Our Staff
Pictured: Brooke Krankel, Dorothy Hummel, Gabby Joyce, Taylor Hearne, Barb Paisley
Dorothy Hummel Executive Director
Dorothy’s love for Alton and YWCA's mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, and dignity for all persons led her to YWCA Southwestern Illinois. Dorothy spent over 31 years improving communities and developing housing throughout Madison County. She especially enjoyed her time in Alton working on Community and Housing Development projects with the City staff.
Through the years, she made many friends in the Riverbend area and truly enjoys reconnecting with colleagues from her days at Madison County. Her efforts led to safer neighborhoods, stronger public facilities, and new housing for the mentally ill, homeless, seniors, and low-income families. She helped form and manage several non-profits in Madison County which were used in public-private partnerships to develop low-income housing.
While she hails from East St. Louis originally, Dorothy is a resident of Edwardsville. She has served on the Edwardsville City Council, Edwardsville School Board, Edwardsville Planning Commission, and the National Development Council Advisory Board, a nationally recognized non-profit based in NYC. Dorothy has two grown children and a husband, Steve. She enjoys gardening, reading, volunteering, and traveling.
Dorothy can be reached at 618.465.7774 or emailed at execdirector@ywcaswil.org.
Barb Paisley Fiscal Officer
Our Fiscal Officer has a diverse background and a passion for numbers. Barb was born and raised here in the Riverbend area, earning her B.S. in Accountancy from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. With 30 years of accounting experience, Barb has previously worked for C.J. Schlosser & Co. LLC, Saint Anthony’s Health Care Center and Jefferson Smurfit Corporation.
Her experience is a true asset at YWCA Southwestern Illinois. She loves to be busy and enjoys working at the YWCA where children’s laughter and excitement can be heard throughout the building. Barb frequently attends our Racial Justice events and is excited to work at a place where the mission is to eliminate racism.
Barb lives in Alton with her husband and two sons. She is an avid reader of both non-fiction, fiction, and anything true crime.
Barb can be reached at 618.465.7774 or emailed at finance@ywcaswil.org.
Taylor Hearne Grants & Outcomes Coordinator
Taylor Hearn was born and raised in Alton, Illinois, and is a proud alumna of Alton High School. She earned her B.S. in Public Health from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where she gained skills in grant writing, research methods, and program development and evaluation.
In 2021, Taylor served as a Research Assistant in the University’s Public Health Department, co-authoring abstracts and presentations submitted to the American Public Health Association. Her work focused on the impacts of COVID-19 among Midwestern college students. In 2022, she interned with the Illinois Public Health Association, contributing to statewide efforts to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease among African American, Hispanic, and rural communities.
Taylor joined YWCA in January 2023 and currently serves as the Grants & Outcomes Coordinator, applying her knowledge and skills to support the organization’s mission and measure its impact.
In her free time, Taylor enjoys drawing, painting, and playing basketball. She remains deeply committed to giving back to the community she proudly calls home.
Gabby Joyce Child Enrichment Director
Gabby was promoted to Child Enrichment Director after serving as Assistant Director for a year. During that time, she developed curriculum, managed program supplies, handled billing, and played an active role in student enrollment.
Before that, she worked as the Site Coordinator at North Elementary in Godfrey, where she loved leading activities, helping students with homework, and building strong connections with families. Her background also includes experience in afterschool programs and preschool daycare. She has a passion for supporting children as they grow, learn, and explore.
Gabby can be reached at 618.465.7774 or emailed at cedirector@ywcaswil.org.