meet our AMAZING team

Adena brings together a unique blend of creativity, environmental sustainability, education, and community engagement. She holds a BS, BA, and an MA in Sustainable Development & Policy. Her career spans the nonprofit, academic, and public sectors, with experience as an organizer, consultant, educator, and program manager.

In 2016, she joined the City of Springfield’s Office of Public Works, managing the Waste & Recycling Division before transitioning to the Illinois EPA’s Office of Energy in 2023.

An artist, musician, and mother of twins, Adena thrives on connecting people, ideas, and resources to transform creative possibilities into meaningful community projects.

Brytton is a 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 with a minor in Media Communications from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.  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 Dollar is an accomplished artist, educator, and arts advocate with a passion for creativity. She holds both a BFA and MFA in Printmaking and Papermaking from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Having created her first block print at 7 years old, Betsy has spent a lifetime exploring and sharing her craft. She has taught art at every level, from preschool through university, inspiring students of all ages and abilities. Her artwork has been exhibited internationally and is held in private collections across the country. Since 2009, she has served as Executive Director of the Springfield Art Association (SAA), championing the arts and creative opportunities throughout the community.

Betsy is retired from the Federal Highway Administration under the U.S. Department of Transportation, where she worked on air quality, greenhouse gases, climate change, electric vehicles, and equity issues. She holds a BA in Political Science from Eastern Illinois University and spent her career in public service. Betsy has a passion for artisan crafts and décor, creating under the name B. Tracy Designs. She is also dedicated to community service, volunteering her time on the boards of Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County and Creative Reuse Marketplace.

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 BS 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.

Kenya’s journey in education began at Kenwood Academy High School in Chicago, where she worked with younger students through the Future Teachers of Chicago program. Her passion for education led her to Illinois State University, where she earned a degree in Elementary Education, followed by a master’s in Education Administration. Along the way, she fell in love with Central Illinois and made it her home. With experience in both teaching and school administration, she now works outside Sangamon County, finding purpose and fulfillment in serving inner-city youth. For Kenya, education is more than a career, it is a passion rooted in helping children learn, grow, and thrive. In her own words, “Honestly, working with children is the greatest joy imaginable and I cherish every moment of this incredible profession!”

Janet is a retired educator who taught Early Childhood Special Education for 34 years. She holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Illinois State University. Throughout her career, she embraced creativity in the classroom, using recycled materials, hands-on crafts, and personalized lessons to enrich her students’ learning experiences. Her passion for education and creative reuse naturally led her to support the ideals of Creative Reuse Marketplace. Today, Janet serves on CRM’s Board of Directors and volunteers regularly, organizing materials, assisting customers, and encouraging fellow educators to explore the store’s resources. An enthusiastic scrapbooker, junk journaler, and sewing enthusiast, she continues to find inspiration in giving discarded materials new life.

Info coming soon!

Cassie combines her passion for environmental sustainability, education, and community engagement through her professional and volunteer work. She holds a BS in Environmental Health and a BM in Flute Performance from Illinois State University and works at the Illinois EPA, focusing on waste reduction and climate mitigation. Her background includes renewable energy advocacy, student environmental leadership, and several years as president of Sustainable Springfield, Inc. (SSI). Cassie has since shifted her focus toward educational gardening and community-based projects, including Springfield’s Motherland Community Project, helping create community gardens that foster sustainability, education, and connection.