Region 35
LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam

Quick Links

• Region 35 Media Coverage

• Region 35 Facebook Group

• View Regional Data Report

• Frequently Asked Questions

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

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (January 17, 2024)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (September 27, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (August 31, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (July 27, 2023)

FY24 Workgroup Notes

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup (December 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup (November 15, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup (October 18, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup (October 4, 2023)

FY24 Family Council Notes

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (September 27, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (August 31, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (July 31, 2023)

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.