Region 20
Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Pope, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, White
Region 20 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.
NEW 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.
Action Council Members
Meagan Greenwood, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Megan Ragan, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Alisa Adams-Miller, Wabash Area Development, Inc., Director
Brandi Respondek, Gallatin Elementary School, Pre-K Coordinator & Teacher
Chelsee Miller, Walmart Pharmacy, Pharmacist
Hannah Hyder, Wayne County Health Department, Prevention Initiative Director
Jill Andrews, Kiddie Kollege, Owner & Director
Kathy Murphy, Prevention First, Coordinator
Kristin Stewart, Egyptian Health Department, Youth Mental Health Counselor
Misty Eftink, Egyptian Health Department, Community Engagement Specialist
Patricia Ingram, Group Family Child Care, Owner & Operator
Paula Schnicker-Johnson, CCRR Project CHILD, Training Coordinator
Sheila Foster, Eldorado Unit 4, Principal
Steve Akins, Wabash & Edwards Counties AOK Early Childhood Network, AOK Coordinator
Taylor Bodnar, Albion Community Health Center, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Family Council Members
Cassidy Brown, McLeansboro (Hamilton County)
Christy Vaughan, McLeansboro (Hamilton County)
Courtney Wood, Shawneetown (Gallatin County)
Elizabeth Zurliene, Fairfield (Wayne County)
Heidi Attebury, Fairfield (Wayne County)
Jessica Johnson, Mcleansboro (Hamilton County)
Katye Roper, Omaha (Gallatin County)
Maria Gross, Omaha (Gallatin County)
Rowyn McAshton, Harrisburg (Saline County)
Sara Nobles, Mount Erie (Wayne County)
FY24 Action Council Notes
FY24 Workgroup Notes
FY24 Family Council Notes
Meet Your Regional Team!
Janice Crow
Janice Crow (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 20. Janice has been working in the field of early childhood education for over 40 years. She has served in various capacities including Child Care Worker, Day Care Director, Parent Coordinator for the pre-K grant, Extraordinary Care Aide, Home Visitor, and Coordinator of the 0-3 Prevention Initiative grant. In addition to her direct work in early childhood, Janice also directs the preschool advisory board, volunteers in varying roles for her church, serves on the McLeansboro Library Board, and has served on various boards specializing in collaborative efforts throughout her community. Most recently, Janice served as the Hamilton-Wayne County Event Coordinator for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
Janice joined her husband Robert in marriage in 1984 and together they have been blessed with two children and two grandchildren. She was born and raised in McLeansboro, Illinois and still resides there today.
Michele Draper
Michele Draper (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 20. She is an Illinois Certified Family Partnership Professional. Michele is passionate about advocating for improved access to mental health services for children and families. As a former Family Peer Support Provider, she has experience working with schools to help children feel successful and emotionally supported in an educational setting.
Michele has organized mental health awareness events in communities throughout Southern Illinois and rallies in the State capitol. Being a keynote speaker at the first Illinois Children's Health Caucus was one of the highlights of Michele's advocacy as a parent and mental health professional. She worked to promote the Early Mental Health Act, which became law in 2018. Michele has three adult daughters, Jayda, Aysia, and Adyson, a son, Will, and a bonus son, Owen. She was raised in McLeansboro where she still resides today. When Michele is not curled up with a good book, she can be found enjoying her backyard with her husband, Michael. Her loves are doting on her plants and flowers, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.
Coming soon!
Contact Janice Crow
Please fill out the form below to contact Janice. Your message will go directly to her inbox. You may also reach her at (309) 393-2530.