Meet our Staff
Heidi Lanier
Heidi Lanier joined the QPS Foundation in July of 2022. While born and raised in Idaho, Quincy is Heidi’s chosen community and she is passionate about doing her part to help the community thrive. Heidi was introduced to Quincy by her husband, Josh Lanier, who was born and raised in town and graduated from QHS in 1999. She has two children who both attended Quincy Public Schools.
Heidi has a bachelor's degree in English from Quincy University and has completed all coursework for a master’s degree in marketing and communication at Franklin University. Heidi has spent her career working in educational non-profits, holding roles at Quincy University, Culver-Stockton College, John Wood Community College and Southern Oregon PBS. In her free time, Heidi enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.
Racheal Raleigh
Racheal Raleigh joined the QPS Foundation in January of 2023. Born in Quincy and having grown up in the area, Racheal is proud to call Quincy home. She graduated from Payson-Seymour High School in 2010. After high school, she attended Quincy University where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in graphic design and a minor in marketing. Racheal's work experience in healthcare allowed her to serve in many capacities including marketing, design, communications, events management, and non-profit work.
In her free time, Racheal enjoys reading, design, outdoor activities, and spending time with loved ones. She is excited to join the team and is looking forward to accomplishing great things together.
Lori Salisbury
In May 2020, Lori Salisbury joined QPS Foundation, working as a Bookkeeping/Finance Specialist. She came to us with 20+ years’ experience as an accountant with a local manufacturing company. She earned a 2-year degree from John Wood Community College, majoring in accounting. Lori lives in Quincy with her son Jacob and their two dogs. She enjoys cooking, working in the yard, listening to music, and watching her son play basketball and baseball.
Maddie Hill
Maddie Hill joined the QPS Foundation in May of 2026 and serves as the Communications & Administrative Specialist for the Quincy Public Schools Foundation. A 2021 Quincy High School graduate, Maddie earned her Bachelor of Strategic Communication from Maryville University and brings experience in marketing, social media management, content creation, website development, and client relations. She has worked with both nonprofit organizations and businesses to strengthen brand awareness, tell meaningful stories, and engage audiences.
As a proud Blue Devil, Maddie is excited to combine her passion for Quincy Public Schools with her professional background in communications and marketing. In her role, she helps share the stories of students, staff, alumni, and supporters while supporting the Foundation's mission to create opportunities for current and future generations of QPS students. Outside of work, Maddie enjoys spending time with family, attending community events, staying active, and supporting local businesses.
Meet our Board of Trustees
Lindsay Ertel
Lindsay is a 2001 QHS Graduate. She attended University of Kansas where she graduated with a degree in Interior Design. She and her high school sweetheart, Mitch, moved back to Quincy in 2010 when they tied the knot. They have 3 wonderful children - Madison, Will, & Jackson. Lindsay opened GemStone Countertops in 2019. Lindsay wants to make Quincy Public Schools as strong as possible to ensure a wonderful education for all students.
Michaela Fray-Tappe
Michaela Fray-Tappe Ed.D. is the Founder and Owner of Curating CARE Consulting, where she partners with individuals, small groups, executive leaders and organizations to strengthen Connections, Alignment, Resilience, and growth through intentional Education and Empowerment to make lasting impact.
Now in her 20th year as an educator and leader, Michaela was raised in Augusta, Illinois, by two lifelong educators and a basketball coach, an upbringing that deeply shaped her passion for service, leadership, and community. She proudly considers Quincy Public Schools “home" as it is where she started her professional career. Michaela is a graduate of Quincy University, where she was a member of the women’s basketball team and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.
Michaela began her career at Baldwin South Intermediate School and has since served in a variety of impactful leadership roles, including PK–8 Principal at Western CUSD #12, QPS IL-PART Coordinator, and Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Quincy Public Schools. She has also spent the last seven years working with federally funded research grants focused on school and district leadership. She earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western Illinois University in December 2020 and holds a superintendent license.
Through her continued service on the QPS Foundation Board, Michaela remains deeply committed to supporting and celebrating the students, staff, and innovation within Quincy Public Schools.
Michaela also serves on the Quincy University National Alumni Board and the Connect Child and Family Solutions Board. She is Past President of the Mart Heinen Board at Quincy University. She is married to Andy Tappe, and together they are passionate about investing in their community and region. In March 2022, they welcomed Ja'Niya Alexander into their family, who graduated in 2024 from QPS.
