CEO
Herb Washington
What excites you most about leading CEL?
Working with and for people with disabilities is my life and life's work. What excites me most about leading CEL is the opportunity to continue building upon the foundation of it's rich legacy and unique way of advancing the mission. It is truly an honor to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team, Board and circle of supporters to ensure that people with disabilities are afforded every opportunity to fully experience life's possibilities.
What is a fun fact about you?
While it isn't everyone's cup of tea, I am an avid horror movie fan. With that said, it still may come as a surprise to most to know that in a previous time in my life I found myself very much involved in the world of paranormal investigation. As a former member or founder of four paranormal investigation groups, I have a treasure trove of stories to tell, great memories to cherish and friendships that will last a lifetime.
HWashington@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
FINANCE AND OPERATIONS
Cynthia Genteman
Director of Finance and Operations
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
CEL really stands out as a place you can grow professionally while truly enjoying the experience. I’m so lucky to work with and learn from such smart, collaborative, and caring people.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I love rainy days. The smells and sound soothe me. From the drip, drip sound of a light shower to the ferocious roar of a downpour. It draws all of the negative energy out of me and leaves me calm. I can spend hours snuggled up on the porch swing with a cup of coffee watching.
Cindy@CenterforEnrichedLiving.org
847.315.9902
Nancy Anderson
Human Resources & Operations Manager
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
I get asked this question a lot and my consistent answer has been the camaraderie and overall environment at CEL. You can see and feel how much people enjoy being here, members and staff alike. It’s what makes the tough days a little easier, and makes the good days even better.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
My passions are singing and cooking. I haven’t been in a band for quite a few years, but I have been spending more and more time in the kitchen. I love being creative and tweaking recipes to make them my own!
Nancy@CenterforEnrichedLiving.org
847.315.9901
Guillermo Arellano
Building Superintendent
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
The everyday passion, dedication and effort of Lynne, Harriet and the entire staff to serve people with special needs.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I like to play music with my guitar, keyboard, and fixing things at home.
Guillermo@CenterforEnrichedLiving.org
847.948.7001
Megan Cross
Information Systems Analyst
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite part of CEL is seeing how all of our differences come together to combine as strengths.
What is a fun fact about you?
I started volunteering at CEL while I was in high school. Since then I have lived in San Francisco, Seattle, and New York State, but always find my way back to CEL.
Megan@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
847.315.9917
Heather Holub
Executive Assistant
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
I love the warm, welcoming feeling you get the moment you walk through the door. I also enjoy how excited and happy the members are to be here. It's infectious.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I'm an essential oil enthusiast. I've taken a few classes in aromatherapy and have learned there's such great benefits from using them; from emotional to physical. If anyone has any issues; there's usually an oil for that.
hholub@centerforenrichedliving.org
847-315-9910
Kim Maxwell
Support Services Coordinator
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
In all my life, I have never seen a more uplifting community culture: the effusive reaction of our members heading out on a new excursion or an indoor event. Even “normal” days are far from mundane as both members and staff hold onto the joy of life. As staff seeks to enrich the lives of our members, their growth is what substantiates our efforts.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
My hobby is tending to my small flock of parrots! Each has a big personality and talkers, whether in human language or their own. Another notable is that I have a twin brother, Kevin.
kmaxwell@centerforenrichedliving.org
847.315.9909
Liz Starshak
Office Assistant
What is your favorite memory of CEL?
I loved how everyone was so festive around the holidays and just a warm camaraderie between the staff, members and myself. I was touched by how the members thought of me as they spread holiday cheer. It was a very fun and memorable first holiday season here at CEL.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I was in a volunteer club in high school and one day we were invited to help out during a pledge week at WTTW 11. We got a behind the scenes tour and saw how everything comes together. We volunteered to take donations and answered the phones. That was when I got to be on national TV - at least in the Chicago area. I also am a hula-hooping extraordinaire.
DEVELOPMENT
Lisette Zaid
Director of Development
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is the people. The members, staff, volunteers, and lay leaders are all incredible humans with really big hearts!
What is a fun fact about you?
I’m a proud birder and bird mom. Whether I am out birding at a forest preserve or just hanging out at home, I prefer to be surrounded by feathered friends.
LZaid@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
847.315.9919
Karen Fay
Grants Manager
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
CEL is positive, caring, friendly, helpful and truly a 'family' yet professional atmosphere. It is a joy coming to work each day to help achieve CEL’s mission!
What is a fun fact about you?
