Welcome to our community. We’re glad you’re here.
Our journey began with the simple desire to make a positive impact. Through the support of our dedicated team and community members, we strive towards our mission every day.
Our Team
Founder and Executive Director
Megan Ragan, LCSW, is the Executive Director of the Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Center. With over a decade of experience in southern Illinois child and family serving systems, Megan has a robust background in leadership, grant management, and program development. She has led numerous state and federal grant initiatives through successful implementation and evaluation, and she is passionate about using these skills to bring more resources and support to the community. Megan is a dynamic presenter, known for engaging workshops on a variety of topics including substance use, mental health, trauma, and neurodiversity. She is committed to enhancing services and support in her community through compassionate engagement.
Megan Ragan, LCSW
Executive Assistant
Courtney Hish is a lifelong Southern Illinois resident with significant experience in business administration and bookkeeping. When Courtney is not working, she can be found coaching softball, leading the area Girl Scout Service Unit, leading the Happy Hawks Parent Group, or spending time with her family.
Courtney Hish
Business Manager
Originally from Southern Illinois, Elizabeth brings a deep commitment to integrity, transparency, and organizational excellence to her role at SIRAC. With a background in Accounting and Professional Services, she has a focus on strengthening the Organization’s infrastructure and supporting mission-driven teams. Elizabeth integrates financial oversight with impact-focused operations, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to equity, sustainability, and systemic change. Her role strengthens internal systems and streamlines workflows to support mission- driven initiatives to help advance SIRAC’s mission. She believes that strong community ties are the foundation of lasting impact—and she remains committed to making a positive difference in her home communities, even while living elsewhere. Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her husband and twin boys, volunteering at her children’s school, reading, traveling, and exploring new cuisines.
Elizabeth Duffy
Regional Capacity Developer
Mike brings deep lived experience—a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, BS in Psychology, and an MSW focused on leadership and social change. He’s been instrumental in strengthening peer-based supports across Southern Illinois and beyond.
He is a founding board member and former executive director of Take Action Today, a nonprofit launched in 2020 that provides peer-based recovery services across Southern Illinois. Mike also currently serves as the executive director of the National Peer Recovery Alliance, where he focuses on empowering people in recovery through advocacy, education, and national peer leadership.
Micheal Tyson, CPRS, MSW
Claire Hughes MSW, LSW, CHW
Child & Family Programs Manager
Claire Hughes is a Southern Illinois native with over a decade of experience in family and maternal child health. In addition to her work with SIRAC, she currently serves as Director of Business Development at The Little Resource Center in Carbondale. A committed parent and partner, Claire is passionate about making Southern Illinois a thriving place to live, work, grow, and play.
Child & Family Programs
Angela Colby-Jackson serves as a team member of the Southern Illinois Resource & Advocacy Center, where she leads with her love for Jesus, passion, empathy, and a deep commitment to empowering all people across Southern Illinois. Angela’s innovative spirit and values-driven approach help ensure that her work is rooted in compassion, integrity, and sustainability.
Outside of her professional role, Angela is a wife and mom to two beautiful children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, baking up sweet treats, and diving into creative DIY projects. Whether at work or at home, Angela is deeply dedicated to building a stronger, more compassionate community.
Angela Colby-Jackson, CHW
Doula, Child & Family Programs
Chastity Mays is co-administrator for The Little Resource Center Carbondale and has held formal doula certification for 6 years. At SIRAC, Chastity serves perinatal families experiencing adversity and challenging circumstances. She has been working in family service and peer-support spaces for over 15 years. She has served clients in Southern Illinois, the Missouri Bootheel area, and Paducah, Kentucky. She stands with and advocates for families who are underrepresented and, in many cases, simply not heard at all. Among the many committees and councils, she is a part of. Chastity sits on the boards of the Carbondale Public Library and the Birth Equity committee for the Southern Illinois Healthcare Labor and Delivery Unit at Carbondale Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, IL. Chastity is routinely involved in state and regional political efforts around Black Maternal Health and frequently presents her expertise and experience in public forums, conferences, and through legislative testimony. Chastity believes that representation and cultural awareness is vital to changing the exorbitant black maternal mortality rates. She also sits on the Promoting Vaginal Birth Committee with Southern Illinois Healthcare. When she is not furthering her education or supporting families, Chastity enjoys spending time with her three children, two of whom are now in college, so she loves to travel to go visit them. She also enjoys reading, hiking, crocheting, and the theatre.
Chasity Mayes, M.S.Ed., CD(DONA)
Peer Support Specialist, Child & Family Programs
Hi! My name is Annmarie Murray, and I'm a Peer Support Worker at SIRAC. I've been in recovery from methamphetamine for over two years, and helping others who are where I once was brings me joy. I have five children, but I lost four to the system due to my addiction, which deepened after their loss. Even after prison, I continued to use until I became pregnant with my fifth child. When my son was born on May 11, 2022, I knew I had to change. Thanks to the grace of Judge Todd Lambert and the determination to fight for my child, I found the strength to get sober. Today, I'm a single mother with full custody of my son and work full-time at this amazing organization with the hope that one day I will be reunited with my other children. I want them to be proud of what I have become, instead of ashamed of what I was. I'm living proof that recovery is possible, and I'm here to help anyone who needs it-just reach out! Everyone deserves grace and a second chance if they're willing to work for it
Annmarie Murray, CHW
Peer Support Specialist, Child & Family Programs
Life has thrown plenty of hurdles my way and there were plenty of times I thought I would not make it. I am a native to southern Illinois and a proud parent in recovery. Having grown up in the region, I know firsthand the struggles of our rural communities. I pride myself on supporting the underdogs, the ones left behind, and the ones that have been labeled in a negative way. My mission is to bring light and love to those that society looks over by empowering those I serve to live their best lives and to take back their own individual power. I am a fierce advocate, having extensive experience in navigating the DCFS system, domestic violence and victim rights, criminal justice system, Illinois Secretary of State system, and more. Substance use was part of my life for 25 years. I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. Having found my sobriety in April of 2022, it is now my turn to make a lasting impact and I am so happy to be here!
Erin Rochford, CHW
Peer Support Specialist, Recovery Support Services
My name is Caleb Mills, and I was raised in Shawneetown, IL. I am a former addict who struggled with drugs and other addictive behaviors that negatively impacted my life for over 20 years. Today, I no longer struggle with these things because of God's grace. I made the decision to start living for God, and it's the best decision I've ever made. My goal is to help people wherever they are in life and show them the grace that God showed me. I am committed to being there for people and following through for them in their toughest times, no matter the circumstances!
Caleb Mills, CHW
Project Coordinator, Recovery Corps
I have lived in Gallatin County my whole life. I enjoy working with the community and helping those in need. I like to spend time at the lake in my spare time. I am self motivated and push myself to reach the goals that I wish to achieve.