Michelle Moore
Michelle is a 1982 graduate of Quincy High School and a 1985 graduate of University of Missouri-Columbia with a double major in Early Childhood & Elementary Education. She formerly taught kindergarten, 1st grade, and Reading Recovery in the Peoria and Quincy Public Schools.
Michelle has always been very passionate about education, particularly Quincy Public Schools, and has been involved in a variety of roles as a parent, an alum, and a community member. She and her husband, Todd, also a 1982 QHS alum, were Honorary Chairs for the 2022 Dream Big Campaign. The support and enthusiasm of the community was overwhelming. She feels strongly that the quality and strength of the public school system in a community is mandatory for continued growth and development of that community, as well as for the quality of life for its citizens.
Michelle and Todd are the parents of two children, Austin and his wife Miranda and Alexandra and her husband Tony. They are the grandparents of four (amazing) grandchildren, Natalia and William Moore and Lucas and Sophia Lantz.
Lucy Bordewick
Lucy Bordewick and her husband, John, are proud natives of Quincy who returned to their hometown in 2011 from St. Louis. They have three children in Quincy Public Schools. Lucy earned her degree in Communication and International Studies from Saint Louis University. After working in fundraising, marketing, and communication in both St. Louis and Quincy, Lucy founded Digital Thread Inc., a communication and marketing firm, in 2020. She is deeply committed to fostering an environment where every student and educator can learn, grow, and succeed, feeling supported and respected along the way.
Heather Cook
Heather is a 1994 graduate of Quincy High School. She received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Accounting from Quincy University in 2000 and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. She worked as a staff accountant at Gray Hunter Stenn LLP for two years. Heather is currently the Finance Director for The Salvation Army Quincy Area Command in Quincy and has been with the organization for 20 years. Heather is also owner and operator of HLC Tax. Heather is an active member of Quincy Service League and has served as treasurer for the annual gift show. Heather has been married to her husband Jason for 17 years and they have a 16-year-old son (Camren). Camren attends Quincy Senior High School and plays baseball for the Blue Devils. Heather enjoys spending time with friends and family, restoring furniture, exercise, golf and watching her son play baseball. Heather has a passion for the Quincy community and values the importance of the QPS Foundation's role in providing much needed resources to both students and educators.
Heidi Holzgrafe
Heidi Holzgrafe is a 2000 graduate of Quincy Senior High School. She and her husband, Eric Loos, a 2001 QHS alum, returned to their beloved hometown in 2019. As a member of the Quincy Public Schools Foundation, Heidi hopes to grow community support of the organization. She believes investment in our students, educators, and facilities is essential to maintaining the quality of life of the entire community long term. Prior to moving back to Quincy, Heidi worked for a real estate investment firm based in Chicago overseeing operations for their national multi-family housing portfolio.
Heidi also sits on the Board of the Quincy Art Center.
Shelley Arns
Shelley Arns is a 1988 graduate of Quincy Senior High School. She attended Illinois State University, earning her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a master's degree in Educational Administration. Shelley taught in the McLean County Unit District #5 schools for twelve years as a substitute, teaching assistant, teaching 3rd, 5th, and 6th grades, and teaching technology to students in PreK-6th grades in the Instructional Media Center.
She and her husband Jeremy (QHS Class of '89) moved back to Quincy in 2005 to raise their son, Greysen (QHS Class of '19) in their hometown. While in Quincy, Shelley taught 6th grade at Baldwin South for 8 years. She then transitioned to working with her family's business, W.C. Holzgrafe Construction Company in 2013. Since working in the property management arena, she has remained active with Quincy Public Schools serving as a mentor to students, on PTAs at both QJHS and QHS, and most recently on the school board. In 2018 she was appointed to the board to fill a vacancy and was voted to the board in 2019. In August 2022 Shelley became the president of the board.
Dr. Larry Gray II
Dr. . Larry D. Gray, II currently serves as the Superintendent of Schools in Quincy Public Schools, Qunicy, IL. Dr. Gray’s extensive educational experience includes leadership roles as a central office administrator in both Illinois and Missouri schools, Principal at both the High School and Junior High level, adjunct college professor, and school counselor. Dr. Gray is a graduate of Olivet College with a bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology. Dr. Gray also holds a Masters and Doctorate of Educational Leadership degree from Western Michigan University.
