LCSSU Organization, Administration, and Personnel

 

Our Administrative Board is comprised of the Livingston County School District Superintendents and the Regional Superintendent of Schools:

 

 

Director

Dawn Conway is the Director of Livingston County Special Services Unit. She has a BS and an MS in Education and is certified in the areas of Cognitive Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, Behavior Disorders K-12, Elementary K-9, and Language Arts. She also holds an Administrative certificate with Director of Special Education approval. Dawn serves as a member of the Heart of Illinois Low Incidence Association (HILIA) Professional Development Committee plus the Executive Board. She represents LCSSU as a member of the Youth Commission and Mental Health Board. She is a regional representative on the Executive Board of Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education (IAASE). She is also a member of CEC, ICEC, CASE, and Delta Kappa Gamma.

 

Assistant Director

Rose Smith is the Assistant Director of LCSSU. Her professional experiences include 20 years as a certified classroom teacher in both regular and special education in private, public, and residential school settings. Rose is certified in General Education K-8 and Special Education K-12 with an endorsement in Cognitive Disabilities. She also holds a certificate in Administration with an endorsement of Director Special Education. Rose is a member of the Assistive Technology Coalition and the Truancy Advisory Consultant. She provides consultation in the areas of Section 504, community-based instruction, and assistive technology. She is also the Coordinator for the LCSSU school programs, Chairs the LCSSU Summer Institute Committee and serves as a Program Supervisor.

 

Program Supervisors

Julia Cotter is the Program Supervisor for related services, speech and language, and the early childhood education programs. She is the Coordinator of the Regional Autism Team, Chairs the Local Interagency Council, and Preschool Screening Teams. Julie is currently Co-Chair of the GEM3 Registration Conference Committee for early childhood educators and providers. She has a BS in Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, an MS in Speech and Language Impaired, and holds certification in Elementary Education, Learning Disabilities, Speech and Language Disorders. She is also endorsed in the areas of supervision and Early Childhood Special Education. She co-coordinates the LCSSU web site, sits on the Statewide Transition from 0-3 to School Programs Committee and on the Board of the local CCRRN. Julia also directly supervises the SAILS and SAILS II program.

Thomas Proctor is a Principal of the Livingston County Therapeutic Day Schools: Crossroads, Academy, SAILS I & SAILS II. He co-coordinates the LCSSU website, serves as a behavior interventionist for countywide districts, is a certified Senior Level Crisis Prevention Institute instructor, a member of the Livingston County Career & Technical Education Advisory Committee, and is a coordinator for the school programs technology department. Thom has a Bachelor's degree in Business; along with a Bachelor's degree in Special Education and a Master's in Educational Administration. He holds certification in the areas of Elementary and Secondary Education with endorsements in Learning Disabilities, Behavior Disorders, and Cognitive Disabilities. He also holds an Administrative certificate with an endorsement in Director of Special Education. His experience includes 10 years as a special education teacher in public, non-public, and residential type settings; along with six years of special education administration. Thom is a member of the Council for Exceptional Children, the Illinois Principal Association, the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, and the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education.

Caryl McCoy is a Program Supervisor for the Transition from School to Work Project for all students aged 14 1/2 to 21 years. Caryl works throughout all of the junior high and senior high school programs in the LCSSU co-operative. Caryl is the STEP grant coordinator and Co-chair of the Livingston County Transition Planning Committee. Caryl is a member of the Illinois Association for Career and Technical Education and the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education. She holds both a BA and MS degree in Elementary Education and an MS in Special Education with an endorsement in Administration. Caryl has served as a Principal of a therapeutic day program for students with severe behavior and emotional concerns and has taught in both the general education and special education classroom.

Christina Butterbrodt is a Program Supervisor. She has 11 years experience as an early childhood special education teacher. Tina is a Work Sampling System-Illinois trainer for the State and a member of the GEM Conference Committee. Her education includes a BS in Early Childhood Education and an MS in Educational Administration. She holds a certification as a Learning Behavior Specialist I. Tina is part of the Summer Institute Committee, and offers consultation in the areas of screening and early childhood special education. Tina serves on the iePoint support team, ASPIRE team and as an external RtI coach. She is a member of the Statewide Outcome Committee for Early Childhood.

