Dr. Claire Gordon is a professor at Lincoln Land Community College who teaches public speaking. She spoke to Community Voices about her career and techniques to reduce stress when speaking in front of a crowd. She also talked about the upcoming donor event on Nov. 15, hosted by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Sonya Jones inspires people to live healthier lifestyles. She participated in Season 16 of "The Biggest Loser" after a life-long struggle with weight loss. She now helps others at her clinic in Litchfield. She spoke with Community Voices about her tips for losing weight and keeping it off.

Dr. Alonzo DeCarlo is a psychologist who has examined the American education system in his new book "The Culture of Education and Experiential Polemics." He spoke with Community Voices about some of the pitfalls about the American school system as well as other topics such as "digital drugs."

Veronica Espina is the board president of the Springfield Immigrant Advocacy Network (SIAN). She spoke with Community Voices about the organization which organized in response to negative speech about immigrants. Since its inception the organization has worked to educate the community about the contributions made by immigrants. Espina also spoke about the need to ask immigrant communities what they need before donating items and how to "do no harm."

Jessica Lance is the owner of Bewitching Botanicals. She started making organic products because she could not find healthier options for her family. This hobby led to a brick and mortar store in Auburn. Lance spoke with Community Voices about products and her business, which he calls a holistic self-care store.

Ryan McCrady, president and CEO, Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, joins Community Voices to discuss the new job tools the organization is providing along with updating the work SSGA is doing to increase economic development in the area.

Jessie Burrell is the director of marketing at the University of Illinois Springfield, but she has many hobbies that keep her busy outside of work. She grew up in a farm family with 165 years of history in Central Illinois. She spoke with Community Voices about learning to garden and enjoying rural life as well as vintage vehicles.

The Edgar Lee Masters Home is located in Petersburg, Ill. Edgar Lee Masters was an American poet and is well-known for his publication "Spoon River Anthology." The home he lived in while in Petersburg is currently maintained by a group of volunteers. Kathy Olesen a volunteer and the president of the home's board spoke to Community Voices about the home's history, as well as upcoming events.

Nancy Draper is a Sangamon County court appointed special advocate (CASA) recruiter. A CASA volunteer is someone who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interest of an abused and/or neglected child in juvenile court. Draper spoke to Community Voices about how to become a volunteer and the challenges of working as an advocate.

Nicky Besser, executive director of Decatur's Good Samaritan Inn discusses their November 10 fundraiser to help the organization feed the hungry. An artistic, empty bowl is available from local artists for $10 and another $5 fills the bowl.