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.

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.

Wabash County Representative

White County Representative

After four years in the Coast Guard, David attended Truman State University in Kirksville, MO receiving his bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement and Corrections. He obtained his master’s degree in Criminal Justice Education from Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY in 1979. Following is graduation, David applied and was accepted to the Illinois State Police in March 1979 in Springfield, IL. He started his career as a trooper and was assigned to investigations in January 1985. As an investigator, David’s emphasis was on crimes against children. He also taught how to conduct interviews with children at the Illinois State Police Academy. While in investigations, David was a part time instructor at Southeastern Illinois College teaching Criminal Investigation and Criminal Behavior for 18 years. David retired from the Illinois State Police in 2002 as a sergeant and began a second career as a permanent substitute teacher at the Behavioral Disorder School in Norris City, IL before finally retiring in 2015. After witnessing first hand the devastation and impact our children face after being tormented by physical and/or sexual abuse, I am proud to volunteer my time and experience to this outstanding community outreach program of the Guardian Center. I am very fortunate to be married to a beautiful and loving woman. We are proud of our three children, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Gallatin County Representative

I am the proud principal of Jefferson Attendance Center where we serve the 2nd and 3rd graders of Carmi-White County Unit #5. In my spare time, I also lead the White County Cheering for a Cure non-profit organization where we raise money for local families fighting cancer. My most celebrated roles include being a wife to my husband, Bill, and mom to our four amazing children Banks (15), Brinkley (13), and twin 11 year olds Beckam and Bennett. As a passionate educator who has devoted the last 18 years of my life to serving the students of CWC #5, it is a privilege to work and partner with the Guardian Center to better serve the children of our community and surrounding counties.

White County Representative

Emily is a life long resident of Carmi IL.  She lives in rural Carmi with her husband Ryan and daughter Hadley.  Emily is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a degree in Elementary Education.  She is currently blessed to be a stay at home mom. She is enjoys being active in the White Co. Community through countless White Co. organizations. Emily is proud to join the board of the Guardian Center to help represent the Center in the community, raise awareness of child abuse, promote the services available, and ensure the financial sustainability of the Guardian Center through fundraising and financial management.

White County Representative

I work for the Carmi police Department, and I have since May of 2018. I am currently assigned as one of the school resource officers, and I love being able to interact with the kids throughout the day. My wife says I am just a big kid myself so I fit in well at school. I am married to Destiny Grider, and we have two girls, Riley Kingston and Kennedy Grider. In my free time I like to hunt, fish, hike, shoot, read, and play pickleball. Working through law enforcement has shown me how important the Guardian Center is for our community, and I hope to be able to contribute in any way that will help the children of our community.

Executive Director

Forensic Interviewer

White, Edwards, & Wabash Counties

Advocate Caseworker

Program Assistant

Nicole is a dedicated Child Victim Advocate with over 13 years of experience supporting children and families through some of their most difficult times. In her role, Nicole works closely with multidisciplinary team (MDT) partners to ensure that clients receive comprehensive and compassionate services. She provides families with essential updates and information about their cases and offers support by accompanying them to court proceedings and related appointments.

Outside of her professional work, Nicole enjoys spending quality time with her family, reading, and cooking.

White, Wabash, & Edward Counties

Prevention Specialist

Forensic Interviewer

Alexis Finch is a Forensic Interviewer and Prevention Specialist with over 10 years of experience working with children in various settings. Alexis specializes in mental health and is responsible for presenting Erin’s Law, Faith’s Law and Body Safety to the community. She is committed to being a voice for children, using her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to advocate for child safety. Alexis is inspired daily by nature, art, and new experiences. The Guardian Center is important to Alexis due to it being a safe, neutral place for children to go in the community. In her free time, Alexis likes to hike, craft and play video games.

Program Administrative Assistant

I am a mother of two, Kolson and Emersyn Malone. My husband, Mitchell Malone works in law enforcement right here in White County at the White County Sheriff Department. When I am not at the Guardian Center, I own my own photography business so all my free time is split between that and family time. I enjoy playing corn hole with the family, take small trips to make memories with our children, and capturing lasting memories from behind the lens. Here at the Guardian Center I work behind the scenes, I am the one that greets you at the doors to welcome you into our safe space, as well as sending you newsletters, creating fundraisers, marketing, and helping with anything thrown my way. The Guardian Center is important to me as I feel everyone, no matter the age should have a voice. Making sure the children in our community have a safe place to come with welcoming arms.

I have found that after working for several years in medical transcription, and then in bookkeeping and payroll, it seems that one of my talents is working with words and numbers on the computer. As a pastor’s wife, I also thrive on showing compassion and helpfulness to others, especially children. Therefore, I naturally feel in place as I now work as the Grants Manager at The Guardian Center. It is a blessing to be part of The Guardian Center as they serve our community.

When I'm not at The Guardian Center, I also serve at Hope Pregnancy & Resource Center in Mt Carmel, IL, and I moonlight as a bookkeeper from my home office.

My husband of over 35-years, Brad Garner, and I are from the Mt Carmel area, where we enjoy homesteading on our little 4-acre farm, and building our log home. We also enjoy camping, and we run a woodworking/ slate-burning craft business called “Woodspiration.” We have been very active in church, serving in the past as Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, and now pastoring Friedens Church.

Our daughter, Bree Spencer, runs her own pet grooming business, “Bree’s Barks & Bubbles, LLC” on the homestead. Our son, Logan Garner, also works with children as an Early Intervention Director in North Carolina, and we have one granddaughter, Havilah.

Saline Satellite

Advocate Caseworker

Crawford Satellite

Forensic Interviewer

Prevention Specialist

I love working for the Guardian Center because it gives me a
chance to be a voice for children who have had something traumatic happen in their lives.  All of us know someone who has been impacted by child abuse or people who have never told or gotten the help they needed.  I believe that supporting people and giving them the outlet to talk will help them get through the time of crisis in their lives. 
I have a BS degree from Greenville College in Elementary Education.  I taught 4th grade for a couple of years, but felt like it was time to move in a different direction.  In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, my chickens, writing, genealogy, gardening, walking, watching true crime shows, and spending time with my dog.

Crawford Satellite

Advocate Caseworker

Hi, I am Sabrina Burtch! I love working for The Guardian Center because we help so many children tell their truth. We also are a support system for families in a time of crisis. I have always had a desire to help kids in need. I went to Indiana State University in Terre Haute and graduated with my BS degree in Early Childhood Education. I taught for a few years but felt like I was not fulfilling my true calling, then I stumbled across The Guardian Center and it has forever changed my life! I am so happy to help those who need our services and support! 

I am married to my wonderful husband, Brayden. We have two fur babies, Titan and Winnie, that keep our lives interesting and so so fun! We love to do any outside activities ranging from STL Cardinal's baseball games, taking the dogs for walks, or just enjoying some fresh air. In my free time I love to clean, do crafts, or watch Friends (my favorite TV show)!

Saline Satellite

Forensic Interviewer

Prevention Specialist

The guardian Center has given me an opportunity to do one of the things that I love to do, and that is talking with children, either in the interview room or in the classroom. Knowing that I may be able to help a child, is the best part of my job. I also enjoy being part of a team, and hopefully part of a solution. Education is important to me, so teaching prevention and helping raise awareness about child abuse in my community is a certainty. My interest include spending time with my children, watching baseball, being creative, spending time outside, or in my small childhood church. I also enjoy cooking, shopping, fashion, flower gardening, and learning. My previous work experience has been in the educational, service, or non-profit setting. I have a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation from the Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. I believe you can learn something from everyone. Just listen!