One of my passions outside CEL is WATER! I was a competitive swimmer in high school and played water polo in college. Currently, in my spare time, I teach water fitness classes and swim lessons. My hope is to pass on the love of being 'in the water' to my two young children. It is a great for your mind, body, and spirit!!!
Karen@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
847.315.9918
Niki Bartosiak
Sponsorship and Events Manager
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
I love working at an organization where I can see, on a daily basis, how I'm making a difference in people's lives.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I love Chicago sports. Specifically, I'm a big Bears and Blackhawks fan. I'm also an avid animal lover, currently training my dog Spencer to be a Canine Good Citizen. You can also often find me at my laptop, working on various graphic design projects as this is one of my passions.
Niki@CenterforEnrichedLiving.org
847.315.9916
Lisa Corriveau
Development Assistant
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
I love how everyone is down to earth and devoted to the mission of helping others. I love the program choices that are offered here and how the organization is growing to give more opportunities to members.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
Every year I go on at least one road trip with my family; last year we went across the Southwest visiting nine states and driving 3,400 miles.
LisaC@CenterforEnrichedLiving.org
847.315.9915
Rachael Krulewich
Development Manager
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
It's so hard to pick just one. But I think my favorite memories are the times when the members gather together to jam out to music. There's just something about music that facilitates socialization amongst all of CEL's members. Plus very few things in this world are as fun as a REACH karaoke dance party!
What is a fun fact about you?
I spent over 2 years working and studying in South Asia and by far my wackiest experience was the time armed men ``asked`` me to compete in a pageant competition for foreigners. Saying no didn't really seem like a valid option. The end result was a free dinner at the home of a Bond villain so I guess it all worked out in the best and most fantastical way.
Rachael@CenterforEnrichedLiving.org
847.315.9903
Wendy Motino
Development Coordinator
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
Everyone has been incredibly welcoming, and you can genuinely feel the love, support, and dedication that every staff member has for the mission. It has truly been very inspiring.
What is a fun fact about you?
A fun fact about me is that I have 3 dogs and over 60 house plants.
wmotino@CenterforEnrichedLiving.org
847.315.9927
MARKETING
Angela Pasyk
Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is actually what impressed me the most when I started as a volunteer in 2018, and that's the obvious connection between staff and members. Everyone who works here cares about enriching the lives of people with disabilities, and that sincere dedication makes a huge difference.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
My Dad is notorious for his inability to resist a bargain, and I think it's hereditary. No matter how unnecessary something is, if it's marked 90% off I will feel compelled to at least consider how it might improve my life.
Angela@CenterforEnrichedLiving.org
847.315.9926
Asia Singleton
Marketing Coordinator
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is its mission. I enjoy being able to make an impact and have purpose in my daily work with CEL and its members.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I am a big fan of Gilmore Girls, Gossip Girl, and the Degrassi franchise. I enjoy watching video essays on character development, listening to podcasts, and rambling off about show specifics.
asingleton@CenterforEnrichedLiving.org
847.405.3015
PROGRAM SERVICES
Melissa Juarez-Ehlers
Director of Program Services
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is the warm and welcoming feeling you get throughout the building. You feel it when programs are running, when program planning sessions are underway, when departments are meeting, when tours are conducted, etc. You see it in the members-this is their place and they know it and feel it. They are a part of everything we do and it shows.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
Just ONE fun fact?! I’m a “season” type of person…depending on the season, I have different interests. During Spring and Summer I love to garden; Fall and Winter it’s more about cooking, reading and Bears football. And regardless of the season, I love spending time with my two grandsons, Shea and Leo.
Melissa@CenterforEnrichedLiving.org
847.315.9913
Emma Burton-Loder, LCSW
Manager of the Robert Vihon Family Resource Center
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL how member centric we are. Everything that happens, from staffing decisions, to programs, to future plans, is done with how can we give our members the space to live their lives the way they want. As a social worker, there is nothing that makes me smile like the right to self-determination!
What is a fun fact about you?
A fun fact about me is in the last few years I took up training and participating in triathlons.
eburton-loder@centerforenrichedliving.org
847.315.9888
Maribel Espinoza
Program Supervisor
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is the state of mind that there is always something that can be done to help support the members, the awareness that we need to continue to grow, learn, and change. When speaking with the staff here, their eyes sparkle when speaking about the great things CEL is doing and plans to do for the members. I am very happy to be part of a team that inspires others to be better.
What is a fun fact about you?
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico 'La Isla del Encanto' (the island of enchantment). My first language growing up was Spanish. I took an interest in the English language in my early teens and began learning it on my own by watching English TV shows, listening to English music, and reading the Spanish to English dictionary!
