About Us
OUR STORY
At the same time children’s exposure to screens has increased, their access to books has decreased. Many schools now use Chrome books and other technology in the classroom. We get it. Technology is here to stay. We also know excessive dependence on technology decreases comprehension and can result in screen addiction.
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Donna A. Brown
I have spent over 20 years working with children in my community. When I was with District 186 in Springfield Illinois, I created several literacy programs, including a summer reading program that paired volunteers with students.
The summer program ran about six weeks and I was always encouraged by the amount of growth I saw in the students’ reading ability.
Unfortunately at just about the time the students were becoming more confident and comfortable reading, the summer was over.
One summer, a student realizing that it was our last session, lamented, “You mean they (the reading volunteers) aren’t coming back?”
I can still recall her disappointment and confusion. She was devastated. It was at that moment that the dream for iMagicNation was born. I knew I had to do something to help the young people in my community.
It’s disheartening. School library staffs are being cut. Public libraries are reducing locations and staff. If children are to be successful, they need strong reading skills. And, they need places where they can read and check out books whenever they want.
My vision is to create a magical reading space where children can read independently and/or with the help of trained reading volunteers. Adult literacy and GED services will also be available.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Willa Barger
TREASURER
Willa Barger joined iMagicNation’s Board in 2020 and is currently serving her second term as treasurer.
Willa is a native of Springfield, Illinois and received her secondary education in the city’s public schools. She is a graduate of Loyola University of Chicago and has studied with the Moody Bible Institute.
Before retiring in 2012, Willa was employed for 36 years by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. She retired as the manager of the agency’s Finance Section.
In addition to her work with our organization, Willa is a member of Union Baptist Church where she serves as Vice-President of the Overall Missionary Ministry. For over 35 years, she has been an adult Sunday school teacher, speaker and workshop facilitator.
In addition, Willa is on the Board of Sisters United for Christ, an organization that sponsors an annual women’s retreat, and also serves as treasurer of the James Weldon Johnson Study Guild, a book club whose goal is to promote the education and knowledge of black authors and artists.
Willa is the mother of three adult children, Jaclyn, Minister Dr. Crystaline and John.
Her confession is that she loves the Lord, His Word and His people. One of her favorite Scriptures is: Psalm 71:17-18: “O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.”
Shakera N. Bridgeford
BOARD MEMBER
Shakera N. Bridgeford brings her creative flair and communication expertise to the forefront as our dedicated Social Media Coordinator.
In addition to her role at iMagicNation, Shakera works as an Archive Records Specialist with a prominent pharmaceutical company, showcasing her organizational skills and attention to detail.
An avid reader since childhood, Shakera is currently engrossed in This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan.
Her passion for literature extends beyond personal enjoyment. Shakera is committed to helping children and adults enhance their reading skills, fostering a love for reading in her community.
Eli Goodman, M.D.
BOARD MEMBER
Since moving to Springfield in 2009, Eli Goodman has devoted himself to his three passions: medicine, community service and writing.
Eli is the author of two children’s books: The White Horse and The Adventures Of Abe, The $5 Bill. He shares iMagic’s mission of making reading magical for children.
Eli earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania and his medical degree at Tufts.
He is board certified in internal medicine and has expertise in: community healthcare, corrections medicine, addictions medicine, hospice medicine, wound care medicine, and medical-legal consulting.
Currently Eli is the head physician of the wound center at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville, Il. He also conducts weekly internal medicine clinics at Culbertson and at Taylorville Correctional Center
Eli is a long-time rotarian and a member of the Sangamon County and Illinois State Medical Societies.
BE PART OF
THE SOLUTION
We have a solution that gives children an alternative to the invasion of screens. We purchased four parcels of property on 16th and Spruce. Here we will build our future home — a place that is truly Magical. A place where children can escape into books and go as far as their imaginations will take them.
STAY IN TOUCH
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