Meet Our Presenters for Safe Futures!
Don’t forget to register for a FREE inspiring and informative experience at the Safe Futures Child Welfare Conference! We’re bringing together local experts in child welfare, trauma-informed care, law enforcement, healthcare, advocacy and more to provide evidence-based approaches to supporting children affected by trauma, equipping you with the tools to make a lasting impact.
In addition to expert-led sessions, attendees can enjoy a complimentary lunch, connect with local organizations at our resource fair, and earn 6.5 FREE Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
April 10 ┃8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Meet Our Presenters:
Dr. Tanisha L. Knighton is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in providing psychotherapy services to adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Her clinical interest areas are forensics, suicidality/grief/loss, human trafficking, depression, trauma, sexual abuse, sexual offending behaviors, forensic issues, substance use disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), ethics, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Knighton has a passion for working with those affected by missing persons and human trafficking issues. She also enjoys serving those in the BIPOC community that are impacted by suicidality and helping those who identify as LGBTQI+ navigate the complexities that may exist in being their authentic selves.
In addition, to private practice, Dr. Knighton has served as a consultant, designed curricula and presented/led hundreds of seminars and workshops on a variety of topics for federal/state grants and grantees, NGOs, CACs and national conferences. Dr. Knighton has over a two decades of experience working with culturally diverse clients in social service roles and law enforcement roles.
Stephanie has served as the Prevention Advocate for Harbor House since May 2022 and is a Certified Domestic Violence Professional. Her work focuses on youth empowerment by delivering education on teen dating violence and healthy relationships through school presentations and community events. Stephanie collaborates with local organizations on violence prevention and advocates for creating safe futures for the next generation. While completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, she volunteered with the local domestic violence agency during her service as a Resident Assistant, instilling her passion for advocacy and support. Currently, she serves on the board of directors for the Kankakee LGBTQ+ Network, working to foster inclusivity and safety in the community, and participates in the Leadership Academy through the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, further strengthening her leadership in the movement to end domestic violence.
We will be featuring members of Child Network’s MDT discussing their roles within the CAC Model. Speakers include: Erica Erickson (Child Network), Raymond Mosby (DCFS), Sgt. Sean Prophet (Manteno PD), Brook Countant (Saint Mary’s Hospital), Nicole Ginder (Child Network), Amy Anthony (Child Network), Kayla Button (Child Network), Janice Eriks (Clove Alliance), Jennifer Goudreau (Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office), and Emily Wilson (Child Network).
Bridget Bertrand-Essington is a Training and Education Specialist at Clove Alliance where she develops and delivers informative presentations centered around sexual violence prevention. Prior to joining the Clove Team, Bridget was the KCC Criminal Justice / Law Enforcement Program Coordinator. Bridget proudly served with the Illinois State Police for over 27 years with leadership positions locally and in the Chicagoland area.
Matt Hedding-Hess is a licensed professional counselor with Rise & Thrive Wellness in Kankakee, IL. He completed his Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Governors State University in 2021. He specializes in work with the LGBTQ community. Matt has experience in trauma work, sexual violence prevention, and work with adolescents with various presenting problems. Matt also serves as the co-founder and president of the Kankakee Area LGBTQ Network and a board member for Fortitude Community Outreach. Matt is passionate about social justice and creating a community that is better off than we found it. Matt lives in Kankakee with his husband Josh and their son, RJ.
Tyler Kehoe-Reynolds is the Site Lead Home Visitor for the Easterseals Jumpstart Home Visiting Program. She works with families that have children prenatal to the age of three offering parenting education and support. Tyler holds a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University and is currently working on her Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health credential through the Erikson Institute. She is also an adjunct faculty member at KCC in the Early Childhood program.Tyler has previous experience working in a childcare setting as both a teacher and a director. Tyler enjoys her work and has dedicated herself to supporting and empowering the families she comes in contact with.
Elizabeth (Liz) A. Gibson, Regional Manager for Region 32 for Birth to Five Illinois, has 19 years of experience in the public school system and community sector, focusing on Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Her roles have included classroom teacher, District Learning Partner/Coach, Assistant Principal, and Director of Early Childhood Education, with expertise in state and federal grants like Head Start and Preschool for All. Liz actively serves on local and state councils, advocating for parents, students, and families with a servant's heart. She holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and master’s degrees in Curriculum and Instruction and School Improvement Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University. Married to her college sweetheart, Liz has one daughter and enjoys serving in her church nursery, entertaining friends, cooking, and listening to educational podcasts.