Administrators

Bobbi Fisher Director
217-526-8121 ext. 244
Email bobbi.fisher@midstatespec.org

BIO

Hello, I am Bobbi Fisher and I proudly serve Mid-State Special Education as the Executive Director. This is my first year as MSSE Director and I am excited to serve our 13 member districts in this new role. I have been working in the field of special education for more than 15 years. My grandma inspired my career path by being an exceptional special education teacher for many years. After graduating from Staunton
High School, I attended SIUE and graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Special Education. I happily taught special education in the Hillsboro school district for 10 years. Teaching is a truly rewarding profession and every single student I ever taught was most definitely one of ‘my kids’. I taught 2nd through 5th grade at the elementary school and I also taught 9-12th graders at the high school. Both age groups brought their own rewards and challenges. I am grateful for the teaching experience I gained prior to being a Program Coordinator. After earning my Master’s Degree in School Administration, I left teaching and started my career as a Program Coordinator. It was definitely difficult for me to leave my students and take this leap, as my students will always have my heart. My favorite part of my job is helping teachers and visiting students in their
classrooms. I don’t smile at work like I do when I get to interact with students. I enjoy
being able to be part of these wonderful school districts that are making students the
priority and developing plans to make them successful. My husband and I are raising
our boys outside of Staunton. I have three boys: Chase, Bryce, and Johnny. Between
our 3 boys and our three dogs, I am always happily busy. In my free time, I greatly enjoy
traveling, camping, spending time with family, and reading.


 

 

 

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Emma Reichert-Campbell
Serving:  All Districts
Email emma.reichert@midstatespec.org

Registered Behavior Technician

Dana White
Serving:  All Districts
Email dana.white@midstatespec.org

 

Business & Clerical

 


Tammy Burney
Business Clerical
217-526-8121 ext. 224
Email tammy.burney@midstatespec.org

BIO

I have been with Mid-State for over 28 years.  My roles have changed as we have grown and consolidated over the years but thankful to be here.  I worked for Mid-State as a high school senior in 1988, left and returned full time in November 1992.  Currently, my main responsibilities are accounts payable and ordering materials.    My hobbies are relaxing in my spare time, watching or traveling to softball games and being with family.


Liz Holcomb Business Manager
217-556-8121 ext. 221
Email liz.holcomb@midstatespec.org

BIO

Hello, my name is Liz Holcomb and I am the Business Manager at Mid-State Special Education.  I joined the Mid-State team in August 2019.  I worked in County Government for 12 years before making the transition to the wonderful world of Special Education.  I have learned a lot in the time I’ve been here; and, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such kind, caring, and compassionate administrators and staff.  When I’m not at the office, I enjoy spending time with my family, including my three children Cooper, Audrey, and Lucas – who all keep me busy running from one activity to another.  In my spare time you may find me responding to calls with Hillsboro Area Ambulance Service as an EMT.


 


Shera Nail Student Data
217-526-8121 ext. 232
Email shera.nail@midstatespec.org

BIO

Hello, I’m Shera Nail and I began my journey as a Mid-State Special Education employee in November 2017.  I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of helping  those in Special Education. Currently I complete student data entry and enjoy working daily with wonderful teachers and staff for 7 school districts.  I love working in the educational system.  The talents, passions and hobbies of teachers and students alike are infectious.  I am honored to be a part of this process with all I serve.


Kristy Pfalzgraf Executive Student Data
217-526-8121 ext. 230
Email kristy.pfalzgraf@midstatespec.org

BIO

Hello, my name is Kristy Pfalzgraf, I joined Mid-State Special Education in January 2024.  My current job responsibilities are completing student data entry.  Previously I worked in healthcare for Macoupin Family Practice Centers for 15 years before being given this opportunity to start an exciting new chapter in the world of Special Education.  When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling and reading.


