Archives: Profiles

Monica Skylling Mattson has been involved in the pageant industry for over 30 years as a contestant, coach and judge. She is the reigning Mrs. Illinois-International and will be competing in the prestigious Mrs. International Pageant later this year. She was also Mrs. Illinois-United States 2016 as well as Mrs. Illinois-America 1999 where she placed 3rd Runner-Up to Mrs. America. Monica is a former Flight Attendant and Emergency Procedures Instructor for United Airlines and now works as a Customer Assistance Representative for American Airlines. She also works as an actor and model and has been seen locally playing lead roles in several musicals at the Woodstock Opera House. Along with acting, she will also soon be a published author as her new book, “Confessions of an Aging Beauty Queen” is soon to be released. Monica lives in Crystal Lake with her family.

Stephen Hobbs is an experience-based educator (i.e., mentor, coach, facilitator, instructor). His lived experience is borne of international travel, shifting career foci, 30+ years of practical business mistakes and successes, writing and speaking, and listening to his mentors and coaches.

Dr. Ivan is the CEO and founder of AIM Technical Consultants. His career in the telecommunications industry began as a field engineer working with AMPs Radio Equipment, where he obtained extensive experience in RF Engineering, Network Engineering and Project Management.

Dr. Temeaka Gray resides in the mid-western town of Toledo, Ohio. Dr. Temeaka holds several accredited degrees; a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Tiffin University; a Master of Nursing (MSN) from the University of Cincinnati; and a Doctorate in Psychology (Health and Wellness focus) from the University of the Rockies. Dr. Temeaka also holds an Online Teaching Certificate from the University of Toledo.

Tiffany is a licensed mental health counselor and licensed psychologist. She is also a Canadian Certified Counselor who lives both in Ontario and Ohio. Working in both university and clinical settings, her work focuses on the development of clinical counseling skills, feminist and multicultural aspects of eating disorders, identity and client empowerment. She is also interested in how people use metaphor and multilingualism in self-expression.

Nina is a licensed psychologist and has been an innovative counselor-educator at West Virginia University and Walden University.  She uses the Impact Therapy approach in her counseling and her teaching, incorporating multisensory and creative techniques in all her work, including yoga and martial arts.  She and her husband, Rives Thornton, offer counseling and training in counseling at their retreat in Bellingham, Washington.

Dr. Candy Khan has over 25 years of experience embedding diversity, equity, and belonging principles into policies, programs, and services. Her extensive experience working with large organizations in the private, academic, not-for-profit, and public sectors includes both in-house consulting and leadership experience. Candy possesses a Doctorate in Education in the field of Adult Education in the Workplace from the University of Alberta, and a Master’s in education in Theoretical, Cultural, and International Studies. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Dr. Khan has deep experience developing curriculum and overseeing training programs across organizations with a range of training needs. She is also a qualified administrator for Intercultural Development Inventory, a certified change management expert, and a leadership coach, and has conducted many workplace investigations with a special focus on workplace restoration.