Barbara Blakey

Director of Volunteers and Community Relations

Barb began with Dove in 1992 in the RSVP Program.  Barb has a B.S. from Eastern Illinois University with a Park and Recreation Administration Degree and came to Decatur in 1980 to work at the Decatur Park District. Barb lives in Decatur with her husband Doug and son, Philip. Their son Adam and his wife Jade live out of state.   

Teri Ducy

Domestic Violence Program Director

Teri Ducy has been with Dove’s Domestic Violence Program since October 1990 and has been the Director since 1998. She received her Certification as an IL Certified Domestic Violence Professional in 2002.   Teri was married to Bill for almost 25 years until cancer took him in March, 2010.  She has 2 grown sons, Duane and Matt  who are both married which gives her 2 wonderful daughter-in-laws.   Teri also loves being a Grandma.  

Darsonya Switzer

Homeward Bound Program Director

Darsonya has been involved with the program and the Decatur-Macon County Homeless Council Continuum of Care for more than ten years. Her start began in 1999 as a Case Manager for the program. She currently serves as Chair and has served on several committees throughout her involvement with the Continuum. Her endeavors have allowed her to also worked for Heritage Behavioral Health Center, Decatur-Macon County Opportunities Corporation and Decatur Housing Authority; four of the Continuum of Care's  Governing Board agencies. She has her Bachelor's degree in Psychology.

Tamara Wilcox

Executive Director

Tamara has been with Dove since 1998 serving in the finance department, the Finance Director and now as the Executive Director. Married to Lynn Wilcox and resides in Blue Mound.  Tammy is a member of Zion Chapel United Methodist Church.  

Sandy Laesch

Coordinator

My husband and I moved to the Decatur area in 1976 and have raised our family here. For the past 14 years I have worked in the social service field.   I am excited to be the Coordinator of BABES, which is a positive, pro-active program, and benefit for the children in our community.  (Sandy will be retiring the end of the school year and we hope she will have time to volunteer!)

Sattin Schreiner

Community Engagement and Education Coordinator

Sattin joined Dove, Inc. Community Services in June of 2018. As a recent Millikin Graduate, Sattin loves the Decatur community and is thrilled for the opportunity to become more involved! Sattin feels very grateful to work for such a positive and impactful organization.

Mary Miller

Administrative Assistant

Mary began at Dove in December of 2015.  "I am returning to Decatur from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  I previously spent 12 years at Heritage Behavior Health working as Administrative Specialist/Support Services.  I am very excited that I joined an organization that plays a vital part in the community where the programs and services provided are extremely needed in understanding the needs amongst all people."

Thalassa Peck

Case Manager

Thalassa Peck began with Dove Homeward Bound in January 2019.  "I love helping out others in my community. I have one son, that I loved dearly, who is grown now.  I am also a activity director for J.J Mauphin Group Homes.   I love to cook, play bingo, shop and go out to eat."

Hilda Margerum

Client Services Coordinator

Hilda Margerum has been employed with Dove since 2002.  Hilda was born and raised in Decatur attending District 61 Public School.  Hilda lived in Grand Rapids Michigan from 1975-1998 where she attended Davenport Business College. Hilda is a mother of 3 adult children, 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Nicole Turner

Life Skills and Employability Coordinator

Nicole began with Dove in June of 2013.  "I am a mother of 3 wonderful children that keep me busy and motivated to do what I can for the community. I love to read, boxing, and running after my twins. I have a great man that keeps me laughing and is a good father to our children."

Ashley Garner

HMIS Intake Coordinator

Ashley began at Dove in July of 2010.  She has a CNA and Phlebotomy Certificate and was a 2003 Graduate of MacArthur High School. Ashley is the mother of 3 boys!

Kendra Warnsley

Case Manager Lead

I have been employed with Dove since 2011. I am the lead case manager in which provides training for the case managers. I also case manage in the VOCA Program for the Domestic Violence Program  and Human Trafficking as well as the Re Entry Program for offenders.

Daciena Simmons

Children's Specialist

Daciena began with Dove in the fall of 2017.  "I am a mother of three and soon to be a first time grandmother. I am currently in school to receive my Bachelor Degree. I love sports, spending my time with my family, and helping others."

Jalisa McClennon

Coordinated Entry & Outreach Specialist

Jalisa began at Dove in January 2019.  She has a CNA certificate and is studying for her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. "I have two beautiful sons that I spend most of my time with. I enjoy reading, and shopping."

Alex Taylor

Case Manager

Alex began with Dove January 2019 as a Homeless Case Manager.  She graduated from Millikin University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership.  Alex enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her three children.

Kelsey Wolfe

Coordinated Entry/Outreach Specialist

Kelsey began at Dove in December of 2018.  She has been working in the nursing field for 4 years and is currently working to get her RN degree. She has one son with whom she spends most of her time. She enjoys being outdoors in the nice weather.

Nancy Buckles

Case Manager

Nancy began working with Dove in the fall of 2018.  "I am a mother of two great kids, Bella (12) and Timothy (6). Originally born in Mexico, raised in Chicago, I am now a transplant in the city of Decatur. In our house, we love cooking, playing outside, watching movies, and music. My career in this field began because of my love for people, and my husband, who has been working in the field for 6 years. I am very thankful to be a part of this great organization."

