By Nancy S. Zimmers, Former President, MOCN Board of Directors

In January 2004, the MOCN Board of Directors named Kathleen Heyworth as executive director (in photo at left ). We are pleased to find someone in Kathleen with both the professional experience and the dedication and compassion so important to this position.

Kathleen has had a distinguished career in the social services here in Springfield. Most recently, she was with the Attention Homes for Youth as executive director (July 2003-January 2004) and assistant director (June 1996-July 2003). She was residential services supervisor and adolescent counselor for the Youth Service Bureau (May 1992-April 1993 and February 1995-June 1996) and a therapist with Lutheran Child and Family Services (April 1 993-February 1995). She also held several positions with the Illinois Department of Revenue before completing her graduate degree (1974-1989). Kathleen has been an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Illinois Springfield, teaching in the psychology department (1992-2000).

Kathleen is a licensed clinical professional counselor. She earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology at Sangamon State University, now University of Illinois at Springfield. She was a graduate assistant for three years while completing her graduate degree. She earned her associate's degree at Springfield College in Illinois.

Make a point to meet Kathleen and share with her your own story of your commitment to the Crisis Nursery. She knows we are blessed with a large and diverse family of friends and supporters and I think she'd like to meet each and everyone of you. We look forward to her leadership as the Crisis Nursery continues to grow and expand.