meet our AMAZING team

Adena holds a B.S. in History and Political Science, a B.A. in Humanities and an M.A. in Sustainable Development & Policy. She has worked in both the non-profit and academic setting as an organizer, consultant, and teacher. In 2016 she moved to the public sector as the City of Springfield's Program Manager for the Office of Public Works where she oversaw the Waste & Recycling Division. In 2023 she moved on to work for the State of Illinois. She is now employed at the Illinois EPA: Office of Energy. She is an active community participant, involved with the Springfield Area Arts Council, Sustainable Springfield, Inc., is both a musician and artist, and mother of twins.

Brytton is an Associate Professor of Graphic Design and Director of Visual Arts at the University of Illinois Springfield. She holds an MFA in Graphic Design from Iowa State University and a BA in Graphic Design from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, with a Minor in Media Communications. In addition to teaching, she is a freelance graphic designer and was a co-director of DEMO Project (a former artist-run alternative gallery on the SAA Campus). She feels that art can lead to creative thinking that can change mindsets and culture, including a move toward sustainable living.

Betsy holds both a B.F.A & M.F.A in printmaking and paper making from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She made her first block print when she was seven years old and has been exploring the medium ever since. She has taught art at every level from preschool through the University and to every age and ability level. Her work has been shown internationally and is in private collections across the county. She has been the Executive Director at the Springfield Art Association (SAA) since fall of 2009.

Betsy is currently working for the Federal Highway Administration under the US Department of Transportation and works on air quality, greenhouse gas, climate change, electric vehicles and equity issues. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a BA In Political Science and has always worked in the government sector. Betsy has a love for artisan crafts and decor under the name B. Tracy Designs. Volunteer passions include serving on the boards of Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County and CRM.

Cassie is currently an employee at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Her primary environmental interests are waste reduction and climate mitigation. Cassie graduated from Illinois State University with a B.S. in Environmental Health and a B.M. in flute performance. As a student, she served as president of the Student Environmental Action Coalition, where they successfully pushed for recycling accessibility for students living off campus. Before starting with the IEPA, she worked to promote renewable energy and climate change mitigation in the Chicagoland area. In 2019, she became president of Sustainable Springfield, Inc. (SSI). 

Shayne is part of the Communications and Outreach Team at the University of Illinois Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC). DSCC partners with Illinois families and communities to help children with complex healthcare needs connect to services and resources. She holds a B.S. in Radio/TV Communications from SIU-C and a master’s in Public Affairs Reporting from UIS. Shayne has worked in various roles at organizations including the Illinois Statehouse, Hope, the American Cancer Society, Restore and Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County. She shares CRM’s mission and loves nothing better than turning discarded items into new treasures. Creativity is her therapy and she enjoys sharing her passion for quilting, sewing, building yard art, birdhouses, mosaics and more.

 Michelle came to the CRM with a difficult background of substance abuse and domestic violence. She is a mother of two and became the first worker to take part in the CRM Workforce Development Training Program (WDT) in October 2020. She worked her way up through the CRM: from Drop Off Coordinator to CRM Store & Donation Manager. In the summer of 2023, Michelle moved on to full employment outside the CRM  and continues to work on her self, family, and home. She is proud of her background- her struggles, triumphs, and falls and hopes that her story can help women in need or those in similar situation.  

 Springfield born and raised, Brenna spent the better part of the past decade living in Saint Paul, MN, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Media & Cultural Studies from Macalester College. She also attended SACI College of Art and Design, where she took courses on Graphic Design and Serigraphy. She joined the CRM family in December 2021 with a background in floral design and a passion for using thrifted materials in her art. She started as the CRM's Outreach and Program Administrator and then moved on to be the CRM Store & Donation Manager. She left the CRM in July 2022 to continue her education in pursuit of her graduate degree. 

Former resident of Inner City Mission, Jennifer became part of the CRM family as part of the Workforce Development Training Program in Spring 2021. Regardless of her colored background mixed with addiction, abuse, and loosing custody of her children, Jennifer continuously worked to overcome, move forward, and do better not only for herself but for her children and community at large. Jennifer moved on with employment and left the CRM in the summer of 2021. 

Caleb has been working at Inner City Mission since 2003. In 2011, he received his  B.A. in Intercultural Studies from Lincoln Christian University. That same year he became ICM's Director of Operation- taking a behind-the-scenes role while teaching various classes to ICM residents. In 2019, he also became President of the Enos Park Neighborhood Improvement Association (EPNIA). CRM's beginning started under the umbrella of EPNIA during Caleb's presidency. He shares his home with his wife and three children. 

Pastor John, of Third Presbyterian Chuch, was an original partner of the CRM. He passed away in February of 2023. He is survived by his wife, two children, six grandchildren, four stepchildren, and great-grandchildren. He will be remembered for his 28 years of pastoral work, passion for community outreach, and time spent teaching.