Who We Are
Casey Burgholzer, Secretary
I’ve lived in Effingham my whole life and went through the Unit 40 school system graduating from EHS in 2008. My husband Andy and I have two children, Camdyn and Judah. I work for the Illinois Department of Employment Security. I have a passion for human service and appreciate the mission of Blessings in a Backpack. I love that our efforts stay local and am thankful for the opportunity to support our community.
Josh Sprecher, Marketing Coordinator
I was born and raised in South Dakota moving to EFFINGHAM in 2017 with my family. My wife Melissa and I have three children Charlotte, Barron, and Estelle; all attending St. Anthony. I work for Identiti Resources based in Schaumburg, IL as the Director of Sales and Marketing. We truly appreciate the people and community of EFFINGHAM and am honored to be a part of Blessings in a BackPack, making a positive impact within the community.
Dee Grzenia, Board Member
I grew up in the Green Creek area and graduated from Teutopolis High School in 2008. I reside in Effingham with my husband Doug and our son Rowan. I am a QIDP with Community Support Systems. I have worked in the social services field my my entire adult career. I am passionate about helping others and being involved in my community. I love the mission of Blessings In a Backpack and am excited to be part of something wonderful.
Alex Steppe, Board Member
I was born and raised in Effingham and graduated from EHS in 2011. I am married to Grace Ziegler of Altamont and I am a broker of Remax Key Advantage. I am excited to begin helping with Blessings in a Backpack, especially in a community as great as Effingham.
Ryan Fearday, Board Member
I was born and grew up in Effingham. I still reside here with my wife Ann and our three girls, Lydia, Julia, and Quinn. I’ve worked at Washington Savings Bank for 10 years, most recently as a commercial loan officer. Over the years, I’ve seen first hand people helping people in this great community and I’m so happy to be able to contribute to the giving nature of Effingham through Blessings in a Backpack.
Alecia Booher, School Liason
Originally from Strasburg, I moved to Effingham after graduation from college. I’m currently employed as a Human Resources Manager at Versatech, a local engineering and manufacturing company. My husband and I have 3 children, Weston, Lennon, and Liam. Serving and helping people is an important part of my daily life, so I’m excited to be a part of an organization making such an impact on our community!
Carrie Rodman
I was born and raised in Effingham and graduated from EHS in 1992. I am married to Dan Rodman and I am the manager of Tuscan Hills Winery. As a lifelong resident, I have always had a strong desire to help those in need within our community. Over the years, I have been a part of several different types of service with focus on local needs. The Blessings In A Backpack Board has the specific, important purpose of feeding children and I’m honored to help them accomplish the task.
Audra Thompson
I am originally from the Chicagoland area, where I grew up and started my family. After graduating with my Masters in Social Work from SIU in Carbondale, we moved to Olney where my husband Jared and I raised 8 children. I now live in Effingham and love this community. I began working as a school social worker in 2003 at Fresh Start Treatment and Learning Center. I have been a school social worker for 21 years and worked with blessings in a backpack for several years in our school setting. This program has been a need for so many of our students over the time it has been available and it is my pleasure to be a part of helping meet the needs of our community.
