Tod Dillard is the Director of Court Services for the Morgan County Probation Department, a position he has held since 2003. He began his career in Cass County in 1989, where he worked with both juvenile and adult clients, before joining the Morgan County Probation Department as an Adult Probation Officer in 1992. In 2000 Tod became the Chief Probation Officer in Cass County, then returned to Morgan County in 2003 in his current position. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice as well as a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Presently, Todis the Drug Court Coordinator in Morgan County as well as Co-Chair of the local Juvenile Justice Council. Tod has been a member of IPCSA since 1989 and previously served on the Executive Board as the Region III Representative.

Tod enjoys spending time with his three amazing children. His hobbies include racquetball, CrossFit, fishing, and camping; his children’s hobbies include making fun of his hobbies.

Stephen Sells is currently a Supervisor in Kane County; the 16^th Circuit, since 2023.  Stephen completed his undergrad degree at Northern Illinois University in 2002; where he studied criminology and English.  He started his career as a Juvenile Probation Officer in McHenry County in 2002; holding a few different positions in juvenile probation from 2002-2011.  Most notably, Stephen prided himself in being trained and implementing a Victim/Offender Mediation program in McHenry County back in 2008 that brought victims and juvenile offenders together to resolve their issues and restore a sense of community between them.  In 2011, Stephen became a supervisor in the 23^rd Circuit.  In 2011, Stephen also completed his Master’s degree with Webster University in Business Management.  In the 23^rd Circuit, Stephen managed both adult and juvenile probation units.  He helped implement The Effective Caseworks Model, became a trainer of the ARA tool, helped implement Core Correctional Practices, and helped implement multiple federal grant programs.  Stephen is a current and active trainer with AOIC for the ARA and Case Planning modules.  Stephen was certified to train these tools back in 2018.  Stephen has been an active IPCSA member since 2002; consistently being involved in different committees.  From 2015-2023, Stephen either chaired or co-chaired the Supervisor committee; which Stephen helped to bring to the IPCSA.  He did this to both create a supportive/nurturing environment for managers and to help create growth opportunities for managers around the state.  In 2023, Stephen resigned as Chair of the Supervisor Committee to focus more time with the Leadership Committee in their efforts to help create and implement the Leadership Symposium and the Leadership Academy for IPCSA members.  Stephen was elected to the IPCSA Executive Board in October of 2023 as the board’s secretary.

Brian Brown is the Director of Probation and Court Services in Peoria County. As the Director, Brian oversees Pretrial Services, Adult and Juvenile Probation, and the Juvenile Detention Center.

Brian started his career in Court Services in 1999, serving as a Youth Development Specialist until 2003, when he was promoted to Assistant Superintendent. In 2010, he was promoted to Superintendent of the Juvenile Detention Center. In 2013, the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center achieved accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. In 2015, the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center became the first facility in Illinois to complete a Prison Rape Elimination Act audit successfully. Under Brian’s leadership, the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center met or exceeded all standards of care as governed by the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice and the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts.

In 2020, he completed the Department of Justice’s Prison Rape Elimination Act auditor training program. He is also an adjunct professor at Illinois Central College, teaching Juvenile Delinquency theory, practice, and law. Brian earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice sciences from Illinois State University and completed graduate studies in Public Administration from the University of Illinois.  He serves as Treasurer of the Illinois Probation Court Services Association and Chair of the Supreme Court of Illinois Judicial College Committee on Probation Education.

Deborah graduated from Western Illinois University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Social Work. In the same year, she was hired by Lake County Court Services as a Probation Officer in the General Field Unit. Deborah was recognized by the Circuit as the August 2008 Employee of the Month. She is actively involved in numerous committees and workgroups within the department. She joined the Internship Committee and helped restructure the program into what it is today. In addition, she serves as the primary field recruiter of interns for Lake County AdultProbation. Deborah is very passionate about the field of probation and introducing interns to the field as she was once an intern herself.

In 2003, Deborah joined Illinois Probation and Court Services Association (IPCSA), which is a professional organization whose members consist of probation officers and other professionals throughout the state of Illinois. Deborah started out as a member of the Substance Abuse Committee and later became co-chair of the committee. In 2010, Deborah was awarded the S. William Ettinger Award for her dedication and service to IPCSA and the profession of probation. In 2013, she joined and remains on the executive board as Representative Chair which serves as the liaison between all IPCSA committees and the executive board. Deborah believes that we can not change what we have experienced but we can change the effects of those experiences to promote positive growth.

My name is Carla Stalnaker and I currently hold the position of President-Elect on the Executive Board of IPCSA.
I have been employed as a Probation Officer in Clinton County since 1999. In February 2021, I was promoted to Chief Probation Officer in Clinton County. I have supervised all types of juvenile cases. I have also supervised specific adult cases for adults with disabilities. Since becoming CMO I have expanded my horizons into the adult probation, pre-trial, and PSC worlds. This has been an exciting journey for me. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a specialization in adolescents from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. During my time in probation, I have served on many committees. I served as Gatekeeper for the LAN 7 Wraparound Committee, as a member of the Clinton County Mental Health Coalition, and as Chairperson of the Clinton County Wellness Committee. In 2016, I played a key role in
designing and implementing a Pre-Trial Assessment Program in Clinton and Marion Counties. I have presented throughout the state on topics such as Pre-Trial Assessments, developing and writing Social History Reports, and Trauma-Informed Care. I have presented to Probation Departments, Educators, Police Officers, Health Departments, and Social Workers. In 2018, I became SAMSHA certified as a Trauma-Informed Care Trainer. I have served on the Fourth Judicial Circuit Juvenile Justice Council since 2014.