Clark Reamer is a program supervisor.  He is a 1993 graduate of Western Illinois University with a Bachelor's degree in secondary education and has an LBS I endorsement.  He is a 2008 graduate of Governors State University with a Master's degree in Educational Administration.  He was certified as a CPI instructor in 1998 and currently holds Master associate level recognition. Clark has 11 years of teaching experience and 8 years of administrative experience in general education and special education settings. In addition to helping district school programs, he is part of the iePoint team, the secondary transition team, and the county attendance assistance team.

Support Staff 

Jean Corrigan is our "front line" person at LCSSU. In addition to her responsibility of managing the front desk and as the office receptionist, she prepares and disseminates evaluation assessment reports.

Sandra Pool-Schade assists the Director with all LCSSU Administrative Board meeting materials, correspondence, LCSSU personnel contracts, and newsletters. She also assists the Program Supervisors in the coordination of in-service activities and maintains special education records.

Melinda Eymann serves as the LCSSU bookkeeper. Melinda processes payroll and expense records, maintains the general ledger, and prepares quarterly expenditure reports for federal grants and Medicaid. Preparation of assessment billings to member districts, annual budgets, and federal grants are also part of Melinda's duties. She holds a BS in Business Finance.

Kathy Legner serves as Records Custodian. She maintains the special education files for Livingston County. Kathy also serves as the secretary for the Livingston County Academy. Kathy holds a BA and MS degrees in Music Education and serves as the music teacher for the Livingston County Academy.

Kim Cox is the Preschool Screenings Coordinator for Livingston County. She is a member of the GEM Conference Committee and is Co-Chair of GEM registration. She sits on the Livingston County Local Interagency Council (LCLIC) and is Co-Chair for the LCLIC Picnic for families. Kim has an Associate of Science degree in Nursing and an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education. In addition to her formal education, Kim has also received specialized training in the area of Autism. Kim works directly with the Public Health Department and other local early intervention agencies in providing screenings for children ages birth through five. She also works with a variety of other local agencies, doctor offices, and churches inorder to provide information to families on available early childhood services within Livingston County.

Lori Mecikalski is the front desk receptionist and secretary of the Crossroads School program. Lori has a BS degree in Child Development and Family Life with a minor in Psychology and Art. She is responsible for maintaining records, attendance, billing, and the lunch program for all the LCSSU school programs.

 

Vocational Programming

Caryl McCoy is a Program Supervisor for the Transition from School to Work Project for all students aged 14 1/2 to 21 years. Caryl works throughout all of the junior high and senior high school programs in the LCSSU co-operative. Caryl is the STEP grant coordinator and Co-chair of the Livingston County Transition Planning Committee. Caryl is a member of the Illinois Association for Career and Technical Education and the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education. She holds both a BA and MS degree in Elementary Education and an MS in Special Education with an endorsement in Administration. Caryl has served as a Principal of a therapeutic day program for students with severe behavior and emotional concerns and has taught in both the general education and special education classroom.

Pam Posey provides job development, specialized training, and ongoing support for students with disabilities in Livingston County. Other duties include vocational evaluations and assisting with transition planning and services. She sits on the Livingston County Transition Planning Committee. Pam is a member of Illinois Association for Career and Technical Educators and the Workforce Investment Act local board. She holds a BS in Education and a MS in Special Education.

 

School Social Workers

Kathy Kelly is the school social worker assigned to the LCSSU Crossroads School program. She provides behavioral and crisis intervention, along with counseling services. She holds licensure in this area and is certified by the State of Illinois.

Linda Anderson is a School Social Worker and provides individual and group counseling, teaches social skills, and is part of multi-disciplinary teams assessing children and providing interventions. She is active in encouraging parental involvement and provides consultation to school staff. She has a MS degree in Social Work from Aurora University.

Tanya Bell is a School Social Worker and provides individual and group counseling, teaches social skills, assesses children and provides interventions. She has a background in child welfare. Tanya holds a BS degree in Public Health Education and a MSW in School Social Work.In addition, she works within the LCSSU SAILS I school program.

Kate Fagan-Nelson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in mental health issues and psychotropic medications. She holds an MS in Social Work. Kate conducts assessments for students, provides individual counseling, group therapy, and consultation.

Maureen Hopkins-Drach conducts assessments and provides individual counseling and consultations. She holds a BA degree and a MSW in School Social Work. Maureen is a member of the Illinois Association of School Social Workers.

