Region 8
Carroll, Jo Daviess, Stephenson
Region 8 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
Amanda Davis, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Andrea Schultz Winter, Greater Freeport Partnership, Development Director
Beth Johnson, Regional Office of Education #8, Director of Grant Services
Cari Simons, Little Sprouts Daycare and Preschool, LLC, Owner & Director
David Schmit, Northwest IL Economic Development, Executive Director
Fr. Matthew McMorrow, St Joseph & St Mary Churches, Pastor
Jen Smith-Norman, Highland Community College, EOC College Access Specialist
Jodi Miller, City of Freeport, Mayor
Kim Lamz, 4-C (Community Coordinated Child Care), CCR&R Director
Pam Williams, Stephenson County Health Department, AOK Coordinator
Priscilla McLin, Amity Day Care Center, Program Director
Roberta Capp, Sunshine Day Care, Director & Owner
Roberta Smith, Right Steps Family Center, Home Visitor
Sarah Kuhlemeier, Regional Office of Education #8, Early Learning Academy Coordinator
Stacy Samuels, Met Form, Director of Human Resources
Stephanie Diehl, YMCA of Northwest Illinois Childcare Center, Executive Director
Stephanie Koclanis, YWCA of Northwest Illinois, CORE Supervisor
Talia Allen, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Tara Francke, Right Steps, Paraeducator
Tasha Mazique, Freeport Housing Authority, Family Self Sufficiency Intern
Tony McCombie, Illinois House of Representatives Minority Leader, State Representative (IL-89)
Tracy Dahl, Northwest Illinois Special Education, Director
Family Council Members
Amber Macklin, Freeport (Stephenson County)
Cecilia G Van Heeren, Freeport (Stephenson County)
Cora Magee, Apple River (Jo Daviess County)
Dannielle Heidenreich, Chadwick (Carroll County)
Grace Heimerdinger-Baake, Pearl City (Stephenson County)
Juliet Moderow, Freeport (Stephenson County)
Kaitlyn McNutt, Pearl City (Stephenson County)
Kalli Offenheiser, Stockton (Jo Daviess County)
Linsey McDanel, Freeport (Stephenson County)
Maddy Warner, Lena (Stephenson County)
Maurice Mo Walker, Freeport (Stephenson County)
McKenzie Holste, Ridott (Stephenson County)
Megan Champion, Lena (Stephenson County)
Morgan Eichelberg, Rock City (Stephenson County)
Sarah Harbach, Warren (Jo Daviess County)
Meet Your Regional Team!
Lou Ann Hayes
Lou Ann Hayes (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 8. Lou Ann was born and raised in Stephenson County, Illinois. She has over 30 years of experience in the sales, marketing, and project management fields, working with both private sector and nonprofit organizations. Most recently, she was the Director of Faith Formation for St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Freeport and was responsible for preschool family programs, children's religious education, youth ministry, and adult formation.
Lou Ann received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Eureka College. She is active on the Stephenson County Board and the Freeport Library Board. Lou Ann is involved in her local Kiwanis Club and serves on the Executive Board. She and her husband, Ron, have been married for 20+ years and reside in Freeport with their rescue dog, Pretzel. When she is not actively involved in her community, Lou Ann enjoys travelling, reading, and performing on the local stage.
Bella Cece
Bella Cece (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 8. She received her associate’s degree from Rock Valley College with a focus in education. Bella has spent the last seven years in North Carolina serving individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). Her most recent work involved planning free inclusive activities and events for the community she served. She brings experience in outreach, project development, communication, and planning.
She is very excited to start her career with Birth to Five Illinois and continue serving her community. In her free time, Bella likes to spend time with family, read, take care of her house plants, and go on hikes with her dog, Boulder.
Ashlyn Horn
Ashlyn Horn (she/her) is the Region 8 Administrative Support. She has almost 10 years of administrative experience while also working closely with the public. She is passionate about helping others and working to better communities. Being a young mother has opened her eyes to the difficulties and lack of child care and support. She is excited to be a part of Birth to Five Illinois so she can help make a difference.
Ashlyn was born and raised in Oregon, Illinois, and now resides in Forreston with her fiancée and three children. She enjoys attending her kids’ sporting events, cooking, watching football, and making memories with friends and family in her free time.
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Community Resources
Click the images below to download to learn more about Early Childhood Developmental Milestones!
