I have had two jobs during my working career, the first was in Urbana Illinois as a machinist operating CNC turning centers, and then the second would be my current job at the Moultrie County Beacon. 

I began work at M.C.B. in August of 1994 as a part-time route driver, I was shortly then hired full-time as what we then called a job coach. I had a crew of individuals that I took south of town to a facility where we sorted recyclables (garbage) glamorous job but we made it fun. 

When our services were no longer needed at that location I was moved to the workshop as a supervisor overseeing the manufacturing of grade stakes. After a brief absence due to an accident it was noticed that I had been also taking care of the maintenance issues at the facility, on my return, I was offered a position as a full-time maintenance person. 

As the agency grew there was a need for more than one person in maintenance so I then had helpers. I am not sure when but during this time our executive director asked me to consider taking on a director's position overseeing the sheltered workshop, maintenance and transportation which is my current position here at the agency. 

During my employment at the Moultrie County Beacon I have been given the latitude to learn many new skills and hone those I already had, (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, manufacturing, and public relations) I even learned how to set up a loom and make rugs from blue jeans. 

I was once asked why you are still working here you could have any job anywhere you want and make more money. Life isn't always about how much you get, it is also about what you can give to help other people. I have made many lifelong friends here and consider everyone here as a family, and that is why I have stayed! 

I finished my schooling in St. Louis, MO obtaining my Bachelor's and Doctorate degrees by 2013. 

I live in Mattoon with my husband, James, and our two boys, Kase and Kruz. I love all animals, road trips, fishing, and listening to music. 

I love the relationships that you build here at the Beacon. From something as small as an individual we serve coming to you for a piece of candy to another coming to just sit in your office and listen to music with you while you work, it puts a smile on my face every day. 

As the Director of Maintenance, Bob is responsible for the coordination of repairs, maintenance, and preventative maintenance programs to ensure compliance with safety regulations and to oversee the maintenance operations of all agency locations.

Bob lives in Sullivan, Illinois with his wife, Anna and daughter, Daisy.  Bob has two adult children and 3 grandchildren.  Bob enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, camping and is an avid Steelers fan.

"Working for individuals with disabilities is very fulfilling and I feel appreciated every day."

I have been working with developmentally disabled individuals for 13 years. I love being able to assist individuals with identifying and achieving their goals and living their best life independently.  One of the biggest rewards of working at the Moultrie County Beacon is being taught by the individuals we serve about living life to its fullest.

Laura attended the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, earning her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education in 1999. She has been a substitute teacher, paraprofessional, and Media Center Specialist in the Charleston School District, as well as a Mentor/Coach in the Early Education program at Lake Land College. Deciding she needed a career shift, she joined Prairieland Service Coordination as an ISC, where she developed relationships with the individuals and employees at the Beacon, leading to a position she now holds in the residential program.

Laura resides in Charleston, IL, with her husband and daughter. Two of their three adult sons are grown and living in Utah, and the third is serving a mission in Japan until June 2027. In her spare time, Laura enjoys traveling to see her boys, hiking, crocheting, and hanging out on the couch watching crime documentaries.

a 16 and 7. I have lived in Moultrie County for most of my life. I love the small-town atmosphere. I also enjoy cleaning, reading books, and avoiding anything nature-related.

spread my wings and try something new. I have always known I have wanted to work with individuals with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. I served as the overnight nurse and respite nurse at Camp New Hope in my off time from Sarah Bush for about a year and a half. I absolutely loved my time at Camp New Hope and knew I wanted to find a similar job that I could do full-time, and that is when I came across The Beacon. 

I am very thankful that The Beacon allowed me to join such an amazing team, and I look forward to what my future at MCB has to offer!