Region 30
Alexander, Jackson, Perry, Pulaski, Union

Quick Links

• Region 30 Media Coverage

• Region 30 Facebook Group

• Past Council Meeting Notes

• Region 30 Resource Guide (SI Families)

• View Regional Data Report (IECAM)

• Frequently Asked Questions

Action Council Members

• Allison Palmer, Easterseals, Board Certified Behavior Analyst

• Brittney Hale, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, Home Visiting Specialist

• Cindy Rice, Southern Seven Health Department, Director

• Colleen McLaughlin, CCR&R, Infant/Toddler Childcare Specialist

• Denise Henry, STAR NET Region IV, Project Leader

• Dona Middleton, Southern Seven Head Start, Site Supervisor

• Erica Brazier, Cairo School District #1, Supervisor of Parent Education

• Erica Hicks, Tamaroa Grade School #5, Superintendent

• Juanita Drue, Parrish Elementary School, Social Worker

• Kanci Houston, Community Health & Emergency Services Inc, CEO

• Keeshia Carr, Family Child Care Provider, Owner & Operator

• Lori Longueville, Southern Illinois Coalition for Children and Families, Community Systems Coordinator

• M Stalls, Jackson County, Precinct Committeeperson

• Maranda Pedigo, Stress and Trauma Treatment Center, Counselor

• Michelle Soto, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

• Natalie Juhl, First Baptist Preschool, Teacher

• Shataka Jangjirawat, Cairo School District #1, Parent Educator

• Sheridan Johnson, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

• Tangela Oliver, Business Owner, Owner

• Toya Wilson, Cairo Public Library, Library Director

Family Council Members

• Alessandra Nicholson, Carbondale (Jackson County)

• Amanda Pitlick, DeSoto (Jackson County)

• Barbara McElmurry, Pulaski (Pulaski County)

• Breanna Puckett-Woods, Cairo (Alexander County)

• DeAnna Davis, Pulaski (Pulaski County)

• Denasha Oliver, Murphysboro (Jackson County)

• Javone Howard, Cairo (Alexander County)

• Keosha Engram, Cairo (Alexander County)

• Kimberly Myers, Anna (Union County)

• Marissa Jackson, Mounds (Pulaski County)

• Micole Larry, Pulaski (Pulaski County)

• Sarah Inboden, Carbondale (Jackson County)

• Susanne Alvis, DuQuoin (Perry County)

Zena Madison

Zena Madison (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 30. She is passionate about children and people. Throughout her 27 years in education, she has encouraged dreams and given hope while working with teachers, parents, and students to make a lasting impact. As an elementary school teacher and an administrator, Zena has seen first-hand how patience, care, and communication can help children grow and succeed. Zena obtained a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Education Curriculum and Instruction from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She also obtained a Master of Arts in Education Administration and a Specialist in Education Superintendent license from McKendree University in Lebanon, where she is currently pursuing her doctorate degree.

Zena established Breaking the Cycle EBU, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Alexander and Pulaski Counties, focused on community, economic development, and regional strategy. She grew up in Cairo, Illinois, and currently lives in Mounds with her husband of 35 years. They are proud parents of four adult sons. She enjoys reading and spending time with her grandchildren.

Linda Roberson Poindexter

Linda Roberson Poindexter (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 30. She is passionate about education, family, and the diversity of families, as she is from a family of eleven children. Throughout her seven years of experience in the mental health field, Linda has encouraged parents to pursue their GED and push toward secondary education as a means of family improvement. As a former Family Advocate, she has experience working with teachers, parents, and children, mainly Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)-involved children between the ages of 5-17.  

Linda obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and a Master of Arts in Professional Human Services, Health and Wellness from Liberty University. A natural caregiver, Linda also helps seniors with daily living; this was her passion for many years as she took care of her elderly parents. Linda is now the proud parent of one daughter and the proud grandparent of two beautiful grandchildren. Linda spends weekends with her daughter and her family, enjoys reading anything interesting, and shopping.   

Akemi Walker

Akemi Walker (she/her) is the Region 30 Administrative Support. Akemi is from Lima, Peru, and moved to the United States to attend college in Florida. Akemi has a passion for serving others and has extensive experience in customer service, administration, and finance. Most recently, she worked as a bookkeeper for four schools at Milwaukee.  

Akemi has two children and resides in De Soto. She is a proud baseball and dance mom. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors.