Region 47
Lee, Ogle, Whiteside

Quick Links

• Region 47 Media Coverage

• Region 47 Facebook Group

• View Regional Data Report

• Frequently Asked Questions

Action Council Members

• Alison Vrana, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative 

• Jessica Higgins, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

• Linda LeBlanc-Parks, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative 

• Andrea Cossey, 4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care, Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant 

• Anji Garza, Regional Office of Education #47, Director of Professional Development and Grant Services 

• Beth Smaka, Sauk Valley Community College, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education 

• Daniel Swihart, Open Door Community Church, Pastor 

• Diana Merdian, City of Sterling, Mayor  

• Diane Lynn Ott, Family Child Care Provider, Owner 

• Kris Noble, Sauk Valley Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director 

• Krista Peterson, Regional Office of Education #47, Assistant Director of Professional Learning & Sauk Valley STARS 

• Laura Moreno, Sauk Valley Community College, Adult Literacy Coordinator 

• Lois Meisenheimer, Regional Office of Education #47, Early Childhood Programs Coordinator & Sauk Valley STARS Chair 

• Maggie Fern, 4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care, Recruitment, Retention, Referral and Outreach Specialist 

• Monica Wolfley, Dixon School District, Parent Coordinator & Program Coordinator Preschool for All  

• Nicole Bleuer, Sinnissippi Centers, Healthy Families Illinois Program Supervisor 

• Rachael DeSpain, Tri-County Opportunities Council Head Start, Program Director 

• Stacie McCullough, Dixon Preschool for All, Teacher 

Family Council Members

• Amanda Troye, Dixon (Lee County) 

• Ashley Dagg, Creston (Ogle County) 

• Brittany Howard, Albany (Whiteside County) 

• Candace Antczak, Mount Morris (Ogle County) 

• Charis Allen, Rock Falls (Whiteside County) 

• Elizabeth Reynolds, Rochelle (Ogle County) 

• Kelley Connell, Stillman Valley (Ogle County) 

• Maggie LaFever, Dixon (Lee County) 

• Marie Monaco, Polo (Ogle County) 

FY24 Action Council Notes

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (December 12, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (November 14, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (October 10, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (September 26, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (September 12, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (August 8, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (July 11, 2023)

FY24 Workgroup Notes

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup (January 2024)

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup (November 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup (October 23, 2023)

FY24 Family Council Notes

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (November 9, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (September 28, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (August 10, 2023)

Abby Hoskins

Abby Hoskins (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 47. She has worked in early childhood for over 15 years in various settings, including in the classroom as a Quality Specialist for the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency and most recently as the Executive Director of a nonprofit child care center. Abby has experience working with both center and home-based providers and with school districts/Preschool For All programs. She has served on various early childhood committees and collaborations in both urban and rural communities. Her previous experience has allowed her the opportunity to work and build relationships with children, parents, and providers from diverse backgrounds.

Abby obtained her master’s degree from Northern Illinois University in Family and Child Studies. She also has bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Human Development. In addition to her professional experiences, early childhood is near to her heart because she is the mother of a soon-to-be kindergartener. Along with her daughter, husband, and dog, Abby enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, and in the outdoors.

Stephanie King

Stephanie King (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 47. She has worked in early childhood for the last 16 years in many different capacities and is passionate about advocating for children and their families. Stephanie received a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood: Child and Family Services from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She resides in Ogle County with her husband and two daughters. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family, baking, listening to music, and shopping.

Ashley Meline

Ashley Meline (she/her) is the Administrative Support for Region 47. She has a strong background in administrative support roles in both the private and non-profit sectors. Raised in Byron, Ashley is familiar with the communities of Region 47. She graduated from Byron High School before attending Michigan State University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on pre-law and psychology. After graduating from MSU, Ashley worked in various administrative support roles. She is a mother to three children who are currently in the local school system. After one year of substitute teaching, Ashley realized her passion for early childhood programs. She is a lover of nature, travel, and animals.