Region 54
Vermilion
Region 54 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.
Action Council Members
Alexandra "Xandra" Anderson, OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center, Lactation Consultant / Breastfeeding Navigator
Angie Lazzell, United Way of Danville Area, Inc., CEO
Brandun Schweizer, Illinois House of Representatives, State Representative (IL-104)
Brittany Morris, Crosspoint Human Services, Program Director of Outpatient Mental Health Clinic
Chris Rice, Danville School District #118, Director of Early Learning
Cindy Montgomery, Crosspoint Human Services Early Learning Center, Director/Supervisor
Cynthia Smith, Child Care Resource Service (CCRS), Resource Specialist
Dawnielle Miller, Urban Strategies, Senior Executive Director
Jodi McGhee, Carle Community Health Initiatives, Early Childhood Program Coordinator
Mary Catherine Roberson, Congresswomen Robin Kelly, Interim Director of Constituent Services
Mayce Drake, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Melissa A. Walters, CRIS Rural Mass Transit District, CEO
Melissa Hollingsworth, DACC Child Development Center, Director of the Child Development Center
Mia Harrier, OSF Healthcare, Program Manager, Community Health
Michael Remole, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Michelle Collins, Danville District 118, School Counselor Edison and Southwest Elementary
Niah Hamilton, Danville School District #118, iGrow Central Intake Coordinator
Sadie Hofer, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, Family Child Care Mentor
Tamara Red, URE Childcare, Director/Owner
Tracy Bowden, University of Illinois, FCS Extension Educator
Family Council Members
Ashley Schingel, Catlin (Vermilion County)
Casey Toler, Danville (Vermilion County)
Deanna Holste, Onarga (Iroquois County)
Deborah "Debra" Johnson, Danville (Vermilion County)
Elizabeth Cannon, Danville (Vermilion County)
Erin Heck, State Line (Warren County, IN)
Hunter Sanford, Fairmount (Vermilion County)
Jennifer "Jenn" Wright, Danville (Vermilion County)
Jessica "Jess" Wilson, Georgetown (Vermilion County)
Joshua Blair, Potomac (Vermilion County)
Kari Hastings, Fairmount (Vermilion County)
Karrissa Watson, Rankin (Vermilion County)
Sarah Olson, Danville (Vermilion County)
Tateana Bailey, Danville (Vermilion County)
Meet Your Regional Team!
Tammy Pollitt
Tammy Pollitt (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 54. She has worked in the Child Development field for over 24 years. She has worked at Head Start, owned and operated her own home child care, and has been an Early Childhood teacher. She has a master’s degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University in Arizona.
Tammy and her husband reside in rural Vermilion County and have two adult children. Tammy enjoys going to church, is an active volunteer at Hooves of Hope in Potomac, and enjoys volunteering at the local food pantry. Much of her free time is spent outside, caring for their honeybees, harvesting honey, working in the yard, and exploring nature. She loves interacting with people, getting to know others, and is excited to work with the communities and families in Vermilion County.
Laken Waltz
Laken Waltz (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 54. She earned her associate degree in science and arts with a focus in Early Childhood Education from Danville Area Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Family Services from Eastern Illinois University. After graduating, Laken became a social worker for One Hope United, then moved to St. Louis, Missouri and worked as a toddler teacher at an early learning center. After returning to Vermilion County, Laken served as an early childhood Head Teacher and later became the Assistant Director at Prince of Peace Community Early Learning Center.
Laken’s hobbies include boating, kayaking, and exploring new cities with her family. She has a three-year-old boy, a cat named Zee, and an Australian Shephard puppy named Lambeau.
Brooke Davis
Brooke Davis (she/her) is the Region 54 Administrative Support. She holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Education and has a background in teaching. Her professional background also includes 10+ years of clerical experience and a variety of customer service positions.
Brooke resides in Vermilion County with her husband and three children, with whom she loves to spend her free time. She is excited for the opportunity to combine her skills and love for children to help families in her community.
Contact Tammy Pollitt
Please fill out the form below to contact Tammy. Your message will go directly to her inbox. You may also reach her at (309) 393-2503.