MEspinoza@CenterforEnrichedLiving.org
847.582.0043
Andy Harris
Assistant Program Supervisor
What is your favorite CEL memory?
I have many great memories at CEL! I still remember when I came in to observe a program for the first time after I had interviewed - it was our afternoon program (TCP), and I sat with three members who were working on ``All About Me`` PowerPoints. We all talked about our favorite movies for quite a while. After that day, I knew I wanted to be a part of the CEL team.
What is a fun fact about you?
I LOVE movies. I have been going to the Best Picture Showcase every year since 2012 - this is where I get to watch all of the movies (usually 8 or 9 movies) nominated for Best Picture in the theater. It starts on Saturday morning of the Oscars weekend and ends Sunday morning. Some years I've fallen asleep during parts of movies, but I try my best to stay awake the whole time!
Andy@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
847.315.9897
Veronica Luna
Program Supervisor
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
I love how welcoming the environment is!
What is a fun fact about you?
I'm a huge fan of Latino music. You can always find me jamming to artists like Bad Bunny, Shakira and Peso Pluma!
vluna@centerforenrichedliving.org
847.315.9908
Paige Rodriguez
Program Supervisor
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is how bright and happy you feel when you are here. I love that members and staff are so open to learning and exploring new things.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I absolutely love to bake. I have made wedding cakes and pastries for many of my friend and family on their big day. I even worked in a bakery for 2 ½ years on the wedding cake team.
Paige@CenterforEnrichedLiving.org
847.315.9906
Quality and Engagement
Michael Welsh
Senior Manager of Quality and Engagement
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is meeting new people every day that teach me more about myself.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I'm a nature-oriented person. Camping, birding, and hiking are just a few things bring me happiness.
Michael@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
847.315.9920
Brittany Mussen
Community Engagement Coordinator
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
I love how welcoming and warm the environment at CEL is. The members are always up to something fun, and I love that everyone is welcome to join in on the festivities.
What is a fun fact about you?
I hold the unpopular opinion that Winter is the best season, with fall as a close second. I adore snow, I think it is the closest thing to magic and enjoy going for a walk in the first snowfall of the season.
Brittany@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
847.315.9890
Cassara Cole
Community Engagement Coordinator
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
It's hard to pick just one! My favorite thing about CEL is the positive energy throughout the entire building that everyone carries with them. Whether I'm chatting with a co-worker or hanging out with the members during programming, everyone knows how to put a smile on my face. I also love how passionate everyone is about the work they do here!
What is a fun fact about you?
A fun fact about me is I love to hike! I'm originally from upstate NY, and I have hiked 17 of the 46 High Peaks in the Adirondacks!
CCole@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
847.582.0074
Amanda Kolakowski
Quality Assurance Manager
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is all the conversations I have with members. I love the greetings I get when I walk in or the questions about my day. There is never a day where you don’t hear singing, laughing or just the joy of being together. It is a wonderful community feeling and shows how comfortable members and staff are with each other.
What is a fun fact about you?
I am an avid reader. While I don’t have as much time as I would like to read, I always have at least two books going at once. You never know what your mood will be, so it helps to have a book to cover all possibilities. History is one of my favorite topics, but I also like a good murder mystery! I am always open for new recommendations of favorite books.
Amanda@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
847.315.9921
LIFE STRATEGIES
Nicole Davidson
REACH Program Supervisor
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is interacting with members and getting to learn something new about them each day. I love to see our members excel in classes and enjoy themselves.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
A fun fact about me is that I was a preemie baby! I was born in December, but was due in March.
Nicole@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
847.948.7001
Maggie Liston
REACH Program Supervisor
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
One of my favorite things about CEL is the welcoming atmosphere and the sense of community you experience as you walk through the door!
What is a fun fact about you?
I love being a part of community theatre productions – whether it's acting, stage managing, or assistant directing! It makes me feel like I am a part of something bigger than myself.
mliston@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
847.474.1899
Samantha Santiago
Manager of the Employment Opportunities Program
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is the amazing members and staff that fill the building with laughter and joy! I also love walking through the halls and viewing the vibrant artwork that members have created.
What is a fun fact about you?
I have been an avid watercolor painter since I was a teenager. It’s how I express myself best!
