Region 47
Lee, Ogle, Whiteside

 
 

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.

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.

NEW Mental & Behavioral Health Addendum includes new information about the available Mental and Behavioral Health resources shared by caregivers, Early Childhood professionals, and community members after the release of our initial report.

a map of Illinois with Region 47 highlighted in blue
 

Action Council Members

  • Amanda Wike, Dixon Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director

  • Angela Hodges, Regional Office of Education #8, Child and Family Connections #3 Program Manager

  • Anji Garza, Regional Office of Education #47, Director of Professional Development and Grant Services

  • Beth Smaka, Sauk Valley Community College, Asst Prof of Early Childhood Education

  • Daniel Swihart, Open Door Community Church, Pastor

  • Indy Douglas, Sterling-Rock Falls Child Care, Director

  • Krista Peterson, Regional Office of Education #47, Assistant Director of Professional Learning & Sauk Valley STARS

  • Linda LeBlanc-Parks, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

  • Lois Meisenheimer, Regional Office of Education #47, Early Childhood Programs Coordinator & Sauk Valley STARS Chair

  • Maggie Fern, Community Coordinated Child Care (4-C), Recruitment and Retention Coordinator

  • Mercedes Mancera, Sinnissippi Centers, Behavioral Health Clinician

  • Michelle Pauley, Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling (RSAC), Mental Healthcare Provider

  • Nicole Bleuer, Sinnissippi Centers, Healthy Families Illinois Program Supervisor

  • Rachael DeSpain, Tri-County Opportunities Council Head Start, Program Director

Family Council Members

  • Alison Vrana, Rochelle (Ogle County)

  • 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)

  • Colette Mabrey, Creston (Ogle County)

  • Hannah Miller-Hosseini, Byron (Ogle County)

  • Kelley Connell, Stillman Valley (Ogle County)

  • Kourtnee Mezo, Amboy (Lee County)

  • Leslie Medina, Rochelle (Ogle County)

  • Maggie LaFever, Dixon (Lee County)

  • Marie Monaco, Polo (Ogle County)

  • Mary McNeill, Rock Falls (Whiteside County)

  • Melanie Long, Dixon (Lee County)

  • Rylee Castillo, Rock Falls (Whiteside County)

Meet Your Regional Team!

A headshot of Abby Hoskins. Abby has medium length blonde hair and is smiling while wearing a black floral shirt.

Abby Hoskins

Abby Hoskins (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 47. She has worked in Early Childhood for many years in various settings, including in the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Agency and 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. Along with her daughter, husband, and dog, Abby enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, and in the outdoors.

 
A headshot of Stephanie King. Stephanie has short blonde hair and is smiling. Stephanie is wearing a black top with a red sweater on top.

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 (MSU) 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.