Katlyn Linsley is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at Easterseals Central Illinois. Before becoming a BCBA Katlyn 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 from Ball State University. Katlyn’s brother, who has autism, is the one who first got her interested in her passion of improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. Katlyn lives in Peoria with her husband Ryan and son Dawson.

Paul Berns is Vice President of Johnco Construction, Inc. and a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) through the Construction Management Association of America.  Paul graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2006 from the School of Engineering with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management.  His company is a Union, General Contracting and Construction Management firm building multi-million dollar commercial projects throughout the state.  Previous experience on projects totaling in excess of $2 Billion in Dallas, Baltimore, Kansas City, St. Louis, and New York City includes management of construction of additions at 2 international airports and 3, new Major League Baseball Stadiums.  Paul is father of two sons, with his oldest son diagnosed with Autism in early 2018.  He has developed a strong passion for helping people with disabilities and special needs, while assisting people affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder being his greatest outreach.  In dealing with this diagnosis in his own family, he will remain embedded in this cause and advocate strongly while building awareness for people affected by ASD. He currently resides in Morton with his wife, Marta.

Michelle Brecklin is a busy stay-at-home mom and voting member of CIAA. Michelle’s eldest son was diagnosed with autism in November 2017. She wants to support the cause by raising awareness, supporting other autism families, and encouraging kindness in Central Illinois. Michelle’s passion for the cause and strong community ties will make her a resource to CIAA. Michelle loves spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys the great outdoors (camping, fishing, hiking, etc.), shopping local, cooking/baking, being crafty, working out, coffee, and traveling. Michelle lives in Peoria with her husband Dave, their two boys, and two dogs. 

Brad Davis is a Senior Wealth Advisor with Investment Strategists at Better Banks and has been in the financial services industry since 2008.  Inspired daily by his son Caleb, who was diagnosed with autism in 2017, Brad leads Investment Strategists Special Needs Planning, an area of his firm that serves the unique financial planning needs of individuals with special needs and their families.  Brad is a graduate of Western Illinois University, received the Chartered Special Needs Consultant® (ChSNC®) professional designation from the American College of Financial Services, and is a member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners.  He is an avid speaker on various topics pertaining to special needs planning and serves as a representative on the Woodford County Special Education Association Parental Advisory Council.  Brad and Caleb reside in Germantown Hills.