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.

It was there that I first learned the value of compassion, the importance of patience, and the true meaning of a caregiver.

In 2015, I took a significant step forward in my career and became a Registered Nurse. This was a pivotal moment in my life, allowing me to expand my skills, knowledge, and capacity to care for patients. As an RN, I had the privilege of working with a diverse group of individuals, and this only deepened my commitment to the healthcare profession. But my journey didn’t stop there. In addition to my work as a nurse, I also spent four years as an EMT. I later transitioned to working as a dialysis technician.

Now, since February 2025, I am proud to serve as the Director of Medical Services and Registered Nurse Trainer. This new role has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to combine my clinical experience with leadership and mentorship.

Working with our individuals has brought so much joy. There is something so special about helping these individuals live their lives to the fullest, and I've developed a deep respect for their resilience and unique perspectives. I believe everyone deserves the best care possible, and I take pride in making sure these individuals receive the attention and compassion they deserve.

Family is the foundation of my life. I have two wonderful children of my own, and I have five bonus kids. In between my work and my caregiving responsibilities, I cherish spending time with my family. I find joy in crafting with my Cricut, creating personalized gifts. It’s a creative outlet that brings me peace and allows me to unwind.

When I'm not crafting, you’ll often find me playing video games with my boyfriend and kids.

I've also had the privilege of being a caregiver for my parents, which has been both challenging and rewarding. Being there for them in their time of need has given me greater appreciation for the circle of care that exists in families. It has taught me that caregiving is a long journey that requires not just skill, but heart.

Looking back on my career and personal life, I feel incredibly grateful for the experiences that have shaped me. Each chapter, from working as a CAN in nursing homes to becoming an RN and now a Director of Medical Services, has taught me something valuable. I’ve seen firsthand the impact compassionate care can have on people’s lives, and I’m proud to be part of a field that allows me to make a difference every single day.

The individuals we work with are very entertaining with their unique personalities. I grew up in the Bethany area and have been married to my wonderful husband for 25 years. We have 4 children and 8 grandchildren.

enjoying nature, and appreciating "the little things" in life. I love my job, my work family, and the individuals we serve...it has truly been the most rewarding job experience I have had.

They truly feel like family to me. Working at the Beacon has been a truly rewarding experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. I look forward to many more years of growth and success with this amazing organization.

to the Supervisor in 2021. She has been in her current position for several months. As Workshop Supervisor, Michele works directly with the individuals at the sheltered workshop. These individuals work on packaging parts bags and they put together broom handles for local factories. They also work on baling cardboard that the community brings in for recycling. Michele assists the individuals in learning workplace responsibilities and helps them set daily goals in their production. Michele strives to help individuals achieve those goals. She also assists individuals in gaining knowledge to be able to get jobs within the community. Michele also picks up shifts in the CILA when she gets the opportunity.

Michele lives in Sullivan with her boyfriend. She has 2 adult children and 5 grandchildren. She loves spending time with her family, especially going to activities that her grandchildren participate in. Michele is also a coach for Special Olympics and she is very active in encouraging and supporting all of the athletes.

"I absolutely love my job, I have never been employed anywhere that is so rewarding! I have learned so much from the individuals we serve at The Beacon, each individual has a unique personality. They have become my family! My goal is to continue working and growing with the company."

four wheeling, and spending time with family and friends.