Region 33
Henderson, Knox, Mercer, Warren

In partnership with The Village Early Childhood Collaboration

 

Region 33 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 33 highlighted in blue
 

Action Council Members

  • Amy Fullerton, Regional Office of Education #33, Director of EC Preschool

  • Emily Henry, Regional Office of Education #33, Assistant Director of Early Childhood/Preschool

  • Jill Mcclintock, Lincoln Prairie Behavioral Health Center, Interim Director of Business Development

  • Jodi Scott, Regional Office of Education #33, Superintendent

  • Katie Ringberg, OSF Healthcare, Family Nurse Practitioner

  • Kyle McEwen, Mercer County Better Together, Executive Director

  • Lara Roemer, Carl Sandburg College, Chair of Social and Business Sciences

  • Lisa Clawson, Mercer County YMCA, Children’s School Director

  • Lisa Medina-Foshay, Regional Office of Education #33, Behavioral Consultant

  • Malia Owens, Home Child Care Network, Director & Owner

  • Marie Laure Lamare, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

  • Michael Levis, CCR&R of Midwestern Illinois, CCAP Eligibility Specialist

  • Rhonda Hillyer, Regional Office of Education #33, EC Community Systems Coordinator

  • Robyn Newcomb, Knox Warren Special Education District, Early Childhood Coordinator

  • Sabrina Wilson, Eagle View Health Systems, Community Healthcare Worker/Grant Coordinator

  • Stacey Wyant, Private Practice, Social Worker

  • Tara Case, Regional Office of Education #33, Director of Family Services Prenatal-3

  • Tara Grall, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

Family Council Members

  • David Pagan, Galesburg (Knox County)

  • Erica Hermanson, Aledo (Mercer County)

  • Janel Young, Kirkwood (Henderson County)

  • Jenny Dowsey, Galesburg (Knox County)

  • Jessica Burrell, Carman (Henderson County)

  • Kimberly Magee-Barton, Knoxville (Knox County)

  • Tracy E Crump, Knoxville (Knox County)

Meet Your Regional Team!

Picture of Roy Van Meter, a light skinned person with a gray beard smiling from the shoulders up. Roy is wearing black eyeglasses with a black blazer and a white button up underneath with a blue tie.

Roy Van Meter

Roy Van Meter (he/him) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 33. He has passionately championed Illinois children of all ages for over 30 years in the roles of public school teacher and administrator. Through servant leadership and community engagement, he advocates for equity in excellence regardless of zip code. Roy's core belief is “through collaboration WE achieve excellence.” 

Roy earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Western Illinois University and a Master of Arts in School Improvement Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University. He lives near Galesburg, Illinois and enjoys combining outdoor pursuits with his love for history, cultural travel, and music. 

 
A headshot of Jim Walters. Jim has short dark hair and is smiling. Jim is wearing eyeglasses and a Birth to Five Illinois branded shirt.

Jim Walters

Jim Walters (he/him) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 33. Jim has been a non-profit professional for 30+ years. He has provided direct services to adults with disabilities, survivors of violence, people experiencing homelessness, and families seeking affordable housing. Jim has a bachelor's degree from Illinois State University and a master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. He and his family reside in rural Knox county.  

 
A headshot of Stephanie Burkhardt. Stephanie has medium length brown hair and is smiling. Stephanie is wearing a beige patterned top with a gold pendant necklace and gold heart shaped earrings.

Stephanie Burkhardt

Stephanie Burkhardt (she/her) is the Region 33 Administrative Support. Stephanie was born and raised in Illinois. She has over 20 years of experience working in education at Carl Sandburg College as an Office Manager. Prior, she held an Administrative Support position with the local health department for three years. Stephanie has held many roles that enable her to be a vital part of the Birth to Five Illinois Team. She enjoys improving lives through education and community and is excited for this opportunity to increase equity and access for all.

Stephanie has her associate degree from Carl Sandburg College. In her downtime, she enjoys spending as much time with her family as possible.

Contact Roy Van Meter

Please fill out the form below to contact Roy. Your message will go directly to his inbox. You may also reach him at (309) 866-3104.