy School, Owner 

• Jessica Palazzolo, Lincoln Prairie Behavioral Health Center, Southern Territory Manager 

• Jill Wardlow, Regional Office of Education #13, PFA Program Director 

• Kara Boozer, University of Illinois Extension, SNAP-Ed Educator

• Laura Roberts, Centerstone, Caregiver Connections Coordinator

• Maria Koehler, BCMW Community Services, Inc., Director 

• Shirley Gordon, Southtown Youth Program, Assistant CEO

• Stacie Hodge, Washington County Hospital, Director of Nursing 

• Tranae Brockhouse, Rend Lake College CCR&R Project CHILD, Director  

Family Council Members

• Amber Elledge, Salem (Marion County) 

• Hannah Raney, Mt. Vernon (Jefferson County) 

• Jeffery Callahan, Mt. Vernon (Jefferson County) 

• Jessica Hogg, Carlyle (Clinton County) 

• Kathy Brown, Hoffman (Clinton County) 

• Katie Schmollinger, Sandoval (Marion County) 

• Katlynn Mullins, Sandoval (Marion County) 

• Kelsey Smith, Walnut Hill (Jefferson County) 

• Lexi Kanteres, New Baden (Clinton County) 

• Mary Beth Hart, Mt. Vernon (Jefferson County) 

• Ranzie Callahan, Mount Vernon (Jefferson County) 

• Roxzen Styninger, Nashville (Washington County)

• Toni Carter, Mount Vernon (Jefferson County) 

• Tori Beaty, Nashville (Washington County) 

• Veronica Whisler, Patoka (Marion County) 

FY24 Action Council Notes

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (February 22, 2024)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (February 8, 2024)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (September 21, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council Orientation (September 19, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council Orientation (September 15, 2023)

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

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (July 13, 2023)

FY24 Workgroup Notes

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup 2 (January 16, 2024)

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup 1 (January 11, 2024)

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup (December 14, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup (October 26, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup (October 17, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup (October 12, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup (September 14, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup (September 9, 2023)

FY24 Family Council Notes

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

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

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (September 26, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Family Council Orientation (September 19, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Family Council Orientation (September 15, 2023)

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

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (July 11, 2023)

Heather Pruett

Heather Pruett (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 13. Heather has been working in the early childhood field for over 20 years. She has worked in the Preschool for All (PFA) and Preschool for All Expansion (PFA-E) programs for most of her professional career. She was a classroom teacher for over 15 years and most recently was an Instructional Leader and Curriculum Coordinator for a large PFA/PFA-E program in southern Illinois. She has extensive experience leading professional development workshops and training for teachers and other early childhood professionals.

Heather holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Illinois State University, a master’s degree in Educational Studies with an emphasis in Reading from McKendree University, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from American College of Education. Heather resides in Clinton County with her husband and two teenage children who are very involved in sports. When she is not attending a sporting event, her spare time is spent with family and friends. She enjoys traveling, especially to coastal areas. She also enjoys outdoor activities, such as bike riding and walking her two dogs. 

Brittany Lemons

Brittany Lemons (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 13. She has worked in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) field in southern Illinois for 13 years and has firsthand experience in her region. Brittany taught preschool for two years and most recently spent 10 years directing child care centers in Jefferson and Marion counties. Brittany has become an advocate for children and their families while providing quality care and education to children. As a former foster child and first-generation college graduate, she has a personal and professional drive for creating equitable access and inclusion for her community. 

Brittany has a bachelor’s degree in University Studies, focusing on Child and Family Services, and Curriculum and Instruction from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where she is also in the process of completing her master’s degree. Brittany has spent her whole life in southern Illinois and resides in Jefferson County with her family of six. She enjoys going to her children's events and spending time with family.  

Jessica Chin

Jessica Chin (she/her) is the Region 13 Administrative Support. Jessica has worked in business management and administration and has experience with small business start-ups. Though her professional experience spans many different industries, Jessica is excited to use the skills she acquired as a District Manager and Office Manager to help the community with equitable education opportunities for families.  

Jessica was born and raised in Texas and currently resides in Salem, Illinois with her blended family. She is active in her community’s charity organization, Saved with Amazing Grace (SWAG), which helps give back to the residents of Salem. In her free time, Jessica loves to make memories by traveling with her family.