Region 33
Henderson, Knox, Mercer, Warren
In partnership with The Village Early Childhood Collaboration
Region 33 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.
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
Ellye Pickett, SAL Community Services, Assistant Director Home Child Care Network
Emily Brooks, OSF Holy Family Medical Center, Community Health Program Manager
Hannah Alecock, Eagle View Community Health System, Insurance Navigator & Community Health Worker
Janet Damewood, Henderson County Health Department, Maternal and Child Health Coordinator
John Mabon, Robert Young Center at Unity Point Health, Mental Health Professional
Kelli Hand, Carl Sandburg College, Career Advisor & Student Success Coach
Kimberly Magee-Barton, Way to Grow Pediatric Therapy, Community Partnership Coordinator
Kyle McEwen, Mercer County Better Together, Executive Director
Lara Roemer, Carl Sandburg College, Chair of Social and Business Sciences
Lisa Clawson, Mercer County YMCA, Children’s School Director
Lisa Medina-Foshay, Regional Office of Education #33, Early Childhood Preschool Behavioral Health Consultant
Mallory Allen, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Morgan Lewis, Western Community Public Transit, Director of Transportation
Rhonda Hillyer, Regional Office of Education #33, Prenatal-Age 3 Center Base Supervisor
Roxanne Pacey, OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois, Pediatric Wellness Specialist
Family Council Members
Angela Rohman, Williamsfield (Knox County)
Brynn Shields, Aledo (Mercer County)
Jenni Erickson, Altona (Knox County)
Jennifer Plue, Galesburg (Knox County)
Jordan Bronner, Aledo (Mercer County)
Lauren Eurales, Galesburg (Knox County)
Leah McElhinney, Stronghurst (Henderson County)
Stephanie Ginther, Abingdon (Knox County)
Stevie Peddicord, Little York (Warren County)
Tiffany Anderson, Kirkwood (Warren County)
Meet Your Regional Team!
Jim Walters
Jim Walters (he/him) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 33. Jim has been a non-profit professional for 30+ years. He has provided direct services to adults with disabilities, survivors of violence, people experiencing homelessness, and families seeking affordable housing. Jim has a bachelor's degree from Illinois State University and a master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. He and his family reside in rural Knox county.
Alli Chasteen
Alli Chasteen (she/her) is the Family and Community Engagement Specialist for Region 33. She is a former Early Childhood teacher who is passionate about providing high-quality care, education, and resources to children and their families. Through previous years of teaching, she has learned how crucial it is to build connections with families and community members. Alli has a background in collaborating with diverse groups of people, accommodating different needs, and providing a bridge from the education system to families. She has her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Illinois State University. In her free time, Alli volunteers at the local community theatre, creates art, and plans travel for the future.
Stephanie Burkhardt
Stephanie Burkhardt (she/her) is the Region 33 Administrative Support. Stephanie was born and raised in Illinois. She has over 20 years of experience working in education at Carl Sandburg College as an Office Manager. Prior, she held an Administrative Support position with the local health department for three years. Stephanie has held many roles that enable her to be a vital part of the Birth to Five Illinois Team. She enjoys improving lives through education and community and is excited for this opportunity to increase equity and access for all.
Stephanie has her associate degree from Carl Sandburg College. In her downtime, she enjoys spending as much time with her family as possible.
