Lisa was able to advance her education while learning different aspects of the organization. Lisa was recently appointed to the Executive role following the retirement of long-time Executive Director, Susan Rauch.

Justine resides in Bethany, Illinois with her husband, Mark. They have one daughter and 2 grandchildren. 

"The Beacon has allowed me to further my career based upon my many years of experience and I am forever grateful! One of the biggest rewards is knowing that we make a difference in the individual's lives that we serve." 

for Community Day Services in 2017, the Director of Community Day Services in 2020, and the current Director of Human Services in 2023. Anna attended Millikin University, completing her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership in 2020.

Anna resides in Sullivan, IL with her husband, Bob, daughter, Daisy & 2 pets, a cat named Cheeto & a turtle named Rocki. In her spare time, Anna enjoys concerts, camping and watching Steelers football. 

"MCB has been my home away from home for over half of my life. The Beacon has supported me in my decision to have a family and continue my education by allowing for a flexible schedule. They offer an excellent benefit package and opportunities for growth. I have made so many friends and have had so much fun over the years that I could not imagine working anywhere else!"

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. 

in the CILAs periodically. During my tenure at the Beacon, I pursued and completed my Bachelor's degree in Human Services. Subsequently, I transitioned into the role of Director of Community Day Services.

I am passionate about my work and the individuals I have the privilege to support. The opportunity to contribute to the well-being and empowerment of those in need is a rewarding and fulfilling aspect of my professional journey.

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.

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.

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.

for the CILA homes.

From 1996 to 2000, Amber worked at the Moultrie County Beacon Inc. serving as an ADSP, and then became a CILA House Manager. In 2001, she began a 9-year-long career as a Tax Advisor/Financial Services Planner. In 2004, a hospice nurse greatly encouraged her to pursue nursing and in 2011, Amber graduated from the Capital Area School of Practical Nursing in Springfield, IL. She has 13+ years of experience in the field which includes: long-term care, geriatrics, clinical, procedural, oncology, and developmental disability nursing.

Amber has resided in Moultrie County her entire life, where she raised her 3 children: Bailey, Moranda, and Ayden, and also has a cat named Romulus Aurelius. She has an appreciation for the arts, and culture, and is a humanitarian. Amber is creative and enjoys painting, crafting, DIV projects, road trips, and vacationing in New Orleans.

Sarah took a break from the Beacon in 2017 but made her way back in 2020 to her current position. Sarah lives in Sullivan, IL with her daughter Dahlia and dog Ginny. In her free time, Sarah likes to crochet, watch movies, and hang out with friends and family.

First, she worked as a Developmental Training Specialist in the Developmental Training Program. Then Debbie worked as a Transportation Assistant and then Director of Transportation for a couple of years. After that, Debbie worked in the Sheltered Workshop as a Workshop Supervisor for 12 years. Debbie started in the Medical Dept. in November of 2023. Debbie has been the Head Coach for Special Olympics at the Beacon from 2002 till now.

In 2014, Debbie went to Lake Land College and earned her Associate Degree in Health Information and Medical Coding, in December 2016. Debbie was born and raised in Decatur, IL. Debbie is married to Mike and they have been married for 43 years. They have one daughter, Amanda who is married to Tyler and they have 3 children. Debbie has lived in Sullivan for the last 9 years and in Lovington before that. She has 2 dogs, Jade and Buddy.

In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, reading, crocheting and attending my grandchildren's Blue Dolphin swimming competitions.

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.

because it's a team effort everywhere. I've been a team player since I was a kid! I've played softball since I was 9 years old and played through college. I moved from the suburbs of Chicago to play softball at Lake Land College and got my associate's degree there! Since college, I've stuck around central Illinois and currently live in Bethany with three dogs a cat, and my fiance. Thanks to the Beacon I was able to afford to buy a house at 23!

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."

Transportation Assistant. Brooklyn aids to ensure safety, comfortability, and efficiency within our transportation services. This provides our individuals with transportation to and from our services, as well as utilizing our programs to better explore our local communities. Brooklyn resides in Sullivan, Illinois with the fiance and son.

"I began my career at the Moultrie County Beacon as a college student working the second shift after class. Today it has blossomed into so much more. Working closely with our individuals has provided me with a happiness I cannot explain. Throughout my career, I have finished school, got engaged, and had a child. These milestones could not have been achieved without our amazing community by my side."