Leadership Team
Jim
Walters, Executive Director
Jim Walters
comes to Dove with seventeen years of non-profit experience working
with diverse populations. This experience includes working with
adults with disabilities, court ordered counseling, victims of
domestic violence, and the homeless. He taught at Lake Land
Community College in Mattoon for five years. Jim began his
duties as Executive Director November 14th.
Jim has a
Master’s degree in counseling from Eastern Illinois University and a
Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Illinois State. He is an active
member of the IL Coalition Against Domestic Violence and a United
Way volunteer. Jim served as ICADV treasurer from 2007-2009. He is a
board member of the Coles County family violence coordinating
council and participates in the 5th Judicial Circuit
family violence council. Jim has been a Board member at the
Children’s Advocacy Center in Coles Co and the Human Services
advisory committee at Lake Land. For three years he was a member of
a multidisciplinary elder abuse investigation team.
Jim grew up in the South suburbs of Chicago rooting for all the
professional teams and whoever plays the Cubs. "I am an avid Chicago
White Sox and Bears fan. My wife and I love watching competitive
cooking shows like Top Chef but doubt we would ever try any of the
foods being prepared. I like to cook and do most of my family
cooking. I’m not a foodie, but make good old fashion comfort food.
After years of practice, I perfected the bowl of Chili in 2005."
Jim has
four children: Murphy (17), Micah (15), Hazel (2) and new baby
daughter, Isley James. Jim and Brandy plan
to live in Decatur.
Barbara Blakey, Director of Volunteers and Community
Relations
Barb began with Dove in
1992 in the RSVP Program. Barb has a B.S. from Eastern
Illinois University with a Park and Recreation Administration Degree
and came to Decatur in 1980 to work at the Decatur Park District.
Barb lives in Decatur
with her husband Doug and two teenagers, Adam and Philip. Barb
volunteers at Philip's school, MAHS, with Special Olympics and at
her church, First Baptist of Decatur.
Tamara Wilcox, Finance Director
Tamara has been with
Dove since 1998 serving in the finance department and as the Finance
Director. Married
to Lynn Wilcox and resides in Blue Mound. Tammy is a member of
Zion Chapel United Methodist Church.
BABES
Sandy Laesch, Coordinator
My husband
and I moved to the Decatur area in 1976 and have raised our family
here. For the past 14 years I have worked in the social service
field. I am excited to be the Coordinator of BABES, which is a
positive, pro-active program, and benefit for the children in our
community.
Community Services /
Decatur Area Project
Francie Johnson, Program Director
Francie began with Dove in
1999. Francie volunteered in her own neighborhood for six years
prior to her joining Dove. Francie is trained as a Diversity
Instructor through NCBI and as an Advancing Youth Development
Instructor through the Illinois Council of Area Projects.
Francie is married, one
son, two stepchildren, three granddaughters.
Francie's goal is to keep
evolving with the position as the position evolves.
Stefanie Rohman,
Community Organizer
Stefanie just started with
Dove, although is not new to social services. Stefanie previously
worked in social services for almost 6 years along with being a
foster parent. Stefanie has a beautiful daughter, Emma, who is two
years old. She graduated from Millikin University with a Human
Services major and is in the process of returning to school to
obtain her Masters Degree in Social Work. In her spare time she
loves to spend time with family, camp and hike along with running.
Stefanie recently ran her first 5K and is in training to run a 10K
this year.
Community Recycling
Center
Archie Christison,
Coordinator
Archie began with the Community
Recycling Center in 2011. Archie was born and raised in
Decatur. He is married with one step son, four daughters and
eight grandchildren. Archie also works at Imboden Gardens in
Decatur.
Domestic Violence
Program
Teri Ducy, Program Director
Freda Mathews, Children's Specialist
Joyce Kirkland, Youth Services Specialist
Phyllis Swinehart, Shelter Specialist
Rosie People, Shelter Specialist
Cynthia Farrington, Shelter Specialist
Patty Plato, Shelter Coordinator
Bonnie Grunden, Shelter Cook
Vivian Reed, Legal Advocate Supervisor
Nabila Alamin, Legal Advocate
Karen Reed, Victim Advocate
Vicki Wilson, Victim Advocate
Angela Williams, Administrative Specialist
Jennifer Tolladay, DeWitt County Coordinator
Mary Hughes, Moultrie County Coordinator
Susie Kensil, Shelby County Coordinator
Shannon Corrington, Receptionist
Homeward Bound
Program
Darsonya Switzer, Program Director
Darsonya has been involved
with the program and the Decatur-Macon County Homeless Council
Continuum of Care for more than ten years. Her start began in 1999
as a Case Manager for the program. She currently serves as Chair
and has served on several committees throughout her involvement with
the Continuum. Her endeavors have allowed her to also worked for
Heritage Behavioral Health Center, Decatur-Macon County
Opportunities Corporation and Decatur Housing Authority; four of the
Continuum of Care's six Governing Board agencies.
She has her Bachelor's degree
in Psychology.
