2026- Clusky/Stirens Family
Jessica Stirens and Matthew Cluskey know what it means to serve. As military parents, their lives are built on commitment, resilience, and trust. But nothing prepared them for the unique challenges that came with welcoming their youngest child, Connor.
Connor was diagnosed with dysphagia, a condition that causes him to aspirate while drinking. Feeding—something many families take for granted—became a complex, carefully managed medical process. Connor relies on tube feeding, and every day is a step toward the ultimate goal: growing strong enough to undergo surgery and someday leave the feeding tube behind.
For Jessica and Matthew, finding a place that could truly care for Connor wasn’t just about daycare. It was about safety. Trust. And knowing their child was in the hands of people who understood how critical every feeding, every interaction, truly is.
That’s where Starved Rock Regional Center (SRRC) comes in.
The Cluskey family’s journey with SRRC began back in June 2020, when their oldest daughter Emma, now 7, first enrolled. When it was time for Aubrey, now 2, and later Connor to attend, there was no question where they would go. SRRC had already proven itself to be more than a center—it was a community.
At SRRC, Connor receives feeding therapy alongside his daily care, guided by therapist Sarah and supported by teachers who treat his needs with exceptional skill and compassion. His caregivers--Cindy, Hanna, Steph, and previously Tristan—handle his tube feeding with confidence and care, giving his parents peace of mind that is nothing short of life-changing.
“Knowing his teachers handle it perfectly is not only a relief,” Jessica shares, “but instrumental in his growth.”
That trust allows Connor to focus on what matters most: growing, thriving, and simply being a baby.
But SRRC’s impact doesn’t stop with Connor. The family stated, “Aubrey lights up as she talks about her friends and teachers, proudly sharing stories of her day. Emma built her early foundation there too.” All three children have flourished socially, emotionally, and developmentally—supported every step of the way by staff who consistently show kindness, patience, and compassion, even in the toughest moments.
What stands out most to the Cluskey family isn’t just one moment—it’s every moment.
Whether calming a tantrum, tending to an injury, or offering a gentle smile during a hard day, SRRC staff create an environment where children are not only cared for, but deeply loved. When Jessica and Matthew commented saying when they leave their children each morning, they do so with confidence, knowing they are safe, happy, and supported.
Without SRRC, this level of care would be nearly impossible. Coordinating therapy around demanding work schedules and multiple children would mean added stress, missed work, and fewer opportunities for growth. SRRC makes it possible for therapy and childcare to work together seamlessly easing the burden on families who are already juggling so much.
For the Cluskey family, SRRC is more than a resource.
It’s a lifeline.
It’s a partner.
It’s a place where Connor can grow strong.
Connor was diagnosed with dysphagia, a condition that causes him to aspirate while drinking. Feeding—something many families take for granted—became a complex, carefully managed medical process. Connor relies on tube feeding, and every day is a step toward the ultimate goal: growing strong enough to undergo surgery and someday leave the feeding tube behind.
For Jessica and Matthew, finding a place that could truly care for Connor wasn’t just about daycare. It was about safety. Trust. And knowing their child was in the hands of people who understood how critical every feeding, every interaction, truly is.
That’s where Starved Rock Regional Center (SRRC) comes in.
The Cluskey family’s journey with SRRC began back in June 2020, when their oldest daughter Emma, now 7, first enrolled. When it was time for Aubrey, now 2, and later Connor to attend, there was no question where they would go. SRRC had already proven itself to be more than a center—it was a community.
At SRRC, Connor receives feeding therapy alongside his daily care, guided by therapist Sarah and supported by teachers who treat his needs with exceptional skill and compassion. His caregivers--Cindy, Hanna, Steph, and previously Tristan—handle his tube feeding with confidence and care, giving his parents peace of mind that is nothing short of life-changing.
“Knowing his teachers handle it perfectly is not only a relief,” Jessica shares, “but instrumental in his growth.”
That trust allows Connor to focus on what matters most: growing, thriving, and simply being a baby.
But SRRC’s impact doesn’t stop with Connor. The family stated, “Aubrey lights up as she talks about her friends and teachers, proudly sharing stories of her day. Emma built her early foundation there too.” All three children have flourished socially, emotionally, and developmentally—supported every step of the way by staff who consistently show kindness, patience, and compassion, even in the toughest moments.
What stands out most to the Cluskey family isn’t just one moment—it’s every moment.
Whether calming a tantrum, tending to an injury, or offering a gentle smile during a hard day, SRRC staff create an environment where children are not only cared for, but deeply loved. When Jessica and Matthew commented saying when they leave their children each morning, they do so with confidence, knowing they are safe, happy, and supported.
Without SRRC, this level of care would be nearly impossible. Coordinating therapy around demanding work schedules and multiple children would mean added stress, missed work, and fewer opportunities for growth. SRRC makes it possible for therapy and childcare to work together seamlessly easing the burden on families who are already juggling so much.
For the Cluskey family, SRRC is more than a resource.
It’s a lifeline.
It’s a partner.
It’s a place where Connor can grow strong.
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