Region 45
Monroe, Randolph
Region 45 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.
Addendum includes additional community feedback captured as our Regional Team and Action and Family Councils shared our initial report’s findings throughout the Region.
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.
Early Childhood Needs Assessment: Focus on Mental & Behavioral Health features stories from families and ECEC providers about the challenges and successes they have accessing Mental and Behavioral Health services.
Mental & Behavioral Health Addendum includes new information about the available Mental and Behavioral Health resources shared by caregivers, Early Childhood professionals, and community members after the release of our initial report.
Action Plan Progress features the Region’s top Early Childhood priorities and highlights their goal progress and how to get involved.
Action Council Members
Angela Ruffin, Brightpoint, Supervisor
Ashley West, Wonder Works Pediatric Therapy, Speech-Language Pathologist
Brenda Gilpatrick, Red Bud Public Library, Librarian
Brittany Beatty, Human Support Service, Executive Assistant & Support Staff Manager
Christina Herrmann, Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director
Christina Owens, Brightpoint, Community Services Supervisor
Denise Marshall, Cahokia Public School, Program Coordinator
Jennifer Hollowell, YMCA, Engagement Specialist
Kathryn Guethle, Children's First Learning Center, School Age Program Director
Katie Spiller, Child & Family Connections, Lead Service Coordinator & Trainer
Natalie Kawalec, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Sarah Landeck, CVS Health, Chief Market Development Officer
Stephanie Toenjes, Library, Youth Services Coordinator
Vicki Thompson, Chester Elementary School, Preventative Initiative Home Visitor
Family Council Members
Amber Blow, Red Bud (Randolph County)
Ashley Weilbacher, Millstadt (St. Clair County)
Bridgette Rymer, Waterloo (Monroe County)
Holly Schaefer, Columbia (Monroe County)
Kate Fricke, Waterloo (Monroe County)
Macailah Cumberland, Red Bud (Randolph County)
Rebecca Brewer, Waterloo (Monroe County)
Savanna Jewell, Red Bud (Randolph County)
Meet Your Regional Team!
Candace Barnes
Candace Barnes (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 45. Candace has developed a strong sense of devotion to the nonprofit sector. For the past five years, she has served on the Gala Committee Counsel for Human Support Services and is on the Board of Directors for Monroe County Drug Coalition.
Candace has resided in Monroe County her entire life. She worked as the Executive Director of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce for two and a half years as a key representative and advocate for business owners and employers in her community. Prior to that, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Informational Technology from the University of Phoenix. Candace worked at various consulting firms and then United States Steel for six years as a Programming Engineer III. When Candace is not working hard, you will find her supporting her very busy three daughters in the many sports and activities they are involved in or enjoying the outdoors.
Sarah Frank
Sarah Frank (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 45. Sarah attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale where she received a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Services and a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Sarah worked for Trinity Services, Inc. for over 10 years as a Behavior Therapist and as the Associate Director for their Community Day Services which serves adults with developmental disabilities.
Sarah is married to her husband Josh and together they have three children, two girls and one boy who keep them very busy. Sarah loves any time that is spent with her family and friends, preferably boating or on a beach somewhere.
Jessica Schloemann
Jessica Schloemann (she/her) is the Region 45 Administration Support. Jessica’s work history includes over seven years of administrative support at an elementary school where she worked closely with faculty, staff, parents, and students. She also comes to Birth to Five Illinois with lots of clerical and customer service experience. Jessica loves working with others and is excited to help her community.
Jessica has her associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Southwestern Illinois College. She lives in Ruma with her husband and two children. She and her husband spend most of their free time at their children’s sporting events and hanging out with friends and family whenever they can.