Region 26
Fulton, Hancock, McDonough, Schuyler

Region 26 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.

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.

a map of Illinois with Region 26 highlighted in blue
 

Action Council Members

  • Alison Kerans, Graham Hospital Mental Health, PMHNP-BC

  • Amy Betz, Provider Connections, Program Director

  • Amy Gee, Carthage Public Library, Librarian

  • Angela Hale, Canton Illinois Ward 4 Alderwoman Canton City Council, Alderwoman, PFA Administrator

  • Cara Erude, Chaddock, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

  • Chris Merrett, Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, Director

  • Diann Sugden, University of Illinois Extension, Community Outreach Worker through SNAP-Ed

  • Emily MacVean, Canton Family YWCA, Director

  • Jessica Schrapf, Home Child Care Provider, Director & Owner

  • Marc Baxter, Starnet, Early Childhood Special Education Professional Development Specialist

  • Micah Garnett, Trinity Lutheran Church, Pastor

  • Michelle Spiva, Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development, Executive Director

  • Mike Inman, City of Macomb, Mayor

  • Robert Kensinger, Spoon River College, Director, Early Childhood education

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

  • Vicki Phillips, Illinois Board of Higher Education, Assistant Project Director

Family Council Members

  • Andrea Garnett, Canton (Fulton County)

  • Toni Ford, Macomb (McDonough County)

  • Dayna Smith, Rushville (Schuyler County)

  • Emily Lee, Canton (Fulton County)

  • Gretchen Higley, Bushnell (McDonough County)

  • Jeff McFadden, Galesburg (Knox County)

  • Kelly Nelson, Macomb (McDonough County)

  • Sarah Smith, Canton (Fulton County)

  • Shelesse Garza McCulley, Bardolph (McDonough County)

Meet Your Regional Team!

A headshot of Paul Larson. Paul has short light brown hair and is smiling. Paul is wearing a white shirt with a navy blue suit jacket on top and black eyeglasses.

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.

 
Photo of Shannon McKee, a light skinned person with short brown hair smiling with a closed mouth from the chest up. Shannon is wearing a teal top with teal earrings and a silver necklace.

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.  

 
A headshot of Lacie McGraw. Lacie has short curly dark hair and is smiling while wearing a beige shirt with black flowers.

Lacie McGraw

Lacie McGraw (she/her) is the Region 26 Administrative Support. Lacie has an extensive work history in administration, data collection and entry, marketing, and customer service. She is passionate about utilizing her skills to benefit the community. Currently pursuing a degree in Psychology, Lacie is dedicated to furthering her education and expertise.

Lacie is a wife and a proud mother of two children. In her free time, she is involved in coaching her children's various sports teams and participates in several St. Jude events. Residing in Canton, Lacie enjoys exploring and supporting local businesses with her family. Her commitment to both her family and her community is evident in all her endeavors.

Contact Paul Larson

Please fill out the form below to contact Paul. Your message will go directly to his inbox. You may also reach him at (309) 270-5519.