Region 13
Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, Washington

Quick Links

• Region 13 Media Coverage

• Region 13 Facebook Group

• Past Newsletters

• Past Council Meeting Notes

• View Regional Data Report (IECAM)

Action Council Members

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

• Kathleen Cousineau, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

• Tranae Brockhouse, Project CHILD, Director

• Amanda Winters, Sandoval #501 PreK Early Childhood School, Paraprofessional

• Catheryn Olsen, Retired Teacher

• Christina Lueking, University of Illinois Extension, Agriculture & Natural Resource Educator

• Crystal Meade, Washington County Teletherapy, Developmental Therapist

• Kari Schriefer, Our Kids Daycare, Director

• Katie Wrzosek, Caregiver Connections/Centerstone, Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

• Keli Tate, Regional Office of Education #13, Birth to Three Director

• Kimberly Howard, Okawville Grade School, Principal

• Lindsey Langenfeld, Siblings and Company, Substitute Teacher

• Madison Launay, Amy Schulz Child Advocacy Center, Inc., Prevention Educator & Advocate

• Megan Day-Meador, Spero Family Services, Associate Director of Community Services

• Raechal Schneider, Essendant, Senior Manager

• Sarah Simmons, Sexual Assault and Family Emergencies, Victim Advocate

• Scott Moore, Moore Than Behavior, Owner

• Shea Campanella, The Restore Network, Director

• Shelley Kenow, Self-Employed, IEP Consultant

• Sheridan Jordan, Chestnut Health Systems, Coordinator

• Sosha Pruden, North American Lighting, Human Resources Generalist

• Spring Gibson, Brightpoint, Child Care Assistance Program Supervisor

• Stacie D. Hodge, SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital, Director of Oncology and Hospitalist Program

• Tavan Hiestand, CASA for Kids, Program Director

Family Council Members

• Audrey Boswell, Mount Vernon (Jefferson County)

• Camilla Bauer, Mount Vernon (Jefferson County)

• Ce Ce Clemons, Mount Vernon (Jefferson County)

• Chelsea Simmons, Centralia (Marion County)

• Crystal Gray, Mount Vernon (Jefferson County)

• Haley Klockenga, Irvington (Washington County)

• Haley Varel, Bartelso (Clinton County)

• Jodie Seats, Nashville (Washington County)

• Kalika Tebbe, Breese (Clinton County)

• Katie Dodson, Iuka (Marion County)

• Lexi Meyer, Centralia (Marion County)

• Makyla Burkett, Centralia (Marion County)

• Maybelline Morales, Breese (Clinton County)

• Nathan Biggerstaff, Woodlawn (Jefferson County)

• Precious Greer, Mount Vernon (Jefferson County)

• Ranzie Callahan, Mount Vernon (Jefferson County)

• Samantha Boxx, Dix (Marion County)

• Shirley Barnes, Centralia (Marion County)

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 Gowler

Brittany Gowler (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 13. She brings over 15 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and Care in southern Illinois, along with deep, firsthand knowledge of the communities she serves. Brittany began her career teaching preschool, followed by 10 years of directing child care programs across Jefferson and Marion Counties.

Throughout her career, Brittany has been a strong advocate for children and families, focusing on building relationships, strengthening community connections, and supporting programs in providing high-quality, inclusive care. As a former foster youth and first-generation college graduate, she is especially passionate about creating equitable access and ensuring families feel supported, valued, and included.

Brittany holds a bachelor’s degree in University Studies with a focus on Child and Family Services and Curriculum and Instruction from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and is currently pursuing her master’s degree. She is a lifelong resident of southern Illinois and lives in Jefferson County with her family. In her free time, she enjoys attending her children’s events and spending time with loved ones.

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 has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, focusing on Management Information Systems, from Southern New Hampshire University. Jessica was born and raised in Texas and currently resides in Marion County with her family. She is active in her community’s charity organization, Saved with Amazing Grace (SWAG), which helps give back to the community members of Salem. In her free time, Jessica loves to make memories by traveling with her family.