Region 21
Franklin, Johnson, Massac, Williamson

Quick Links

• Region 21 Media Coverage

• Region 21 Facebook Group

• Past Council Meeting Notes

• View Regional Data Report

• Frequently Asked Questions

Action Council Members

• Barbara (BJ) Timmons, Ms. BJs Hair Haven, Owner

• Candace Lewis, Yellow Brick Road Learning Adventure, Owner

• Christina Sigler, Centerstone, IPS Prevention Specialist

• Edrica McDowell, Centerstone, Community Services Manager

• Jacob Winn, Clearwave-Fiber, Voice Engineer

• Jennifer Parks, Southern Seven Health Department, Early Childhood Administrator

• Johna Schullian, Regional Office of Education #21, McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison

• Jordan Johnson, Cross Country Antiques, Business Owner

• Kazu Takeguchi, The Autism Clinic at Hope, Clinician

• Lee Eklund, Malones Early Learning Center, Director & Owner

• Lindsay Willmore, Crab Orchard Public Library, Program Coordinator

• Mallory Mazanek, Centerstone, Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

• Mary Beth Long, SIH Memorial Hospital Carbondale, RN Clinical Case Manager

• Melissa Ford, Youthcare, Foster Care Liaison

• Missy Brown, CCR&R John A. Logan, Director

• Nancy Gulley, Southern Region Early Childhood, Pre-K Teacher

• Nicholas Mott, Office of State Representative Patrick Windhorst, District Director

• Pamela Thrash, Southern Region Early Childhood, Southern Region Early Childhood Family Educator

• Phillip Hosfeldt, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

• Rebecca Guest, Vienna High School, Dean of Instruction

• Terance Henry, Small Business Solutions, Business Owner/ Workforce Development Board

• Tiffany Williams, Heartland Coca-Cola, Market Development Manager

• Tori Caraker, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

Family Council Members

• Amanda Shoemaker, Vienna (Johnson County)

• Amy Cocuyo, Benton (Franklin County)

• Chelsea Bosecker, Karnak (Massac County)

• Emily Crowell, West Frankfort (Franklin County)

• Faithe Allen, Metropolis (Massac County)

• Karen Beach, Metropolis (Massac County)

• Karsen Bosecker, Vienna (Johnson County)

• Misty Browning, Makanda (Williamson County)

• Stephanie Caudle, Benton (Franklin County)

• Tessa Winn, Vienna (Johnson County)

• Tiffany Holland, Metropolis (Massac County)

Tonya Frehner

Tonya Frehner (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 21. She previously served as the Executive Director for the Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children (Illinois AEYC) for 17 years. In this role, she collaborated with the Illinois AEYC Board of Directors to lead the statewide affiliate in their policy, professional development, and accreditation efforts and worked closely with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Prior, Tonya served as the Vice President of Operations for Jobs for Illinois Graduates, running field operations, overseeing program development, assisting over 90 schools with grant budgeting and compliance, and playing a vital role in the restoration of state appropriations. She brings 20+ years of nonprofit educational/community/policy leadership experience to this position.

Tonya was appointed to the Early Childhood Transition Team in 2023, Prior, she served on the Illinois Early Learning Council. She holds a master’s degree in Education from Southern Illinois University and is a lifelong resident of southern Illinois. Tonya lives in Vienna with her husband, Greg, and their son, Knox.

Chelsi Diles

Chelsi Diles (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 21. She has an Associates of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education, as well as a Family Services Credential. She worked as a child care teacher in her hometown for five years while in college and stayed on full-time after graduating. Chelsi then accepted a position as a teacher for the Southern Seven Head Start, where she was employed for 15 years working as an Early Head Start home-based teacher at the Ullin site, and then as a Parent Coordinator at the Metropolis site.

Chelsi has worked diligently to form partnerships within Massac County so together they can provide resources to meet the needs of the children and their families. She has a passion for forming new relationships and assisting others. Chelsi is married with five children and resides in Vienna, Illinois. She loves to travel and go on family outings.

Rebecca Holcomb

Rebecca (Becca) Holcomb (she/her) is the Region 21 Administrative Support. Becca has worked in the Early Childhood Education and Care system for 10+ years, supporting and encouraging families while building and strengthening community relationships throughout Southern Illinois. Eight of those ten years she spent working for Illinois’ Early Intervention Program as an Administrative Support, Service Coordinator, and Parent Liaison for Child and Family Connections #24. Becca was nominated by her co-workers and recognized by the Illinois Early Intervention Program as the “Problem Solver” in 2019 for her dedication to finding the solution when there was an issue! She is dedicated to her work and devoted to our children, family, and communities in Illinois.

Becca holds an associate’s degree in Human Services, a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Johnson County and is the proud mother of two sons, a daughter, and two doges. Becca enjoys going on adventures with her kids and making memories!