Region 47
Lee, Ogle, Whiteside
In partnership with Sauk Valley STARS Early Childhood Education Coalition
Region 47 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.
NEW 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.
Action Council Members
Alison Vrana, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Jessica Higgins, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Linda LeBlanc-Parks, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Andrea Cossey, 4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care, Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
Anji Garza, Regional Office of Education #47, Director of Professional Development and Grant Services
Beth Smaka, Sauk Valley Community College, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education
Daniel Swihart, Open Door Community Church, Pastor
Diana Merdian, City of Sterling, Mayor
Diane Lynn Ott, Family Child Care Provider, Owner
Kris Noble, Sauk Valley Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director
Krista Peterson, Regional Office of Education #47, Assistant Director of Professional Learning & Sauk Valley STARS
Laura Moreno, Sauk Valley Community College, Adult Literacy Coordinator
Lois Meisenheimer, Regional Office of Education #47, Early Childhood Programs Coordinator & Sauk Valley STARS Chair
Maggie Fern, 4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care, Recruitment, Retention, Referral and Outreach Specialist
Monica Wolfley, Dixon School District, Parent Coordinator & Program Coordinator Preschool for All
Nicole Bleuer, Sinnissippi Centers, Healthy Families Illinois Program Supervisor
Rachael DeSpain, Tri-County Opportunities Council Head Start, Program Director
Stacie McCullough, Dixon Preschool for All, Teacher
Family Council Members
Amanda Troye, Dixon (Lee County)
Ashley Dagg, Creston (Ogle County)
Brittany Howard, Albany (Whiteside County)
Candace Antczak, Mount Morris (Ogle County)
Charis Allen, Rock Falls (Whiteside County)
Kelley Connell, Stillman Valley (Ogle County)
Maggie LaFever, Dixon (Lee County)
Marie Monaco, Polo (Ogle County)
FY24 Action Council Notes
FY24 Workgroup Notes
Meet Your Regional Team!
Abby Hoskins
Abby Hoskins (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 47. She has worked in early childhood for over 15 years in various settings, including in the classroom as a Quality Specialist for the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency and most recently as the Executive Director of a nonprofit child care center. Abby has experience working with both center and home-based providers and with school districts/Preschool For All programs. She has served on various early childhood committees and collaborations in both urban and rural communities. Her previous experience has allowed her the opportunity to work and build relationships with children, parents, and providers from diverse backgrounds.
Abby obtained her master’s degree from Northern Illinois University in Family and Child Studies. She also has bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Human Development. In addition to her professional experiences, early childhood is near to her heart because she is the mother of a soon-to-be kindergartener. Along with her daughter, husband, and dog, Abby enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, and in the outdoors.
Stephanie King
Stephanie King (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 47. She has worked in early childhood for the last 16 years in many different capacities and is passionate about advocating for children and their families. Stephanie received a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood: Child and Family Services from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She resides in Ogle County with her husband and two daughters. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family, baking, listening to music, and shopping.
Ashley Meline
Ashley Meline (she/her) is the Administrative Support for Region 47. She has a strong background in administrative support roles in both the private and non-profit sectors. Raised in Byron, Ashley is familiar with the communities of Region 47. She graduated from Byron High School before attending Michigan State University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on pre-law and psychology. After graduating from MSU, Ashley worked in various administrative support roles. She is a mother to three children who are currently in the local school system. After one year of substitute teaching, Ashley realized her passion for early childhood programs. She is a lover of nature, travel, and animals.
Contact Abby Hoskins
Please fill out the form below to contact Abby. Your message will go directly to her inbox. You may also reach her at (309) 393-2541.