Ingrid Watkins Executive Secretary
217-526-8121 ext. 233
Email ingrid.watkins@midstatespec.org

BIO

In 1999 I graduated from Colorado Christian University with B.A. in communications and began working in the banking industry while obtaining my M.B.A. from Rockhurst University in Kansas City. After some time in banking I transitioned into the medical industry. When I moved to Illinois in 2012, I started working for HSHS Medical group and was with them for over 8 years. I joined Mid-State Special Education in July 2021 and my responsibilities included student data entry. I’m glad I can help process the needed paperwork so teachers can spend more time investing in their students. My goal is to serve those in Special Education so they can maximize all the opportunities available to them. When not at work I spend time with my husband Curt and our two kids. I also lead the children’s ministry at Southside Church in Litchfield. As a Kansas City native I’m a loyal fan of the Chiefs, Royals, and Mizzou.


 

Program Coordinators

 

Brandy Buske
Serving: Hillsboro
Email brandy.buske@midstatespec.org

BIO

Growing up with a sibling who had Battens disease led me to the field of special education. I wanted nothing more than to ensure student’s time learning in school was a joyful experience and to work closely with their families to provide as much support as possible. I am so grateful for all the students, families, and educational communities I have been blessed to serve. Throughout my many years in the field of special education I have worked as a paraprofessional, special education teacher, a behavioral specialist, and as a special education administrator. I earned my B.S. in 1998, a M.S. in 2007, and participated in additional post graduate courses that have led to additional areas of licensure. I continue to enjoy participating in course work, professional development activities, and reading special education journals and books.  All these years later I still firmly believe all students should be educated in the least restrictive environment, learning should be a joyful experience, and when all members of the students educational team work together great things happen for students. My home is in a small rural community where my husband, Gary, and I have enjoyed watching our son, Noah, grow up. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, cooking, and crafting.


 

Barb Daugherty
Serving: Brownstown, Mulberry Grove, Ramsey, St. Elmo
Email barb.daugherty@midstatespec.org

BIO

I have spent 11 years working as an advocate for students, families and school districts as a school social worker, SASS counselor and psychosocial rehabilitation.  In addition, I have 10 years of experience as an instructional leader, clinical leader and regional director of operations for 3 therapeutic day treatment schools.  In May of 2021, I completed my Educational Leadership Doctoral Degree through SIUE.  I also have my superintendents certification and of course my school social work certification.  My professional goal is to stay up to date on innovative programs and to collaborate often to support ALL students, families and their teachers so they have the resources they need to be successful in school and in the community.  My personal interests include camping, boating, hunting and spending time with my husband and my two children while chauffeuring them to all their sporting events (softball, track, wrestling and football).


 

Amy Knodle
Serving: Edinburg, Panhandle, South Fork
Email amy.knodle@midstatespec.org

BIO

Follow your passion, and it will lead you to your purpose. Education has been my purpose for the past 30 years working as a special education teacher and teaching/co-teaching English for all students. I earned my B.S. (Special Education) from Greenville College, M.S. (Instructional Technology) at SIUE, and my second M.S. (Administration) from EIU. These experiences have led me to become a Program Coordinator at MSSE to continue supporting students and the individuals dedicated to these students. Throughout the years, my husband, Todd, has fully supported me along with my children who I adore! Todd is the owner of Knodle Farms Incorporated (the family farm) in rural Fillmore. In my spare time, I often become the “hired wife” when help is needed. My oldest daughter, Katie, is a Nurse Practitioner and is married to Austin Wollerman. They have given me two wonderful grandkids, Adeline and Hudson. My middle child, Lacey, is an Account Manager at AcuFast (swine genetics) and is married to Ryan Schumacher. My youngest, Ethan, recently graduated with a degree in Precision Ag and will be a part of Knodle Farms Incorporated using his degree on the farm and helping other local farmers. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, camping with my close friends, and playing with the grandkids. 