Samantha@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
Lisa Amposta
REACH Instructor
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
What I love about CEL is the TEAM!!! It is such a pleasure working with a team who love and serve like I do. The team has a huge heart for the members, and I am so honored to be an instructor. The REACH program is a beautiful well laid out program facilitating activities for members with any kind of disability.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
A fun fact about me is in the year of 2018 my daughter and I graduated with our bachelor's degrees. It is a memory I will treasure forever. For a few years we were both doing college life. I would visit her for Parent Weekend, and she would visit me as well. We have made many stories and someday we will share them with her future children.
Lisa@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
847.948.7001
Cassidy Bird-Sutfin
REACH Instructor
What is your favorite thing (or memory) about CEL?
CEL always makes you feel at home. At The Center you can truly see that everyone loves to be here. My favorite thing about CEL is watching all the members enjoy their time learning and growing each day.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I absolutely love to travel whether it’s by a car, plane or even boat - I’ll be there!! My favorite places I’ve been so far are Panama, cruise to Bahamas and New York City.
Cassidy@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
847.948.7001
Toni Castillo
Catalyst Supervisor
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
What I love about CEL is the social and recreational opportunities available to members.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I am an ordained minister who has performed weddings since 2005.
tcastillo@centerforenrichedliving.org
847.405.3019
Juanita Jenkins
REACH Instructor
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is that we are always on the go! Everyone is so willing to help and open to new options and ideas.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I enjoy baking, and my son's sports consume my life.
jjenkins@CenterforEnrichedLiving.org
847.948.7001
Stephanie Klopack
Employment Specialist
What is your favorite thing (or memory) about CEL?
What I enjoy most about CEL is seeing the joy on the member's faces as they explore employment opportunities and start their first day on the job. I am beyond grateful to be a part of the CEL Team.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
A little fun fact about me is I love going to different beaches and pools! They are my favorite places to be during the summer.
sklopack@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
847.474.1898
Christian Meyer
REACH Assistant Program Supervisor
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is the community we all have with eachother; staff, members, and families all support eachother. In recent years, this has been especially apparent through the Center's annual dances like the Harvest and Sweet Heart dances. They are really a time where we all have fun together and get a chance to catch up with old and new friends! Evening programs are another time that our sense of community shines.
What is a fun fact about you?
I'm a big sci-fi and fantasy fan! I love shows like Doctor Who and Stranger Things. Also, I enjoy reading books and comic books of these genres. So much fun with all the superhero movies out today!
Christian@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
Amaya Mora
REACH Instructor
What is your favorite thing about CEL?
I enjoy spending time with members.
What is a fun fact about you?
I love art and music!
amora@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
Cassidy Paradise
Catalyst Instructor
What is your favorite thing (or memory) about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is its wholehearted embrace of the idea that anything is possible. The passion and positivity within CEL make it truly unique.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I started as an intern at CEL during my BSW program and eagerly returned for my master's internship. I'm grateful to still be part of CEL today. In my downtime, you can usually catch me doing artsy activities, especially photography and painting.
cparadise@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
847-948-7001
Heidi Rosselli
REACH Instructor
What is your favorite thing (or memory) about CEL?
I’m truly happy to be a part of the CEL team. The staff and members are very welcoming. It’s such a great environment. I enjoy interacting with staff and members each day. It’s always so exciting to see what projects we will be working on indoors and really like the outdoor adventures we go on as well.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
My first day of employment at CEL and my birthday fell on the same day. What an exciting day that was. I love spending time with my family. I enjoy going on long walks. Summer and Fall is my favorite time of the year. I like to spend as much time as possible outside during those months since the weather is so nice. Like trying out new recipes too.
Heidi@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
847.948.7001
Tangineka Smith
REACH Instructor
What is your favorite thing (or memory) about CEL?
I love how everybody interacts with the members and we all feel equal.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I’m a Nerd I love Anime, Kdramas and taking apart electronics to see how it works.
tsmith@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
847.948.7001
Tom Shaw
REACH Instructor
What is your favorite thing (or memory) about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is the fact that CEL offers a diverse amount of different types of support. I think that some organizations are more focused on offering only one kind of service, and I like that CEL does so many different things to help support so many different people.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I like National Parks and really enjoy the beautiful outdoors areas we have in the United States. I especially like Joshua Tree National Park and Yellowstone National Park.
tshaw@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
847.948.7001
Cole Thompson
REACH Instructor
What is your favorite thing (or memory) about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is that I am given the opportunity each day to enrich the lives of our members while having fun and experiencing different activities in the community.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
One fun fact about me is that I was born and raised in Idaho.
cthompson@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
Lizzie Stejskal
REACH Instructor
What is your favorite thing (or memory) about CEL?
