Our Stories

Cassie has been with Marklund Day School for 5 years, moving up from a paraprofessional to teacher to Instructional Coach with Marklund Day School-Geneva.

Q. What attracted you to Marklund Day School as a teacher?

I actually started my career here at Marklund as a paraprofessional, but that is not actually what I applied for. I originally applied for a teaching position in a Multi-Needs classroom. As fate would have it, I didn’t get the job, but this was for good reason, I had no idea that schools like Marklund existed as I was just coming out of college. Then about a week later Marklund called and offered me a paraprofessional position in the Life Skills department. I was so intrigued with the day school after my initial tour and observation that I accepted and embarked on this adventure. I was a paraprofessional for about two months when I was offered a long-term subbing position. I was the long term substitute for only about 6 months when Paula, and the rest of the Marklund team, convinced me to become the full-time life skills teacher! Transitioning into the teacher role was one of the hardest things I have ever done. It was also the best decision I ever made!

Q. What attracted you to this position as Instructional Coach?

Being a first year teacher is very challenging. I struggled a lot during my first couple years. This ignited a new passion of mine; supporting teachers to navigate the teaching role at Marklund. I want to help teachers so they can provide the best education for their students! I love figuring out how people (teachers/students) learn information/skills! I can definitely nerd out on these topics!

Q. What are your priorities for working with other teachers and the students?

My priority for the teachers is to support them so that they can create, implement, and reflect on different sustainable instructional strategies and approaches. This will then benefit the students because the teachers will be giving their students the best education possible.

Q. What challenges do you face in this role?

I think that the biggest challenge that I am facing right now is transitioning from being a teacher. I am still trying to get a feel for what my new “day to day” will look like. I am currently taking an instructional coaching class to further my skill set as an instructional leader. I have already learned so much from this class, and I am excited to see what else it has in store!

Q. What would you say to other teachers thinking about a career move to Marklund Day School?

I would say it is 100% worth all the work! I tell people that when you finally see a student succeed it is like magic before your eyes!

Q. What vision would you like to see for MDS’s faculty as the world moves on from the pandemic?

The pandemic seemed to have put a lot of extra stress onto all the employees at MDS. Teaching remotely isn’t ideal at all! My vision would be for the staff to feel less stressed about COVID exposures or having to teach remotely as we move away from the pandemic.

Q. What’s the best part about working at MDS?

There are so many great things about working for Marklund, but if I could pick one thing it is that we are always student centered and because of that everyone at the day school is always willing to help out a student or coworker in need. It is pretty rare in the educational world for administrators to work directly with students when a classroom needs support. This is a daily occurrence here!

Kayla has been with Marklund for 7 years, serving at the Marklund Wasmond Center in Elgin.

Q. What attracted you to Marklund?

I developed an interest and wanted to work with those in the disability population and make a difference.

Q. What attracted you to this position as a PSP?

I had experience working with those with disabilities in my family and wanted to give being a caretaker a try.

Q. What do you enjoy most about your position?

Spending quality time with residents and getting to see them happy. Coordinating the outings and seeing them happy in the community, makes it a blast.

Q. What are your goals for working with the residents at MWC?

My goals is to provide the best care for our residents and follow our mission of making everyday life possible for our residents.

Q. What challenges do you face in this role?

The challenges I face during this role is being short staffed during these times and feeling burnt out.

Q. What would you say to other people thinking about a career move to Marklund?

I would say to come with a heart and to come with a desire to follow our mission and to remember this quote, “They don’t live in our workplace, we work in their home.”

Q. What vision would you like to see for MWC as the world moves on from the pandemic?

As we move on from the pandemic, I would like to see MWC return to having volunteers and social events.

Charity has been with Marklund Day School for 20 years (in June), moving up from a paraprofessional to an RBT at Marklund Day School-Bloomingdale.

Q. What attracted you to Marklund Day School?

I started working at Marklund Day School as a temporary summer school employee. By the end of the summer, I loved it so much I didn’t want to leave.

Q. What attracted you to this position as an RBT?

When the Life Skills program opened, I was the first paraprofessional to work in the classroom.  I had no experience working with individuals on the spectrum and learned a lot from the ABA therapists that were contracted out. When the position of RBT became available through Marklund, I was immediately drawn to it. I most enjoy the problem-solving part of the job.

Q. What are your priorities for working with other teachers and the students?

My priority is that the staff in my room feel close like family. I want them to feel supported and valued.  I also want to make them laugh especially on a tough day. My priority for the students is that they feel safe and happy and to create the best environment possible to allow for learning.

