Meet The Staff
Michael John Bennett, Executive Director
As Executive Director of VNA Community Services, I oversee the organization’s programs, strategic direction, and daily operations to ensure we effectively serve seniors and vulnerable populations. I advocate for equitable access to healthcare, manage community partnerships, and work to secure funding that sustains and expands our services. My role is centered on strengthening VNA’s impact, growing donor and volunteer engagement, and ensuring that every individual we serve receives the care and support they deserve.
Professional Background & Experience: I have extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, social services, and community advocacy, with a strong focus on senior care and healthcare accessibility. My expertise includes program development, policy advocacy, and strategic planning to support underserved populations. I actively promote senior engagement and social connection through initiatives like engAGED and oversee programs such as Home Delivered Meals, ensuring older adults receive nutritious food and essential support. Additionally, I am experienced in public speaking, fundraising, and grant writing, using these skills to advocate for equitable access to vital services and resources.
What I Love About Working at VNA: I am deeply committed to both my community and my family, and my work at VNA allows me to honor both. I learned long ago that no matter where you work, the boss always wants you to dedicate as much time as possible to the cause. But a 12-14 hour day doesn’t seem so terrible when you know that every minute of your effort means someone who was hungry gets to eat or someone who is isolated experiences genuine human kindness—directly because of the work you do. That kind of impact is what drives me, and I’m grateful to be part of an organization that truly makes a difference in people’s lives.
Fun Fact About Me: I have a deep love for comedy, theatre, and storytelling in all its forms. Whether it’s classic stage performances, stand-up, or animated shows, I appreciate the way humor can bring people together and make even the toughest moments a little easier. I’m especially a fan of The Simpsons—its mix of satire, heart, and wit has always resonated with me. In many ways, I think laughter is just as important as any other kind of support we provide at VNA—it connects us, lifts us up, and reminds us that we’re not alone.
Walker Kelly, Program Director
As Program Director, I oversee the administration of our programs. I coordinate with our staff to ensure the senior center is operating smoothly and that the seniors in our community are getting connected to our services and other community resources. To better facilitate this, I regularly meet with other organizations and community groups to raise awareness of VNA events and programs, and to identify opportunities to collaborate and better help the people of Knox County. I also serve as a certified SHIP counselor for Medicare assistance, a coach for A Matter of Balance fall prevention classes, and a facilitator for our Caregiver Stress-Busting program.
Professional Background & Experience: I have been with the VNA since 2021, and I have been involved with non-profits and volunteer groups practically all my life. I have been involved in community-based service work in numerous roles and have learned how to operate programs so that they have the maximum benefit to the people we serve.
What I Love About Working at VNA: I love seeing the impact our work here has on the lives of our seniors. Whether its seeing our dining room full of folks enjoying a meal together, hearing the laughter coming from the next room during one of our many weekly activities, or seeing the look of relief on a Medicare beneficiary’s face when I can answer their insurance questions, it is incredibly rewarding to see that what we do is a direct benefit to the members of our community.
Fun Fact About Me: I am a big cat lover. The next time you are at the senior center, stop in and ask me about my two furry friends: Sourdough and Desdemona.
Jacqueline Kay Weidenhamer, Senior Caseworker
As a Caseworker, I am responsible for carrying out the many programs we offer at the VNA. My responsibilities include, but are not limited to, SHIP Counselor, ADRD Supportive Gap Filling Services, Home Delivered Meal assessments, Matter of Balance Coach, Options Counseling, Stress Busting Facilitator, and being a listening ear for our Seniors when needed.
Professional Background & Experience: I have been with the VNA for 7 years. I began in the kitchen and quickly moved to the position of Kitchen Manager until moving into the Caseworker position a year later. My working career began at the age of 15 at Knox County Nursing Home. I have years of experience working with Seniors in our community, and my knowledge continues to grow with the VNA. During my time as a Caseworker, I have become a Certified SHIP Counselor, Matter of Balance Coach, Stress Busting Facilitator, and I continue to learn daily.
What I Love About Working at VNA: The favorite part of my job is helping others, developing relationships with our Seniors, making a difference in their lives, and the occasional hugs received.
Fun Fact About Me: I am a low maintenance person; I enjoy the simple things in life like spending time with family and friends and being outdoors. Also, I have a love for animals, particularly my very demanding little Shih Tzu, Bella.
Rebecca Marston, Caseworker
As a caseworker at VNA, I assess the needs of Knox County senior citizens and put together care plans to meet those needs. We offer numerous programs at VNA. I assist the seniors with many programs such as getting cheaper healthcare as a SHIP certified counselor, reduced prices for their vehicle registration through Benefit Access, Options counseling, T-Care (a program designed to assist the caregiver), Stress Busting for Caregivers, A Matter of Balance, engAGED programs, and even a home delivered meal program for our homebound seniors.
Professional Background & Experience: I joined the United States Army while still in high school and obtained a degree in Military occupational sciences and defensive intelligence analysis. Through VNA, I have become a certified SHIP counselor, a T-CARE case manager, an Options counselor, a Stress Buster coach, and A Matter of Balance coach.
What I Love About Working at VNA: I have always had a drive to work directly with senior citizens. Countless hours volunteering in the church I grew up in, in East Peoria, planted a seed that until joining the team at VNA was never allowed to grow. Assisting the seniors of Knox County has been a dream come true for me, and I look forward to continuing for many years to come.
Fun Fact About Me: I have owned and ran my own DJ and Karaoke business called Bang’n Redhedz for the last 15 years. I believe that music is stress relieving, and even soul healing. There is always music playing wherever I am, no matter what I am doing.
Carrie S. Bewley, Administrative Assistant
My role is to greet and assist clients, answer phones, input information in the system, and to file Benefit access requests.
Professional Background & Experience: My background is in Healthcare and Mental Health. I have 9 years’ experience working with the disabled.
I have an Associate degree in Medical Office Professional, a Certificate in Accounting and I am finishing a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in strategic leadership.
What I Love About Working at VNA: I Love to see the seniors laugh and have fun. They are a Ray of Sunshine!
Fun Fact About Me: I love to go fishing and I go every chance I get. I love gardening and I have an acre of property that I can plant. I also love antiques and quilts, and I am a seamstress and love making items to give away.
Dawn Freude, Kitchen Manager
I prepare meals for our seniors. I help to ensure all components of the meal are temp ready. I order all the groceries for each meal, prepare and serve.
Professional Background & Experience: I have worked in the cook/prep atmosphere for over 30 years. I have cooked for group homes, also prepare soup for sale at an Amish deli while living in Tennessee.
What I Love About Working at VNA: I love to cook and have the freedom to create meals and desserts for our seniors. I love talking with our seniors, and I like meeting new recipients. I love the VNA, its like a family, helping each other, and offering meaningful conversation.
Fun Fact About Me: I come from a family of 16 children (3 girls & 13 boys). Which is where I learned to cook for a crowd. My husband and I make baked good, jams, jellies and relishes to sell from our home and at the farmer’s markets. I love to paint, sew, and craft. We have 2 dogs “Boone,” a yellow lab, and “Lucy,” an 8lb Chihuahua/Yorkie.
Anita Kukuk, Kitchen Assistant
I help package meals for pick up and serve the seniors who dine in.
Professional Background & Experience: Most recently, payroll clerk. In the past, I have had various positions in food service, waitress, etc.
What I Love About Working at VNA: Enjoy the staff here, and mostly, feeling for the hours I’m here, doing something helping our seniors.
Fun Fact About Me: Love all critters, meeting new people and learning new skills, and I would love to sky-dive again!