Region 26
Fulton, Hancock, McDonough, Schuyler
Region 26 Reports
2023 Early Childhood 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 services more accessible.
2023 Addendum includes additional community feedback captured as our Team and Action and Family Councils shared the initial report’s findings throughout the Region.
2024 Action Plan is a living community document that focuses on the top priorities from our Region’s initial Early Childhood needs assessment. Council members developed Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals for each recommendation and plans and timelines to fulfill them.
2024 Early Childhood Needs Assessment: Focus on Mental & Behavioral Health features stories from families and Early Childhood providers about the challenges and successes they have accessing Mental and Behavioral Health services.
2025 Action Plan Progress features the Region’s top Early Childhood priorities and highlights their goal progress and how to get involved.
2026 Changes in Early Childhood report highlights major changes in our Region’s Early Childhood and Mental and Behavioral Health programs, and spotlights Birth to Five Illinois’ most significant progress.
Action Council Members
Amy Betz, Provider Connections, Program Director
Brianna Cox Petty, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Chris Merrett, Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, Director
Emily MacVean, Canton Family YWCA, Child Care Director
Erin Ham, SIU School of Medicine, Coordinator of Research and Policy
Jessi Guzman, Child Care Connection, Referral Specialist
Jessica Buescher, Eden Therapy, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor & Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
Jessica Schrapf, Home Child Care Provider, Owner
Joey Brewer, Lewistown Community Unit School District #97-, Principal
Kathy Thomas, The University of Illinois Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children, Assistant Regional Manager & Care Coordinator
Keylee Grainger, Provider Connections, Office and Background Check Manager
Mica Sikes, Wesley Child Care, Teaching Assistant
Michelle Spiva, Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development, Executive Director
Nicole Biondolino, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Robert Kensinger, Spoon River College, Director of Career and Technical Grants & Programs
Ronecia Misinga, SID5 Schools, Paraprofessional
Teresa Johnson, Lambs of God Childcare Center, Director
Family Council Members
Abigail Hagen, Rushville (Schuyler County)
Carly Taylor, Ipava (Fulton County)
Dayna Smith, Rushville (Schuyler County)
Gabby Ramirez, Macomb (McDonough County)
Gretchen Higley, Bushnell (McDonough County)
Jamiee Hirner, Canton (Fulton County)
Jennie Grove, Macomb (McDonough County)
Mackenzie Miller, Rushville (Schuyler County)
Madison Prather, Rushville (Schuyler County)
Roberta Harper, Avon (Fulton County)
Shelesse Garza McCulley, Bardolph (McDonough County)
Meet Your Regional Team!
Paul Larson
Paul Larson (he/him) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 26. He grew up in northern Illinois and has over 20 years of experience in the human services field, working in high schools, colleges, faith communities, park districts, and nonprofit organizations.
Paul graduated from Western Illinois University and Loras College. He has been married for 18 years and has three children. Paul lives in rural western Illinois where he spends most of his free time renovating his house, traveling, and coaching soccer, and enjoying all things outdoors.
Shannon McKee
Shannon McKee (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 26. Shannon is a native of western Illinois and has worked with families for over 15 years. Shannon worked for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, providing breastfeeding counseling services, nutrition education, and resource referrals. She has also worked as Family Involvement Coordinator for Preschool For All.
Shannon is committed to meeting families where they are in their journey and providing information and support to meet their specific needs. Shannon has experience leading and participating in working groups with the goal of bringing together community partners and ensuring families have access to services. Shannon enjoys gardening and tending to her houseplants. She spends as much time outdoors as she can, hiking, boating, camping, and riding her bike. Shannon values spending time with family, mainly her three nearly grown children. She can often be found with a book on her lap and music playing.
Maddie Seigfried
Maddie Seigfried (she/her) is the Region 26 Administrative Support. Maddie received her bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration from Western Illinois University. She brings experience working in Office Management, Conference Coordinating, and Customer Service. Maddie is excited to be more involved with families and children in her community.
Maddie resides in Ipava and enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, working on house projects, and thrifting.