Q. What would you say to other people thinking about a career move to Marklund Day School?

It’s a wonderful and rewarding job, but it is very challenging.  There will be difficult and frustrating days. You have to get through the bad days and not give up.

Q. What vision would you like to see for MDS’s faculty and staff as the world moves on from the pandemic?

I would love to see a full school again with staff that stay working here 5 plus years.

Q. A favorite memory from your tenure at MDS is:

My favorite memory is when a previously nonverbal student said my name for the first time.

Q. What challenges do you face in this role?

The biggest challenge is the staff turnover. It’s frustrating to spend so much time training a new staff to work in the room just to have them leave after a few months.

Current profession or if retired, previous profession:

I have been retired for many years.  My last paid position was V.P. Commercial Lending at Amcore Bank.

Background/Education:

I have lived in Geneva for many years, I have two grown children and one granddaughter. I enjoy hiking, biking, gardening, plant-based cooking, and beekeeping. I have a BS in Psychology from Iowa State University.

Community Involvement:

I volunteer at several local organizations most notably Marklund where I am Vice-Chair of the Board.  I am also passionate about working with the Chicago Area Track & Field Organizing Committee to raise interest and financial support for the newly developed Settler’s Hill Cross Country Track.  Once a landfill, the area has become a premier high school and collegiate running venue.

Years on Marklund Board:

2015-2018 and 2021 to present

Positions held on Marklund Board:

member of Development Committee, Finance Committee, Vice-Chair

Reason for accepting appointment to Marklund board:

I had volunteered at Marklund for many years in the Aqua-therapy program, Top Hat Ball committee, and Run, Walk, & Roll committee before accepting a position on the Board.  I was privileged to see the level of care Marklund provides and to witness the daily miracles.  Working with the staff and other volunteers and getting to know the clients served by Marklund has enriched my life.  Accepting a position on the board has given me the opportunity to help plan for the future at Marklund.

Priorities/goals:

Use my time and talents to continue our mission of making everyday life possible for individuals with profound disabilities.

Occupation:

Retired, LORD Corporation, Vice President, Global Business Development

Other service:

Past Trustee, Thomas Lord Foundation, Duke University; external advisory committees at Princeton, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Delaware, and Duke.

Education:

Princeton University, Bachelor of Science, Engineering

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Doctor of Philosophy; Master of Science Chemical Engineering.

Family:

3 children; daughter Karen has been a resident of the Marklund Center/Little Angels since 1985. He and his wife, Charlotte, reside in Chapel Hill, NC.

Why you joined the Marklund board:

When the “merger” of Little Angels with Marklund was nearing approval, I attended a question-and-answer meeting at Marklund in Bloomingdale for parents of Little Angels residents and other stakeholders.  I was impressed with Gil Fonger’s presentation and his answers to questions regarding the merger, and particularly the vision that the consolidation would be positive for both organizations in the future.  Strategic objectives including the diversification of revenue sources, achieving economies of scale and integration of the patient-facing workforce all resonated with me.

Following this meeting I was asked if I would be interested in joining the Board and eagerly accepted the opportunity to participate in the planning and execution of strategy to meet these objectives.  I joined the Board in December.  Since that time, I have been a member of the Finance Committee.

The integration of the Marklund and Little Angels organizations has been successful, although not without a lot of hard work and periodic rough patches while wrestling with COVID.  I am proud of both organizations for their creativity, flexibility and persistence during this period.

Today, the foresight by Marklund leadership to anticipate the value that the Little Angels organization and facility could have to Marklund is recognized in the plan to expand MWC to accept residents from MPC and then to expand the total resident population for the future.

I have always felt that the Little Angels culture was epitomized in the Cheers lyrics which I paraphrase as “you wanna go someplace where everybody knows your name.”  My goal is to keep the expanded MWC as that place for Karen.

Kim has been with Marklund for 3.5 years, starting in 2020 as the Marklund Wasmond Center Community Day Services Program Manager, and moving into her current role in 2022.

