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Meet our staff
2025 Board of Directors
Chair: Lori Slightom (she/her)
Lori is a proud “Penguin Parent”. Her daughter, Zoey, has been an artist with the Penguin Project of McLean County (PPMC) since 2015. She had no idea at that time the impact this program would have on her and her family. Lori has witnessed Zoey blossom with talent, confidence, and friendships. She holds her “Penguin Family” close to her heart. Outside of PPMC, Lori works at State Farm Insurance and enjoys learning new crafts and volunteering.
Vice Chair: Laurie Bederka
Laurie has been with the Penguin Project of McLean County since 2014 and rocks the task of keeping Miss Jackie sane! When not hanging with the Penguin family, you might find Laurie running, biking, swimming, training for a triathlon or Ironman, or walking her adopted dogs, Homer and Bernie, on the Constitution Trail. Laurie is in the Marketing Department at Country Financial. She was an Early Intervention Service Coordinator for several years. Laurie graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences.
Executive Director: Jackie Gunderson (she/her)
Being the Director of the Penguin Project of McLean County is Jackie's favorite hat to wear! Jackie has been with the program since 2014. Outside of Penguin Project, Jackie works at Illinois State University in the Purchasing Department, and volunteers her time with several local organizations. When she is not working or hanging out with the Penguin Project family, you can find her in her favorite pair of roller skates playing roller derby, enjoying Constitution Trail on the Healing Rides bike, or hanging out with her spouse, Cecil, and fur kids at home. Jackie attended Illinois Central College and Illinois State University, studying Special Education, and she graduated from Lincoln College ABE Program, studying Organizational Leadership, where she was chosen as the 2021 Lincoln Academy Student Laureate.
Treasurer: Doug Bowers (he/him)
Doug has been supporting Penguin Project since 2018 working behind the scenes and building set pieces
for the performances. In 2025 he accepted the position of Treasurer on the Board of Directors. He has a
degree in Business Administration from Park University in Parkville, Missouri. Doug and his family moved
to Bloomington in 2014, and he currently works for Cargill as a regional maintenance manager.
Secretary : Catie Sokal-Borland (she/her)
Hello! My name is Catie! Pronouns she/her. I am 33 years old. I currently work as a paraprofessional at Normal West High School in the SS2/3 program. I am also in my last semester at ISU completing my bachelors. I will have my LBS1 this spring. I am a mother to two wonderful boys. Jack is 3 and Simon just turned 1. I have one very beautiful dog, Gus, he seriously could be a model dog. When I am not working, I love to read (fantasy, romance, thriller), garden, and watch TV. I love going to the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. For the past 14 years I have been involved in theatre from Penguin Project to Seedling, I have always taken the time to do what I can to make theatre more inclusive. I have a deep passion for making sure this world we live in is accessible to everyone around us.
Advisory Board Member: Nathan Schertz (he/him)
Nathan Schertz was born and raised on a farm outside of El Paso, Illinois. Growing up he learned the value of a strong work ethic and developed a love for agriculture. Nathan has Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair to get around day-to-day. Being physically disabled has provided life lessons that Nathan would not otherwise have experienced. As a result, being involved in communities and helping others with disabilities has become a passion of his. He is currently serving his third term on the Woodford County Board and his first year on the Executive Board of the Penguin Project of McLean County.
Advisory Board Member: Janice Forrest (she/her)
Janice Forrest is a new addition to the Penguin Project, having joined the board as an advisory member in January 2025. She has a background in insurance and legal fields and is a long-time resident of Bloomington Normal. Janice holds a Juris Doctorate from Widener School of Law and a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Scranton. Janice enjoys traveling and attending local shows and music events in her free time, spending time with her husband and three children, and fussing over her three cats. She is excited to be part of the Penguin Project and looks forward to connecting with the participants and their families.
