Region 35
LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam
Region 35 Reports
Using a Collective Impact Model, between September 2022 and June 2023, we led our Action and Family Councils through data discussions to identify gaps and barriers for children and families. We coordinated focus groups, interviews, and surveys to gather input from community members across the Region. We are eager to share with you our key findings, regional strengths, family- and community-identified needs, and recommendations for how to make our Region’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) programs more accessible and equitable to children, families, and ECEC providers.
Recognizing we could not talk with every community member in the Region prior to completing our report, this summer and fall our Team worked with our Action and Family Councils to share the report’s findings throughout the Region, keeping with our mission to capture as much input as possible. Additional community feedback has been captured in the Addendum file below, released in November 2023.
Action Council Members
Bill Zens, Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director
Denise Garthe, Small Steps, Small Steps Director
Derek Kilmartin, Northwest Elementary, Pre-K & Curriculum Director
Elena Barnes, Starved Rock Regional Center, Occupational Therapist
Haley Damron, Tri-County Opportunities Council Head Start/Early Head Start, Education Specialist
Jacqueline Blackburn, Children's Home Association of Illinois Caregiver Connections, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
Kira Lee Pfeffinger, Illinois Valley Community College, Educator
Lynn Sheedy, Oglesby Public Library, Oglesby Public Library
Melissa Engel, Safe Journeys, Community Engagement Director
Melissa Mital, Center for Youth and Family Solutions, Case Manager
Samantha McAvoy, C5 Rural Consortium, Project Director
Sara Markey, Marquette Academy, Preschool Teacher
Family Council Members
Meagan O'Boyle, Lasalle (LaSalle County)
Melissa Terry, Ottawa (LaSalle County)
Molly Wiley, Earlville (LaSalle County)
Steffanie Maxwell, Earlville (LaSalle County)
Teeha Dabbs, Marseilles (LaSalle County)
FY24 Action Council Notes
FY24 Workgroup Notes
Meet Your Regional Team!
Becky Eager
Becky Eager (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 35. She was born and raised in Earlville, Illinois. Becky has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University and master’s degrees in Reading and English as a Second Language (ESL) Curriculum and Design from Olivet University. Becky worked at Earlville School District #9 for ten years. She taught third grade for four years, and served as the Title 1 Director/Reading Specialist (preschool through twelfth grade) for the district for six years. After completing her second master’s degree, she served as the ESL Coordinator for two years.
Becky has been married for over 26 years to her husband, John Eager. They were gifted two beautiful children. Grace is 24 years old, and Clinton is 21 years old. Becky enjoys gardening, reading, heading to the gym, and relaxing in the evening by her outside fire pit.
Charlotte McWade
Charlotte McWade (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 35. She currently resides in Earlville, Illinois, where she was raised from a young age. Charlotte spent the last four years in Earlville District #9 in the third grade classroom. She was a member on many district committees, participated in countless afterschool activities, and continues to coach High School Cheerleading.
Charlotte's degree in Elementary Education comes from Aurora University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She cherishes her time with family and enjoys being a super fan in all their extracurricular activities. When not working, Charlotte spends her time maintaining their campground with her partner, Brian, spending time with their dog, Harper, and learning new things.
Zoe Miller
Zoe M. Miller (she/her) is the Regional Administrative Support for Region 35. She was born and raised in Ottawa Illinois. Zoe received her Associate degree in Business Administration from Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC). As an IVCC Eagle, Zoe was a member of the Women’s Basketball Team. Also while attending college, Zoe was employed full time at Financial Plus Credit Union.
Zoe loves spending time with her family, especially attending her younger siblings’ events and games. She also enjoys going to the gym and makes fitness a priority. In the future, Zoe hopes to have a family of her own.
Contact Becky Eager
Please fill out the form below to contact Becky. Your message will go directly to her inbox. You may also reach her at (309) 866-3105.