I truly enjoy being A part of CEL. I enjoy working with all the employees and members. I love watching our members learn, socialize and grow and being a part of that makes me feel good about what I do.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I enjoy being with my husband and three kids.
When I’m not busy working or running around with my own family I enjoy going out with friends. I also have a great love for music. During my free time you can catch me going to a concert or listening to music while going on a long run!
Lizzie@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org
847.948.7001
Tina Whittington
Employment Specialist
What is your favorite thing (or memory) about CEL?
Everyone is so friendly and full of energy. The vibe is always so positive.
What is a fun fact about YOU?
I love being outdoors throughout the year, always happy whether it's camping, boating, hiking in the summer and fall, or tubing and snowmobiling in the winter.
twhittington@centerforenrichedliving.org
847.405.3016
Board of Directors
Officers
Susan Bersh, Board President
AMLI Residential
I love CEL because they offer people with development disabilities a special place to go to have fun and feel included. CEL members have choices, friends, and a community filled with warmth and empowerment.
Lane Epstein, Board Vice President
Construction Industry Consultant
I love CEL because of the variety of programming that helps unlock what is special about each member, and because of the staff and leadership’s amazing commitment even in the face of the obstacles that have arisen this year!
Mary Greanias, Board Secretary
Horizon Therapeutics
Akash Pathak, Board Treasurer
Potbelly Sandwich Works
Howard Diamond, Senior Advisor
Chief Strategy Officer at Rise Interactive
I love CEL! First and foremost, the amazing members and staff are what makes CEL such an amazing organization and place to visit. More importantly, CEL is filling a void of helping those with developmental disabilities to be valued members of our community.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tommy Baboulas
Ingram Micro
I love the CEL because of the positivity it stands for in our community. It provides a future for every person with a development disability to feel equal and as a valued member in society. Seeing the smiles on our members faces, when they are in a safe inclusive environment, gives me a sense of accomplishment.
Mark Bernstein
Akerman LLP
Fred Blitt
Blitt & Gaines, P.C.
Miriam Campbell
Northbrook Bank & Trust
I love CEL because of its inspirational members, its tenacious staff, and its courageous volunteers who work together to support a better life for adults with disabilities.
Joan Cannon
Executive Director of Scientific Communication & External Research at TerSera Therapeutics
I love CEL because interacting with members while volunteering at member events is something that my family looks forward to. Lots of great memories in the art room making Halloween-themed slime and during bingo!
Rob Dorsey
BlueStar US
Jeffrey Greenspan
Cozen O'Connor Law Firm
Kristin Malek
CDW
Vaughn Moore
AIT Worldwide Logistics
I love CEL because we serve those who are often overlooked by their community. We provide opportunities that allow our members to live the high-quality life they richly deserve.
Ray Nair
CDW
Mike Suchsland
Joplin Consulting, LLC
I love CEL because of the positive interaction and fulfillment it brings to so many members who participate in our programs. Their joy fuels a powerful optimism that is unmatched.
Paul Sundberg
Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.
CEL has a tremendous commitment to people with disabilities and to the community. I am proud to be part of the board and help build on CEL's great work.
TRUSTEES
*Douglas Eckrote
Uline
*Byron Holden
CDW
*David Kalfen
Leff, Klein & Kalfen
*Gary G. Kash
Founder & President Emeritus of Insights in Marketing
Michael Krasny
Sawdust Investment Management LLC
*Richard Worsek
Worsek & Vihon LLP
IN MEMORY
*Robert S. Vihon
Worsek & Vihon LLP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS EMERITUS
John Borta
Grainger
Kristin Coleman
Albemarle Corporation
Kim Cysewski
Retired Vice President of Human Resources at Grainger
*Noel Elfant
DeLaval Inc.
*Alex Freund
Northwestern Mutual Life
*Shea Hart
CDW
Kenneth A. Hoffman
Retired, ITW & Signode Packaging Systems
Sherwin Korey
Capital Resource Management
Greg Moyer
Moyer Properties
*Kathryn A. Nellis
JP Morgan Chase
Kim Novak
Retired Teacher
*Daniel Ripes
Rise Interactive
Mark S. Robbins
Avison Young
Michael I Rothstein
Tabet, DiVito & Rothstein, LLC
Richard Sheiner
Geneva Advisors
Ira Singer
Owner of Mosaic Construction
As a member of the Board Emeritus, I witness the amazing work that CEL provides to its members so they can experience the joy of community, friendship and discovery. CEL is such a great organization from leadership to staff to my fellow Board members to our stakeholders.
Stephanie Slatkin
Baxter International