Jody Norman is a School Social Worker for LCSSU and works directly with the LCSSU Academy school program. She participates on problem-solving teams, conducts assessments, and provides counseling to students. She has a Master's of Social Work Advanced Standing from Aurora University, a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Saint Francis, and an Associate's in Applied Science - Criminal Justice from Joliet Junior College.  She is a member of the Illinois Association of School Social Workers and will complete her supervision for Licensed Clinical Social Worker this spring.

Becky Spencer participates on building-based teams, assessment, and direct services to students. Becky holds an MSW degree in School Social Work and is a licensed by the State of Illinois in School Social Work.

Susan Werner is a School Social Worker for LCSSU. She works within member school district buildings.

Kelly Lenart is a School Social Work intern.

Lauren Nagle is a School Social Work intern.

 

School Psychologists

Melissa Kerber-Long earned a BA in Psychology and a Specialist degree in School Psychology. She is engaged in collaborative consultation with parents, teachers, and staff. She is also involved in ongoing problem-solving, data collection, norm development, individualized assessment, counseling and social skills training. She is a member of the Illinois School Psychologist Association and the National Association of School Psychologists.

Tanya Milanowski is involved in consulting with teachers, principals, parents/guardians, students, and other school personnel. She serves on building-based problem solving teams and provides counseling and in-service training to school personnel. Tanya earned a BS in Sociology/Psychology from Northland College of Wisconsin, and an MS in School Psychology from the University of Wisconsin. She also holds a certificate in Administration. Tanya is a member of the National Association of School Psychologists. 

Sue Peters serves LCSSU as a School Psychologist. She is involved in problem-solving teams, case study evaluations, individual counseling, teacher and parent consultation, and group therapy. She has had involvement with the Illinois Alternative Assessment. She earned a BS in Psychology and Special Education. She also holds a Specialist degree in School Psychology. She is a member of the Illinois School Psychologists Association and the National Association of School Psychologists.

Anna Hickey is a psychologist at LCSSU. She works directly with the Crossroads school program in addition to her other assignments throughout the county. Anna received a Ph.D. in School Psychology from Illinois State University in August 2011 and is now accruing post-doctoral hours toward licensure as a clinical psychologist. She is currently certified as a school psychologist in Illinois and will be pursuing the credential of National Certified School Psychologist. Anna has conducted research on teacher awareness of academic interventions, suicide risk, social skills interventions, and psychosocial functioning of youth with autism spectrum disorders. Anna has a special interest in providing school-based mental health services ranging from universal prevention to more intensive, individualized therapy.

Beth Casper

Ginger Brainard

Jennifer Turnbow

Marjorie Hunnewell

Katie Meyer is a psychologist intern.

Ashley Whittington is a psychologist intern.

 

Occupational Therapy

Christine Stark is a Registered Occupational Therapist.

Tammy Walker is a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant. She is licensed through the State of Illinois.

Faye Clark is a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant. She holds an Associates degree in this area and is licensed in the State of Illinois.

Cheryle Hudelson is a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant. She holds an Associates degree in Applied Science in the area of Occupational Therapy from Illinois Central College. She is licensed through the State of Illinois.

 

Speech Language Therapy

Ellen Horton is a Speech/Language Pathologist for LCSSU. She provides a wide range of therapy services to students with communication needs. Ellen holds a BS in Speech Pathology and a Masters in Communication Disorders. She holds a certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech/Language Hearing Association (ASHA), and is a member of the ASHE Special Interest Division #2: Augmentative Alternative Communication.

Christine Zinn is a Speech Language Therapist Assistant. She has a BS degree from Illinois State University.

Renee Moore is a speech pathologist for LCSSU. She works directly with the SAILS I, Academy and Crossroads school programs She attended Illinois State University and received a Bachelor’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology with a minor in Spanish and later received a Master’s of Science in Speech Language Pathology. She is certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association with a Certificate of Clinical Competence and also holds a Type 73 Illinois teaching certificate as well as an Illinois State License in Speech-Language Pathology. Previous experiences include preschool through 8th grade settings including bilingual therapy, PECS program, children with phonological disorders, children with social development needs, and various language concerns.     

