About Us
iMagicNation is on a mission to Bring Books Back and to help students discover the magic of reading. We achieve our mission by creating engaging literacy programs and by recruiting and training engaging volunteers who create lessons tailored to each child’s needs. We have the tools and training to help our students succeed!
OUR STORY
We formed iMagicNation in response to Springfield’s decision to close its neighborhood library branches. The City’s decision eliminated spaces where kids can discover books at their leisure. Since 2013, we have seen other changes that significantly impact the amount of time children spend reading. Technology has exploded and young people are spending large portions of their day on phones and tablets.
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.
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.”
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.
Alleen Thornton
Board Member
Alleen Thornton is a native of Springfield and a product of the pubic schools. She has always enjoyed reading and has participated in many book clubs.
Because Alleen enjoys working with children and instilling a love of reading in them, iMagicNation is a perfect fit for her. She is a former reading volunteer at the Springfield Boys and Girls Club. Alleen is also active in her church and the larger Springfield community.
Alleen is always willing to lend a helping hand and usually the first to volunteer for our community outreach events.
She is the proud parent of two and a happy grandmother of one. Alleen says she is honored to be a board member.
Noah Mitchell
[Team Member Name] is a skilled professional with extensive experience in [industry/field]. Passionate about [specific aspect of the job or industry], [he/she/they] deliver(s) exceptional results and drive(s) success for our clients.
Marketing Specialist