Dr. Gray’s educational philosophy and leadership approach begins and ends with the student in mind. He is a firm believer that every student has potential just waiting to be unlocked and it is our duty as educators to help them discover and develop their unique gifts. This belief is the foundation of his student-centered leadership style, which promotes team and community building and collaboration with all stakeholders.
Dr. Gray is a visionary and creative leader who utilizes his research from PLC’s to improve the quality of teaching and learning. He has extensive training in trauma informed student management as he participated in Life Space Crisis Intervention, a program that reclaims students’ behavior and Choice Theory/ Reality Therapy that helps students take responsibility for their actions and help to empower students. His trauma training enables him to work with and successfully reach at-risk students within the educational system. Leading to increased student retention, reduced student suspensions, and increased graduation rates.
Dr. Gray encourages students to become life-long learners and passionate about their education. Nelson Mandela once stated that “Education is the most powerful weapon one can have”. Dr. Gray seeks to empower students with knowledge and skills that will strengthen their families and communities.
Brandy Blickhan Ridder
After 21 years in marketing and advertising, Brandy is President of Brand Advantage Marketing Agency located in Quincy. Brandy is on the Quincy Humane Society Board, Advocacy for Children Network and various committees at the Quincy Art Center. She recently married Mike Ridder of Adams Fiber and has 2 stepsons Adam and Austin and a dog Lucy. Brandy graduated from Quincy High in 1993 and University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign in 1997 with a degree in Communications.
Katie Schelp
Katie Schelp and her husband Spencer are both graduates of Quincy Senior High School. They have four children (Ben, Jane, Anne & Gus). Katie is the Director of Physician Recruitment & Retention for Quincy Medical Group. After living away from Quincy for 16 years, the Schelps returned to the town they love in 2011. Katie believes that a strong public school system is essential for Quincy to continue to be a place where people want to raise their families.
Ben Van Ness
After graduating from Quincy High School in 2001, Ben attended the University of Kansas and graduated in 2006. From there, Ben and his wife moved to Philadelphia, PA where Ben started his television career as a Political Representative for Blair Television. Ben stuck with Blair Television for several years as that job moved them from Philadelphia, to New York City, to Chicago IL over the span of about 6 years. Ben then joined Quincy Media, Inc as an Account Executive for WSJV in South Bend, IN. After becoming Local Sales Manager while in South Bend after a few years, Ben became General Sales Manager at KXLT and relocated to Rochester, MN. That same job opportunity became available at WGEM in Quincy, IL where Ben was born and raised and moved back in 2017. In early 2021, Ben became the Vice President & General Manager of WGEM.
Ben and his wife Amanda have two daughters, Olivia and Emma. Ben is an avid sports fan and enjoys spending time with family & friends. Ben and his family are active at St. John’s Episcopal Church and several other community organizations. With any free time, you can often find Ben on the golf course or outside chasing around the kids in the neighborhood.
Kellea Hendrian
Kellea Hendrian is a Quincy Senior High School graduate who proudly calls Quincy home. She and her husband, Adam, who is also a Quincy Senior High School graduate, are raising their two daughters, both of whom are students in Quincy Public Schools. Following graduation, Kellea attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Kellea is a Registered Nurse and serves as the Director of Patient Experience and Magnet Program at Blessing Health System, where she leads system-wide initiatives focused on nursing excellence, quality improvement, and patient experience.
With more than 15 years of healthcare experience and a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership, she is passionate about fostering excellence, developing strong teams, and creating positive outcomes for patients, staff, and the community.
Kellea is actively involved in several local nonprofit organizations and enjoys supporting initiatives that strengthen Quincy and the surrounding region. She is honored to support the Quincy Public Schools Foundation's mission of enhancing educational opportunities for local students and educators. Kellea believes strong public schools are essential to a thriving community and is proud to help invest in the future of Quincy students.
Mellissa Douglas
Mellissa is a 1993 QHS graduate. She attended Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Missouri in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science In Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. After 14 years of working for Monsanto, living in St. Louis and 2 years in New Orleans, Mellissa returned home to Quincy in 2009. She is the Customer Solutions Manager at Phibro Animal Health.
Mellissa is an active member of the Board of Directors for the United Way of Adams County, serving on several committees and volunteering. Mellissa is passionate about supporting the community and honored to be a part of the QPS Foundation. Supporting education and the future of our children is essential.
Mellissa has one son, Parker (future Blue Devil, class of 2029). She enjoys watching his many sporting events, spending time with family, golfing and trying new recipes.