Tiffany Haan

Tonya Boomgarden

Mary Billington

Joan Smeltzer

Cheryl Spires

 

LCSSU SCHOOL PROGRAMS:

Thomas Proctor – Principal

Lori Mecikalski is the front desk receptionist and secretary of the Crossroads School program. Lori has a BS degree in Child Development and Family Life with a minor in Psychology and Art. She is responsible for maintaining records, attendance, billing, and the lunch program for all the LCSSU school programs.

Renee Moore is a speech pathologist for LCSSU. She works directly with the SAILS I, Academy and Crossroads school programs She attended Illinois State University and received a Bachelor’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology with a minor in Spanish and later received a Master’s of Science in Speech Language Pathology. She is certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association with a Certificate of Clinical Competence and also holds a Type 73 Illinois teaching certificate as well as an Illinois State License in Speech-Language Pathology. Previous experiences include preschool through 8th grade settings including bilingual therapy, PECS program, children with phonological disorders, children with social development needs, and various language concerns.

Anna Hickey is a psychologist at LCSSU. She works directly with the Crossroads school program in addition to her other assignments throughout the county. Anna received a Ph.D. in School Psychology from Illinois State University in August 2011 and is now accruing post-doctoral hours toward licensure as a clinical psychologist. She is currently certified as a school psychologist in Illinois and will be pursuing the credential of National Certified School Psychologist. Anna has conducted research on teacher awareness of academic interventions, suicide risk, social skills interventions, and psychosocial functioning of youth with autism spectrum disorders. Anna has a special interest in providing school-based mental health services ranging from universal prevention to more intensive, individualized therapy.

Jody Norman is a School Social Worker for LCSSU and works directly with the LCSSU Academy school program. She participates on problem-solving teams, conducts assessments, and provides counseling to students. She has a Master's of Social Work Advanced Standing from Aurora University, a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Saint Francis, and an Associate's in Applied Science - Criminal Justice from Joliet Junior College.  She is a member of the Illinois Association of School Social Workers and will complete her supervision for Licensed Clinical Social Worker this spring. 

Kathy Kelly is the school social worker assigned to the LCSSU Crossroads school program. She provides behavioral and crisis intervention, along with counseling services. She holds licensure in this area and is certified by the State of Illinois.

 

SAILS I (Strategies for Achieving Independent Lives for Students) Pre-school Program 

Carissa Webster teaches in the SAILS I classroom. She has been a preschool teacher for fifteen years and is in her third year with the SAILS program. She has received specialty training in the areas of Autism, PECS, Advanced PECS, writing Social Stories, Work Sampling and GOLD Assessment. Carissa holds a type 04 certification in Early Childhood along with a Special Education endorsement.

Judy Townsend is a paraprofessional in the SAILS I program. Judy has been working as a paraprofessional in Special Education in Livingston County for 26 years.  Judy has received specialized training in Autism and PECS.

SAILS II (Strategies for Achieving Independent Lives for Students) Elementary Program

Mallory Ploch Mallory Ploch teaches in the SAIL II program. She graduated Cum Laude from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. Mallory holds a learning and behavior specialist type 1 certificate. She passed the State of Illinois Highly Qualified Educators exam in elementary education. She is trained in PECS and Teach Town. Mallory is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from St. Xavier University.

 

Andrea Cuttone joins the SAILS II team as a special education teacher. She graduated from Bradley University in Spring 2010 and studied elementary and special education. She has used ABA therapy for a student during one-on-one tutoring as well as during a summer camp program specifically for students with Autism.

Sharon Schneider is the paraprofessional for the SAILS II program. She has a Bachelors degree in Agricultural Education and has received specialized training in the areas of Autism, Pervasive Development Disorders, and Communication Disorders. Sharon received her LBS1 for 6th-12th grade from Eureka College. She has worked in the SAILS program for 8 years.

Kathy Thyne Kathy is a paraprofessional in the SAILS II program.  She has her Autism training certification and a certificate in American Sign Language.  She has been trained in PECS and has her CPR/AED certification as well.

Sandi Conover Sandi is a paraprofessional in the SAILS II program.  She has taken the Parapro Assessment and has as a paraprofessional for twelve years.

