White County Representative

I was born and raised in Carmi, IL and attended the University of Illinois my Freshman and Sophomore years, then University of Evansville, graduating with a major in Marketing in the College of Business. My husband, Jeff Bohleber, is a CPA and part of the group that started the local company ELASTEC. Our three children received their degrees from University of Illinois. Arthur (34) and his wife, Lesley, now resides in Seattle, Washington. Alex (31) lives in Indianapolis, IN and has a mechanical engineer degree, but works in computer software. Olivia (21) just graduated with a degree in Community Health, and hopes to become a Physician’s Assistant. My life revolves around my children and my church.

White County Representative

I currently am employed as a nurse in the LTC setting. I am 44 years old with 3 children ages 28,25, and 12 and have 2 grandsons Levi and Owen. I attend The Roads church in Norris City, IL where family are members at the present time. I am very involved with the healthcare of my parents and mother-in-law. In my spare time I most enjoy working in my yard and around my house as well as spending time with my family.

Saline County Representative

Hello! My name is Jessica! I am from Harrisburg, Illinois. I’ve been happily married to my best friend for 6 years. We have two beautiful, sassy little girls. I have a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Accounting. I would like to say, I’m honored to work with The Guardian Center. My parents adopted my youngest brother and sister through foster care. Helping children has always had a special place in my heart.

White County Representative

My legal name is Tomi Joyce Ackerman, but I go by T.J. I have lived in Carmi for the past 35+ years. I attended Carmi High School and met my future husband, Doug Ackerman. Doug and I dated while I attended Murray State University. While at MSU, I studied Special Education/Elementary Education. In the spring of '93, I graduated from Murray State University with a BS in Elementary/Special Education. The winter of '93, Doug and I were married. The next year I was hired by Carmi-White County as an aide out at Brownsville School. After being hired, the classroom teacher I worked under had to resign. I was hired to take her place. For the past 29 years, I have been the Primary Teacher at Brownsville School.

Doug and I have twin daughters that just turned 24. After the girls graduated from Murray State University, they moved to Houston.TX. Gracilou works for an art consulting firm and Maggiann is attending Rice University pursuing a Paralegal degree.

When not at work, I love to read, bake and spend time with family and friends. I also have a love of music and when I can, I like to attend concerts.

Wabash County Representative

My name is Ronda Hockgeiger. I live in Mt. Camel, Illinois, and have been married for 36 years to my husband. Together, we have four grown children and seven grandchildren. My hobbies consist of spending time with and traveling with family and friends.

My educational background began with an Early Childhood and Social Services Degree from Wabash Valley College. While raising my children, I owned and operated a licensed daycare home for several years, caring for several children in my community. While attending the University of Southern Indiana, I obtained my BSW and MSW with an emphasis on clinical and school social work. I graduated with my master’s degree in 2012. I began working at the Wabash County Health Department as the Prevention Coordinator, working with local and surrounding communities and health care providers through an Illinois Health Cares Grant concerning the prevention of domestic violence, elderly abuse, and physical and sexual abuse. I also worked in tobacco prevention. I transitioned to WCHD Mental Health Services as a youth and adolescent therapist working with children from all walks of life who experienced ACEs and/or other mental health difficulties. I also worked as an adjunct instructor for Illinois Eastern Community Colleges at Wabash Valley College during this time. In 2020, I became employed full-time at IECC at WVC as the Social Service Program Lead Instructor. and a Psychology and Sociology Instructor.

While in college at USI for my BSW, I was able to be involved and see firsthand the significant and profound work done with clients through the Guardian Center Team. During my BSW and my MSW internship, I worked with District 348 school social workers and children in the schools. Working with and advocating for individuals has been my continuous goal and passion. Currently, I work with and educate students at the college level, often involving topics such as ACEs and mental health, as well as other essential learning subjects. I get to demonstrate and apply advocacy skills while assisting students. I have participated in multiple committees, such as the MDT, Truancy Review Board, Prevention committees/ programs, and my children’s school committees. The Guardian Center holds a special place in my heart for many reasons; one reason is that I have been fortunate enough to have been able to collaborate and participate as a guest, volunteer, and an MDT member through events such as conferences, fundraisers, and collaborative committees since I was a student.

Gallatin County Representative

Megan Ragan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and lifelong resident of Gallatin County. Megan has over a decade of experience working in child and family serving systems and considers it her calling in life to love, support and empower vulnerable people. Throughout her career and in her free time, Megan has worked to make our communities safer and more responsive to the needs of at-risk children and families. Megan has a beautiful family consisting of three wonderful kiddos and her partner of nearly 20 years. Megan is thrilled to serve on The Guardian Center's Board of Directors and is excited to support the vital work of this organization.

Executive Director

Forensic Interviewer

White and Wabash Counties

Advocate Caseworker

Program Assistant

Saline Satellite

Advocate Caseworker

White and Wabash Counties

Forensic Interviewer

Prevention Specialist

Crawford Satellite

Forensic Interviewer

Prevention Specialist

Saline/Gallatin Counties

Forensic Interviewer

Prevention Specialist

Crawford Satellite

Advocate Caseworker