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
Deputy Director
Scott Fletcher is a public health professional with extensive experience serving vulnerable and underserved populations in rural Southern Illinois. He holds a Master of Public Health in Community Health Education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Scott is a nationally recognized subject matter expert in harm reduction, infectious disease prevention, and community‑engaged health education, focusing on people who use drugs and individuals at increased risk for HIV and viral hepatitis. For nearly two decades, he has led and supported comprehensive programs that expand access to testing, overdose prevention, peer navigation, and linkage to care.
In addition to his role at the Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Center, Scott founded and served as Executive Director of the Community Action Place, now the Community Action Program at SIRAC. He has served as a community partner and co‑investigator on multiple NIH‑funded research projects and is a published contributor on studies addressing rural health inequities, substance use, and the impacts of COVID‑19. His work centers on culturally competent services, community voice, and advancing health equity.
Scott Fletcher, MPH
Director, Recovery Support Services
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
Program Coordinator, Family Support Services
Lindsay is a dedicated advocate for children, families, and individuals navigating crisis, recovery, and complex life challenges. As the Family Support Services Coordinator at the Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Center, she leads a team serving families through the BRICK and Family Care Plan programs, ensuring compassionate, trauma‑informed, and community‑rooted care. Lindsay’s commitment to service was shaped by nearly two decades of experience across youth mental health, crisis intervention, substance use treatment, and family support. Her previous roles in crisis intervention, substance use intervention, child welfare, and youth & family counseling further reflect her deep dedication to meeting people where they are and helping them move toward stability and hope. Lindsay earned her MA in Counseling in 2007 and her BA in Psychology in 2004. She has spent her whole career in So. IL non-profits and is widely recognized for her relational approach, strong organizational leadership, commitment to rural communities, and unwavering belief in the resilience of the families she serves. Outside of work, Lindsay is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity acceptance and education, as both she and her son are on the autism spectrum.
Lindsay Jennings, MA
Community Health Worker
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.
Alisha Moore, CHW
Community Health Worker
Garret has recently joined SIRAC. He previously served as a harm reduction specialist and project coordinator at The Community Action Program, where he also contributed to the management of research projects. While Garret has resided in various locations, Southern Illinois remains his cherished home. He possesses a profound commitment to his community.
Garret Rowden, CHW
Will Nicholson, CHW
Community Health Worker, TCAP
William Nicholson serves as a Community Health Worker and Harm Reduction Specialist with SIRAC.
With over six years of experience in his previous roles with the Community Action Program, he has served as Lead Case Manager, and Executive Assistant. His community work is enriched by more than 21 years of lived experience and several years in recovery.
Will is dedicated to providing one-on-one support, syringe exchange services, naloxone distribution, outreach to vulnerable populations, and client advocacy. He employs a compassionate, nonjudgmental approach, grounded in the belief of meeting people where they are to support positive change at the client’s pace.
He is actively involved in community governance, serving on several boards and holding the position of Co-Chair for the Illinois statewide planning board for the HIV committee. Outside of his professional life, Will considers his role as an uncle his best job and enjoys spending time with his two terrier dogs, Roxxy and Rilley.
Kari Midkiff
Business Administrator
Bio coming soon!
Kayla Stewart
Family Peer Support Specialist
Bio coming soon!
Samantha Winnier
Family Peer Support Specialist
Samantha is a Family Peer Support Specialist who is passionate about serving her community and helping people navigate life’s challenges. Born and raised in Florida, she moved to Illinois in 2023 and is currently completing her degree in Sociology while working toward certification as a Recovery Doula. Samantha brings a unique combination of personal and professional experience to her role and has developed strong skills in advocacy, problem-solving, and family support. She is dedicated to empowering individuals and families by providing encouragement, resources, and compassionate support. In her spare time she enjoys bowling at Ross Cottom Lanes with her husband and children.
Rachelle Forrester
Family Peer Support Specialist
Rachelle serves as a Family Peer Support Specialist, bringing a unique combination of professional expertise and deep personal empathy to her work. As a long time resident of Gallatin County with a proud 15-year background in emergency medical services, Rachelle understands firsthand how to show-up for people during difficult times. Today, she uses that experience to walk alongside families, empowering them through compassionate advocacy and connecting them to necessary community resources. Rachelle believes that with the right encouragement, strong support systems, and a lot of heart, every family has the resilience to overcome obstacles and build a brighter future.
Amanda Stanford
Peer Recovery Support Specialist
Bio coming soon!
Anfernee Houston
Peer Recovery Support Specialist
Bio coming soon!