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. 

 As the Forensic Interviewer and MDT Coordinator, Gayla Raser is dedicated to providing trauma-informed support for children and families affected by abuse.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education with minors in Reading and Special Education.  Gayla brings extensive experience from working in foster care, special education for children, supporting adults with disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries.  These roles have strengthened her skills in building trust, adapting communication to diverse needs, and navigating complex challenges.  In her current role, Gayla conducts sensitive forensic interviews with children alleging abuse and coordinates the multidisciplinary team-including law enforcement, child welfare, prosecution, medical, and advocacy professionals- to ensure coordinated, child-focused responses that promote healing, safety, and justice.  

 Anouska joined Shining Star Children's Advocacy Center in 2026 as a Counselor. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Florida Atlantic University in 2022 and is currently a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Illinois. In her role, Anouska works directly with children and adolescents who are navigating difficult experiences, providing compassionate, trauma-informed support and therapy services, while helping them feel safe, heard, and empowered throughout the healing process. She believes that building trust begins with genuine connection and strives to create a warm, welcoming environment where youth can be themselves. Known for her compassionate nature, quirky personality, and sense of humor, Anouska enjoys bringing a little lightness to difficult moments while supporting children and families with empathy and care 

  President

Charley Boonstra - Lee County

Vice President  

Mike Rock - Ogle County

 Treasurer

Angel Lillpop - Lee County

Ogle County Board Members: 

Ashley Patrick 

Amy Hayden

Traci Mueller

Patrick Janes

Scott Mincemoyer

Lee County Board Members:

Yvette Yarbrough 

Kristina McWethy 

Aaron Simonton 

Amy Johnson

Megan Stinson

Lucas Pauley

Susan Gillespie

MDT Advisory Board:

Shannon Krueger - MERIT

Felicia Lybarger - Lee County Sheriff Office

Pete Pavia - Rochelle Police Dept

Ivory Dejesus  - Lee County DCFS

Maria Gallegos - Ogle County DCFS

Sam Gendusa- Ogle County Sheriff Office

Mike Rock - Ogle County State's Attorney

Charley Boonstra - Lee County State's Attorney

Aaron Simonton - Dixon Police Dept.

Rebecca Flynn - Sauk Valley Police Academy/Polo Police Dept

United Way of Lee County

United Way of Ogle County

YWCA of the Sauk Valley

HOPE of Ogle County 

OSF Saint Katherine Hospital

Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling 

Children's Advocacy Centers of Illinois

National Children's Alliance 

National Children's Advocacy Center's