Region 39
Macon, Piatt

Quick Links

• Region 39 Facebook Group

• View Regional Data Report

• Frequently Asked Questions

Action Council Members

• Megan Meyrick, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative 

• Simone Houston, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative 

• Amy Steck, Kids N Fitness South, Center Director & Owner 

• Angel Lawrence, Northeast Community Fund, Executive Director 

• Brenda Eastham, Child Care Resource Service, Director 

• CaSandra Blockton, Macon County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Program Manager 

• Jacquelynn Rose, Argenta-Oreana Elementary School, Principal 

• Jacqui Smith, Decatur Day Care Center, Executive Director 

• James Keith, United Way, Director of Community Impact 

• Jeff Dase, Decatur Public Schools #61, Asst Superintendent 

• Karen House, Macon County Health Department, Coordinated Intake Worker 

• Megan Broderick, Richland Community College, Program Director of Early Childhood Education 

• Michelle Witherspoon, Anna Waters Head Start, Director 

• Stephanie Strick, Mt. Zion Public Library, Youth Services Director 

• Tamara Doyle, Baby Talk, Inc., Executive Director 

Family Council Members

• Alyssa Mize, Cerro Gordo (Piatt County) 

• Amanda Harman, Mount Zion (Macon County) 

• Amber Williams Larkins, Mt. Zion

• Chare' Alexander, Decatur (Macon County) 

• Chelsea Brown, Decatur (Macon County) 

• Delilah Horne, Decatur (Macon County) 

• Kori Waller, Decatur (Macon County) 

• Niesa Derrickson, Decatur (Macon County) 

• Paege Maltby, Decatur (Macon County) 

• Sammantha Barrera, Decatur (Macon County) 

• Shanel Ivy, Decatur (Macon County) 

• Terrence Taylor, Decatur (Macon County) 

FY24 Action Council Notes

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (January 25, 2024)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (November 2, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (October 5, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (September 21, 2023)

FY24 Workgroup Notes

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup (January 2024)

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup (December 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup (November 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup (October 23, 2023)

FY24 Family Council Notes

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (January 10, 2024)

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (November 1, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (October 4, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (September 20, 2023)

Heather Seitz

Heather Seitz (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 39. She has been working in the early childhood field for over ten years. Starting at Baby TALK in Decatur, Illinois, Heather worked as a teacher/home visitor, Education Manager, and Child Development/Head Start Director. Most recently, she has been working as a Child Development Associate (CDA) Specialist and Head Start Review Consultant. Heather has a passion for supporting families and promoting quality in early childhood education.

Heather received her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Millikin University. She is married and has three children. In her spare time, Heather and her family enjoy boating, traveling, and home renovations. 

Kim Dye

Kim Dye (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 39. She joins Birth to Five Illinois with more than 25 years of experience in the human services, healthcare, and education sectors. Kim has been committed to supporting and empowering families throughout her professional career and is a strong advocate for increasing access to high-quality educational opportunities for all children. Kim has worked directly with children and families in a Preschool For All (PFA) program, provided services as a Home Visitor/Parent Educator through Prevention Initiative, and served as a liaison between physicians and patients in a Certified Medical Assistant position. Most recently, Kim spent eight years as a Parent Educator for Pershing Early Learning Programs in Decatur Public Schools.

A native of North Carolina, Kim has lived in Illinois for more than 20 years. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from North Carolina State University and later attended Parkland College to obtain a Certification in Medical Assisting. Kim and her husband are parents to two daughters, a son, and a Golden Retriever, and have one granddaughter. Kim enjoys spending time with family, cooking, home improvements, and watching basketball.

Christina Pyles

Christina Pyles (she/her) is the Region 39 Administrative Support. She grew up in Decatur, Illinois and recently lived in Gulf Shores, Alabama for three years. Christina earned her associate in arts degree in psychology. She has an extensive history in public safety, namely corrections, and most recently in emergency dispatch. Christina has experience in research and obtaining information for data entry and submittal. She is very active in the Down Syndrome community, with Early Intervention programs, and utilizes many local resources in and around Macon County due to her daughter having Down Syndrome. Christina has been active in the Special Olympics community and will soon begin volunteering for equestrian therapy where her daughter takes lessons.

Christina recently moved back to the Mt Zion area with her two children. They enjoy time outside, swimming, biking, and going to local events. She is very excited to work in the community and looks forward to bringing more resources to the area.