Region 40
Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin


Region 40 Reports

Early Childhood Regional 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 Education and Care (ECEC) services more accessible and equitable.

NEW Action Plan is a living community document that focuses on the top priorities from our Region’s initial ECEC needs assessment. Council members developed Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals for each recommendation and plans and timelines to fulfill them.


Action Council Members

  • Kelsey Arnold, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative 

  • Kristina Stanley, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative 

  • Amber Nash, Regional Office of Education #40, Assistant Principal Safe School 

  • Amy Hess, Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation (IVEDC), Director 

  • Cindy Rice, Blackburn College, Professor of Education 

  • Jennifer Lubrant, Gillispie Public School District, Program Coordinator & Parent Educator 

  • Laura Sams, Sonshine Kids Daycare and Learning Center, Director 

  • Lisa Goode, Community Worker, Pharmacy Tech 

  • Lisa Kallal, Calhoun School District #40, Pre-K Director 

  • Marcia Schulte, Mt. Olive Schools, Pres-School  

  • Marla Willard, West Central Child Care Connection, Executive Director 

  • Molly Peters, Greene County Health Department, Administrator 

  • Regina Lindsay, Community Worker 

  • Sarah Schmidt, Community Worker, Pre-K & Prevention Initiative Director 

Family Council Members

  • Abby King, Hillview (Greene County) 

  • Ashton Peacock, Staunton (Macoupin County) 

  • Brittany Peters, Hardin (Calhoun County) 

  • Jena Walden, Carrollton (Greene County) 

  • Jessica Goode, Roodhouse (Greene County) 

  • Kaitlin Heinz, Carlinville (Macoupin County) 

  • Kassie McEvers, Greenfield (Greene County) 

  • Kelly Ballard, Roodhouse (Greene County) 

  • Kelsey Deaton, Wood River (Jersey County) 

  • Stormy Sanders, Jerseyville (Jersey County) 

  • Tracy Fox-Clarkson, Jerseyville (Jersey County) 



Meet Your Regional Team!

Keppen Clanton

Keppen Clanton (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 40. She earned a bachelor's degree in Biology and Secondary Education from Illinois College and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois at Springfield. Keppen is a dedicated professional educator with a passionate commitment to the social and academic development of children in her community. She has 27 years of experience in public education as a Science teacher, Professional Development Coordinator for Regional Office of Education (ROE) #40, and public school administrator.

Keppen is also trained in trauma counseling and works evenings as a Crisis Counselor for a regional nonprofit. She has led several systems-level change initiatives with a focus on “Conscious and Restorative Discipline” and “Parent Involvement” programs. Keppen has experienced firsthand how patience, care, and communication can help children grow and succeed. Keppen was born and raised in rural west central Illinois. She is married and has three adult children. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering, traveling, and listening to books. She comes from a family of long-time educators and enjoys weekend family gatherings.

 

Lindsey Coultas

Lindsey Coultas (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 40. She grew up in the North Greene School District. Lindsey graduated from MacMurray College and has a background in elementary education. She has been a third-grade teacher for the past 12 years at North Greene Elementary. Lindsey serves her community by being an active member of the White Hall Lions Club, helps organize activities for the White Hall Police Department Youth Program, and is a member of the White Hall Park Board.

In Lindsey’s free time she owns and operates Moulton Real Estate in White Hall, Illinois. Lindsey resides in White Hall with her husband of 12 years, Luke Coultas and three children: Libby, Lucy, and Leo. Lindsey enjoys spending her time with her family, traveling, swimming, gardening, and cooking. 

 

Lisa Wojcik

Lisa Wojcik (she/her) is the Region 40 Administrative Support. She has 10+ years of extensive work history in administration, data collection and entry, marketing, and customer service. Lisa previously worked as a Property Manager and Office Support Specialist for the Greene County Public Housing Authority. She served as the primary contact for tenants and was responsible for providing resources that allowed the organization to operate efficiently while building client relations. Lisa has also worked as a paraprofessional for students with disabilities, coordinating family events and supporting students and parents in early childhood and the primary grades.

Lisa is excited about being able to work once again as an advocate for families in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). She is a wife and proud mother of two adult children. Lisa enjoys baking and spending time with her family. 


Contact Keppen Clanton

Please fill out the form below to contact Keppen. Your message will go directly to her inbox. You may also reach her at (309) 240-6425.