Region 53
Mason, Tazewell, Woodford

Quick Links

• Region 53 Media Coverage

• Region 53 Facebook Group

• Past Council Meeting Notes

• View Regional Data Report (IECAM)

• Frequently Asked Questions

Action Council Members

• Amy Sloan-Gray, Brightpoint, Director of Education and Child Development

• Anne Risen, Tazewell Mason County Special Education Association, Early Childhood Program Coordinator

• Ashley Fischer, Carle Pekin East Pediatrics, Pediatrician

• Cari Noe, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

• Christopher Heider, Children's Home of Illinois Good Beginnings, Central Illinois Home Visiting Collaboration, Coordinated Intake

• Christy Dennison, Children's Home, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

• Donna Ashley, Tazewell-Woodford Head Start, Executive Director

• Douglas Bury, City of Delavan, Alderman

• Erica Strunk, Child & Family Connections of Central Illinois, Parent Liaison

• Gina Cecil, AOK Network, Coordinator

• Heather Schichner, SAL Child Care Connection, Quality Specialist

• Jeffrey Inman, Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, Director of Workforce Solutions

• Lynn Burgett, The Center: Early Childhood Professional Learning, Program Manager

• Matt Collins, Carle Health, Project Director, Children's Mental Health Grant

• Michelle States, Center for Youth and Family Solutions, Adoption Conversion Specialist

• Nicole Meyers-Bilbrey, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

• Staci Coussens, University of Illinois Extension, SNAP-Ed Educator

• Theresa Olsen, Regional Office of Education #53, SEL Specialist

Family Council Members

• Abbey Tol, Morton (Tazewell County)

• Allisa List, Mason City (Mason County)

• Amber Hayes, East Peoria (Woodford County)

• Angela Miller, Mackinaw (Tazewell County)

• Ashley Berlett, Germantown Hills (Woodford County)

• Ashley Walls, Pekin (Tazewell County)

• Devin Henderson, East Peoria (Tazewell County)

• Emily Whitmer, Washington (Tazewell County)

• Faythe Flinn, Havana (Mason County)

• Hope Elizabeth Simmons, Eureka (Woodford County)

• Jessica Koker, Washington (Tazewell County)

• Jordan Spicklemire, Morton (Tazewell County)

• Monica Kilpatrick, Washburn (Marshall County)

• Nicole Taghan, Washington (Tazewell County)

Felicia Farden

Felicia Farden (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 53. She has spent over eight years advocating in different capacities. As a court advocate for the Center for Prevention of Abuse, Felicia helped a wide variety of clients navigate the legal system during crisis situations. Prior to this experience, her role was home-based as an advocate for her autistic son, Tucker.

Felicia graduated Summa Cum Laude from Illinois State University, majoring in History and minoring in Sociology with an intense focus on Education; historical patterns and their impact on our society fascinate her. Felicia has a passion for learning. She believes every child should be offered the same learning resources that helped pull her family out of poverty. 

Felicia has lived in central Illinois her entire life. In her free time, she loves to go boating and glamping with family. Most days, Felicia can be found binge-listening to podcasts or singing car karaoke.

Courtney Long

Courtney Long (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 53. She is a dedicated professional with a passion for Community Systems Development and Early Childhood advocacy. Courtney graduated summa cum laude from Greenville University with a bachelor's degree in Health Psychology. Over the past few years, she has played a pivotal role in enhancing engagement and collaboration within community systems, particularly in connecting services across sectors to address child and family priorities. Her work emphasizes empowering parents and caregivers as active partners in shaping effective support systems.

Based in central Illinois throughout her life, Courtney is committed to fostering an Early Childhood system that prioritizes the well-being of children and families. In her leisure time, she cherishes moments with her husband and three daughters, often enjoying the outdoors, reading, or supporting her daughters in their diverse activities.

Kerry Hickman

Kerry Hickman (she/her) is the Region 53 Administrative Support. Kerry has worked in the social services and nonprofit sectors for the past 20+ years. Most recently, Kerry served as a court advocate for the Center for Prevention of Abuse in Woodford County, where she also worked in the domestic violence shelter. Kerry has dedicated her career to helping families live free from abuse and violence. 

Kerry has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rockford University. She is very active and works at the Peoria Riverfront Museum where she likes to be surrounded by beautiful things. In her free time, Kerry likes to spend time with her husband and three dogs. She also has three daughters in college in two different states, who she spends a lot of her free time visiting.