Region 54
Vermilion

Quick Links

• Region 54 Media Coverage

• Region 54 Facebook Group

• View Regional Data Report

• Frequently Asked Questions

Action Council Members

• Elizabeth Cannon, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative 

• Mia Harrier, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative 

• Brandun Schweizer, Illinois General Assembly, State Representative (104th District)

• Chris Rice, Danville District #118, Coordinator of Birth to Five Programs 

• Cynthia Smith, CCR&R, Resource Specialist 

• Karen Orrick, United Way, Manager of Operations and Impact 

• Mary Surprenant, RE/MAX Ultimate, Owner 

• Melissa Hollingsworth, DACC, Director 

• Mike Marron, Vermilion Advantage (Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development), President/CEO

• Niah Hamilton, iGrow, Central Intake Coordinator 

• Odette Hyatt-Watson, East Central Illinois Community Action, Chief Executive Officer 

• Tamara Red, Home Child Care, Director/Owner 

• Tamera Forthenberry, Vermilion Housing Authority, Residence Service Coordinator 

• Tim Dudley, Retired, Executive Director 

Family Council Members

• Xandra Anderson, Henning  

• Ariana Lawless, Oakwood  

• Ashley Omlor, Danville  

• Brittany Coleman, Danville  

• Jenn Wright, Danville  

• Jess Wilson, Georgetown  

• Kari Hastings, Fairmount  

• Kristina Dreher, Danville  

• Mayce Drake, Georgetown  

• Mindy Dolan, Danville  

• Tateana Bailey, Danville  

FY24 Action Council Notes

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (February 20, 2024)

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (February 6, 2024)

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

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (November 15, 2023)

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

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

• Meeting Notes: Action Council (August 16, 2023)

FY24 Workgroup Notes

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup (October 25, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Workgroup (October 24, 2023)

FY24 Family Council Notes

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (February 20, 2024)

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (February 6, 2024)

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (January 9, 2024)

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

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

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (September 19, 2023)

• Meeting Notes: Family Council (August 7, 2023)

Tammy Pollitt

Tammy Pollitt (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 54. She has worked in the Child Development field for over 24 years. She has worked at Head Start, owned and operated her own home child care, and has been an early childhood teacher. Tammy enjoys going to church, is an active volunteer at Hooves of Hope in Potomac, and enjoys volunteering at the local food pantry. She loves interacting with people and enjoys getting to know others. She has a master’s degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University in Arizona.

Tammy and her husband reside in rural Vermilion County and have two children who are both in college and keep them super busy. A lot of her free time is spent outside, taking care of their honeybees, and exploring nature. Her family has traveled to each of the 48 continental states. They are hoping to travel to Hawaii and Alaska in the near future.

Laken Waltz

Laken Waltz (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 54. She earned her associate degree in science and arts with a focus in Early Childhood Education from Danville Area Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Family Services from Eastern Illinois University. After graduating, Laken became a social worker for One Hope United, then moved to St. Louis, Missouri and worked as a toddler teacher at an early learning center. After returning to Vermilion County, Laken served as an early childhood Head Teacher and later became the Assistant Director at Prince of Peace Community Early Learning Center.

Laken’s hobbies include boating, kayaking, and exploring new cities with her family. She has a three-year-old boy, a cat named Zee, and an Australian Shephard puppy named Lambeau.

Brooke Davis

Brooke Davis (she/her) is the Region 54 Administrative Support. She holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Education and has a background in teaching. Brooke’s professional background also includes 10+ years of clerical experience and a variety of customer service positions.   

Brooke resides in Vermilion County with her husband and three children. She stays busy running her kids around to various practices and meets, along with volunteering for her daughter’s school. She also volunteers as a troop support in her daughters’ Girl Scout troop. Brooke is excited for the opportunity to combine her skills and love for children to help families in her community.