Danley Killam
Serving: Carlinville
Email killamd@cusd1.com

 

 

 

Keri Buescher
Serving: Vandalia
Email kbuescher@vandals203.org

 

Terry Swalley
Serving: Bond County
Email tswalley@bccu2.org

 

 

Randi Riemann 1

Randi Riemann
Serving: Morrisonville
Email rriemann@ga.mohawks.net

BIO

 


Dawn Theivagt
Serving: Litchfield
Email dawn.theivagt@midstatespec.org

BIO

Hi! My name is Dawn Theivagt. I am a Program Coordinator, serving the Litchfield School District. I began my career with Mid-State Special Education as a team member in July of 2019 after serving 12 years in another district. I am passionate about my work and enjoy seeing kids learn new things and make improvements.  My husband and I have four daughters, who we enjoy spending time with. We refer to ourselves as “fixer-uppers.” We seem to always have a project in the works. We also enjoy doing things outside. Our favorite things to do are traveling, camping, boating and side-by-side riding.


 

School Psychologists

 

Lucas Altenberger
Serving: Litchfield
Email laltenberger@litchfieldpanthers.org

BIO

I am a new school psychologist serving the Litchfield school district. I attended SIUE for my bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist degrees. While obtaining my specialist degree, I completed my internship in the Hillsboro school district (my home town!) under the guidance of fellow psychologist Amanda Cunningham. I feel very blessed to have stayed with Mid-State across my internship and going into my career. It has certainly made the transition from student to professional much smoother! It was very eye-opening to graduate in the midst of a pandemic and start my career that way too! Most recently, I obtained my national certification (NCSP). In my free time, I enjoy sketching/drawing, watching TV series, working out, and playing video games. It may interest you to know that I am a dual citizen of both the United States and Brazil (where my mom and her side of the family is from). We typically go there as a family every few years. I love spending Christmas and New Year’s on the beach! My favorite aspect of being a school psychologist is being able to share with parents their student’s strengths and capitalizing on those strengths. Because we typically assess students who often are achieving lower academically, it is always heartening to be able to share one or two areas where the student is making great strides- even if it is not academically!


Kassandra Charles
Serving: Edinburg, Morrisonville, Panhandle, South Fork
Email kcharles@panhandleschools.com

BIO

Hello, my name is Kassandra Charles, and I am a third-year school psychologist in the Panhandle, South-Fork, Edinburg, and Morrisonville school districts. I am proud to be with the Mid-State team as our members are dedicated, kind, and knowledgeable. I grew up in and currently live in Pawnee where my husband teaches history. I earned my bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist degrees at Eastern Illinois University. In the last year, I have become a mother to my son, Brecken, which is my favorite role in life. He is a joy, and it has been wonderful watching him grow and learn. My favorite aspects of being a school psychologist are getting to know and work with the students and serving as a child advocate. I am blessed to work in the tight-knit communities that I do.


 


Amanda Cunningham
Serving: Hillsboro
Email acunningham@hillsboroschools.net

BIO

Hello!  My name is Amanda Cunningham.  I have been a part of Mid-State Special Education in the role of School Psychologist since 2006.  I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Greenville College, now Greenville University.  I also have a Master’s in Clinical Child Psychology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and a Specialist degree in School Psychology from SIUE as well.  In addition, I recently obtained my Principal endorsement through SIUE.  Currently, I serve the Hillsboro School District as their School Psychologist.  I enjoy working with all age levels, watching students grow and develop, and love serving on various committees for the district and within the community.  I have a passion for social/emotional development and mental health awareness, as well as providing the best possible academic resources and instruction for students.  For this reason, I serve on the district Social/Emotional Learning committee, am heavily involved in the Response to Intervention process at the elementary level, and have a key role in the implementation of mental health programs at the junior high and high school level.  I serve as the chair of the David A. Imler Youth Assessment Project which is a collaboration between the Hillsboro School District, Hillsboro Area Hospital, and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Population Science and Policy Department.  This committee’s work has brought projects such as Sources of Strength and the Blues program to our high school and junior high, as well as the potential to expand beyond just the Hillsboro School District.  It is an exciting and beneficial collaboration that I feel blessed to be a part of!

