Quick Links

• Region 16 Media Coverage

• Region 16 Facebook Group

• Past Council Meeting Notes

• View Regional Data Report

• Frequently Asked Questions

Action Council Members

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

• Larissa Vander Kuur, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative 

• Amanda Christensen, Regional Office of Education #16, Superintendent 

• Antonio Williams, Community Worker,  

• Beth Prestegaard, DeKalb County Collaborative for Young Children, Chair 

• Bianka Rios, 4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care, CCAP Intake Specialist 

• Chad Glover, 168 Community, LLC, Managing Director 

• Courtney Hill, Regional Office of Education #16, Basics DeKalb County Team Lead 

• DeKol Austin, Northern Illinois University Child Development and Family Center, Family Coordinator  

• Donna Benson, Retired, Community Member 

• Joey Moore, Barb Food Mart, Director 

• Judson Curry, Kishwaukee Community College, Dean 

• Kendra F Nenia, Northern Illinois University Child Development and Family Center, Child Development Supervisor 

• Meryl Kleiner, Kishwaukee Community College, Early Childhood Education Instructional Coordinator 

• Rose Malloy, 4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care, Prevention Initiative 

• Samantha McDavid, Regional Office of Education #16, Coordinator 

• Teri Spartz, DeKalb County Community Foundation, Community Engagement Director 

• Tiffanny Powell, Brightpoint, Family Support Services Program Director 

Family Council Members

• Asheli Mann-Lofthouse, DeKalb  

• Chloe Brady, Cortland  

• Courtney Walz, Sycamore  

• Diana Abraham, Somonauk  

• Jaclyn Rogers, DeKalb  

• Kenyetta Jefferson, DeKalb  

• Kurleisha Phillips, Oak Park  

• Olivia Adams, Sycamore  

• Samantha Balentyne, Sycamore  

Susan Carrington

Susan (Susie) Carrington (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 16. She has worked in the Early Childhood field for 16 years. Susan has held various roles within Early Childhood settings from teacher to center director. She graduated from Northern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in Child Development with an emphasis in Child Life. At a very young age, Susan had a passion for education and wanted to share her love of learning with everyone around her. She lives in the DeKalb area with her husband and three dogs. She enjoys reading, making rustic crafts, scrapbooking, and spending time with her family.

Malia Jones

Malia Jones (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 16. Malia has a background in Early Childhood Education, leadership, and social entrepreneurship. She is passionate about bridging gaps in the community and advocating for younger generations. Malia believes in building avenues for children and families to thrive and succeed. She has volunteered as a Community Liaison for three years in DeKalb County and is a powerful force in the community. Malia is experienced in facilitating community events and project management.

Malia is dedicated to her leadership, creativity, and innovative mindset to generate collaboration, solution-based communication, and impactful results.

Elena Pizano

Elena Pizano (she/her/ella) is the Region 16 Administrative Support. She holds a degree in Human Services and is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration and a certification as a Data Analyst. a strong background in health, she has contributed significantly to the Kane County Health Department's prenatal Kane Kares and Family Case Management Programs, ensuring the health and well-being of both mothers and babies during the prenatal and postnatal periods.

Elena's career includes valuable experience working with middle school students in the Dean’s Office, helping them build trust and confidence so they can navigate life’s challenges. She also supported high school students at the Illinois Math and Science Academy through her role in the Student Affairs Office.

Enlaces

• Cobertura de prensa de la Región 16 (inglés)

• Región 16: Grupo de Facebook (inglés)

• Notas de las últimas reuniones del Comité (inglés)

• Ver Informe de Datos Regionales (inglés)

• Preguntas Frecuentes

Miembros del Comité de Acción

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

• Larissa Vander Kuur, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative 

• Amanda Christensen, Regional Office of Education #16, Superintendent 

• Antonio Williams, Community Worker,  

• Beth Prestegaard, DeKalb County Collaborative for Young Children, Chair 

• Bianka Rios, 4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care, CCAP Intake Specialist 

• Chad Glover, 168 Community, LLC, Managing Director 

• Courtney Hill, Regional Office of Education #16, Basics DeKalb County Team Lead 

• DeKol Austin, Northern Illinois University Child Development and Family Center, Family Coordinator  

• Donna Benson, Retired, Community Member 

• Joey Moore, Barb Food Mart, Director 

• Judson Curry, Kishwaukee Community College, Dean 

• Kendra F Nenia, Northern Illinois University Child Development and Family Center, Child Development Supervisor 

• Meryl Kleiner, Kishwaukee Community College, Early Childhood Education Instructional Coordinator 

• Rose Malloy, 4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care, Prevention Initiative 

• Samantha McDavid, Regional Office of Education #16, Coordinator 

• Teri Spartz, DeKalb County Community Foundation, Community Engagement Director 

• Tiffanny Powell, Brightpoint, Family Support Services Program Director 

Miembros del Comité Familiar

• Asheli Mann-Lofthouse, DeKalb  

• Chloe Brady, Cortland  

• Courtney Walz, Sycamore  

• Diana Abraham, Somonauk  

• Jaclyn Rogers, DeKalb  

• Kenyetta Jefferson, DeKalb  

• Kurleisha Phillips, Oak Park  

• Olivia Adams, Sycamore  

• Samantha Balentyne, Sycamore  

Susan Carrington

Susan (Susie) Carrington (ella/la) es la Gerente del Comité Regional para la Región 16. Ha trabajado en el campo de la primera infancia durante 16 años. Susan ha desempeñado diversas funciones en el ámbito de la primera infancia, desde maestra hasta ser directora de un centro. Se graduó de Northern Illinois University con una licenciatura en Desarrollo Infantil con énfasis en Vida Infantil. Desde muy joven, Susan tenía una pasión por la educación y ha querido compartir su amor por el aprendizaje con todos a su alrededor. Vive en la zona de DeKalb con su marido y sus tres perros. Le gusta leer, hacer artesanías rústicas, crear álbums de recortes, y pasar tiempo con su familia.

Malia Jones

Malia Jones (ella) es la Especialista en participación familiar y comunitaria de la Región 16. Malia tiene experiencia en Educación Infantil, liderazgo y emprendimiento social. Le apasiona cerrar brechas en la comunidad y defender a las generaciones más jóvenes. Malia cree en la construcción de vías para que los niños y las familias prosperen y tengan éxito. Se ha ofrecido como enlace comunitario voluntario durante tres años en el condado de DeKalb y es una fuerza poderosa en la comunidad. Malia tiene experiencia en la facilitación de eventos comunitarios y gestión de proyectos.

Malia se dedica a su liderazgo, creatividad y mentalidad innovadora para generar colaboración, comunicación basada en soluciones y resultados impactantes.

Elena Pizano

Elena Pizano (ella/la) es la encargada de Asistente Administrativo de la Región 16. Es licenciada en Servicios Humanos y actualmente cursa la licenciatura en Administración de Empresas y una certificación como Analista de Datos. Con una sólida formación en materia de salud, ha contribuido significativamente a los programas prenatales Kane Kares y de gestión de casos familiares del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Kane, garantizando la salud y el bienestar tanto de las madres como de los bebés durante los periodos prenatal y postnatal.

La carrera de Elena incluye una valiosa experiencia trabajando con estudiantes de secundaria en la Oficina del Decano, ayudándolos a desarrollar confianza y seguridad para que puedan afrontar los desafíos de la vida. También apoyó a los estudiantes de secundaria de la Academia de Matemáticas y Ciencias de Illinois a través de su labor en la Oficina de Asuntos Estudiantiles.