Region 11
Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie, Shelby

Region 11 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.

NEW 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.

a map of Illinois with Region 11 highlighted in blue
 

Action Council Members

  • Jenifer Bonawitt, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative 

  • Melissa Krieger, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative 

  • Amy Durdel, Eastern Illinois Area Special Education (EIASE), Instructional Leader 

  • Crystal Alwardt, Cee Cee'z Imagination Station Preschool, Owner 

  • Daphne Boley, Eastern Illinois University CCR&R, Health & Safety Coach 

  • Dennis Pearson, Embarras River Basin Agency, Inc., Director 

  • Jennifer Buchter, Eastern Illinois University, Assistant Professor 

  • Katrina Farris, Mattoon School District, Director of Early Childhood 

  • Laura Shull, Eastern Illinois Area Special Education (EIASE), Director 

  • Lynn Holm, Shiloh CUSD #1, Partnership in Parenting Supervisor 

  • Melissa Coleman, Eastern Illinois University CCR&R, Higher Education Navigator & Outreach Coordinator 

  • Robin Hopper, Eastern Illinois Area Special Education (EIASE), Instructional Leader 

  • Teresa Metzger, Regional Office of Education #11, McKinney-Vento Lead Liaison 

Family Council Members

  • Abigail Gibson, Marshall (Clark County) 

  • Aimee Younker, Moweaqua (Shelby County) 

  • Elizabeth Ingram, Tuscola (Douglas County) 

  • Holly Houser, Mattoon (Coles County) 

  • Jamie Schneider, Marshall (Clark County) 

  • Samantha Bush, Mattoon (Coles County) 

  • Tiffany Reed, Mattoon (Coles County) 

Meet Your Regional Team!

Portrait of Tammy Helm, a light skinned person with short blonde hair smiling from the chest up. Tammy is wearing a black blazer with a green top underneath and a pearl necklace.

Tammy Helm

Tammy Helm (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 11. Tammy was born and raised in Coles County and lives with her husband, Ken, and four rescue dogs. She has more than 26 years in the field of early childhood education, which includes being a licensed child care provider, teacher, and Head Start program administrator.

Tammy obtained Graduate Certificates of Specialization from the University of Illinois (Education Policy, Organization & Leadership) in: Diversity & Equity in Education, International Education Administration & Leadership, Educational Leadership & Equity; a master’s degree from the University of St. Francis (Teaching & Learning, TESOL); and a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University (Early Childhood Education & Family/Child Studies). Additionally, she holds an Illinois Director Credential (Level 2) and National Director Credential. Tammy also holds professional memberships with both the Illinois and National Associations for the Education of Young Children. When she is not actively involved with her community, Tammy enjoys spending time with her six grandchildren, gardening, and working on puzzles.

 
Photo of Kayli Worthey, a light skinned person with blonde medium length wavy hair smiling from the torso up. Kayli is wearing a black top with a rust colored sweater over top and a gold pearl necklace.

Kayli Bontrager

Kayli Bontrager (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 11. Kayli was raised in Cumberland County and currently resides in Arthur, Illinois with her fiancé, Brandon. Kayli is personally and professionally passionate about families, specifically diverse family structures like blended, step, foster, multi-generational, and single-parent, and increasing society’s awareness of these families’ unique needs and challenges.

Kayli obtained a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Indiana State University and a master’s degree in Human Services from Eastern Illinois University where she concentrated on family programming. Additionally, Kayli holds a Certification in Family Life Education (CFLE) and a Child Welfare Specialist License. Kayli also holds a professional membership with the National Council on Family Relations. During her undergraduate and graduate degrees, Kayli volunteered with the University of Illinois Extension’s Family Life Team for Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby counties where she also completed her Master’s Capstone. When she is not volunteering with her community, Kayli enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, and baking.

 

Ellyn Andrews

Ellyn Andrews (she/her) is the Region 11 Administrative Support. Ellyn operated a DCFS licensed home child care for over a decade. After graduating from Eastern Illinois University, Ellyn worked in education and then spent several years in business administration. Ellyn is a passionate advocate for children.  She firmly believes teamwork and strategic collaboration across various agencies and communities at all levels (local, state, and federal) will have a positive impact on the lives of children and their families. 

Outside of work, Ellyn loves spending time with her family, traveling, and watching beautiful sunsets.

Contact Tammy Helm

Please fill out the form below to contact Tammy. Your message will go directly to her inbox. You may also reach her at (309) 270-5687.