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. 

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  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 EMDR therapy.  Nessa also holds a certification as a Therapeutic Game Master which allows clients to bring table top role playing games into therapy practice.  

  Bailey joined Shining Star in 2025 as our Forensic Interviewer and MDT Coordinator.  Bailey holds two bachelor’s degrees; one is in Psychology with a minor in counseling, the other is in English Language, Literature, and Film. Bailey previously worked as a camp counselor where she received experience working with a wide range of children. Bailey’s role at Shining Star CAC is to conduct forensic interviews with children ages 3-18 and disabled adults, allowing them a safe space to talk about their experiences.  Bailey is trained in Child First Forensic Interviewing protocol.  As our MDT Coordinator Bailey works with a team of professionals from law enforcement, child protection services, and prosecutors providing case management, education, and ensuring all case receive a proper investigation.  

  President

Dixon Police Department

 Deputy Chief Matt Richards

Vice President  

Lee County State's Attorney 

Charley Boonstra

 Treasurer

Lee County Health Department

Angel Lillpop

Ogle County State's Attorney

Mike Rock

Ogle County Sheriff's Department 

Lt. Jason Plumb

Lee County Sheriff

Clay Whelan

Department of Children and Family Services 

Jennifer Hawley

Rochelle Police Department

Chief Pete Pavia

Community Member - Ogle

Ashley Patrick

Community Member - Lee

Yvette Yarbrough

Kristina McWethy

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 Center's