Executive Board
President
Katlyn Linsley
Katlyn Linsley is a Life Skills Special Education teacher with the Special Education Association of Peoria County (SEAPCO). She currently teaches at Norwood Primary School. Katlyn has taught in the public school system, as well the private, all-special education sector. She has her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis with an Emphasis in Autism at Ball State University. Katlyn’s brother, who has autism, is the one who first got her interested in her passion of Special Education. Katlyn lives in Peoria with her husband Ryan and son Dawson.
Vice President
Erin Faw
Erin has been on the board for 5 years, starting her term in 2012. She is currently a Registered Nurse for Dr. Lindsey Ma at Peoria Women’s Health and has been there for the last 15 years. She has 4 children. Her son, Kayden, was diagnosed with autism in 2011, which sparked her interest in becoming a member of the PRC board. She thanks the PRC for all of the wonderful people she has met throughout her experience and looks forward to continuing to bring awareness and education to people about autism. She currently resides in Bartonville.
Secretary
Holly Swearingian
Holly is a Pediatric Advanced Practice Nurse and currently works as a Pediatric Complex Care Manager for OSF Medical Group. Working with children that have complex or special needs for over 8 years, children and families affected by autism have always had a special place her life. Holly is especially passionate about helping families with resource allocation and promoting autism awareness in the community. She currently lives in Bartonville with her husband, daughter Violet, and two Bernese Mountain Dog/Lab mix “fur babies”.
Treasurer
Alyssa Herman
Alyssa Herman is an Assistant Vice President for PNC Bank, NA where she current serves in the role of Treasury Management Officer for the Central Illinois Region. Alyssa is a graduate of Illinois State University with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Finance in 2007, and a Masters of Business Administration in 2013. In 2015, she earned her Certified Treasury Professional designation. Alyssa is engaged in the community through the Peoria Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership School and the GENeration United organization through the United Way. Alyssa lives in the Peoria ara with her husband, two young children and two dogs.
Past-President
Lisa Gerontes-Bowe
Lisa Gerontes-Bowe has been an autism consultant with the Special Education Association of Peoria County, Peoria, IL for the past 15 years. She has a Masters in Special Education, has taught 14 years as a teacher of Early Childhood Special Education and 15 years in adult education. She is a National Board certified teacher in Early Childhood through Young Adult Special Education and is completing her Behavior Analyst certification. Lisa was the co-founder of the local support group, which became part of the Peoria Regional Chapter for ASA and was one of 25 Women in Leadership for the Central Illinois Area. Lisa serves on many committees including Programs & Services for Easter Seals and the Autism Steering committee for Easter Seals. She helped develop the partnership with Bradley University and SEAPCO that provides “real life” classroom experiences for future special education teachers. Lisa works with colleagues to implement new and innovative ways to teach individuals with autism, is a parent of a 23-year old son with Asperger’s Syndrome and a 20 year old daughter. Lisa is actively involved in community projects that increase awareness about services and the needs of individuals with autism.
Voting Members
Lynda Sharp-Lower
Lynda Sharp-Lower is a graduate of Illinois State University earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology in 1991 and her Master’s Degree in Human Services Counseling in 1997. She is also a 2007 graduate of the Peoria Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership School. She has been in the social service field for 25 years and has been employed by Easter Seals Central Illinois since 2012. Currently, Lynda is an Autism Services Specialist and coordinates the Easter Seals Autism Diagnostic Clinic. Lynda lives in Pekin with her spouse and has 3 children; 2 of which live at home.
Brittiany Stone
Brittiany Stone is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for the Peoria/Bloomington region at Total Spectrum, providing in-home Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism. She has been working in the field for approximately 6 years and has volunteered with special needs organizations for over a decade. In 2015, Brittiany graduated with a Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an Emphasis in Autism from Ball State University, and also holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Bradley University. Brittiany lives in Peoria with her husband, Brian, and two fur-babies, Luna and Yadi.
Members at Large
Kaylie Jurden
Kaylie Jurden resides in Bartonville with her husband, son, daughter and their two dogs. Her interest in joining the board stemmed from her 6 year old son Aiden, who was diagnosed with moderate to severe Autism at age 4. She and her family recently moved back to Illinois after her husband received his honorable discharge for serving 8 years in the United States Army. Once they moved home, they were directed to Easter Seals for speech and occupational therapy services for their son and subsequently Kaylie was introduced to the PRCASA. After attending her first sit-in meeting in July 2016, she immediately knew that she wanted to be a part of this opportunity to help families affected and spread continued awareness for ASD.
Erica Strunk
Erica is the Parent Liaison and LIC Coordinator for the Child and Family Connections of Central Illinois. She provides services, support, and resources for family with children in the Early Intervention program. Erica is an active member of several councils devoted to helping families of children with developmental delays or disabilities, including the Local Interagency Council, the Early Childhood Forum, and the Network. Three years ago, Erica’s daughter was diagnosed with severe autism. Since then, it has been her life’s mission to help children and families affected by autism. Erica and her husband reside in Morton with their three kids.