Region 13
Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, Washington

Quick Links

• Region 13 Facebook Group

• Past Council Meeting Notes

• View Regional Data Report

• Frequently Asked Questions

Action Council Members

• Israel Fontanez, United States Postal Service, City Carrier

• Kara Boozer, University of Illinois Extension, SNAP-Ed Educator

• Kathy Brown, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

• Katie Wrzosek, Caregiver Connections, Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

• Keli Tate, Regional Office of Education #13, Birth to Three Director

• Laura Roberts, Caregiver Connections & Centerstone, Caregiver Connections Coordinator

• Mandy Bernard, Spero Family Foundation, Community Services Director

• Meghan Branch, Regional Office of Education #13, Social-Emotional Coordinator

• Michaela Wharton, Amy Schulz Child Advocacy Center, Inc., Executive Director

• Nellie Baity, Take Action Coalition of Clinton County, Director

• Samantha Walton, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

• Scott Moore, Moore Than Behavior, Owner

• Shelley Kenow, Self-Employed, IEP Consultant

• Spring Gibson, Brightpoint, Child Care Assistance Program Supervisor

• Stacie D Hodge, Washington County Hospital, Director of Nursing

• Tranae Brockhouse, Project Child, Director

• Whitney Luebbers, Whitney Kampwerth Luebbers, Attorney at Law, Attorney

Family Council Members

• Ashley Hurn, Centralia (Washington County)

• Caitlyn Grayling, Trenton (Clinton County)

• Chelsea Simmons, Centralia (Marion County)

• Elizabeth Scott, Centralia (Marion County)

• Hannah Raney, Woodlawn (Jefferson County)

• Heather Alexander, Centralia (Marion County)

• Jeffery Callahan, Mt. Vernon (Jefferson County)

• Jessica Hogg, Carlyle (Clinton County)

• Katie Dodson, Iuka (Marion County)

• Lexi Kanteres, New Baden (Clinton County)

• Ronesha Pena, Mount Vernon (Jefferson County)

• Samantha Hocking, Dix (Marion County)

• Sierra Kehrer, Waltonville (Jefferson County)

• Tabitha Williams, Salem (Marion County)

• Toni Carter, Mount Vernon (Jefferson County)

• Whitney Murray, Salem (Marion County)

Heather Pruett

Heather Pruett (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 13. Heather has been working in the Early Childhood field for over 20 years. She has worked in the Preschool for All (PFA) and Preschool for All Expansion (PFA-E) programs for most of her professional career. She was a classroom teacher for over 15 years and most recently was an Instructional Leader and Curriculum Coordinator for a large PFA/PFA-E program in southern Illinois. She has extensive experience leading professional development workshops and training for teachers and other Early Childhood professionals.

Heather holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Illinois State University, a master’s degree in Educational Studies with an emphasis in Reading from McKendree University, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from American College of Education. Heather resides in Clinton County with her husband and two teenage children who are very involved in sports. When she is not attending a sporting event, her spare time is spent with family and friends. She enjoys traveling, especially to coastal areas. She also enjoys outdoor activities, such as bike riding and walking her two dogs. 

Brittany Lemons

Brittany Lemons (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 13. She has worked in the Early Childhood Education and Care field in southern Illinois for 13 years and has firsthand experience in her Region. Brittany taught preschool for two years and most recently spent 10 years directing child care centers in Jefferson and Marion counties. Brittany has become an advocate for children and their families while providing quality care and education to children. As a former foster child and first-generation college graduate, she has a personal and professional drive for creating equitable access and inclusion for her community.

Brittany has a bachelor’s degree in University Studies, focusing on Child and Family Services and Curriculum and Instruction from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where she is also in the process of completing her master’s degree. Brittany has spent her whole life in southern Illinois and resides in Jefferson County with her family of seven. She enjoys going to her children's events and spending time with family. 

Jessica Chin

Jessica Chin (she/her) is the Region 13 Administrative Support. Jessica has worked in business management and administration and has experience with small business start-ups. Though her professional experience spans many different industries, Jessica is excited to use the skills she acquired as a District Manager and Office Manager to help the community with equitable education opportunities for families.  

Jessica was born and raised in Texas and currently resides in Salem, Illinois with her blended family. She is active in her community’s charity organization, Saved with Amazing Grace (SWAG), which helps give back to the community members of Salem. In her free time, Jessica loves to make memories by traveling with her family.