 

Personally, I am married to Ben Cunningham, a teacher in the Hillsboro School District, and we have three children, Mitchell, Jackson, and Kate.  They are very active and we enjoy watching them participate in sports and music activities.  We also co-own a business in Hillsboro, Hilltop Elite Academy of Tumbling & Trampoline, Inc. (HEAT).  It is a gym with typically 200+ students where we teach tumbling, trampoline, and double mini.  We enjoy providing this opportunity to students in our community and surrounding areas.  It keeps us busy in the evenings but we love teaching our athletes!  I am also heavily involved in my church, Hillsboro Free Methodist Church.  I lead the children’s Christmas program every year, help run Vacation Bible School each summer, assist with children’s church, serve on both the children’s and adult discipleship teams, and participate in the church’s annual Christmas musical each year.  Needless to say, I enjoy being busy and love making a contribution to my community!


Kristy Haston
Serving: Bond County
Email khaston@bccu2.org

Tricia Kelley
Serving: Carlinville
Email kelleyt@cusd1.com

BIO

I began my career as a School Psychologist with Mid-State Special Education in 1998 and have enjoyed working for the organization ever since.  The first 21 years of my career were spent working primarily in Litchfield School District, as well as some time working at the elementary level in Panhandle School District, before transferring to Carlinville School District where I am currently assigned.  In 2007, I achieved my national certification to become a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.  I am the recipient of the 2004 Illinois School Psychologists Association Ted Smith Memorial Practitioner of the Year Award and the 2004 Illinois School Psychologists Association Practitioner of the Year Region 05 Award.  I was also recognized through Mid-State Special Education in 2013 as a recipient of the You Make the Difference Award.  As I approach my 25th year working as a school psychologist, my passion for the field of school psychology endures, as does my desire and drive to advocate on behalf of all children.


 

Meg Marquardt
Serving: Vandalia
Email mmarquardt@vandals203.org

BIO

I have been working as a school psychologist with Mid-State Special Education for almost 30 years.  I received my bachelor’s degree from Millikin University and my master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University.  I have had the opportunity to serve several school districts in my earlier years, but the bulk of my career has been serving in my hometown of Vandalia, IL.   I have enjoyed working with a variety of knowledgeable and caring professionals while working with students between the ages of three to twenty-one.  It has been rewarding as a professional to be a part of the evaluation and decision process for determining the appropriate educational services to meet the needs of the children we serve.  In addition to being a school psychologist, I enjoyed coaching the girl’s junior high and high school basketball teams for almost 20 years.  Outside of the school setting, I reside in Vandalia with my husband Todd and have two children.  In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, boating, and sports activities.


Lisa Murfee
Serving: Brownstown, Mulberry Grove, Ramsey, St. Elmo
Email lmurfee@ramseycusd.org

Amy Toberman
Serving: Bond and Ramsey
Email atoberman@bccu2.org

BIO

My name is Amy Toberman, and I am a PsyD School Psychologist Intern in the Greenville and Mulberry Grove School Districts. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from MacMurray College and my Master’s Degree from The Chicago School. I am currently working on finishing my PsyD in School Psychology from Capella University. I currently reside in Taylorville with my fiancé, Bryce, and our two children, Jaxtyn and Addie Rose. I absolutely love working with children and am super excited for this new journey with Mid-State.


 

Kristen White
Serving: Hillsboro
Email kwhite@hillsboroschools.com

BIO

Hi! My name is Kristen White and I’m a 2013 graduate of Hillsboro School District. I went on to complete my Bachelor’s degree in Developmental Psychology from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2017. After spending some time teaching preschool in the Saint Louis area, I  received my Master’s of Education in Educational Psychology in 2022 and will complete my Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology in 2024 from University of Missouri Saint Louis. In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, finding a new TV series to jump into, spending time with friends and family, and cooking. I currently reside in Edwardsville with my partner, Aaron, and two cats, Frankie and Roma. I’m so excited to return to my hometown district and give back to the school that built me!


