Meet the Team
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Dr. Tara Chambers
Founder/Executive Director:
PhD, LCPC, LSOE, LSOT, CIMHP
Dr. Chambers specializes is sexually problematic behaviors, offender behaviors and risk management, victimization, human trafficking and other sex-related crimes and behavioral problems. Dr. Chambers is an expert in the field of desensitization, PTSD, and the empathic and emotional experiences of first responders. Dr. Chambers volunteers on the task force and not-for-profit board to the West Frankfort Coalition for the Homeless and is active in several additional community, ministry, and mental health-based organizations. Dr. Chambers hosts the Fig & Vine Podcast, conducts trainings on mental health topics, and spends much of her free time with her husband, children, and church.
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John Shadowens
President/Board of Directors:
John Shadowens is a Community and Economic Development Educator with University of Illinois Extension. He is the former President and CEO of Spero Family Services with more than 35 years of management and program development in the behavioral health field. John has a long history in not-for-profit and community leadership including the creation of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Illinois, Partnership for Youth and Marion Connects. He is an experienced presenter on topics including Adolescent Brain Development, Culture Shift, Working with Generation Poverty and Positive Youth Development using the Search Institute's Developmental Assets Framework. John has a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Southern Illinois University. John is also the author of Legacy Lost: Cultural Erosion, Social Isolation, and the Effect on Children and Families at Risk. John enjoys playing music in his spare time as a drummer in a couple of different area bands as well as teaching a bible study for high school students.
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Pam Weinhold
Spiritual Director
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Rev. Dr. Paul Weinhold
Clinical Director - DMin, LCPC
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Tonya Helfrich
Finances and Accounting Director
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Leigh Caldwell
Marketing and Media Director
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Dave Chambers
Production Manager/Multi-media Specialist
Dave comes to Fig & Vine on loan from his company DC Worldwide Media, offering a wealth of experience in photography, videography, and the production of podcasts and other media needs. Dave produces the Fig & Vine podcast, provides IT support for virtual, webinar, and in-person training events by the Fig & Vine team, as well as coordinating the backend of technology and growth for the agency.