Deanna Robinson

Life Skills Specialist

I have been working at Dove since December 2018. I have 3 wonderful children and 2 beautiful grandchildren. In my leisure time I like to play video games and spend quality time with my family in Missouri.

Stefanie Gardner

Case Manager

Stefanie joined the Dove Homeward Bound staff in December of 2018 as a Homeless Case Manager. Stefanie couldn’t be happier with the position and being able to be apart of such a positive and impactful organization. Stefanie has one child, a son that’s always on the go, and keeps her on her toes. In her free time she loves being outside enjoying the great outdoors, and spends a lot of time at her moms cabin down on the river.

Dominique Warnsley

Employability Specialist

Hi! I am Dominique Warnsley and I am the Employability Specialist for Homeward Bound.   I am a father of 2 boys and a graduate from Warrensburg-Latham High School, and i  also went to St.Teresa High School for for 2 years. I went off to Kankakee Community College where I pursued basketball. I’m very involved with the community and Oasis Day Center where I volunteer for help.

Rev. Shane Hartman

MAX Coordinator

My name is Rev. Shane Hartman. I am excited to be the coordinator for the MAX Program and for Warm Neighbors Cool Friends, at Dove.  I am also a pastor at the Mechanicsburg Christian Church, in Mechanicsburg, Il. I am a proud Father of two wonderful kids, Brenden and  Rhiannon. I love Decatur and I hope to make a positive impact upon this town.

Charlie Gillaspie

RSVP Director

Charlie began with Dove in 2012 as the Homeward Bound Employment and Life Skills Educator before being selected as the newest Director for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in the fall of 2013. Charlie attended Millikin University and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership along with a separate Certification in Criminal Justice. Charlie served as the elected Project Manager for her senior Capstone Project helping the Illinois State Academy of Sciences earn more than $6000 to serve their mission.  Charlie has a long volunteer history that has included serving as a Navy Ombudsman and an AARP Tax Preparer. Also, Charlie helps with the Volunteer Organizational League as Co-Chair supporting volunteer managers throughout Macon County. Charlie loves working for such a caring and dedicated organization.

Deb Hoffman

RSVP Coordinator

Deborah came to Dove in the fall of 2017 as the DeWitt County RSVP Coordinator. Deb retired after 25 years from Warner Hospital and Health Services. During her tenure at the hospital Deb was instrumental part of Life Line and had partnered with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program with special projects. She found she was looking for a bit more to do in her community after retirement and was led to Dove, Inc.  Deb is excited to be a part this strong organization helping people. Deb has two grown sons, two grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren that live in Australia.   

Jared Bohland

Client Services Coordinator

Jared Bohland has served with Dove’s Domestic Violence Program since 2016 as the Client Services Coordinator.  Jared also serves as one of two contract trainers for our 44-Hour Domestic Violence Education & Volunteer Training.  He was formerly with Dove’s homeless services program, Homeward Bound, since 2014.  He has a BBA from Belmont University, and in addition to being 44-hour Domestic Violence trained, he completed his IL Certified Domestic Violence Professional Certification in 2016.  He is a first cohort graduate of ICADV’s Leadership Academy.  Jared serves heavily with the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, sitting as co-chair of the Leadership Development Committee, and also sitting on the Operations committee and Leadership Academy Graduates Subcommittee.  He is involved with the Decatur-Macon County Homeless Council Continuum of Care attending meetings on behalf of the shelter, and is an active member of Set Free Macon County on behalf of Dove, Inc. to combat human trafficking.  He is also an active leader for New Vision Urban Ministries sitting as a Deacon, is the creator/men’s minister of Man Up Men’s Ministry at New Vision Church, and is also the young adult minister with his wife of Ignite Young Adult Ministry.  Jared and his wife Katie live here in Decatur with a passion for making this city a better place to live through their careers and their church. 

Sara Ganiere

Financial Specialist

Sara Ganiere began with Dove in February 2017 serving as Finance Specialist.  She married her husband, Eric, in 2000 and they have three children, Blake, Cole and Paige.  Sara enjoys spending time with her children and family and supporting them in their hobbies and interests.  She also stays busy caring for their 2 dogs, 5 cats, 4 ducks, 2 parakeets, and 1 guinea pig.  “I am excited to be part of such a wonderful and helpful organization!”

Melissa Gillis

Dove Office Manager

Melissa started at Dove in February of 2018, starting in direct services and then moving over to the newly created Office Manager position. She has a bachelor’s degree  from Millikin University in Human Services.  "I am excited to be a part of such a great team and wonderful organization!"

Dane Reynolds

Property Specialists

"I started my journey with Dove October of 2017,.  have been in the maintenance field for more than 30 years now. I enjoy the positive impact I have on clients and staff - the most rewarding job I have ever had."

Vernell Robinson

Properties and Inspection Manager

Vernell Robinson  began with Dove in August  2018 serving as Employability Specialist he in October 2018 he accepted the position of Properties and Inspection Manager. Vernell is a graduate of Lincoln College and he also attended Alabama State University where he played football. Vernell also coaches college basketball for Lincoln College.  Vernell  loves to watch sports, movies, read ,travel  and spend time with his family.  He is a diehard Chicago Bears and Bulls fan!!!. “I am excited to be part of such a wonderful and helpful organization!”