Our Team is Our #1 Asset

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.

Email Melissa
847.315.9913

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!

Email Maribel
847.582.0043

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!

Email Andy
847.315.9897

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!

Email Veronica
847.315.9908

What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is the Harvest Dance! I had just started working at CEL, and within a couple of weeks, the dance took place. Seeing the members and staff all dressed up in their costumes, and the vibe of everyone enjoying themselves, was a great experience.

What is a fun fact about YOU?
I’m a positive and energetic person who loves life and wants to enjoy it as much as possible. I want those around me to feel the same way. It’s all about smiling and enjoying everything around us.

Email Carlos
847.948.7001

What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is attending/working at the Harvest Dance! So much effort is put into making it an incredible experience for everyone!

What is a fun fact about YOU?
A fun fact about me is that I love musicals! My favorites so far include Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, and Wicked.

Email Jennifer
847.948.7001

What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My best times at CEL were the roughly 35-40 trips, each lasting around 5 days, totaling 175 days on the road in a 16-passenger van with 8 members and their luggage, along with Mary Ellen. We discovered various parts of the Midwest and even enjoyed a cruise to the Bahamas.

What is a fun fact about YOU?
When I was discharged from the Marines at 24, I went home and bought a window van. I spent the next four months driving around the western U.S., sleeping in my van. Along the way, I picked up around 150 hitchhikers. Sometimes, there were as many as six different hitchhikers camped out on the floor in the back. Good times.

Email Richard
847.948.7001

What is your favorite thing about CEL?
I love summer camp here! Everywhere we go in the community, there’s so much energy that follows our group. Being part of CEL programs is always a blast because it’s easy to see that our members are happy to be here, and they light up the room with their positivity.

What is a fun fact about YOU?
Until recently, I had lived in Washington State my entire life. One of my life goals is to travel and experience as many cultures as possible. A fun fact about me is that you can usually find me singing. I love to sing and dance (though not so well).

Email Hope
847.948.7001

What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is the tremendous amount of joy that permanently fills the building. Every day I walk in, knowing I will witness so much happiness in so many people, and it’s immediately contagious! The environment at CEL serves as a catalyst for genuine joy, unlike any other place I’ve been!

What is a fun fact about YOU?
I lived in four countries growing up and speak Spanish and Portuguese! I also LOVE animals and bugs. I get a feel for the vibes of the bugs I meet and give them human names! If you need a scary bug taken outside, I’m your girl—but never ask me to kill one!

Email Martina
847.948.7001

What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is forming relationships with the members. Watching them smile when I walk in is very rewarding. Our members turn an ordinary day into a fun-filled day.

What is a fun fact about YOU?
I’m very outdoorsy! I love fishing in the ocean and watching whales with my loved ones.

Email Nancy

What is your favorite thing about CEL?
I really appreciated the question, “What famous person (living or dead) would you want to have lunch with?” during one of my initial interviews. I chose Nelson Mandela and enjoyed giving the member who interviewed me a brief overview of who he was, which seemed to interest her.

What is a fun fact about YOU?
I share a birthday, June 8th, with Nancy Sinatra, Keenen Ivory Wayans, and former First Lady Barbara Bush.

Email Sam
847.948.7001

What is your favorite thing about CEL?
Probably my most memorable moment was with Zach, a camp member this past summer. Zach and I played a game of Pie Face. Unfortunately, I was the one who got the pie in the face, and Zach laughed for 10 minutes. Ever since, he has called me ‘Pie Face.’ I also called bingo four to five times a week and love seeing the members win prizes and get excited to play. We really have some very dedicated bingo players who wouldn’t miss a game.

What is a fun fact about YOU?
I love to travel, and I have visited over 22 different countries with my wife and family. You can learn a lot by exploring various countries and cultures; it is a highly educational experience.

Email Ron
847.948.7001

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!

Email Samantha
847.315.9906

What is your favorite thing 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.

Email Stephanie
847.474.1898

What is your favorite thing about CEL?
I firmly believe that everyone needs to feel like they belong somewhere. Every day at CEL, I see members and staff who have that sense of belonging. It tells me that I made the right decision to work at CEL!

What is a fun fact about YOU?
There are so many and to narrow it down to one is so hard. I love to let people know that I married a clown. When I met my wife, she was waiting to hear whether or not she had been accepted at the Ringling Brothers Clown College and live her life traveling with a circus. Fortunately for me she didn’t make the cut! These days if you were to see the two of us together you would think I was the clown!

Email Don
847-405-3002

What is your favorite thing 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.

Email Tina
847.405.3016

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.

Email Michael
847.315.9920

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!

Email Cassara
847.582.0074

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.

Email Amanda
847.315.9921

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.

Email Brittany
847.315.9890

What is your favorite thing about CEL?
The passion, enthusiasm, and positive energy of CEL members, staff, volunteers, and families are truly contagious in the best way possible!

What is a fun fact about YOU?
I interned with CEL during both my bachelor’s and master’s programs! In my free time, I enjoy exploring my creative side through photography and painting.

Email Cassidy
847.315.9938

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.

Email Nicole
847.315.9938

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.

Email Maggie
847.474.1899

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.

Email Cole

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.

Email Lisa
847.948.7001

What is your favorite thing 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.

Email Cassidy
847.948.7001

What is your favorite thing about CEL?
The neurodivergent-friendly environment made me feel welcomed and comfortable being myself. Spending time with the members makes every day a fun adventure!

What is a fun fact about YOU?
I serve on the board of Elgin Pride and formed the softball team for the organization. Call me Coach Meg!

Email Meghan
847.948.7001

What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL is getting to help the members while also getting to enjoy fun activities with them!