Livingston County Academy Elementary Day School

April Schneeman is a classroom teacher at Livingston County Academy. April holds an MS in Curriculum & Instruction, a BS in Special Education and is certified to teach Learning Disabilities and Emotional Disorders, grades K-12. She holds a teaching certificate in the area of Learning Behavior Specialist I & II.  She is highly qualified in the following subject areas: Elementary Self contained (K – 5), General Math, General Science, Reading, Remedial Math, Remedial Reading, Art, Drama, and Music. April heads the Curriculum Committee and writes grants for the Academy school program.

Natalie Shumaker is the teacher of the primary classroom at The Academy. She graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelors of science in special education. She is a certified as a learning and behavior specialist. She attended the LCSSU Autism Training in June of 2010. Natalie is the Technology Committee Coordinator and is a member of the Curriculum Committee. While this is her 2nd year as a teacher, she has worked with many different classroom programs. These have included a junior high behavioral classroom, a junior high emotional disorder program, a high school resource room, an elementary life skills classroom, and an elementary cross-categorical classroom.

Amy Veselak joins LCSSU as a classroom teacher in the Academy this year. She has a BS in Psychology and a BS in Special Education and is certified to teach Learning Disabilities and Emotional Disorders, grades K-12. She holds a Learning Behavior Specialist I teaching certificate and is highly qualified in several academic areas. Amy serves as the Academy Activity Coordinator. Her previous experience includes work in a residential treatment center for students with severe behavior disorders, and as a paraprofessional in a day school that specialized in treating students with severe behavior disorders.

Jessica Melvin is a paraprofessional at the Livingston County Academy in the upper elementary classroom since 2006. Jessica serves as the LCSSU School Programs Liaison She works closely with all of the school programs to keep an open line of communication flowing. She also assists with keeping student data and student information up to date and on file. She will be continuing her education in the special education field. She came to us with previous experience as a child/family interventionist. She has certificates in business as well as in social work.

Jen Pfeifer is paraprofessional at the Academy. Over the past four years, Jen has worked in both the elementary and junior/senior high school programs. She serves as transportation consultant for LCSSU school programs and serves on the Activity Committee.

Katelyn Harty is a paraprofessional at the Academy. She has an Associates in Arts from Heartland Community College and a Bachelor's in Indiscipline Studies & Human & Educational Services from Illinois State University. Katelyn also holds her substitute teacher certificate and serves as a substitute teacher within the LCSSU school programs.

Crossroads Junior & Senior High Day School 

Diane Cotter is a high school teacher at the Crossroads. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Secondary Education from Southern Illinois University. She is certified as a Learning Behavior Specialist. Diane has worked in the LCSSU school programs for nine years.

Tammy Fairley teaches in the Junior High classroom at Crossroads.  She earned a Bachelor’s Degree and Masters Degree from Illinois State University and is certified to teach Learning Disabilities and Social/Emotional Disorders grades K-12.  She is NCLB Highly Qualified for Elementary Self-Contained grades K-5.  Her experience includes serving as an elementary teacher for the Livingston County Special Services school programs for the past eleven years.

Amy Deany is a teacher for the high school program at Crossroads. She has a BS in Community Health Education from Illinois State University. She worked as the Livingston County Prevention Specialist at IHR for six years prior to receiving her Masters in Special Education. She holds certification as a Learning Behavior Specialist. She has received advanced training in Life Skills programming, drug prevention, and crisis prevention

Jo Lindsay is a substitute teacher and paraprofessional at Crossroads. Jo has a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology. She is currently working on her Master’s Specialist in Education and will graduate in the spring of 2012.

Debbie Clardy has been a paraprofessional in the Crossroads program for eight years. She holds an Associate degree in Microcomputer Applications. In addition to her regular assignment, she is also the Coordinator of the Crossroads Activity Committee and a member of the Fundraiser Committee.

LuAnn Shuler is a paraprofessional at Crossroads. She received and Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science degree and holds Paraprofessional Certification. LuAnn has worked as a paraprofessional at Crossroads for nine years. She serves as the Chairperson of the Crossroads Fundraising Committee and serves on the Activity Committee.

Erin Galloway joins the Crossroads team as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher. She holds Elementary Education certificate along with Learning Behavior Specialist I and Social Science endorsement. She holds a substitute certificate and subs regularly throughout the LCSSU school programs. Erin is also a junior varsity and junior high softball coach and volunteers for tutoring services.

 

 Please refer to Staff Assignments for further information on staff assignments within the LCSSU districts.