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Staff/Board/Volunteer Spotlight
At Jamieson Community Center, our staff, board members, and volunteers are dedicated to making a difference in our community. This page highlights the people behind our mission, sharing their stories and the impact they have on those we serve.
Linda Murray
Board Member
Linda’s connection to Jamieson Community Center (JCC) reflects a lifelong commitment to service and a strong belief in supporting the community you call home. She currently serves as President of PEO Chapter LE, where she met Susan Campbell, a former JCC board member. Susan later introduced her to Nancy Mowen, JCC’s Executive Director, which led to her joining the board. Linda was born in Iowa and moved to Monmouth in sixth grade when her father’s job brought the family to the area. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, her career took her to Iowa City and Atlanta before she retired as school district nurse for Knoxville School District. Her professional career as a parish nurse included supporting bereavement and Alzheimer’s support groups, and she also served for many years as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader. Both shaped her deep compassion for children and families. She returned to Monmouth in 2013 and married her husband, Bryan, in 2015. Together, they share a strong commitment to giving back to the community she has always felt connected to. Linda is an active member of First United Methodist Church, which supports JCC throughout the year. Through her PEO Chapter LE involvement, she has volunteered with JCC programs, including packing school supplies, helping with the Community Christmas Store, and, in 2025, wrapping Angel Tree gifts. She speaks passionately about JCC’s outreach and impact, “It is so amazing what JCC does.” Since joining the JCC Board in January 2026, Linda has gained a deeper appreciation for the variety of programs JCC provides. “JCC covers it all, from childcare to seniors,” she shared. She was especially impressed by the newly announced housing program and the thoughtful approach used at the childcare center. Linda also supports A Night at the Races, JCC’s annual fundraiser benefiting the Weekend Meals Program, appreciating how it raises awareness about food security for children while bringing the community together.
Chuck Crandall
Jamieson Community Center
Senior Nutrition Program
Driver
Chuck is a retiree of BNSF railway after 25 years of service. He grew up in Monmouth and is married with three children, four grandchildren, and a great grandchild. From an early age, Chuck was familiar with Jamieson Community Center through the thrift store and senior meals program, remembering it as a place where people helped people. After retiring, Chuck worked as a driver for Axline Pharmacy. When he saw an opening with JCC’s Senior Nutrition Program, he decided to apply and we’re glad he did. Chuck was hired as a driver and has since expanded his role, often filling in with custodial work, deliveries, picking up diapers from Loving Bottoms, and serving as an all-around handyman. He’s always happy to help wherever he’s needed and values staying active. One of his favorite parts of the job is delivering meals. “I really enjoy delivering meals because I like helping people,” Chuck shared. He also explained that for some individuals, the brief visit and conversation can be just as meaningful as the meal itself, and he does his best to balance those moments while making sure everyone is served. In his spare time, Chuck is busy renovating the home he and his wife have lived in for the past 42 years. Thank you, Chuck, for all you do for Jamieson Community Center. We are grateful for you!
Yareli Amador
Monmouth Community Childcare Center
120 S. Sunny Lane
Monmouth, IL 61462
Yareli’s goal in life is simple but powerful—to help people of all ages. Working at the Monmouth Community Childcare Center allows her to do exactly that. She supports any classroom that needs an extra hand and often steps in to cover Lead Teacher breaks, giving her the chance to spend time with children from infancy through school-age every day. She shared, “There is something about walking into a room of children and when they see you, they recognize you and smile.” Her work doesn’t stop in the classroom. Yareli also assists with custodial duties and helps keep the childcare center organized and running smoothly. No task is too small or too big—she approaches every responsibility with dedication. She says she’s excited to work at JCC because she sees how much we care, not just for kids, but for adults as well. When Yareli says she is motivated to help people, she truly lives it. Recently, when a family needed clothing, she didn’t just direct the mother to the thrift store at the Monmouth Resource Center—she drove her there personally and even paid for a few items herself. Yareli has lived in Monmouth since she was 13 and remembers knowing about Jamieson Community Center’s food pantry. Her family turned to it during a time when providing enough food for her and her three siblings was difficult. Today, she’s proud to work for the organization that once supported her own family. She is continually amazed at how many areas JCC programs cover. “It’s not just about food,” she said. “You provide Christmas and school supplies.” We are grateful Yareli has joined our team and brings such generosity, kindness, and heart to everything she does.
Ashley Whipple
Monmouth Community Childcare Center
120 S. Sunny Lane
Monmouth, IL 61462
Lead Teacher
Ashley taught in the preschool room at Monmouth Community Childcare Center when it first opened in June. Since then she has completed her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, and is now is the Lead Teacher in the Infant Room. Earning a CDA requires 120 hours of hands-on training, observation from the Council for Professional Recognition and a final assessment. Ashley achieved this recognition in July 2025. Congratulations, Ashley! Her smile shows just how much she loves her work. While years of experience in other early childhood learning centers have prepared her well, it is her personal experience as a mother that shines through in her nurturing approach. As a Lead Teacher, Ashley ensures the infants follow their feeding and napping routines while also encouraging them to reach milestones through play and activities. She shared, “Putting a toy just out of their reach encourages them to want to crawl toward it.” Ashley enjoys introducing new experiences to the babies. Recently, a light table was added to the infant room. While some little ones were hesitant, others eagerly explored it, especially the rings they could grab and play with. One of Ashley’s most memorable moments was when her own son, Noah, took his first steps. After working with a physical therapist due to a delay in walking, Noah’s first steps were extra special and Ashley was grateful to witness that milestone. We are glad to have Ashley part of our team and can’t wait to see many more milestones she will help create at Monmouth Community Childcare Center.
