Barbara Blakey

Chief Communications Officer

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 family live out of state.

Darsonya Switzer

Chief Executive Officer

Darsonya was promoted to CEO and began her duties on June 1, 2022. She had been involved with the Homeward Bound 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.

Molly Tenuto

DFA 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.

Sandy Laesch

BABES Program Coordinator - Interim

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

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Director & 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.

Kelsey Probber

Domestic Violence Program Director

Hello! My name is Kelsey Probber I am the new Domestic Violence Program Director. I am new to Dove and to Decatur. I moved from sunny South Florida to join the Dove family and I am so happy to be here! I have a B.S. in Political Science with minors in Civic Leadership and Gender Studies from Indiana State University and a M.A. in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Florida Atlantic University. I have been working in DV services for my whole career, from my internship in graduate school to now in this role. I love working with people from all walks of life and seeing them grow and move to their next phase of life free from violence and abuse. I am a passionate advocate and believe in Dove’s mission to work for justice, equality, and understanding among all people. As a Jewish person, my faith guides my work. In the Talmud, one of our religious texts, it says they who save a life, it is considered as if they saved an entire world. By helping one person change their life for the better, it changes their world. This is what motivates me every day to do this work. I am so excited to serve the survivors at Dove and work to create a safe, warm, empowering environment for all those who need our help. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or would like to chat! I look forward to my future at Dove and learning more about my new community here in Decatur.

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 Lead

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

Life Skills and Children's Services Supervisor

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.

Eunique Smith

Permanent Supportive Housing Advocate

I graduated from Mac Arthur High School in 2013. I started working for Dove Homeward Bound in November 2021. I am happy to be a part of this organization. I enjoy helping people and want to make a difference in the community.

Tyesha Ashford

Permanent Supportive Housing Advocate

My name is Tyesha Ashford I am a Housing Advocate, starting in February of 2023. I have worked and lived in the Decatur community my whole life. I've worked non-profit for over 20 years. I've always had a heart and passion to help others. It feels good to give others a reason to smile, to want to better themselves and just know that there are people who really care about them whole heartedly. I hope that my experience and love for people will help me thrive within the Dove family but also be a blessing to those in need.

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

Macon County Coordinator

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

Education Family Services Supervisor / 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 Education and Family Services Supervisor 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 Administrator

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!"

Becca Gorman

Finance Manager

Hi- my name is Becca Gorman and I am the finance manager here at Dove, Inc., starting in February of 2023. I graduated from Millikin University in May of 2022 with my BS in finance. During my last semester at Millikin I did an internship at Dove, Inc. in the finance department and absolutely fell in love with the organization. I am super excited to be back! I look forward to being able to do something I love and helping people!

Christina Owens

HR Administrator

My name is Tina Owens, I am the Human Resources Administrator, (beginning December 2022) and I am so happy to be a part of the Dove family. I am not completely new to Dove as I was the Children’s Specialist almost 10 years ago and cherished my time spent with the organization. I am a proud Decatur native with a background in human resources and program management with a B.A. in Human Services from Millikin University. I am so proud to work for an organization that truly believes in justice, equality and understanding of all people plus I get to play a role in our mission by supporting our amazing staff and bringing in future staff members that share our values. I look forward to my future with Dove and doing my part to share with the community all that Dove has to offer.