Barbara Blakey

Director of Volunteers and Community Relations

Barb began with Dove in 1992 in the RSVP Program. Barb has a B.S. from Eastern Illinois University with a Park and Recreation Administration Degree and came to Decatur in 1980 to work at the Decatur Park District. Barb lives in Decatur with her husband Doug and son, Philip. Their son Adam and his wife Jade live out of state.

Darsonya Switzer

Assistant Director

Darsonya has been involved with the program and the Decatur-Macon County Homeless Council Continuum of Care for more than ten years. Her start began in 1999 as a Case Manager for the program. She currently serves as Chair and has served on several committees throughout her involvement with the Continuum. Her endeavors have allowed her to also worked for Heritage Behavioral Health Center, Decatur-Macon County Opportunities Corporation and Decatur Housing Authority; four of the Continuum of Care's Governing Board agencies. She has her Bachelor's degree in Psychology.

Tamara Wilcox

Executive Director

Tamara Wilcox has been with Dove, Inc. since 1997. She started as Dove’s Finance Specialist and was promoted to Finance Director in 2005, and again in 2016 as Assistant Director. In 2019, she took on the role as Executive Director for Dove, Inc. Tammy has seen many changes at Dove over the last 20 years. Dove has grown from 30 to over 50 employees with a current annual budget of 3.5 million, an impressive increase from 1.7 million in years prior. As a direct result, programming has also expanded and adapted. Dove’s mission statement continues to be at the heart of the services provided to our community. Tammy lives in rural Blue Mound, IL with her husband Lynn and son Wyatt. Her step-daughter Kayla Sheets, son-in-law Cody Wade Sheets and grandchildren, Brooklyn, Brynnan & Emerson reside in Oakley, IL. Tammy is active in her community and enjoys being with her family and friends. She enjoys several outdoor hobbies and loves history.

Liz Mackey

Domestic Violence Program Director

Liz began with Dove in 2018. She comes with a degree in Women’s and Gender Studies from Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, CA. Liz enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Mary Miller

Administrative Assistant

Mary began at Dove in December of 2015. "I am returning to Decatur from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I previously spent 12 years at Heritage Behavior Health working as Administrative Specialist/Support Services. I am very excited that I joined an organization that plays a vital part in the community where the programs and services provided are extremely needed in understanding the needs amongst all people."

Thalassa Peck

Housing Advocate

Thalassa Peck began with Dove Homeward Bound in January 2019. "I love helping out others in my community. I have one son who I loved dearly, who is grown now. I have a fiancé and a beautiful step daughter. I am also a activity director for J.J Mauphin Group Homes. I love to cook, play bingo, shop and go out to eat."

Ashley Garner

Coordinated Entry/Outreach Coordinator

Ashley began at Dove in July of 2010. She has a CNA and Phlebotomy Certificate and was a 2003 Graduate of MacArthur High School. Ashley is the mother of 3 boys!

Daciena Simmons

Children's Specialist

I am a 1993 graduate from Eisenhower High school. I have a BA degree from Ashford University in Education Studies. I am a mother of three and a grandmother of two. I enjoy doing Diamond Painting, sports, and helping others.

Cynthia Thomas

Lead Housing Advocate

Cynthia returned to Dove, Inc. in April 2019, as the Rapid Rehousing Case Manager. "I have held positions at various social service agencies in Decatur such as previously at Dove Inc. for 4 years, DMCOC for 15 years, Decatur Housing Authority for 2 years and Community Investment Corp. of Decatur for 3 years. I also work at CVS pharmacy where I have worked for more than 19 years as a Supervisor. I have 4 adult children and 7 grand-kids. I have been married to my husband Calvin for 34+ years. I enjoy attending church and spending time with my grand-kids in my spare time."

Joseph Vargas

HMIS Administrator

Joseph Vargas is a the HMIS Administrator and has started at Dove in 2020. Vargas has graduated from Millikin University in 2019, receiving a duel degree in Theatre and Spanish. Coming from the city of Chicago to Decatur, Joseph is excited to help out the homeless community and Homeward Bound.

Molly Tenuto

Program Director

Molly began with Dove in April of 2022. However, she is not new to Dove as she used to volunteer in the 1990’s while in high school. Molly has a B.S. from Illinois State University in Human Resource Management and a M.A. from Luther Seminary in Leadership and Innovation in Ministry. Molly lives in Mt. Zion with her husband Steve, their two children, Skyler and Madalynn, and several animals. Molly loves getting to know others and looks forward to meeting you.

Charvelle Dees

DFA Macon County Program Specialist

Charvelle Dees joined Dove, Inc. July 2019. Mother of four and wife to Romano Dees of 20 plus years. Charvelle loves working and helping with children and people in the community. Very happy to be involved and working with a great organization.

Kathy Walters

RSVP Program Specialist

My name is Kathy Walters. I have been married 40 years and have two children: a son and a daughter. They have blessed me with seven grandchildren. I love adventures, road trips with my husband, and seeing new things. I have always been in the field of helping others. As Activity Director for area nursing homes, I was able to work my way to Social Service Director and Marketing and Admissions for Long Term Care Facilities. I received my CNA certificate in 2011. I have been a liaison for many seniors and their families over the years. I began working at Dove in 2018. After completing my 40-hour Domestic Violence Training, I started working as a shelter specialist where I was able to run a support group called Golden Doves for disabled and elderly individuals in domestic violence situations. I’m very proud to be a part of Dove’s mission in helping others. I have over 15 years of experience in the health care field and working with seniors is my passion.

Joyce Kirkland

Client and Family Services Coordinator / Lead Facilitator

Joyce has been a Dove staff member since 2000. She has both Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional and Certified Partner Abuse Intervention Professional credentials. In addition to serving as Lead Trainer, Joyce is the Client and Family Services Coordinator for the Domestic Violence Program, where she supervises and provides children’s services and educational services in the community and schools. Joyce enjoys travel, antiquing, reading, gardening, and her pets. Her favorite activity is spending family time with her husband Ron, son Ryan, daughter-in-law Libby, and her two grandchildren.

Melissa Girardi

Finance Specialist

Melissa started at Dove in February of 2018, starting in direct services and then moving over to office manager and now, as finance specialist. She has a bachelor’s degree from Millikin University in Human Services. "I am blessed to be a part of such a great team and wonderful organization!"

Sandy Laesch

Interim BABES Program Coordinator

Sandy graciously agreed to come out of retirement to get this vital program organized, after being shut down with Covid-19 mandates. Thanks Sandy!

LeAnn Ellis

Neighborhood Services Coordinator

LeAnn began with Dove, Inc. in August 2019 with the Homeward Bound Program, as a Permanent Supportive Housing Advocate. She became the Neighborhood Services Program Coordinator when the program was restarted and the position became available in July of 2021. She is enjoying serving in the community and learning more about the city she grew up in as a collaborative and resourceful place to live and sharing this information with others along the way.

Angie Williams

Christmas Care and Share Coordinator

Angie Williams has been with Dove since 2004, working as the Domestic Violence Administrative Specialist, then as a Community Organizer, then as second shift Shelter Specialist, and now as the Domestic Violence Administrative Coordinator and Christmas Baskets Coordinator. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing and counting down to Christmas.