Meet Our Team

Say “Hello” to STAR NET

At STAR NET Region II and VI, we don’t just offer programs and workshops—we bring heart, expertise, and energy to everything we do. Our purpose is simple and powerful: to empower families of young children with special education needs, champion the unique potential of every child, and inspire the professionals who support them.

Why We’re Here

For over 30 years, our team has partnered with early childhood professionals, support staff, administrators and families to provide trusted information, innovative training, and a strong community of support. Every child’s growth fuels our passion, and every family and professional we meet reminds us why this work matters.

Kathy Slattery, Project Director

Kathy Slattery is a Project Director and a ECSE Professional Development Specialist for STAR NET Region IIand VI. She has been involved in the field of Special Education, Early Childhood Special Education and Early Intervention for over 30 years as a classroom teacher, Early Intervention Provider, Parent Support Coordinator and as a Technical Assistance provider at STAR NET. Kathy has presented at the local, state and national level on topics related to supporting young children with disabilities and their families. In addition, Kathy has been a volunteer State Coordinator for the Selective Mutism Association for fifteen years, providing resources and information to families searching for resources and support. Kathy participates on several state level committees including Early Childhood LRE Stakeholders and the Stakeholders Committee for Early Childhood Outcomes.

Email: kslattery@cntrmail.org
Call: 224-366-8574
Elizabeth Cambray-Engstrom, PhD, ECSE Professional Development Specialist

Elizabeth Cambray-Engstrom, PhD, is an ECSE leader with decades of experience preparing & supporting educators & families across inclusive early childhood settings. She serves as an ECSE PD Specialist with STAR NET & teaches at the University of Illinois Chicago. Inspired by partnership with families & her lived experience as a parent in the disability community, she champions an inclusive EC workforce where all professionals are prepared, all children belong, & all families thrive
Email: ecambray-engstrom@cntrmail.org
Call: 872-216-7590
Megan Carlson, ECSE Family Professional Development Specialist

Megan Carlson is a dedicated educator, coach, and advocate with over 20 years of experience supporting children, families, and educators across early childhood and elementary settings. She started her career as a first-grade teacher in Chicago Public Schools. Megan has spent the last 10 years mentoring educators across the Chicagoland area, helping them implement evidence-based literacy instruction, trauma-informed care, and inclusive practices that honor neurodiversity and the whole child. Megan holds a BA in Elementary Education, is National Board Certified in Early Childhood Education, and has earned master’s degrees in Reading and Educational Administration. Most recently, she completed the Structured Literacy Advanced Training and Practicum through Slant and the Classmates Literacy Foundation. Meg serves on the Board of Selective Mutism Association and volunteers as an Educator Outreach for the Classroom Literacy Foundation.

As both an educator and a neurodivergent learner herself, Megan understands firsthand the power of early intervention, strengths-based support, and inclusive environments. Her personal and professional experiences fuel her passion for building systems that recognize, affirm, and uplift learners who process, communicate, and grow in unique ways. Megan believes early childhood professionals are uniquely positioned to transform lives. She is honored to walk alongside educators and families in creating spaces where every child feels seen, heard, and valued—spaces where confidence can grow, learning differences are embraced, and all children can become their fullest, most authentic selves.

Email: mcarlsonsm@cntrmail.com
Call: 224-366-8545
Nancy Kind, ECSE Professional Development Specialist

Nancy Kind is an ECSE Professional Development Specialist consultant. She has been involved in the field of Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education as a classroom teacher and administrator for over 33 years. Over her career, Nancy has been a presenter for many regional workshops, state and national conferences regarding key topics in Early Childhood Special Education. Nancy has participated in many state level committees including Early Childhood LRE Stakeholders and the Stakeholders Committee for Early Childhood Outcomes.

