Statewide Transition Community of Practice (online)

Facilitator(s)

• Marlene Christ
  Marlene Christ is the Project Director for STAR NET Region VI. She has extensive experience in early childhood programs and services. Marlene has worked as a school-based speech-language pathologist, diagnostician on an Early Childhood Team; Early Intervention service provider, and supervisor of an Early Intervention program. Marlene also served as supervisor of the speech-language program and assistive technology program at Southwest Cook County Cooperative Association for Special Education and as an educational consultant and trainer for Infinitec. Marlene has a B.A. in Speech, a M.H.S in Communication Disorders and has completed graduate coursework for a School Administrators Certificate.
• Angie Darnell
  No Biography Provided
• Michelle Evans
  Michelle Evans has a wide variety of experience working with children who have special needs. In addition to being a parent of two children with special needs, Michelle is also a Developmental Therapist for Early Intervention. She has an extensive background of working closely with families and coordinating community events. Michelle earned a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Michelle can be reached at mevans@swcccase.orgcreate new email.
• Tareema Jean-Baptiste
  Tareema Jean-Baptiste is a Family Professional Development Resource Specialist with STAR NET Region V. As a fierce advocate for her oldest son, who has special needs, Tareema uses diligence, intelligence, and an untiring drive to make sure he receives everything under the law entitled to him. She is passionate about sharing what she has learned with others, hopefully helping them on their journey. Using her experience in real estate, event management, and her most recent experience as Neighborhood Parents Network’s Programs Manager, Tareema will continue to support and facilitate family programming for STAR NET Region V. Affectionately nicknamed "The Connector" by her friends and family, she is excited to share creative, equitable and inclusive ways for all families to connect throughout the city. Tareema and her family, including her husband and three children, live in Chicago's Hyde Park/Kenwood neighborhood.
• Sheri Kraus
  Sheri Kraus is the Family Resource Specialist with STARnet Region IV. Prior to working with STARnet, she worked as an Educational and Ministry Interpreter for the Deaf. Sheri enjoys working with people and likes to share all she can with families who have children with and without disabilities.
• Gina Musielski
  Gina Musielski is the ECSE Family Professional Development Specialist with STAR NET Region II. For more than 20 years, she has assisted families and professionals with information and resources to support young children with special needs to flourish. Gina is passionate about inclusion, and empowering families to be active participants in their child’s educational planning and learning. As a parent of a child with a developmental disability, she weaves a parent perspective and experience, as well as professional training and knowledge into all of her work. Gina serves on the Illinois Birth-5 Transition Guidance Committee, is a presenter for the Illinois statewide transition training, and regularly provides parent/guardian workshops on understanding special education services and transition from early intervention.
• Roseann Slaght
  Roseann Slaght has worked as a Family Resource Specialist for STARnet for 23 years. Her goals are to embrace inclusive practices, and find ways to support each child in order to develop their full potential, and include parents as partners in the learning process. She is a parent of two adult men with significant disabilities. In her spare time, she is also a licensed Massage Therapist. Rose earned her degree in Child Development.
• Sheila Yates
  Sheila Yates, M. Ed Early Childhood Administration, is an ECSE Family and Professional Development Specialist for STAR NET Regions I and III. She has experience teaching preschool as well as leading teams of early childhood professionals in community-based organizations. Sheila is passionate about providing resources and education to professionals and families on the impact that quality environments and relationships have on young children.