Meet The Team
Nicholas S. Szara
Director of Intact Family Services - Mattoon
Nick joined Bethany Christian Services in February, 2020 as the Intact Families Director. He has over 16 years of experience in Intact services, as well as foster care, SASS, CCBYS, Outpatient, In Home Therapy, Delinquency Prevention, Teen Parenting, and IDD services. He has a six month old son Joseph (Joe Joe) with his wife Gina. Nick has a M.S., Psychology from Walden University, and resides in McHenry County, frequently visiting the Intact sites throughout central and southern Illinois.
Brittaney E. Warchol
Intact Family Worker - Southern Illinois
Brittaney currently serves as an Intake Family Worker at Bethany. She received her Bachelors degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois, and is currently working on her Masters in Social Work. Brittaney has several years of experience at working at a crisis nursery, as an educational advocate for sexual assault unit, and as an inpatient adolescent substance abuse counselor before spending the last several years as a nanny to multiple wonderful families.
Michelle Massey
Intact Family Services Supervisor - Southern Illinois
Michelle obtained her Masters of Social Work and Masters of Pastoral Studies through a dual program at St. Louis University and Aquinas Institute of Theology in 2015. She also has a Bachelors in Social Work from Murray State University in Kentucky. She has 4 years of child welfare experience in foster care casework and licensing. She has previous experience working with adults with mental health diagnoses in various roles, including community case management in the Dallas TX area. Michelle is passionate about empowering others to know their dignity and worth as children of God. She is active at her church in Caseyville and lives with her husband, Tim and two adorable dogs, Scout and Zephyr.
Shae Lutes
Intact Family Worker - Southern Illinois
Shae Lutes earned her bachelor's degree in sociology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She has experience working in children’s ministry and is passionate about spreading the love of Christ through her everyday actions. She interned with Epworth Children and Family Services where she helped provide outreach and resources to youth in the surrounding communities. She lives in Belleville and enjoys spending time at home with her family.
Jacqueline Waller
Intact Family Services Caseworker - Southern Illinois
Jacqueline obtained her Masters of Christian Ministry/Pastoral Studies from Missouri Baptist University and received her Bachelors in Political Science and Sociology from Evergreen State College in Washington State. She started working in Child Welfare as a Foster Care Supervisor in 2021 and recently transferred to Intact Services. Jacqueline has worked with diverse people groups in ministry for 20+ years. Her heart is to help others to come to know the love of God and to overcome life’s challenges. She loves being outdoors and pulling her best friend into her adventures such as swimming with manatees.
Jalyn Penny
Intact Family Services Case Manager - Southern Illinois
Jalyn is an Intact Family Services Case Manager who received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She plans to continue her education and receive a Master’s degree in social work in the near future. Jalyn has worked with children and families in a variety of different ways in the past few years including: Volunteer Activities Coordinator for HeadStart, a camp counselor for the Salvation Army, and most recently an intern for Lutheran Child and Family Services. Jalyn lives with her adorable and loving cat Lennox.
Keegan Goodman
Family Strengthening Case Manager - Southern Illinois
Keegan received a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with a Minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern Illinois of Edwardsville. She is planning on returning back to SIUE to complete her Masters Degree in Social Work to further her education. Keegan joined Bethany Christian Services in 2022 right after graduating bringing a wealth of knowledge and ambition to start her career at the agency. When she is not in the office Keegan enjoys spending her time with family, friends, and her puppy Bo!
Nathaniel Carlson
Intact Family Services Caseworker - Southern Illinois
Nathaniel has been with Bethany as an Intact Family Worker for over two years, both as a part-time and full-time case manager. He graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2014 with an undergraduate degree in Social Work and has extensive experience working with youth and families in need in the Metro St. Louis region. Nathaniel enjoys writing, going on trips, and spending time at home with his wife.
Shantrena Booker
Intact Family Services Supervisor - Southern Illinois
Trena obtained her Master’s degree in Legal Studies with a Paralegal Certificate from Webster University. She also has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from University of Missouri-St. Louis. She has worked in the child welfare field for over 20 years. For the last 19 years, she worked for the Missouri Department of Social Services as a Child Abuse Investigations Supervisor and a Child Abuse Investigator. She has held leadership positions, such as Co-Chair of the Supervisor Advisory Committee and Member of the Child Fatality Review Board. She believes that it is vital that each family recognizes, develops and uses their own strengths to manage their family’s needs and wants. Trena is totally committed to seeing that safety is achieved for every child. She is married to a police officer and they have four children.