Email: nkind@cntrmail.org
Call: 224-366-8545
Laurel Mateyka, ECSE Professional Development Specialist

Laurel Mateyka serves as an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Professional Development Specialist for STAR NET Region II and VI. An experienced educational leader, she brings a wealth of experience spanning early childhood through secondary education. Her areas of expertise include developmentally appropriate practices, program design and administration, inclusive environments, and continuous quality improvement—all anchored in a strong, equity-driven results orientation.

She has presented at several conferences and is featured in the ISBE KIDS Training Video and WIDA Focus Bulletin, where she shares insights from her work as an early childhood leader. A tireless advocate for young children and families, Laurel believes that equitable access to inclusive early care and education is the key to unlocking opportunity and long-term success for all Illinois communities.

Email: lmateyka@cntrmail.org
Call: 224-366-8579
Gina Musielski, ECSE Family Professional Development Specialist

Gina Musielski is an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Family Professional Development Specialist for STAR NET Region II and VI. Since 1999, she has worked as a family training and resource specialist, combining more than two decades of professional expertise with her lived experience as a parent of a child with a developmental disability. Gina holds a B.S. in Human Resources Management with a minor in Psychology.

Gina is deeply committed to promoting inclusion and empowering families to become strong advocates for their children’s education. She develops and delivers professional development for families and professionals on a wide range of topics, including special education processes such as transition planning, IEPs, least restrictive environment (LRE), parent rights, and advocacy, as well as child development areas such as positive behavior support, early literacy, and fostering independence.

In addition to her training work, Gina presents at state and local conferences, sharing insights on special education, family engagement, and inclusive practices. She is also actively involved in statewide initiatives that promote collaboration between families and educators, serving on committees such as the ISBE/DHS Transition Guidance Committee and the Early Childhood LRE Stakeholders Committee.

Email: gmusielski@cntrmail.org
Call: 224-366-8571
Sharon Sprague, ECSE Professional Development Specialist

Sharon Sprague (she/her) is an ECSE Professional Development Specialist for STAR NET Region II and Region VI. Sharon has worked in the field of Education, Early Childhood Education, and Special Education as a classroom teacher and administrator for over 25 years. She most recently was the Director of Early Childhood programs at the Joseph E. Hill Early Education Center for School District 65 in Evanston, IL. Sharon holds a doctorate in Urban Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master’s of Science in Early Childhood Education from The Erikson Institute. Previously, Sharon has been a presenter for Illinois State Board of Education conferences, and a trainer and coach for school professionals in issues pertaining to Early Childhood Education and Special Education.

Email: ssprague@cntrmail.org
Call: 224-366-8576
Katie Suchy, ECSE Professional Development Specialist

Katie Suchy (she/her) is an ECSE Professional Development Specialist for STAR NET Region II and VI. Katie holds a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University where she double majored in child, adult, and family services, and linguistics with an emphasis on communication disorders and a minor in psychology. Katie has worked in the field of Early Childhood in a variety of roles in the classroom and as an Administrator for Head Start where she partnered with the local school districts to support students and families in the community. In addition to training for STAR NET, Katie is a certified CLASS observer, and CDA Professional Development Specialist.

Email: ksuchy@cntrmail.org
Call: 224-366-8575
Seana Thomas, Project Manager

Seana joined the STAR NET Region II and VI staff in 2007 as an Administrative Assistant and Data Entry Specialist. Seana coordinates the STAR NET registration process for workshops and works with the team in the development of the Region II and VI Training Calendar.

Email: sthomas@cntrmail.org
Call: 224-366-8573

What Makes Us Different

We Believe in Connections – We know that strong relationships are the foundation for growth. That’s why we put people first—families, education staff, and most importantly, the children.
We Believe in Possibilities – Every challenge is an opportunity to shine brighter.
We Believe in YOU – Whether you’re a parent or guardian navigating your child’s early education or a professional building your skills, we’re here to cheer you on and equip you with the tools you need.

Our Commitment to You

To inspire.
To educate.
To provide you the tools and supports to best work with your child/student
To stand beside you every step of the way.

Because when families and professionals feel supported, children thrive—and that’s what STAR NET is all about.

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