Darsonya Switzer

Chief Executive Officer

Darsonya was promoted to CEO and began her duties on June 1, 2022. She had been involved with the Homeward Bound 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 Governing Board agencies. She has her Bachelor's degree in Psychology.

Christina Owens

Chief Operations Officer

My name is Tina Owens, I began with Dove as the Human Resources Administrator, beginning December 2022, and became the COO in January 2024. I am so happy to be a part of the Dove family. I am not completely new to Dove as I was the Children’s Specialist almost 10 years ago and cherished my time spent with the organization. I am a proud Decatur native with a background in human resources and program management with a B.A. in Human Services from Millikin University. I am so proud to work for an organization that truly believes in justice, equality and understanding of all people plus I get to play a role in our mission by supporting our amazing staff and bringing in future staff members that share our values. I look forward to my future with Dove and doing my part to share with the community all that Dove has to offer.

Vicki Wrigley

Chief Financial Officer

Vicki began with Dove in February of 2024.

Molly Tenuto

DFA Program Director

Molly began with Dove in April of 2022. However, she is not new to Dove as she used to volunteer in the 1990’s while in high school. Molly has a B.S. from Illinois State University in Human Resource Management and a M.A. from Luther Seminary in Leadership and Innovation in Ministry. Molly lives in Mt. Zion with her husband Steve, their two children, Skyler and Madalynn, and several animals. Molly loves getting to know others and looks forward to meeting you.

Sandy Laesch

BABES Program Coordinator - Interim

Sandy graciously agreed to come out of retirement to get this vital program organized, after being shut down with Covid-19 mandates. Thanks Sandy!

LeAnn Ellis

Neighborhood Services Coordinator

LeAnn began with Dove, Inc. in August 2019 with the Homeward Bound Program, as a Permanent Supportive Housing Advocate. She became the Neighborhood Services Program Coordinator when the program was restarted and the position became available in July of 2021. She is enjoying serving in the community and learning more about the city she grew up in as a collaborative and resourceful place to live and sharing this information with others along the way.

Angie Williams

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Director

Angie Williams has been with Dove since 2004, working as the Domestic Violence Administrative Specialist, then as a Community Organizer, the second shift Shelter Specialist, the Domestic Violence Administrative Coordinator, Christmas Care and Share Coordinator and now as the full time RSVP Program Director. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and writing and counting down to Christmas.

Ashley Garner

Assistant Director

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!

Daciena Simmons

Life Skills and Children's Services Coordinator

I am a 1993 graduate from Eisenhower High school. I have a BA degree from Ashford University in Education Studies. I am a mother of three and a grandmother of two. I enjoy doing Diamond Painting, sports, and helping others.

Charvelle Dees

DFA Macon County Program Specialist

Charvelle Dees joined Dove, Inc. July 2019. Mother of four and wife to Romano Dees of 20 plus years. Charvelle loves working and helping with children and people in the community. Very happy to be involved and working with a great organization.

Melissa Girardi

Macon County Coordinator

Melissa started at Dove in February of 2018, starting in direct services, has served as the office manager and finance specialist and is now the RSVP Macon County Coordinator. She has a bachelor’s degree from Millikin University in Human Services. "I am blessed to be a part of such a great team and wonderful organization!"

Kathy Walters

Macon County Coordinator - Retiring

My name is Kathy Walters. I have been married 40 years and have two children: a son and a daughter. They have blessed me with seven grandchildren. I love adventures, road trips with my husband, and seeing new things. I have always been in the field of helping others. As Activity Director for area nursing homes, I was able to work my way to Social Service Director and Marketing and Admissions for Long Term Care Facilities. I received my CNA certificate in 2011. I have been a liaison for many seniors and their families over the years. I began working at Dove in 2018. After completing my 40-hour Domestic Violence Training, I started working as a shelter specialist where I was able to run a support group called Golden Doves for disabled and elderly individuals in domestic violence situations. I’m very proud to be a part of Dove’s mission in helping others. I have over 15 years of experience in the health care field and working with seniors is my passion. Kathy is retiring in the Spring, Congratulations Kathy and best of all in your next chapter!

Joyce Kirkland

Program Director / Lead Facilitator

Joyce has been a Dove staff member since 2000. She has both Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional and Certified Partner Abuse Intervention Professional credentials. In addition to serving as Lead Trainer, Joyce is the Education and Family Services Supervisor for the Domestic Violence Program, where she supervises and provides children’s services and educational services in the community and schools. Joyce enjoys travel, antiquing, reading, gardening, and her pets. Her favorite activity is spending family time with her husband Ron, son Ryan, daughter-in-law Libby, and her two grandchildren.

Becca Gorman

Finance Manager

Hi- my name is Becca Gorman and I am the finance manager here at Dove, Inc., starting in February of 2023. I graduated from Millikin University in May of 2022 with my BS in finance. During my last semester at Millikin I did an internship at Dove, Inc. in the finance department and absolutely fell in love with the organization. I am super excited to be back! I look forward to being able to do something I love and helping people!