Vacant, Case Manager
Hilda Margerum, Case Manager
Hilda Margerum has been employed with
Dove since 2002. Hilda was born and raised in Decatur
attending District 61 Public School. Hilda lived in Grand
Rapids Michigan from 1975-1998 where she attended Davenport Business
College. Hilda is a mother of 3 adult children, 9
grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Burgetta Hartsock, Case Manager
My name is Burgetta
Hartsock, but I go by Bea. I have been with Dove since March of
2010. I started out as the Receptionist and then moved to Case
Manager for the homeless at Homeward Bound. I love working for an
organization that does so much for its
community.
Cluney John, Permanent
Supportive Housing Supervisor
Cluney has been with Dove more than
29 years, with 22 years on staff with the Domestic Violence Program.
Dove's history and identity, its commitment to a high standard of
services and to faith in action, attracted her as a younger person
and remains an inspiration for work today.
Cluney was a member of the original
CADV which allied with Dove. Cluney also served as a member of
Dove's Personnel Committee before becoming a staff member.
With the Domestic Violence Program Cluney served as a legal
advocate, parenting educator, children's services coordinator, and
client services coordinator.
Kendra Warnsley,
Permanent Housing
Case Manager
My
name is Kendra Warnsley and I am currently the permanent housing
case manager. I have many years of experience working in and with
the community. I have worked with the Substance abuse population as
well as the mentally Ill, homeless, and child welfare population. I
hope to continue my services in the community.
Harold
Thomas, DOJ Re-entry Coordinator
Harold began with Dove
in 2011, serving as the DOJ Re-entry Case Manager. Harold is
originally from Racine, Wisconsin and attended Marquette University
in Milwaukee. Harold has worked in social services for 12
years. He previously worked as an X-ray tech for 15 years and
is a Veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy. He has worked
with homeless veterans and veterans with substance abuse issues.
Harold has one son, Trevor.
Denise Jones, Re-entry
Case Manager
Denise started with Dove
in August of 2010 as the Resident Manger for the Macon Street
Apartments and took the Re-entry Case Manager position in February
of 2011. Denise has one child, Anay Hunt, currently attending
MacArthur High School. Denise herself is a graduate of
MacArthur and has also attended Parkland College.
Ashley Garner, Administrative Specialist
Ashley began at Dove in July of 2010.
She has a CNA and Phlebotomy Certificate and was a 2003 Graduate of
MacArthur High School Ashley is the mother of 3 boys, all
under 5 years old!
MAX
Rev. Dr. Stacey Brohard, MAX
Coordinator
Stacey began
with Dove in January 2011. He was born and raised in the Decatur
area and knows it well. Walking with those who are encountering
tough times is something dear to his heart and his position at MAX
places him in that position. Along with being coordinator of MAX,
Stacey serves at Crestview Christian Church as Senior Minister.
RSVP
Joan Meeder, Program Director
Joan began working at Dove in
1999. Previously she worked as an office manager for a dental office
and a construction business. After volunteering with seniors for
many years, she returned to school and upon earning a Masters Degree
in Gerontology had the privilege to become the RSVP Director.
"Because of having the opportunity to work with active mature
adults, I am still leaning new things every day. The older I become
the more I believe in the old adage, 'If you don’t use it, you will
lose it.' So I am living my life working with folks that inspire me
to live life to the fullest and in service to others."
Joan has lived in Decatur for
twelve years, is married to Robert and has one son.
Susan Sistler, Program Assistant
Susan began
working at Dove in 2009. She enjoys working with active adults 55
and better, who are RSVP members. One of Susan’s favorite quotes is,
“Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who
reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and
just plain love for one another.” –Erma Bombeck
Susan has a
B.A. in Business and Merchandising, with a minor in Marketing. She
lives in Decatur with her husband, Larry and has three children. She
currently volunteers with the U of I Parent Program and at
Warrensburg-Latham High School.
Silvia Comfort, DeWitt County Program Assistant
Silvia has
been with Dove since 2001. She has a full and varied background in
volunteer services of over twenty years. Silvia is a role model of
service herself, volunteers with Red Cross, United Way, Rural
Transportation, Mid-Illinois Volunteer Coordinators Association,
Faith in Action of DeWitt County, St John the Baptist Altar &
Rosary Society and in many ministries in her Church. She also is
very active in the Kiwanis Club of Clinton.
Silvia is
from Normal, Illinois. She and her family returned to the Mid-West
after her husband retired from the Navy. They are the parents of
two grown children and the grandparents of three grandchildren.
Finance Department
Brandy Robinson, Finance Specialist
Brandy has been employed with
Dove since 2003. She began as the Receptionist and then moved into
the finance department. Brandy takes satisfaction in handling the
behind-the-scenes administrative work that is required to keep an
organization like Dove running smoothly. She also volunteers in the
Domestic Violence Program. Brandy resides in Moweaqua with her
husband and daughter.
She feels privileged to work
for Dove because of all the good they do in the community.
Teresa Guidebeck, Administrative Specialist
Teresa has been working at Dove since 2009
in the Finance Department. She feels right at home doing the work
she does as she is currently working on her Bachelors in Accounting
and has worked in the Accounting/Finance field in past jobs. Besides
her usual work she also is a BABES Volunteer and hangs out with the
RSVP volunteers each month putting the DoveTales newsletter
together.
Her mission while working at Dove, Inc. is
to contribute as much as she can to this organization that does so
much for individuals, families and the community.