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School Social Workers

 

Karen Bennett
Serving: Vandalia
Email kbennett@vandals203.org

Lynn Cina
Serving: Morrisonville, Panhandle
Email lynn.cina@midstatespec.org

BIO

 


 

Rick Cina
Serving: Hillsboro
Email rcina@hillsboroschools.net

BIO

I have been working as a school social worker for 25+ years in the Hillsboro School District. I received both my Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work from Taylor University (1993) and Washington University (1995), respectively. In addition to providing individual and group counseling to K-12 students, completing behavioral rating scales and interviewing parents for Social Developmental Studies, I provide bi-monthly social skills lessons in all Pre-K to 2nd grade classrooms. I have incorporated ventriloquism in these lessons for the last 12 years. Since 2008 my wife and I have adopted 4 foster children in addition to our 3 natural children. My interests include woodworking (antique furniture), home restoration, and watching the Green Bay Packers.


Megan Harley
Serving: Bond County
Email mharley@bccu2.org

BIO

My name is Megan Harley.  I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, as well as, a School Social Work certification.  In addition, I recently obtained my Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Credential through the Illinois Association of Infant Mental Health.  Currently, I serve the Bond County School District #2 as a School Social Worker.  I work with children from Pre-K through 5th Grade, but have worked alongside all ages in my professional career.  My goal is to promote social emotional well-being within our classrooms and homes. I love working alongside my dedicated team to increase tiered supports within our district.  I have worked within the social worker field for nearly 15 years through crisis care, early child programs, home visiting programs, and foster care. I strive to be an advocate for children and families. I have four children under the age of eight.  They enjoy many extra-curricular activities, currently; horseback riding, piano, basketball, scouts, and baseball.  As a family we enjoy going on “adventures,” exploring fun activities, and vacations.


 

Patricia Redpath
Serving: Edinburg
Email pattie.redpath@midstatespec.org

Nancy Roasio
Serving: Litchfield
Email nroasio@litchfieldpanthers.org

 

Jessica Ryan
Serving: Carlinville
Email ryanj@cusd1.com

Sarah Turner
Serving: Edinburg, South Fork
Email sarah.turner@midstatespec.org

 

Scarlett Vanzo
Serving: Brownstown, Mulberry Grove, Ramsey, St. Elmo
Email sjameson@ramseycusd.org

BIO

I have been a School Social Worker with Mid-State Special Education for 5 years.  I serve several school districts throughout Fayette and Bond Counties.  I enjoy working with many different staff and students on a regular basis.  Prior to working in this position, I worked with at risk students in an alternative school.  I also have experience working as a transitional living counselor and runaway and homeless youth liason.    I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from SIU-C.  I also have a Master’s Degree in School Social Work from U of I.  I recently obtained my Master’s in Educational Leadership from EIU.  My husband and I have a two year old little girl.  We love going on trips, visiting grandmas and grandpas and camping.


 

 

 

Speech-Language Pathologists

 

Velvet Balmer
Serving: Morrisonville and Litchfield
Email vbalmer@ga.mohawks.net

BIO

Hello. My name is Velvet Balmer. I began my career in speech language pathology following graduation with my Master of Arts degree in 1989 from SIUE. I began working within the schools, then hospital, rehabilitation, long term care and home health environments. I have been fortunate to work in diverse settings with a wide variety of individuals from infancy through geriatrics. My primary goal is to prepare students for their future in whatever way best meets their needs. I currently serve students in the Morrisonville and Litchfield school districts. As a small town “speech teacher”, I work with children who have difficulty producing speech sounds, are unable to speak, struggle with language skills, stuttering challenges, hearing impairments, social skills impairments and more.
I grew up in Montgomery County and returned to live in the area in 2001. I have two children who are my joy and who have inspired me to be a better teacher. My daughter is a paraprofessional who works with special education students. My son has autism and has taught me so much from the viewpoint of a child with special needs. I have also learned much about the educational experience from the viewpoint of a parent. I spend my free time enjoying the company of friends and family. I like playing word games, cooking, and listening to music. I also enjoy researching and developing materials to benefit my students and other children with speech and language impairments.


