Board Member Bios

Home parish:

St. Jude Parish

Family:

I grew up in Peoria, Illinois and belonged to St. Thomas Parish. I attended Peoria Notre Dame High School, then the University of Illinois where I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication (2011). I am married to Carl Genzel and we have two children, Connor (8) and Olivia (5). Connor was medically diagnosed with Autism at the age of 4. Every time someone tells us he will not be able to do something, he proves them wrong. He is truly remarkable in so many ways. He is a gift to our family and to all who meet him. We belong to St. Jude Parish in Peoria. Olivia attends St. Jude Catholic School and Connor attends Banner Elementary School.

Career & Hobbies:

I worked at Bump Boxes as a Senior Account Executive for Corporate Sales. I decided to make a switch into the healthcare space where I currently work for Innovation Studios at OSF HealthCare System. I am thankful my job provides a healthy work life balance because family time is my favorite. Connor attends therapy services at Easterseals five days a week and we are an Ambassador Family for them. Both children enjoy their extra-curricular activities such as piano, gymnastics, swimming, and dance. Our family enjoys being outdoors at our lake-house, taking walks, movie nights, cooking and traveling together.

Reasons for Serving on the FIRE Foundation Board:

Since being blessed with a child that has special needs, I have made it my mission to help educate, change, and create a community that is more inclusive and accepting of individuals like my son. This role will allow me to continue that mission and help create an opportunity for the special needs community to be included in Catholic education. As a parent of a special needs child, I would love to see my child receive and be included in Catholic Education.