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 Plan Progress features the Region’s top Early Childhood priorities and highlights their goal progress and how to get involved.
Action Council Members
Ally Birk, Child and Family Connections #16, Lead Service Coordinator
Anna Sykes, Office of State Senator Paul Faraci (IL-52), Legislative Assistant
Brittany Morris, Crosspoint Human Services, Director of the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic
Brittney Henton, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Brooke Truscelli, Danville Public Library, Community Relations Administrator
Cynthia Smith, Child Care Resource Service (CCRS), Resource Specialist
Darcy McMahon, Danville District #118, Vermilion Country PreK Coordinator
Dawnielle Miller, EdenSpring Foundation, CEO
Katie Arnold, Lutheran Social Services, Foster Care Supervisor
Kyle Collom, Robinson Chiropractic, Doctor of Chiropractic
Latina Shadley, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative
Mia Harrier, OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center, Program Manager of Community Health
Michael Remole, Gateway Family Services of Illinois, CEO & Lead Therapist
Michelle Collins, Danville District #118, School Counselor
Patty Fountain, Brightpoint, Case Manager for Healing Beyond Violence
Quera Owens, Vermilion County Health, Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) Program Coordinator
Robyn Lindenmeyer, OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center, Market Director of Nursing Operations
Shaconna George, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission (RPC), Family Services Coordinator
Shannon Roberts, Danville District #118, iGrow Parent Educator & Group Coordinator
Tamara L. Red, URE Childcare, Director & Owner
Tracy Bowden, University of Illinois, FCS Extension Educator
Family Council Members
Amy Kocher, Sidell (Vermilion County)
Ashley Schingel, Catlin (Vermilion County)
Ashtyn Meis, Catlin (Vermilion County)
Brittany Coleman, Danville (Vermilion County)
Casey Toler, Danville (Vermilion County)
Cristy Small, Danville (Vermilion County)
Crystal Shafer, Danville (Vermilion County)
Deborah "Debra" Johnson, Danville (Vermilion County)
Erin Heck, State Line (Vermilion)
Jess Wilson, Georgetown (Vermilion County)
Joshua Blair, Potomac (Vermilion County)
Jowella Martin, Danville (Vermilion County)
Kasey Swank, Danville (Vermilion County)
Maxine Wiebenga, Perrysville (Vermilion County)
Mecca Powell, Danville (Vermilion County)
Stephanie Gurney, Ridge Farm (Vermilion County)
Tia Johnson, 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. Previously, Laken served in many roles in the Early Childhood field, such as social worker, teacher, and an assistant director of an Early Learning Center. These experiences in Early Childhood have allowed her to align her passion for parent engagement and advocating for children, parents, and families within Vermilion County and surrounding areas.
Laken’s hobbies include boating, kayaking, and exploring new cities with her family. Logic puzzles, true crime shows, and Green Bay Packers football are her favorite pastimes during the colder months of the year. Laken is the mother of two young boys with whom she enjoys spending all her time.
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.