Staff

I am Gretchen Bailey, currently my role is the Doula Supervisor for the ECHO Family Enrichment Program. I have been employed at ECHO for 8 years and have held many leadership roles and family support. Prior to joining FEP, my responsibilities were as an early childhood educator for over 15 years. In addition, my grant-writing expertise has funded many school-based programs. It provided me with the privilege to design educational programs at FEP that serve many families and children with education, resources and long-term support. I hold a master's degree in education, School Leadership, and Chief School Business Official.

I am the Principal of the Family Enrichment Program and have over 16 years of experience in teaching. My educational journey includes earning a Master of Arts in Education and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership. I enjoy working with my team in creating rich and engaging activities for parents and their child/ren for home visits. I believe that all children can learn but must have the support of parents, schools, and community partners. I often remind parents that they are their child(ren) first teacher. Some of my hobbies include spending time with family and friends, binge watching on Netflix and dancing.

As a Parent Educator with the Family Enrichment Program, I support families expecting or raising children under age three. My journey with the program began as a participant, where I found crucial support for postpartum depression and guidance to reach personal and parenting goals. Inspired by my own experience, I am passionate about helping moms overcome challenges and build stronger family foundations. Now, with four years on the team, I’m grateful for the trust of the families I work with. Outside work, I enjoy crafting and designing personalized items.

I am a License Practical Nurse and for the last 13 years have worked in elementary schools and home health. I am also a DONA trained doula working in the Echo Family Enrichment Program. Currently, I am working towards my CIMI Infant Massage Instructor Certification. As a doula, I am excited to provide expectant parents with educational and emotional support during pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. In my spare time I like to spend time with my family and dog and do various crafting projects.

I graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Development and Family Studies. I am currently in the process of getting my Master of Arts Degree in school social work. This is my third year as a Parent Educator for the ECHO Family Enrichment 3-5 Program, and I am also a school social work intern at ECHO MacArthur Elementary School. I enjoy helping parents foster a positive trajectory for their children’s education and development through the home visiting services, socialization opportunities, and learning opportunities offered.

I have been in the educational field for the past 12 years as a classroom teacher and am now stepping into the Parent Educator/PE Supervisor position this year. I am passionate about being able to work with young children and their families, providing them with guidance, support and encouragement as they accomplish their family goals and set their child up for success in the future. I am looking forward to an exciting year!

I have been working at FEP for 9 Years as the Secretary. I enjoy watching the children grow from infants to toddlers and seeing how much they have learned from our program. I has 2 daughters, and I enjoy spending time with family and going on trips.

I have been in the Early Childhood field for 10 years; I started with the Family Enrichment Program as a Parent Educator and am now currently the Intake Coordinator. Being able to partner with families to reach their hopes, dreams and goals for themselves and their children brings me a sense of purpose. Outside of work, I love spending quality time with my children, husband, family and friends.

Nakeena Thomas known as “Nikki” is the support staff with the Family Enrichment Program. Before working for FEP, she was an educator for twenty-eight years. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Arts in Special Education. Nikki enjoys working with children and supporting parent educators by assisting them with the planning and preparation for their home visits and playgroups. She enjoys family time, movies, and being with friends.