Kelly Behme
Serving: Carlinville
Email behmek@cusd1.com

Andrea Hughes
Serving: Edinburg, South Fork
Email andrea.cartright@midstatespec.org

BIO

I am a licensed speech-language pathologist. I received my bachelor’s degree at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville in 2017 and my master’s degree at Eastern Illinois University in 2019. Following graduation, I completed my clinical fellowship at an Elementary School during the 2020 COVID pandemic. I currently serve the Edinburg and South Fork school districts. Being an SLP is my favorite thing to do and it is so rewarding to watch my students say their targeted sound for the very first time.  

My boyfriend and I just moved to the area within the last year with our two dogs, Beau and Layla. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, watching movies, shooting pool, and playing with my dogs.  


 

 

Chris Harms
Serving: Litchfield
Email charms@litchfieldpanthers.org

 

Breanna Henson
Serving: Beckemeyer, JD Colt
Email breeanna.henson@midstatespec.org

Brianna Herschelman
Serving: Litchfield
Email bherschelman@litchfieldpanthers.org

 

 

Lorinda Jennings
Serving: Hillsboro
Email ljennings@hillsboroschools.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lynette Milner
Serving: Litchfield
Email lmilner@litchfieldpanthers.org

BIO

Lynnette Milner M.S., CCC/SLP-L 

 

Teaching students to communicate has been my passion for the last 30 plus years.  I have worked with Pre-Schoolers through 5th grade during my school career.  I ALWAYS learn something new from “my kids” every year!  I am currently a Speech Language Pathologist in Litchfield, IL at the Russell and Colt Elementary Schools. 

My husband and I enjoy spending time with our families, especially with our two grandchildren. We are avid St. Louis Cardinal and Illini fans and love to travel to watch games.


Debbie Musgrave
Serving: Hillsboro, Mulberry Grove
Email dmusgrave@hillsboroschools.net

 

 

 

Crystal Schmidt
Serving: Carlinville
Email schmidt@cusd1.com

Kelli Stewart
Serving: Panhandle
Email kstewart@panhandleschools.com

Madi Whittington
Serving: Carlinville
Email: whittinm@cusd1.com

BIO

I am a certified speech-language pathologist of 4 years. I received both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville. Following graduation, I completed my clinical fellowship at Litchfield Sihler Pre-K under the amazing supervision of Mid-State’s very own SLP, Lynette Milner during the 2020 COVID pandemic. From my first year as a school-based SLP completed during a national pandemic to now, I would say my career has been nothing but challenging but oh so rewarding. If anything, it taught me to face challenges head on and that we can get through anything. I now serve upper elementary through high school students at my alma mater, Carlinville school district. I can’t wait to start making a difference in my hometown.

I am married to my husband of 2 years (yes, it was a COVID wedding). We have a beautiful girl named Ruthie Grace and a goldendoodle named Izzy. In my free time, I love spending time with my family, going on walks, and binge watching a new show on Netflix. My favorite thing about being an SLP is that a day at work never feels like work because I am doing what I love.


 

Teachers

Chloe Foppe
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Teacher

Serving: Bond, Brownstown, Mulberry Grove, Ramsey, St. Elmo, Vandalia

Email chloe.foppe@midstatespec.org

BIO

Hello! My name is Chloe Foppe, and I am the Hearing Itinerant for the Bond and Fayette Counties. I have received my Bachelors in Speech and Language Pathology at SIUE and Masters in Deaf Education at Washington University. Before working at Mid-State, I experienced student teaching at the Central Institute for the Deaf, St. Louis Public Schools, and BASSC. I really enjoyed each rotation and learned so much from my experiences. Deaf and hard of hearing students amaze me every day, and I love working with each and every student. I will be targeting skills such as expressive and receptive language, vocabulary, listening, self-advocacy, and troubleshooting devices/technology. I live in Breese, IL, with my husband, Logan. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, going on the lake, and anything that involves being outside.


