Region 28
Bureau, Henry, Stark

Region 28 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.

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.

Action Plan Progress features the Region’s top Early Childhood priorities and highlights their goal progress and how to get involved.

Read All Regional Reports

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Action Council Members

  • Brittany Littrel, EveryChild Safe from the Start, Director

  • Carissa Conley, Tri County Opportunities Council (TCOC), Outreach Worker

  • Emilie Catey, SAL Community Services, Non-Traditional Care Outreach Specialist

  • Emily Hoskins, EveryChild, CASA Advocate Specialist

  • Emma Mittman, SAL Community Services, Infant/Toddler Consultant

  • Erin Hanna, Alternatives for Older Adults, Program Director

  • Gabi Necastro, SAL Child Care Connection of Central Illinois, Community Outreach Coordinator

  • Johanna Hager, Private Practice, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

  • Juana Ponce, Abilities Plus, Children's Services Program Coordinator

  • Kathy Marshall, Regional Office of Education #28, Regional Superintendent

  • Kelly Kessel, Princeton Elementary School District, Preschool For All & Prevention Initiative Administrator

  • Kimberly Dahl, Society of Growth Inc. NFP, COO & Co-Founder

  • Kristie Cady, Bureau Valley School District, Principal,

  • Leeann Tessier, Project Now Head Start, Family Service Worker

  • Naomi Buenrostro, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

  • Paige Davis, Regional Office of Education #28, The Basics & Parents as Teachers (PAT) Coordinator

  • Rosa Rushing, Bradley University, Police Detective

  • Sarabeth Seago, IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union (IHMVCU) & United Way, Branch Manager & Board Member

  • Sarah Mosier, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

  • Sydney Williams, Safe Families for Children, Intake Coordinator

  • Traci Owens, SAL Early Head Start, CCP Director

Family Council Members

  • Alexandria Ator, Colona (Henry County)

  • Amber Hegwood, Orion (Henry County)

  • Amber Wood, Orion (Henry County)

  • Anna Elliott, Bradford (Stark County)

  • Anthony Rushing, Kewanee (Henry County)

  • Ariel Swanson, Princeton (Bureau County)

  • Breanne Bryner, Kewanee (Henry County)

  • Felicia Tegeler, Erie (Whiteside County)

  • Felisha Rogers, Kewanee (Henry County)

  • Gina L Medley, Alpha (Henry County)

  • Gwen Sefrhans-Murphy, Orion (Henry County)

  • Katelyn Lootens, Walnut (Bureau County)

  • Kelly Finnigan, Geneseo (Henry County)

  • Lorelei Blancher, Kewanee (Henry County)

  • Mariah Kraft, Bradford (Stark County)

  • Rachel Rumbold VanHollebeke, East Moline (Henry County)

  • Stacy Widuch, Princeton (Bureau County)

Meet Your Regional Team!

Dianna Saelens

Dianna Saelens (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 28. Dianna has worked in the Early Childhood field since 1998, serving as a classroom assistant, teacher, director, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) consultant, Preschool For All (PFA) and Prevention Initiative (PI) program coordinator, and adjunct professor. Dianna has a MA in Early Childhood Advocacy and is currently pursuing an Ed. S degree in Educational Leadership. Her employment passions include enhancing the quality of programming for our State's youngest students and empowering program staff to seek the recognition they deserve as educators. Dianna grew up in Geneseo, Illinois and currently resides in Coal Valley with her fur babies.

 

Samantha Piske

Samantha Piske (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 28. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Samantha worked in the Criminal Justice/Social Services field for 10+ years. She previously served as a probation officer, a Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Investigator, and a caseworker at the Unemployment Office. In these roles, she has become familiar with her community and has assisted individuals from all backgrounds in overcoming challenging obstacles in their lives. She values working directly with her community to build upon the resources and needs of families.

 

Quinn Trader

Quinn Trader (she/her) is the Region 28 Administrative Support. Born and raised in rural Illinois, Quinn traveled to the University of Mississippi to obtain her undergraduate degree in Political Science. While studying in Mississippi, Quinn was given opportunities to volunteer at multiple child-centered nonprofits. Quinn worked as a paralegal for four years, gaining valuable data and administrative experience. She is excited to work again with an organization that focuses on children and families.

In Quinn’s downtime, she enjoys playing with her dog, Toph, and creating new things on her pottery wheel.

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