Q. What attracted you to Marklund?
I’ve spent my entire career (approximately 15 years), working at local non-profits, serving individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Marklund is known for exceptional care and having innovative ideas, which is what initially attracted me. I knew coming to Marklund would be a new challenge I was ready to take on.
Q. What attracted you to this position as Director of Community Day Services?
The Director role allows me the opportunity to oversee four different CDS sites (179 clients), each one is so very different. Playing a role in all four of these sites, creates the variety and challenge that I thrive on. The addition of the Bridge Builder program at NEC, really brings this full circle, and allows me to use my variety of skills, each and every day.
Q. What challenges do you face in this role?
Funding from the Illinois Department of Human Services is severely lacking, which impacts every aspect of programming, especially staffing levels. Due to this, expanding services continues to be significantly challenging for providers, even though there is a significant need for more services within our community.

Kevin has been with Marklund for 6 years, starting as a Developmental Instructor/Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional and in Jan. 2023 became the Bridge Builder Program Manager, helping to develop the program from the ground up.
Q. What attracted you to Marklund?
A good friend told me about Marklund. On my tour, most of the staff were interacting with the clients and smiling and laughing, especially George. Seeing that sealed the deal for me. I wanted to be able to serve those with special needs but do so in a supportive, family -like atmosphere.
Q. What vision would you like to see for the Bridge Builder program?
Illinois is in the bottom 15% of states for services for adults with disabilities over the age of 22. I want to ensure that those who need services, have programming available to serve them. I would love for Marklund to be able to expand using this model program, so that many more clients can receive services that they need. Programming wise for Bride Builder, I would love for our clients to have their own micro business onsite and then to be able to go out in the community during the day for competitive paid employment and volunteer opportunities.
Q. A favorite memory from your tenure at Marklund is:
When Heather and Shelly played a switch activated basketball game and had a big stare down when Shelly made some shots when it was her turn.

Occupation:

Mike Herlihy is the President, COO, CIO of Olsson Roofing Company, Inc., in Aurora, IL.

Background/Education:

A Resident of North Aurora, IL, Mike earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil-Structural Engineering, Iowa State, and an MBA in Strategic Planning and Management, DePaul University.

Community Involvement:

Olsson Roofing Board of Directors 1996-present, Moose Lake HOA President, Village of North Aurora Trustee 2001-2011

Current position on Marklund board:

Board Chair

Years on Marklund Board:

10+

Other positions held on Marklund Board:

Finance Committee Chair & Treasurer

Reason for accepting appointment to Marklund board…what attracted you to serving:

Joining the Marklund Board of Directors presented an opportunity to learn more about the needs of people challenged with very difficult circumstances, and to contribute my time and talent to help them live a happy and purposeful life. Little did I know how many people are affected and helped by the environments Marklund provides! We have extended family members and friends with similar needs and enjoy the opportunity to engage and give back.

One goal you have as a member of the Marklund Board of Directors:

Goals can be so woven together. Marklund has been blessed with the long-term vision and leadership of so many people in its 60+ year history. I believe spreading the mission and message further in the communities we serve, as well as to younger generations that can continue the outcomes, will well serve Marklund for generations to come! Understanding the value of and carrying out our M2030 strategic plan helps to further the purpose of Marklund to more people. Crossing the hurdles of certain State and Federal regulations to provide better opportunities to so many aging families with needs represents unending opportunity for those families who need it now and into the future.

Comments:

Living in the “rough and tumble” construction industry, Marklund has also accentuated my life by learning better how love, care and compassion can be shared in a Marklund setting and be so beneficial. I often remark when I visit Marklund or engage in a meeting, I learn more than I give! For that I am very grateful! I have enjoyed that during my tenure on the board, Marklund has grown in a practical, measured and healthy manner and added a number of resources and facilities for the betterment of the families and communities we serve to be better served. We call them “projects” but they are really wonderful opportunities! Buildings and facilities aside, the true heart of Marklund is its people!

Occupation:

Yaneth is President of the Elgin State Bank, a Wintrust Community Bank.

Background/Education:

Growing up in Des Plaines, she attended Maine West High School, followed by Roosevelt University in Chicago, where she earned a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business, with a Concentration in Finance.

Yaneth is currently a resident of Hoffman Estates.

Community Involvement:

Very active in the Elgin community, Yaneth is currently the Board Chair and member of the Executive Committee of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, a Board Member and Finance Committee Member of the Advocate Sherman Hospital, and a board member of the Gail Borden Library Foundation.

Current position on Marklund Board of Directors:

Board Member and Member of Finance Committee

Years on Marklund board:

3

Reason for accepting appointment to Marklund board…what attracted you to serving:

The mission and all of the LOVE that Marklund pours out to the residents, kids and staff.

Goal as a member of the Marklund Board of Directors:

Create awareness each and every day of the Marklund mission so that more and more people know of the amazing work that is done!