Region 20
Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Pope, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, White

Quick Links

• Region 20 Media Coverage

• Region 20 Facebook Group

• Past Council Meeting Notes

• View Regional Data Report

• Frequently Asked Questions

Action Council Members

• Alesha Allen, Bela Early Learning Center, Principal

• Alisa Adams-Miller, Community Program Service, Head Start Director

• Beth Conner, Little Sprout Learning Center, Center Director

• Chelsee Miller, Walmart, Pharmacist

• Hannah Hyder, Wayne County Health Dept, Prevention Initiative Supervisor

• Jennifer Worthen, Southern Seven Health Department, Health Educator

• Kathy Murphy, Prevention First, Special Project Coordinator

• Kristin Stewart, Egyptian Health Department, Youth Mental Health Counselor

• Lara Shaw, Centerstone, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

• Meagan Greenwood, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

• Megan Ragan, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

• Misty Eftink, Egyptian Health Department, Community Engagement Specialist\Resource Coordinator

• Paige Rawls, CARITAS, Foster Care Case Manager

• Patricia Ingram, Ms. Patty Cakes Group Day Care, Owner & Director

• Paula Schnicker-Johnson, CCR&R-Project CHILD, Provider Services Coordinator & Quality Specialist

• Sheila Foster, Eldorado Elementary School, Principal

• Taylor Bodnar, Albion Community Health Center, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

• Tracie Griffith, CCR&R-John A Logan College, CCAP Case Manager

Family Council Members

• Brittany Mitchell, McLeansboro (Hamilton County)

• Cassidy Brown, Mcleansboro (Hamilton County)

• Christy Vaughan, McLeansboro (Hamilton County)

• Jaylee Boston, McLeansboro (Hamilton County)

• Jessica Johnson, Mcleansboro (Hamilton County)

• Katharine Karns, Eldorado (Saline County)

• Laura Danko, Mount Erie (Wayne County)

• Maude Harrison, Crossville (White County)

• Rowyn McAshton, Harrisburg (Saline County)

• Sara Nobles, Mount Erie (Wayne County)

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, Child 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 directed the preschool advisory board. She volunteers in varying roles for her church, serves on the McLeansboro McCoy Memorial Library Board, and has served on several boards specializing in collaborative efforts throughout her community. Janice serves as the Hamilton-Wayne and White Counties 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.

Darian Gage

Darian Gage (she/her) is the Region 20 Administrative Support. She has always lived in Southern Illinois. Darian received her bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She has worked primarily in the legal field since graduating and is excited to start her new career path at Birth to Five Illinois. When Darian is not spending time with her family and friends, she can be found either binging a TV series or reading a good book.