Region 1
Adams, Brown, Cass, Morgan, Pike, Scott

Quick Links

• Region 1 Media Coverage

• Region 1 Facebook Group

• Past Council Meeting Notes

• View Regional Data Report (IECAM)

• Frequently Asked Questions

Action Council Members

• Andrea Akers, Liberty School District, Pre-K Teacher

• Bailee Duesterhaus, The Community Foundation, Program Manager

• Carol Harlow, Transitions of Western Illinois Parents as Teachers, Program Supervisor

• Elise Black, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

• Glenn Hogue, Quincy Public Schools, Enrollment Coordinator

• Haley Sharrow, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

• Jasmine Blum, Adams County Health Department, AOK Network Coordinator

• Karina Moore, University of Illinois Extension, SNAP-Ed Educator

• Kathy Fellhauer, Presbytarian Church Day Care, Center Director

• Kimberly Hance, Cass County Board of Commissioners, Board Member

• Lauren Yoggerst, Memorial Behavioral Health, Project Director

• Michelle Kendrick, Western CUSD #12, Home Visitor

• Molly Dunn-Steinke, Chaddock, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

• Raquel Kroencke, Cornerstone Foundation for Families, Director

• Samantha Freed, Clayton Public Library, Library Director

• Sara Mixer, PACT for West Central Illinois, Executive Director

• Sarah Farha, Liberty School District, Pre-k Teacher

• Sharon Johnson, Beardstown CUSD #15, Assistant Principal

• Shelly Sheffler, Unity CUSD #4, Elementary Principal

• Tina Combs, West Central Child Care Connection, CCAP Eligibility Specialist

Family Council Members

• Alex Chiatello, Mount Sterling (Brown County)

• Anna Chumley, Jacksonville (Morgan County)

• Anna Sprague, Jacksonville (Morgan County)

• Audra Pilarte, South Jacksonville (Morgan County)

• Brittany Meyer, Liberty (Adams County)

• Carlee Jobe, Barry (Pike County)

• Chris Taylor, Barry (Adams County)

• Danielle Jackson, Woodson (Morgan County)

• Dayri Delgado, Beardstown (Washington County)

• Jerika White, Jacksonville (Morgan County)

• Kendra Turner, Mendon (Adams County)

• Lindsey Vosse-Ochoa, Baylis (Adams County)

• Meyonna Minner, Jacksonville (Morgan County)

• Rachael Johnson , Jacksonville (Morgan County)

• Sara Ogden, Winchester (Scott County)

• Zhanela Church, Quincy (Adams County)

Bridget English

Bridget English (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 1. Bridget has been an educator for 20 years, working with children from birth to age 22 in nearly every capacity possible in education. Bridget has previous experience in Early Childhood as a home visitor and case manager, and in nonprofit education administration as a grant writer, program director, and operations director. Bridget has also worked in nonprofit education as a Director of Development and as a Director of Marketing and Recruiting. Bridget has helped author Early Childhood learning standards and has designed/implemented multiple courses in education on a range of topics, from parenting to culturally responsive teaching. She is passionate about building inclusive communities as a means to empower families/students toward self-advocacy and successful educational outcomes.

Bridget has a BA in Communication and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in nonprofit management from the University of Illinois. She lives in central Illinois with her husband and has two daughters. When not traveling for sports, Bridget enjoys swimming, gardening, cooking, reading, and spending time with her family.

Brittany Peterson

Brittany Peterson (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 1. She has worked in the field of Early Childhood for over ten years. Brittany’s professional journey has allowed her to work directly with children, parents and caregivers, and agencies that support and advocate for Early Childhood programs and services. Her work has primarily been working with children and families as a Prevention Initiative Home Visitor/Parent Educator with a school district in her Region. Brittany has a passion for supporting families through connection and relationship building.

Brittany holds a bachelor’s degree in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education and Sign Language Interpreting. She lives in central Illinois with her husband, Eric, and four children, Alli, Maci, Ryder, and Brynli. Brittany spends her free time supporting all her children’s extra-curricular activities, serving as a member of various groups and organizations in her hometown, and coaching cheerleading for her local school district.

Regina Nichols

Regina Nichols (she/her) is the Region 1 Administrative Support. Regina brings a broad range of experience to the Team, having served in administrative capacities in the banking, education, legal, and insurance industries. Regina has been working with youth and children in her community for over 20 years in a variety of settings. In addition to serving as an Administrative Assistant in a middle school for five years, Regina serves as the coordinator for the Mount Emory Baptist Church Youth Group, as a Board member for Humble Beginnings, and as a mentor for the Humble Horizons Sister Circle. She is also active in the Wood River Baptist District as a Region Two Youth Coordinator.  

Regina and her husband, Pastor Johnny Nichols, live in central Illinois, have been married for 27 years, and enjoy working on behalf of the church community. Regina has two daughters and two grandchildren. When not working on behalf of the faith and youth communities, Regina enjoys biking and spending time with her family.