–Why did you join the Foundation board?
When my oldest son started kindergarten in 2008, I searched for ways that I could contribute to his educational experience. I was involved with volunteering in the classroom, the library and parent organizations but I was looking for opportunities to contribute community-wide. The formation of the Foundation began with this idea of supporting the community and the future of the children within District 61.
–What’s your educational and/or professional background?
I have a Master’s degree in audiology, which is the diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders. I worked with children and adults in hospital and private practice settings for 20 years.
–Why did you join the Foundation board?
I am on the Foundation’s board to help make Darien a more educated place to live. I believe that education benefits even people who have no children in school.
–What’s your educational and/or professional background?
I have a B.S. in Electronics Engineering Technology from DeVry University and more than 30 years working in the technology field, primarily with electronic communications and computing.
–Why did you join the Foundation board?
I joined the board because I wanted to help maintain and even elevate the already-high quality of education available to students in Darien District 61. I believe the Foundation can play an important role in achieving those goals.
–What’s your educational and/or professional background?
I have a B.A. in journalism with a minor in political science from Northern Illinois University. I have been a journalist for over 40 years, including eight years as an editor at newspapers in Dubuque, Iowa, and Arlington Heights, Ill., and more than 30 years as an editor at Modern Healthcare, a business news and thought leadership publication covering all sectors of the healthcare industry.
–Why did you join the Foundation board?
I joined the board because I believe education is what gives children the confidence to grow. Giving them every opportunity for that growth is key. I have been a resident of Darien since 2000.
–What’s your educational and/or professional background?
I attended Northern Illinois University, studying education. I previously served on the board of education for District 92½ in Westchester, Ill., and on the board of directors for St. Joseph High School, also in Westchester.
–Why did you join the Foundation board?
Several years ago I was part of a team of teachers at Mark DeLay School that was awarded one of the Foundation’s first annual grants. Since then I have supported the Foundation so that other teachers could have the same opportunity as my team had. I am excited to be on the board of directors to continue this work.
–What’s your educational and/or professional background?
I have a B.S. in education from Indiana State University and an M.S. from the University of Illinois. I taught for over 25 years in Indiana and Illinois, including high school business for six years. After I got my Master’s degree, I taught reading at Mark DeLay as a Reading Specialist. I retired from Darien District 61 in June 2014. I have been a member of the Darien District 61 Board of Education since 2015 and serve on the Policy Committee.