Region 26
Fulton, Hancock, McDonough, Schuyler

Quick Links

• Region 26 Media Coverage

• Region 26 Facebook Group

• Region 26 Resources

• View Regional Data Report

• Frequently Asked Questions

Action Council Members

• Josh Pickel, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative 

• Micah Garnett, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative 

• Amy Gee, Carthage Public Library District, Librarian 

• Angela Hale, Canton City Council, Alderwoman 

• Angela Vera, Parent and Child Together (PACT), Teacher 

• Cara Erude, Chaddock, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant 

• Chantelle Simmons, Home Provider, Owner 

• Diann Sugden, University of Illinois-Extension, SNAP Education Community Outreach  

• Elizabeth Adler, Parent and Child Together (PACT), Teacher 

• Jessica Schrapf, Home Provider, Owner 

• Marc Baxter, Western Illinois University, Early Childhood Special Education Professional Development Specialist 

• Michael Inman, City of Macomb, Mayor 

• Sharon Warning, West Central Child Care Connections, Training Coordinator 

• Tricia Hecox, Little Farmers Early Learning Center, Inc., Owner 

Family Council Members

• Alyssa Ray, Lewistown (Fulton County) 

• Andrea Garnett, Canton (Fulton County) 

• Carla Ford, Industry (McDonough County) 

• Chidimma Umeaduma, Macomb (McDonough County) 

• Claire Happel Ashe, Macomb (McDonough County) 

• Emily Lee, Canton (Fulton County) 

• Jeff McFadden, Galesburg (McDonough County) 

• Kelly Nelson, Macomb (McDonough County) 

• Orinda Gillham, Warsaw (Hancock County) 

• Rebekah Ridgeway, Lewistown (Fulton County) 

• Ronecia Misinga, Rushville (Schuyler County) 

• Sarah Smith, Canton (Fulton County) 

• Tori Buckert, Nauvoo (Hancock County) 

FY24 Action Council Notes

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (February 26, 2024)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (November 5, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (October 2, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (September 25, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (July 14, 2023)

FY24 Workgroup Notes

• Meeting Notes: Workgroups (January 22, 2024)

• Meeting Notes: Workgroups (December 11, 2023)

FY24 Family Council Notes

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

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (November 13, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (October 19, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (July 14, 2023)

Paul Larson

Paul Larson (he/him) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 26. He grew up in northern Illinois and has over 20 years of experience in the human services field, working in high schools, colleges, faith communities, park districts, and nonprofit organizations. 

Paul graduated from Western Illinois University and Loras College. He has been married for 16 years and has three children. Paul lives in rural western Illinois where he spends most of his free time renovating his house, traveling, and coaching soccer, and enjoying all things outdoors.

Shannon McKee

Shannon McKee (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 26. Shannon is a native of western Illinois and has worked with families for over 15 years. Shannon worked for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, providing breastfeeding counseling services, nutrition education, and resource referrals. She has also worked as Family Involvement Coordinator for Preschool For All.  

Shannon is committed to meeting families where they are in their journey and providing information and support to meet their specific needs. Shannon has experience leading and participating in working groups with the goal of bringing together community partners and ensuring families have access to services. Shannon enjoys gardening and tending to her houseplants. She spends as much time outdoors as she can, hiking, boating, camping, and riding her bike. Shannon values spending time with family, mainly her three nearly grown children. She can often be found with a book on her lap and music playing.  

Lacie McGraw

Lacie McGraw (she/her) is the Region 26 Administrative Support. Lacie has an extensive work history in administration, data collection and entry, marketing, and customer service. Lacie is passionate about using her skills to help aid the community.

Lacie is a wife and a proud mother to two children. In her free time, she coaches her daughters cheer team and participates in her children’s various sports and school clubs. Lacie currently resides in Canton and loves to explore and support local businesses with her family.