Mandy Ellis is a cross-categorical interventional specialist and special services teacher at Wilder-Waite Grade School in Dunlap. Her position enables her to empower struggling students in core curricular areas through research- and evidence-based instruction that meets different learning needs and styles. She also manages a caseload of students to ensure they have meaningful, individualized education plans that support their needs.

In addition to her teaching duties, Ellis is a district trainer and mentor for the Wilson Reading Program. She trains teachers on continuous improvements in educational philosophy and methods, serves on the Wilder-Waite Building Leadership Team and is a case manager on the Student Success Team. Ellis also mentors pre-service teaching candidates from local colleges and universities through pre-student and student teaching experiences.

Ellis is involved in a wide range of community organizations. She has served as facility manager for the Junior League’s Peoria PlayHouse project; revitalized the PlayHouse Jr. space at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie, and oversees project management, capital campaign, community relations, communications, and events and fundraising leads in order to create a much-needed 21st-century learning environment for the children of central Illinois.

As a member of the Peoria Jaycees, Ellis has chaired several events, including the 2009 Easter Egg Hunt, the 2009 SuperFest and the 2010 Senior Citizen’s Prom. She has held numerous leadership roles within the Young Professionals Organization of Greater Peoria and completed the Civic Leadership Program through Peoria County. A proud alum of Bradley University, Ellis is an active member of the school’s Central Illinois Alumni Chapter and serves as a mentor for current undergraduates through the Smith Career Center.

Ellis’ intense dedication has not gone unnoticed. The Junior League of Peoria presented her with its Shining Star and Academic Excellence awards, the Julep GEM Award two years in a row, and the Silver Training award. She also won the Presidential Volunteer Service Award and was selected as one of the 25 Women in Leadership by WEEK in 2009. Just this year, she was awarded the State of Illinois Outstanding Jaycee Award.

Ellis leads by example, with a great sense of urgency. Her leadership skills—and the fact that she’s a natural team player and collaborator who delivers what she promises—make her a great asset to the community in central Illinois. iBi