Dan McCleery
Dan graduated from QHS in 2008. He played on the golf team and his 2006-2007 golf team was inducted into the Quincy Blue Devil Hall of Fame. He earned his B.A. in History from the University of Illinois in 2012 and J.D. from Saint Louis University in 2015. Dan returned to Quincy to practice law in 2015 and founded McCleery Law in 2022. Dan believes the future and well-being of our community lies in the hands of those students enrolled at QPS. Dan believes our mission is to support our young people to provide them the highest educational experience possible, so they can achieve great things, help others, and carry our community forward.
He is married to Allie, and they have a daughter, Molly, QHS class of 2037. Dan previously served on the Arts Quincy board and is an active member of First Union Congregational Church.
Erin Knapheide
Erin is a 1997 graduate from QHS. She attended the University of Kansas and majored in Communication Studies and Political Science. Erin and her husband Bo both worked in Kansas City and moved home to Quincy in 2005 when expecting their first child. All 3 children attend/attended QPS and Bo and Erin are so happy and proud of their experiences. The Knapheide Family bleeds blue.
Jason Finney
Jason is a 2000 graduate of QHS, he went on to attend Western Illinois University majoring in General Education with a minor in Computer Science and Law Enforcement and Justice Administration. Jason has held several positions in our community centered around public service. He is currently employed with The State of Illinois at the Department of Human Resources as a Staff Development Specialist. Jason previously was Alderman of the 3rd Ward, and served his community in that capacity.
Jason and his wife Nikki have two children, Nora (class of 2034) and Aiden (class of 2029). In his free time Jason enjoys CrossFit, coaching his son in basketball and cheering on the Blue Devil sports.
Diane Glaub
Born and raised in Breese, Illinois, Diane attended Mater Dei High School and graduated in 1978. She later attended and graduated from Quincy College in 1982 and never left the community. Fortunately, she was able to find a job teaching Math at Quincy Junior High School right out of college. Diane retired from QPS in 2015 after enjoying 35 great years as a teacher and principal.
Today, Diane enjoys the life of a retiree. You can find her traveling, enjoying the outdoors, spending time with family and friends or participating in a competitive game of pickleball.
Wendy Koontz
Wendy is a 1987 graduate of Quincy Senior High School and a 1991 graduate of Culver-Stockton College with a major in Recreation Management. She is married to Tim, a 1986 QHS graduate. She has 2 daughters, Megan O’Connor, a 2013 QHS graduate and Madelyn Dean, a 2016 QHS graduate. Wendy currently assists her husband with his business, Dale Koontz-Builder and is a volunteer on staff at LifePoint church as the Impact Coordinator. Seven generations of her family have attended Quincy Public Schools, & she looks forward to impacting the district through the Foundation.
Trustees Emeritus
Carson W. Kirk
Carson Kirk, son of former Quincy teachers Carolyn and Houston Kirk, is President of the Kirk Family Foundation, which is mainly geared towards education. To that end, Carson has really appreciated the opportunity to get involved with the QPSF as a trustee and as a staunch supporter of the Circles of Investment program. Despite being a longtime Floridian, Carson enjoys his ties to the Quincy community, and is still a big Cardinal fan.
Dr. Geroge Crickard III
Dr. George Crickard III is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and radiologist in Quincy, Illinois. Born and raised in Quincy, he returned home to practice at Quincy Medical Group. He is known for using cutting-edge tools to improve surgery and recovery for his patients. Dr. Crickard is a proud Blue Devil and longtime supporter of the QPS Foundation.
Dr. George C. Meyer
George Meyer is a former teacher, coach and administrator in the Quincy Public School district for 34 years and was superintendent during his last four years with QPS.
George was born and raised in East St. Louis, IL. He graduated from Quincy University in 1963, and he married Mary Nell Frier in the summer of 1963. They both began teaching at QJHS. He obtained his Doctorate from the University of Missouri in 1972. George and Mary Nell had three children who graduated from QHS. He worked in the QPS system and retired as Superintendent in 1997. George then taught and became Dean of the School of Education at Quincy University until he retired again in 2006. Since then George has been involved in bringing Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to the schools of Adams County."
Interested in joining the Quincy Public Schools Foundation Board of Trustees?
Please complete the interest form at the link below! Please note that completing the interest form does not guarantee you will be invited to join the QPSF Board. Board members are selected based on a number of factors, included current board member terms, skill sets, and geographic locations.
