Sarah Kinkin
Board Chairperson
Sarah attended Bradley University and double majored in Criminal Justice and Sociology. She returned to the Illinois Valley and began working part time for the Spring Valley Police Department in 2011. Sarah was employed there through 2024 serving as the Deputy Chief of Police upon her departure. Currently Sarah holds a Board of Directors and President position with Grow Spring Valley and a Board of Directors position with Central Canine Search and Rescue. She works full time for Voluntary Action Center as their Development Director for LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam County, writing grants, coordinating fundraisers, and conducting community outreach.
Susan Bursztynsky
Secretary, Treasurer
Susan is a licensed attorney who has worked with non-profit organizations for her entire professional career (she does not provide legal services through VIA). Susan’s mission in life is to make a difference for others, especially women and children. She lives in Ottawa with her spouse and has three grown children.
To contact Susan Bursztynsky directly, email sbursztynsky@valleyimmigrant.org.
Bob Eschbach
Bob is an attorney in Ottawa, Illinois. Since returning to his hometown after law school, Bob has been active in community affairs, especially in the areas of environmental protection, historic preservation, and downtown and neighborhood revitalization. Bob served as mayor of the City of Ottawa for 20 years, ending in 2019. He is a founding member of the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation.
Steven Malinsky
Steve came to the Illinois Valley in 1972 to teach Spanish at Ottawa High School. In 1987, he became Ottawa High’s Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. Later, Steve served as superintendent to two elementary school districts north of Ottawa, providing services ranging from typical superintendent duties to substituting as a bus driver. Currently, he is Director of the Regional Work Study Program, an academic credit recovery program that provides an opportunity for students who have left school to earn their diploma.
A committed public servant, Steve has volunteered for numerous initiatives, including the 4H and City of Ottawa Fire and Police Commission. He is a member of the Illinois Valley Hispanic Partnership Council and on the board of directors of North Central Behavioral Health Systems. He holds a Doctorate in Education from Illinois State University and a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Illinois.
Luke Olivero
Luke is currently the English as a Second Language/High School Equivalency Program Manager for the Adult Education Program at Illinois Valley Community College. He has over twenty years of experience as an English as a Second Language instructor. He is also a member of the Illinois Valley Hispanic Partnership Council, which helps improve access to college for Spanish-speaking people by providing scholarships and promoting cultural events in the community.
Through his professional experience, Luke has learned about the struggles and barriers faced by immigrant newcomers to the Illinois Valley. His dual roles at IVCC as teacher and program manager give him the opportunity to interact with stakeholders and to collaborate with community partners that provide supportive services to the people who need them.
Rosana Kinsella
Rosana Kinsella is am the Volunteer Services Manager for VITAS Healthcare.
Her family is all from Tanganciquaro, Mexico, a tiny little town 2 hours south from Guadalajara, Mexico. Rosana’s father came to the US with a working visa and worked for the railroads. “My Father was super lucky to not do labor as he was the cook. His love for cooking brought his family to the US. The deal for my father’s incredible cooking gave my family immigration papers for his service.”
Jessica Ortega
Jessica is a Customer Service Specialist. She a highly adaptable, strategic leader with 20+ years of experience growing corporate sales and brand awareness by developing profitable relationships. Jessica drives sales initiatives from idea inception to implementation after delivering excellent customer service and resolving issues. She provides support by understanding individual needs and presenting value-added products. Jessica is a persuasive communicator, able to easily build rapport with customers, staff, and executives. And she is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Christina Cantlin, Attorney
Christina’s areas of practice include advising financial and government institutions including local cities, villages, townships, fire and drainage districts. Additional areas of practice include estate planning, real estate, corporations, and traffic defense.
Christina was a Circuit Judge in the 13th Judicial Circuit. 2021-20234
OSF St. Elizabeth Board of Directors, 2005-2021 (Past Chairman)
