Region 13
Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, Washington
Region 13 Reports
Early Childhood Regional 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 Education and Care (ECEC) services more accessible and equitable.
Addendum includes additional community feedback captured as our Regional Team and Action and Family Councils shared our initial report’s findings throughout the Region.
Action Plan is a living community document that focuses on the top priorities from our Region’s initial ECEC needs assessment. Council members developed Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals for each recommendation and plans and timelines to fulfill them.
Early Childhood Needs Assessment: Focus on Mental & Behavioral Health features stories from families and ECEC providers about the challenges and successes they have accessing Mental and Behavioral Health services.
Action Plan Progress features the Region’s top Early Childhood priorities and highlights their goal progress and how to get involved.
Action Council Members
Amy Johnson, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Angela Ellis, Family Child Care Provider, Owner & Operator
Christina Lueking, University of Illinois Extension, Agriculture & Natural Resource Educator
Crystal Meade, Washington County Teletherapy, Developmental Therapist
Kathy Brown, Southern Illinois Case Coordination Services, Inc., Associate 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
Laura Roberts, Centerstone, Caregiver Connections Coordinator
Lisa Bicket, ComWell, Director of Behavioral Health
Madison Launay, The Amy Schulz Child Advocacy Center, Prevention Educator & Advocate
Megan Day-Meador, Spero Family Services, Associate Director of Community Services
Meghan Branch, Regional Office of Education #13, Program Director
Precious Greer, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Sabrina McClain, One Hope United, Activity Specialist
Scott Moore, Moore Than Behavior, Owner
Shelley Kenow, Self-Employed, IEP Consultant
Spring Gibson, Brightpoint, Child Care Assistance Program Supervisor
Stacie D. Hodge, SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital, Director of Oncology and Hospitalist Program
Tranae Brockhouse, Project CHILD, Director
Whitney Luebbers, Whitney Kampwerth Luebbers, Attorney at Law
Family Council Members
Caitlyn Grayling, Trenton (Clinton County)
Camilla Bauer, Mount Vernon (Jefferson County)
Ce Ce Clemons, Mount Vernon (Jefferson County)
Chelsea Simmons, Centralia (Marion County)
Elizabeth Scott, Centralia (Marion County)
Haley Klockenga, Irvington (Washington County)
Heather Alexander, Richview (Washington County)
Jeffery Callahan, Mount Vernon (Jefferson County)
Jodie Seats, Nashville (Washington County)
Kalika Tebbe, Breese (Clinton County)
Kathleen Cousineau, Mount Vernon (Jefferson County)
Katie Dodson, Iuka (Marion County)
Lexi Meyer, Centralia (Marion County)
Ronesha Pena, Mount Vernon (Jefferson County)
Samantha Boxx, Dix (Marion County)
Shirley Barnes, Centralia (Marion County)
Tabitha Williams, Salem (Marion County)
Tyler Harris, Woodlawn (Jefferson County)
Meet Your Regional Team!
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.
Community Resources
Family and Community Resource Guides: