Region 21
Franklin, Johnson, Massac, Williamson
Region 21 Reports
2023 Early Childhood 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 services more accessible.
2023 Addendum includes additional community feedback captured as our Team and Action and Family Councils shared the initial report’s findings throughout the Region.
2024 Action Plan is a living community document that focuses on the top priorities from our Region’s initial Early Childhood needs assessment. Council members developed Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals for each recommendation and plans and timelines to fulfill them.
2024 Early Childhood Needs Assessment: Focus on Mental & Behavioral Health features stories from families and Early Childhood providers about the challenges and successes they have accessing Mental and Behavioral Health services.
2024 Mental & Behavioral Health Addendum includes new information about the available Mental and Behavioral Health resources shared by caregivers, Early Childhood professionals, and community members after the release of our initial report.
2025 Action Plan Progress features the Region’s top Early Childhood priorities and highlights their goal progress and how to get involved.
2026 Changes in Early Childhood report highlights major changes in our Region’s Early Childhood and Mental and Behavioral Health programs, and spotlights Birth to Five Illinois’ most significant progress.
Action Council Members
Aaron Seibert, Centerstone, Marketing and Community Relations Manager
Amy Tripp, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Recruitment and Resource Specialist
Antoinette (Toni) Hayden, United Way of Southern Illinois, Executive Director
Brittany Rodriguez, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Catherine Bowman, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Christina Sigler, Centerstone, IPS Prevention Specialist
Jenny Overturf, Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department, Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) Coordinator
Lanetta Davis, Shawnee Health, Program Coordinator for Home Visiting
Lisa Drury, Regional Office of Education #21, Regional McKinney-Vento Liaison
Mary Beth Long, SIH Memorial Hospital Carbondale, RN Clinical Case Manager
Missy Brown, CCR&R at John A. Logan College, Director
Nancy Gulley, Southern Region Early Childhood, Pre-K Teacher
Rachel Chruszczyk, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, Southern Region Prevention Specialist
Rebecca Guest, Vienna High School, Dean of Instruction
Tammy Needham, Metropolis Head Start, Home Based Teacher-Parent Coordinator
Family Council Members
Amanda Gates, Benton (Franklin County)
Brandi Aden, Carterville (Williamson County)
Brandi Carl, Vienna (Johnson County)
Chelsea Bosecker, Karnak (Massac County)
Colton Logeman, Belknap (Massac County)
Emerald Pasterski, Metropolis (Massac County)
Emily Dillman, Goreville (Johnson County)
Jacob Winn, Vienna (Johnson County)
Jessica Kehrer, Scheller (Franklin County)
Misty Browning, Makanda (Jackson County)
Paige Yates, Vienna (Johnson County)
Robin Moore, Vienna (Johnson County)
Sherron Kay Farris, Vienna (Johnson County)
Tiffany Holland, Metropolis (Massac County)
Meet Your Regional Team!
Coming Soon
Chelsi Diles
Chelsi Diles (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 21. She has an Associates of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education, as well as a Family Services Credential. She worked as a child care teacher in her hometown for five years while in college and stayed on full-time after graduating. Chelsi then accepted a position as a teacher for the Southern Seven Head Start, where she was employed for 15 years working as an Early Head Start home-based teacher at the Ullin site, and then as a Parent Coordinator at the Metropolis site.
Chelsi has worked diligently to form partnerships within Massac County so together they can provide resources to meet the needs of the children and their families. She has a passion for forming new relationships and assisting others. Chelsi is married with five children and resides in Vienna, Illinois. She loves to travel and go on family outings.
Kassie Lex
Kassie Lex (she/her) is the Region 21 Administrative Support. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Studies and brings a strong foundation in child development, education, and family engagement to her role. Kassie has experience working with children and families and is passionate about supporting Early Childhood initiatives that strengthen communities. Her background in education has given her a deep appreciation for the critical early years of development and the importance of accessible, high-quality supports for families. Kassie lives in Johnson County with her family. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at the farm, staying active, and being involved in her local community.