Michaela Hartley
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Teacher
Serving: Carlinville, Edinburg, Hillsboro, Morrisonville, Panhandle, South Fork

Email michaela.hartley@midstatespec.org

BIO

Hello! My name is Michaela Hartley, and I am the Hearing Itinerant for all 13 Mid-State districts. I love working with D/deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students and their unique needs. You will see me pop into schools to work on specialty skills such as auditory therapy, listening, self-advocacy, language, vocabulary, critical thinking, speechreading, signing, and setting up or troubleshooting hearing technology. No two days are the same! I started with Mid-State Special Education in 2019. Before that, I taught with Peoria School District 150, Sangamon Area Special Education District (SASED), and The Moog Center for Deaf Education. Currently I am working toward my Masters from Illinois State University in Early Intervention for Sensory Disabilities. I live with my husband, Andy, and our puppy-dog, Artemis, in Pawnee, Illinois. In my spare time, I enjoy home improvement projects, baking, and spending time with family.


 

 

Maddie Williams-Kane
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Teacher
Serving: Litchfield
Email mkane@litchfieldpanthers.org

BIO

Hello! My name is Madelynn (Maddie) Williams-Kane. I graduated from Illinois State University where I majored in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Special Education. Before working with Mid-State I student taught with Region 3 Special Education and University High School. My passion for working with students who are Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing began at an early age, as an individual with hearing loss myself. I understand the unique challenges of hearing loss, but also the immense joys of breaking down communication barriers and learning to succeed in a hearing world. As a Deaf & Hard of Hearing Teacher I travel from school to school working with students on auditory training, phonemic awareness, American Sign Language, expressive and receptive language, developing self-advocacy skills, and setting up or trouble shooting hearing technology! I currently live in Carlinville with my husband Will. A few of my other passions include running, cycling, and CrossFit. I am a self-proclaimed, “Fitness and Nutrition Junkie”! I also enjoy teaching and practicing American Sign Language, reading fiction novels, and spending time with friends and family.


April Wilson
Visually Impaired Teacher

Serving: All Districts

Email awilson@smaseschools.org

BIO

I was raised in the Mississippi Delta as a farmer’s kid. When I was in the 9th grade I decided I wanted to be a Social Worker. My Social Work degree is from Harding University in Searcy, AR. After 10 years of Social Work and lots of “battle scars”, I left SW for teaching in a private school setting. Seven years of teaching a combined class of 3rd and 4th graders was fun and a valuable learning experience. From 1987 to 2004 all my time was in private non-profit Christian agencies/school. From 1995 to 2015 I lived in far south TX (Mission), right on the boarder of Mexico. After all the years in private agencies I had to make a change to prepare for retirement. I believe the Lord opened “perfect” doors. The door that I walked through in 2004 to current is teaching students who are blind or visually impaired. I was able to get an accelerated teaching certification and VI certified in short time through TX Tech. Univ. In 2013 I got my Master’s Degree in Cross-Categorical Special Education.  I worked for a school district of 10,000 plus students for 11 years prior to moving to IL.. IL was not on my radar, but as the Lord does, He opens “perfect” doors. In 2015 I moved to Worden, IL after accepting the TVI position for SMASE (Macoupin County). I have been blessed to work alongside Mid-State schools as a TVI. Teaching students who are VI/blind has never been a job, but a pure blessing. These students have taught me so much about perseverance.

I am single and have no children, but I do have two sweet little puppy dogs. I love the great outdoors and spend as much time outside as possible. Mowing (farming) my yard, walking my dogs, pruning my flowers and trees are my peaceful chores. Church is a huge part of my personal life. I do have some family in Sikeston, MO and enjoy seeing them whenever possible.


