Our Team

Jessica has many years of experience at Shining Star from 2014-2020, as Family Advocate, Forensic Interviewer, and Counselor.  Jessica returned to Shining Star in 2021 as the Executive Director. Jessica holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor.  Jessica's role at Shining Star is to oversee the operations of the agency, as well as work with the multidisciplinary team to ensure cases at Shining Star receive the proper services to help each family.  Jessica is trained in Child First forensic interviewing protocol and conducts child forensic interviews. 

Kindra joined Shining Star in 2021 as the Child Forensic Interviewer.  Kindra holds a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice.  Kindra in trained in Child First Protocol for Child Forensic Interviewing.  Kindra previously worked in corrections, as well as another child advocacy center.  Kindra's role at Shining Star is to conduct age appropriate, non bias, child forensic Interviews with children, adolescents, and teens, ages 3-18 years.  Kindra also works with the multidisciplinary team on child abuse investigations.  

Tracy joined Shining Star in 2020 as the Family Advocate.  Tracy holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology. Tracy previously worked in foster care and investigations at local child welfare agencies.  Tracy's role at Shining Star is to provide support to the families we serve throughout the process, starting from their initial contact with Shining Star.  Tracy provides families updates on their case, refers them for services such as mental health counseling, or other community services, and provides court advocacy to families.  Tracy also works with the multidisciplinary team ensuring clients needs are met. 

Nessa joined Shining Star CAC in 2023. Nessa hold's a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and Psychology.  Nessa is currently a  Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist licensed by the State of Illinois.  Nessa previously worked as a Therapist for Rosecrance in Rockford Public Schools.  Nessa's role at Shining Star CAC is to provide trauma informed mental health services to children, adolescents, and teens.  Nessa facilitates the Shining Star teen girls group, works with the MDT, and provides individual counseling.  Nessa utilizes Play Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and will soon be trained in EMDR.  Nessa also holds a certification as a Therapeutic Game Master which allows clients to bring table top role playing games into therapy practice.  

  President

Lee County Sheriff's Department

 Chief Deputy David Glessner

Vice President  

Lee County State's Attorney Office

Yvette Yarbrough

 Treasurer

Dixon Police Department

Sgt. Matt Richards

Rochelle Police Department

 Chief Eric Higby

Lee County State’s Attorney 

Charley Boonstra

Ogle County Sheriff's Department 

Lt. Brian Ketter

Ogle County State’s Attorney 

Mike Rock

Department of Children and Family Services 

Community Member

Dorothy Bowers

Lee County Health Department 

Angel Lillpop

KSB Hospital 

Dave Schreiner

Community Member

Dionne Horner

UIC College Of Medicine - MERIT

Shannon Krueger

United Way of Lee County

United Way of Ogle County

YWCA of the Sauk Valley

HOPE of Ogle County 

KSB Hospital 

Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling 

Children's Advocacy Centers of Illinois

National Children's Alliance 

National Children's Advocacy Centers