I have been an active member of IPCSA since 2000. I have always been active in attending conferences and in 2014 I joined the Juvenile Probation Committee and became Co-Chair of that Committee in 2018. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on this Committee and feel we have done great work. Our Committee has worked diligently to write Intrastate Standards for Juvenile Offenders, we have expanded Committee membership to include members for all regions of the state, and we have written and proposed legislation regarding juveniles in care. I have twice served on the Planning Committee for the IPCSA Conferences. I have been a presenter at IPCSA Conferences on three occasions. In 2015, I was awarded the IPCSA Robert E. Burdine Officer of the Year Award and the Distinguished Service Award which was an amazing honor. I was elected as the IPCSA Statewide Representative in November 2020 and served in that position until elected President-Elect in June 2021.

With a passion for facilitating positive change within the juvenile legal systems, Melissa Spooner is a dedicated expert in cognitive behavioral interventions, risk assessment, case management and gender responsive programming.

Over the course of 25 years, Melissa has amassed a wealth of experience within Cook County Juvenile Probation and Court Services, undertaking a variety of roles that span the spectrum of responsibilities and encompass interactions with staff at all organizational tiers. Melissa has successfully implemented specialized training curriculum and programs aimed at equipping probation officers and related personnel with the essential tools to address barriers young people face. With this extensive background, Melissa has ascended to a Section Chief Probation Officer which is an Executive-level position within Juvenile Probation. Melissa’s experience spans direct engagement with young individuals in the community, supervising teams responsible for assisting adjudicated youth, implementing specialized programs, alternatives to detention, probation transformation, data, research and policy. Melissa creates opportunities within the juvenile system to build relationships with stakeholders and provide guidance to help youth and families to navigate challenges.

As a seasoned educator, Melissa holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Criminal Justice and a Masters of Art in Administration of Justice. Melissa’s engaging instructional style involves clear communication, dynamic visual aids, and hands-on activities, ensuring participants remain actively involved and eager to learn. Whether face-to-face or online, Melissa prioritizes creating a collaborative and stimulating environment that empowers individuals to grasp new skills effectively while enjoying the process.

My name is Jennifer Crites and I am your Region II Representative on the Executive Board of the Illinois Probation and Court Services Association.

I have been employed by Champaign County Probation and Court Services since 2001 where I currently carry a standard adult caseload. I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology in 1997 from Quincy University.

My membership with IPCSA started in 2001 and I have had the privilege of attending conferences and trainings throughout my career. I have been actively involved with OfficeSafety & Wellness Committee since its establishment in 2012 and a Co-Chair to this Committee since June 2019. As a result of my involvement within the Committee, I was proud to accept the Frank Calkins Award Committee Member of the Year award in October 2016. It has been a very fulfilling experience serving as an IPCSA Committee Co-Chair and as your Region IIRepresentative. I enjoy networking with other colleagues and being a member of the Association has provided a multitude of opportunities. In addition, several great colleagues have helped to enhance my professional expertise as a Probation Officer and offered positive methods to serve our clients; while considering the safety of our community.

My name is Banee’ Ulrici and I am your Region III Representative.  I attended Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville and graduated with a double major in Psychology and Sociology in 1997.  I began my career in Probation in 2000 when I was appointed as a juvenile officer with the Montgomery County Probation Department.  In 2002, I earned my Master’s Degree in Sociology and was appointment as Chief Managing Officer of the Montgomery County Probation Department.  I taught Sociology as an adjunct instructor for Lincoln Land Community College for two years.

I have been a member of IPCSA since 2000, and have served on the Juvenile Research, CMOM, and Detention/JDAI Committees.  I received the William Albertson Field of Achievement Award in 2011.

I hold a leadership role in the Fourth Judicial Circuit’s Juvenile Redeploy Program and Juvenile Detention Data Collection. I currently serve as the secretary for the Fourth Judicial Circuit Juvenile Justice Council, and am a member of the AOIC’s Pretrial and Probation Data Committees.

Bio Coming Soon!

Cheryl graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Consumer Science. She started her career in Probation in 1986 as a Line Officer supervising both juvenile and adult caseloads before being promoted to Director in 1999. Under her leadership, the Effingham County Probation Department has been awarded recognition due to the dedication to youth and families of Effingham County by the Effingham County Youth Commission and awarded the Community Service Excellence Award by the CEFS Economic Opportunity Corporation Board of Directors.

Cheryl currently serves as the Coordinator to one of Illinois’ few multi-county (Effingham, Clay and Jasper) and multi-court (Drug, Mental Health and Veterans) Problem-Solving Court Program. In addition, she serves on a sub-committee to the Illinois Supreme Court’s Committee on Probation Education. Cheryl is a past member of the Illinois Supreme Court Probation PolicyAdvisory Board. She has previously been honored by IPCSA with the Pauline Gansauer Award, the Darrel O. Smith President’s Award the William Albertson Field of Achievement Award and the Michael Rohan Innovative Leadership Award. Cheryl served as the Association’s Region 3 Representative prior to her current position as the Association’s Executive Assistant.

Cheryl resides in Effingham with her husband. Together they enjoy spending time with their children, grandchildren and the family pets.

Bio Coming Soon!