Board Member Bios

Home Parish: Saint Philomena Catholic Church

Home School: Saint Philomena Catholic School

Background: 

I serve as the Community Engagement Manager for Easterseals Central IL. A Peoria native, I benefited from services at Easterseals as a young child, even serving as the Easterseals Ambassador in 1993. Now, I tell my own story of progress, as well as current Easterseals family stories, to foster ability awareness and inclusion in schools and businesses, while working to engage volunteers in a fulfilling way. By educating the community about the Easterseals mission and the specialized pediatric therapy services they provide, I hope to build community support for Easterseals Central IL and the families they serve.

Family:

I was born and raised in Peoria, IL. I attended 3 catholic schools growing up: St. Philomena School, Peoria Notre Dame High School and St. Ambrose University in Davenport IA. I am married to Wes who also attended Peoria Notre Dame. ( and Holy family). We met after college, he is a year older.

I have 2 sons, Shea 4, and Cameron 2. Shea is in Pre-K 4 at St. Philomena. Shea struggles with regulation and has received Occupational Therapy in the past, and we are working with the resource teacher at SPS so that Shea can be successful.

Education, Career, and Volunteer Work:

I graduated from St. Ambrose University with a degree in Marketing. However, I always knew I wanted to market a purpose and not a product. My family has always been driven to support the special needs community. My past work experience involves working as an Independent Living Advocate at RAMP center for independent living in Rockford IL.

• I worked for the Heart of Illinois Special Recreation association for many summers in roles both in programming and in admin positions.

• I worked for the Peoria County courthouse in the traffic division, and then ending my journey as the judges clerk in the traffic courtroom ( random, lol)

• I have been at Easterseals Central IL for 7 years. I serve in the development space where I have worn many hats. My current role is Community Engagement Manager where I advocate for those we serve, by sharing about our mission. This leads to volunteer and donor recruitment.

• I volunteer currently by serving on Peoria City Links ADA WOW! Committee.

• I will be filling a Vacancy for the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for Citizens with Disabilities for the City of Peoria. ( I will be read into record in Oct.) (volunteer)

Reasons for serving on the FIRE Foundation Board:

I have a very strong passion to serve and help those impacted by disability or neurodiversity. I very much believe in the importance of Catholic Education for any child and family that wants it. I am a person with a physical disability and might have been the only child with a visible disability going through catholic school where I did, when I did. Catholic Education is rooted in morals and faith, and every child deserves to have that. Currently with my son Shea, I can share my worry that his school won’t be able to support him. And though for now, things are going ok.. no family should EVER have to worry about that.