Therapist-Occupational & Physical Therapists

 

Amy Ashmore, PTA
Serving: Carlinville, Hillsboro, Litchfield, Panhandle
Email amy.ashmore@midstatespec.org

Carol Babcock, Therakids OTR
Serving: South Fork, Edinburg
Email cbabcock@therakids.org

Ashley Blaknenship, Therakids OTA
Serving: Vandalia
Email ablankenship@therakids.org

 

Maria Dodge, Therakids OTA
Serving: Carlinvlle, Litchfield
Email mdodge@therakids.org

Shelley Doerr, Therakids OTA
Serving: Litchfield
Email sdoerr@therakids.org

Carrie Downs, Therakids PTR
Serving: Farmersville, Greenville (backup), Morrisonville, Pochahontas, Raymond
Email cdowns@therakids.org



Kelli Evans, Therakids PTR
Serving: Bond, Brownstown, Coffeen, Hillsboro, Mulberry Grove, Ramsey, St. Elmo, Vandalia
Email kevans@therakids.org

 Jane Goeken, Therakids PTR
Serving: Edinburg, South Fork
Email jgoeken@therakids.org

Carol Grapperhaus, Therakids OTR
Serving: Vandalia
Email cgrapperhaus@therakids.org



Lauren Hirner, Therakids PTA
Serving: Mulberry Grove, Vandalia
Email lhirner@therakids.org

Beth Hunter, Therakids OTA
Serving: Bond, Brownstown, Mulberry Grove, Ramsey, St. Elmo
Email bhunter@therakids.org

Amy Jones, Therakids OTA
Serving: Coffeen, Hillsboro
Email ajones@therakids.org



Katie Larson, Therakids OTR
Serving: Farmersville, Morrisonville, Raymond
Email alarson@therakids.org

Megan Lilley, Therakids OTA
Serving: Bond, Brownstown, Ramsey, St. Elmo
Email mlilley@therakids.org

Jennifer McDonald, Therakids OTR
Serving: Carlinville, Litchfield
Email jmcdonald@therakids.org

 

Diana Patterson, Therakids OTA
Serving: Bond
Email dpatterson@therakids.org

Amy Paul, Therakids OTA
Serving: Coffeen, Hillsboro, Vandalia
Email apaul@therakids.org

Deanne Perry, Therakids PTR
Serving: Carlinville, Litchfield
Email dperry@therakids.org



Brittany Reynolds, Therakids OTR
Serving: Bond, Brownstown, Coffeen, Hillsboro, Mulberry Gorove, Ramsey, St. Elmo
Email breynolds@therakids.org

Kandy Richardson, Therakids OTA
Serving: Edinburg, South Fork
Email krichardson@therakids.org

Amanda Settles, Therakids OTA
Serving: Edinburg, South Fork
Email asettles@therakids.org

Kathy Wassink, Therakids OTR
Serving: All Districts
Email therakids@hotmail.com

 

 

Transition Specialist



Amanda Fritcher
Serving: Bond, Brownstown, Mulberry Grove, Ramsey, St. Elmo, Vandalia
Email amanda.fritcher@midstatespec.org

BIO

This is my first year working as a Transition Specialist for Mid-State Special Education. I serve Bond and Fayette school districts. I enjoy working with the many different staff and students. Prior to working in this position, I taught at risk students in an alternative school setting as well as taught High School Special Education and Driver’s Ed. In 2015 I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Bethel University in Tennessee.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors. My husband and I have a two-year-old boy that keeps us very busy.


Joan Saatkamp
Serving: Edinburg, Morrisonville, South Fork
Email joan.saatkamp@midstatespec.org

BIO

 



Laura Snyder
Serving: Carlinville, Hillsboro, Litchfield, Panhandle
Email laura.snyder@midstatespec.org

BIO

I have worked for Mid-State Special Education for 25+ years.  I graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1988 with a BS in Special Education and 2009 from University of Illinois- Springfield with a Masters in Teacher Leadership.  I have worked as a special education teacher, vocational coordinator and transition specialist.  I feel blessed to have been a part of the MSSE team my entire career. In my current role as Transition Specialist, I have the pleasure to assist staff, students and parents navigate through the process of transitioning from high school to life after school ends.  I find this job extremely rewarding and appreciate the opportunity to support students with special needs.

 

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband Kendall, four sons, three daughter-in-law’s and new grandson born in July 2022


 

 

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