What is a fun fact about YOU?
A fun fact about me is that I was in the Navy for 10 years, and during my time of service, I got to visit 9 different countries!

Email Aaron
847.948.7001

What is your favorite thing about CEL?
The vibe is always right, and we create space for everyone to be themselves.

What is a fun fact about YOU?
I play softball, and cats rule everything around me

Email Destiny
847.948.7001

What is your favorite thing 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.

Email Heidi
847.948.7001

What is your favorite thing 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.

Email Tom
847.948.7001

What is your favorite thing 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.

Email Tangineka
847.948.7001

What is your favorite thing 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!

Email Lizzie
847.948.7001

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.

Email Toni
847.405.3019

What is your favorite thing about CEL?
The members are my favorite thing about CEL! The energy in the building is fantastic when the day programs are running. I enjoy coming in at 8 a.m. and hearing all the members arrive, excited for their day.

What is a fun fact about YOU?
My younger brother, Jeremy, and I have the same birthday despite being born three years apart. I was born on January 5, 1998, and he was born on January 5, 2001.

Email Ryan
847.948.7001

What is your favorite thing about CEL?
My favorite thing about CEL was the water balloon battle that Summer Camp invited Catalyst to! Seeing all the members and staff smiling, having so much fun, and bonding together while soaking one another was priceless to me!

What is a fun fact about YOU?
I love bringing my work home and applying the things I learn at the CEL to my family life! CEL has been such a blessing for me, and I’m so appreciative!

Email Justin
847.948.7001

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.

Email Lisette
847.315.9919

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.

Email Niki
847.315.9916

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!!!

Email Karen
847.315.9918

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.

Email Rachael
847.315.9903

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.

Email Wendy
847.315.9927

What is your favorite thing about CEL?
What stands out about CEL is the incredible opportunities it provides for individuals with developmental disabilities. It’s a place dedicated to fostering growth, empowerment, and meaningful experiences.

What is a fun fact about YOU?
I’m a Walking Dead fan. I love spending time with my family as well as enjoying football, baseball, fall and winter, squirrels, and dogs.

Email Jackie
847-315-9915

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.

Email Cindy
847.315.9902

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!

Email Nancy
847.315.9901

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.

Email Guillermo
847.948.7001

What is your favorite thing about CEL?
All the smiles!

What is a fun fact about YOU?
I love to dance.

Email Samantha
847-315-9922

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.

Email Heather
847-315-9910

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.]

Email Liz
847-948-7001

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.

Email Angela
847.315.9926

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.

Email Asia
847.405.3015

CEL meets a vital need in our community by enriching the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. Serving as a volunteer and board member is an honor and a privilege. I am continually inspired by CEL’s members, their families, the dedicated staff, and my fellow board members. My involvement with CEL has made me a better person, and I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to support CEL in any way they can and experience this meaningful journey while supporting an incredible organization.

I have the honor of being the father of one of CEL’s members and also of serving on CEL’s board of directors. In both roles I am always inspired by – and grateful for – the dedication of the entire staff as they create a variety of meaningful experiences for everyone, helping each person to feel part of CEL and part of the wider community. I’m so proud to work with my fellow board members, each of whom volunteer their time and energy to provide leadership and resources that make possible all the wonderful things that CEL does

I’m grateful for the opportunity to support our special needs population and help CEL provide opportunities for social connection and employment, especially when social isolation and joblessness weigh so heavily on this sector of the population.

CEL makes a considerable difference with one of the most underserved populations and does it with clarity, purpose, and dedication. Serving as an officer on the board is a privilege; furthermore, it allows me to leverage my experience to tackle their challenges and opportunities. Lastly, the members’ smiles as they experience life’s possibilities provide the greatest gift of all for serving on the board.

I love CEL because interacting with members while volunteering at member events is something that my family looks forward to. Lots of great memories during bingo and in the art room making Halloween-themed slime!

With over 15 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and a strong background in healthcare, I am eager to combine my expertise to make a meaningful impact. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to an exceptional organization like CEL and help drive its mission forward.

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.

The disability community is often unsupported because they are unknown and unseen by many people. I know that CEL is a place where individuals with developmental disabilities are respected for who they are, free to imagine what life has in store for them, and empowered to go out and make their dreams come true.

Regardless of ability, everyone should feel the social and personal fulfillment of developing skills and making friends.  CEL helps its members feel included in the community while reaching their potential.  I’m proud to help CEL with fundraising, events, and programs and I hope others will support CEL as well!

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.

Being part of CEL has been such a rewarding experience and brings a deep sense of joy and satisfaction to me. Knowing that my efforts and contributions are helping to make a positive difference in the lives of others is incredibly fulfilling.

CEL is an integral cog of our educational and overall community. CEL provides needed life skills training and opportunities to our brothers and sisters who require this vital support. I support CEL in loving memory of my brother, Alan.

I am passionate about creating environments that promote personal growth, community, and meaningful connections for everyone. Joining the CEL board is a unique opportunity to contribute to a community that shares these values and drives impactful change for a much-needed community.

CEL provides a safe place for members to feel they belong, are included, and can achieve and experience in life the things that will bring them happiness and fulfillment.   Seeing that process in action inspires me to want to contribute more to help them realize their essential dreams.  I’m proud that we have positively impacted so many members and love to see the joy on their faces when they visit the facility and interact with the staff and other members.

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.

I was drawn to CEL because of its mission to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities in all areas.  From daily activities,  learning life skills to job placement, CEL offers its members the opportunity to have a life full of purpose, friendship and growth.  I’m thrilled to be a small part of this great organization.