Region 30
Alexander, Jackson, Perry, Pulaski, Union
Region 30 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.
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
Amber Heern, Partnership for Resilience, Resilience Southern Illinois Project Organizer
Christina Rushing, Southern Illinois University (SIU) & Early Intervention, Associate Lecturer & Developmental Therapist
Colleen McLaughlin, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R), Infant Toddler Child Care Specialist
Denasha Oliver, Family Child Care, Owner and Teacher
Dona Middleton, Southern Seven Head Start, Site Supervisor
Ericka Weston, Parrish School, Assistant Principal
Heather Casner, OWL Child Care Center, Owner & Director
Jasmine Berry, Stress and Trauma Center, Social Worker
Jessica Smith, Shawnee Healthy Families, Social Worker & Home Visitor
Juanita Drue, Parrish Elementary School, Carbondale District #95, Social Worker
Kanci Houston, Community Health & Emergency Services Inc., CEO
Kristi Cameron, Southern Illinois University, Assistant Professor
Lori Longueville, Southern Illinois Coalition for Children and Families, Community Systems Coordinator
Marissa Jackson, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Michelle Soto, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Natalie Juhl, First Baptist Preschool, Teacher
Yolanda Dean, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC) Head Start, Teacher
Family Council Members
Amanda Pitlick, De Soto (Jackson County)
Barbara McElmurry, Pulaski (Pulaski County)
DeAnna Davis, Pulaski (Pulaski County)
Elizabeth Ward, Murphysboro (Jackson County)
Javone Howard, Cairo (Alexander County)
Kathleen Gunkel, Carbondale (Jackson County)
Kelly Taylor, De Soto (Jackson County)
Susanne Alvis, DuQuoin (Perry County)
Sydney Peach, Carbondale (Jackson County)
Meet Your Regional Team!
Zena Madison
Zena Madison (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 30. She is passionate about children and people. Throughout her 27 years in education, she has encouraged dreams and given hope while working with teachers, parents, and students to make a lasting impact. As an elementary school teacher and an administrator, Zena has seen first-hand how patience, care, and communication can help children grow and succeed. Zena obtained a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Education Curriculum and Instruction from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She also obtained a Master of Arts in Education Administration and a Specialist in Education Superintendent license from McKendree University in Lebanon.
Zena established Breaking the Cycle EBU, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Alexander and Pulaski Counties, focused on community, economic development, and regional strategy. She grew up in Cairo, Illinois, and currently lives in Mounds with her husband of 35 years. They are proud parents of four adult sons. She enjoys reading and spending time with her grandchildren.
Akemi Walker
Akemi Walker (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 30. She is originally from Lima, Peru; she moved to the United States to attend college and has built a career centered on serving others. Akemi brings extensive experience in customer service, administration, finance, and community engagement. She is passionate about building meaningful connections and promoting mental health. Akemi lives in De Soto with her two children. She enjoys spending time with family, traveling, exploring the outdoors, the beach, concerts, coffee, and is always up for the next adventure.