Anna Brody
Monmouth Community Childcare Center
120 S. Sunny Lane
Monmouth, IL 61462
Director, Childcare
“The first three years of a child’s life are the most crucial for rapid brain development—it's the time that shapes who they become. That’s why early childhood education is so important, and why I’m so passionate about it,” shared Anna Brody, the new Childcare Director at Monmouth Community Childcare Center. Anna brings over a decade of experience in early childhood education, but her heart for children began much earlier. She recalls being just five years old when her family welcomed a baby sister. That desire led to volunteering in the nursery and preschool rooms at her home church, First Church of the Nazarene in Galesburg. Though she initially pursued radiology in college, a job at a daycare center in Kewanee shifted her course. “It felt like I had found my true direction,” Anna said. From there, she went on to hold several roles in childcare centers, building not only her skillset, but lasting connections and powerful insights along the way. One moment still sticks with her: “It was a rainy morning and the kids were restless. I was a new teacher and unsure how to redirect their energy. Then a little girl named Ava looked out the window and said, ‘The rain is dancing.” Anna leaned into the moment, gathering the children to explore what they saw and heard. That simple observation turned into a spontaneous and joy-filled art activity. “That day reminded me how powerful it is to slow down and see the world through a child’s eyes. Now, Anna supports her staff with that same mindset. She’s created lesson plan templates to guide daily activities and encourages a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach—one that values flexibility, curiosity, and discovery. When she learned of the Director opportunity at Monmouth Community Childcare Center, she was thrilled. “I love this space. The layout was designed so thoughtfully—it sets both children and teachers up for success.” She points out how even small design choices, like the direct access each classroom has to its own playground, can make a big impact. “It may seem simple, but it really matters. These details help create a smoother, more nurturing environment for everyone.” As the June 16 grand opening approaches, Anna is filled with excitement and hope. “This center will be a place where children can thrive—and so can teachers. That’s what makes it special.”
Kathleen Lee
Board Member
Kathleen Lee’s journey with Jamieson Community Center began with an invitation from her friend and current Board Member, Robin Scanlan. “Robin asked if I’d be interested in serving on the board,” Kathleen recalls. “Being retired, and knowing the board met every other month, I figured I was now in a position to commit.” Since joining, Kathleen has gained a deeper understanding of JCC’s impact. “I thought I knew what Jamieson Community Center was,” she admits. “But I didn’t have the full picture until serving on the board—and I’m still learning.” For Kathleen, giving back in retirement is a priority. “JCC is one of those organizations that’s vital to the success of our community.” In addition to serving on our fundraising committee Kathleen also stepped up to fill the secretary position vacated by outgoing board member, Rachel Kunkle. “The number of kids, families, and seniors JCC serves continues to grow, while state and federal funding remains uncertain. Raising funds is critical to keep these services going.” We’re grateful for board members like Kathleen who bring their time, energy, and heart to JCC. Together, we can continue meeting growing needs in our community.
Tre Spinks
Monmouth Resource Center
1120A S. Main St.
Monmouth, IL 61462
Resource Coordinator
Meet Tre Spinks, the new Resource Coordinator at Jamieson Community Center! Tre’s journey to this role has been anything but ordinary, shaped by his passion for guiding others and a career path he never expected to follow. Born and raised in Galesburg, IL, Tre's family moved to Texas during his high school years, spending two years in Austin. When he was 21, Tre and his family moved to Corpus Christi. In 2018 his family moved back to Galesburg and he remained in Corpus Christi. He earned a degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminology from Texas A&M University, which led to a role in Child Protective Services, where he worked to ensure children in protective care found safe, permanent homes. This experience opened his eyes to a career in human services—one he hadn’t planned but found deeply fulfilling. His mother, a Nursing Home Administrator, greatly influenced his path. “Not everyone has the same walk of life,” Tre shared. “It helped me realize that caring for people outweighs any thought of becoming rich.” When Tre’s mom saw the Resource Coordinator position at JCC, she encouraged him to apply. Inspired by Nancy’s passion for the organization, he knew JCC was where he wanted to be. In just one month, Tre has made his office in the Monmouth Resource Center a warm and welcoming space. The Resource Center also houses JCC’s food pantry and thrift store, making it a vital hub for the community. Tre continues to explore innovative ways to support individuals and families, guiding them grow and thrive by connecting them to valuable resources. He looks forward to meeting with people to connect them to resources, guiding them grow both individually and as part of the community. Outside of work, Tre enjoys spending time with his 10-year-old Pit Bull/Rottweiler mix, “Pup.” He also values the work-life balance JCC provides, allowing him to make a difference while enjoying personal time. Tre is eager to connect with community members. Stop by the Resource Center and say hello—he’s always ready to listen!