The Decatur Park District believes that the arts make invaluable and unique contributions to the educational process and to the enrichment of the lives of all.
Megan Dickerson
Megan Dickerson (Ms. Megan) is the Cultural Arts Manager for the Decatur Park District and is a certified dance instructor. Ms. Megan was the Cultural Arts Supervisor from 2008-2013. During that time she was in charge of and taught for the Dance/Drama program, directed and choreographed the Young Park Singer Program and assisted with PERFORM!, Best of Summer Stock (B.O.S.S.), Greater Decatur Chorale and many other special events. She has free-lanced as a choreographer for many theatre programs across Illinois, Millikin Children’s Choir summer music camp and been a part of Artist in Residencies in the Greater Decatur area. Ms. Megan has taught dance for over 25 years in the disciplines of jazz, tap, lyrical and ballet to pre-school through adult students. She has taught at the Decatur Park District, Decatur YWCA, YMCA and The Little Theatre On the Square. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her 2 children Chase & Chloe, tend to her flower gardens, craft and complete Pinterest projects. She was born and raised in Decatur and has a passion for the great Decatur community, People and a love for the arts. Ms. Megan enjoys seeing how the arts can empower and change a person for the better. She is excited to be back with the Decatur Park District and a part of the prestigious award-winning Arts programs.
Alexis Riley
Alexis is the Cultural Arts Supervisor, joining the staff in January of 2019. Alexis holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Recreation Management from Illinois State University. While attending Illinois State University, Alexis served as Vice President of Poise Dance Team. She was a member of the team for 4 years and choreographed and taught several routines for their Fall and Spring showcases each year. In her final semester of college, Alexis completed an internship with Bloomington Parks and Recreation working in the administrative offices, planning and implementing several programs, and instructing dance classes. Prior to coming on staff with the Decatur Park District, Alexis worked at Holy Family Parish School in Peoria, IL, as a Dance Teacher and Secretary. She taught pre-school through 8th grades various dance styles, choreographed, and produced the school’s Spring Dance Recital. Alexis currently teaches dance at the Decatur Park District as well as assists in various capacities to ensure quality programming in the Arts. She has always had a passion for arts and teaching, and at the Park District she has the opportunity to pursue both of her passions.
Jen Petagno
Jen Petagno is the Cultural Arts Technical Supervisor, joining the staff in May 2017. Jen is a 2014 Millikin University graduate with a degree in Technical Theatre. At Millikin, her emphasis was in technical direction and scenic painting. While at Millikin, Jen had the opportunity to be the scenic artist for the Department of Agriculture for their State Fair Display and scenic design a production at the Station Theatre. Millikin also gave her the opportunity to be Technical Director over four productions and Paint Charge over four productions. Before becoming the Cultural Arts Technical Supervisor, Jen had worked part time for the Park District in our Cultural Arts programs since the summer of 2013 as a technician, scenic designer, scenic artist, and has helped with many special event and cultural art activities and needs including movies, concerts, and assisting with the technical set up for many of the Park Districts performance programs.