Local Leaders

Amy is a mom of twin 5-year old girls, Whitney and Sophie, both diagnosed with autism. Like many parents of children with special needs, Amy felt very isolated and sought out community. Coming up short on her search, she decided to take matters into her own hands and create a parent support group and a playgroup open to children with any disability or delay at her daughters’ preschool. Amy, herself, is diagnosed with Autism and AdHd. She is determined to ensure both of her girls reach their fullest potential and live their best lives possible. She’s committed to spreading the message of acceptance, inclusion, and advocacy. And she’s so excited to join C.I.T.Y. of Support to assist families in not only finding resources, but to find a community that offers support, encouragement, and a place for families to be themselves.

Chelsea Hedges is a proud mama to two boys under 5. Her oldest is neurodivergent and participates in therapies in Buffalo Grove. Chelsea is the Director of Human Resources in Barrington School District 220. Before her move to the HR world, she served as a Director of Student Services, Assistant Principal, and Special Education Teacher. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Special Education, a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, an Endorsement as a Director of Special Education, and has her pHCLE certification for school Human Resources. She is currently working on her doctorate in Educational Leadership. Chelsea loves to make connections with other families and learn from each other's experiences.

Elizabeth and her husband, John share 3 wonderful kids (and 2 dogs and 2 cats!). As a childcare provider and avid volunteer, Elizabeth is often seen around the community working very hard to create a community for her children and childcare. When her youngest was diagnosed with a chromosome disorder before one year of age, it was controlled chaos for many years. Shuffling between appointments and specialists, then therapies and surgeries, it was all a whirlwind and not one that most families could understand. Her youngest is now in 6^th grade in cluster program with Chicago Public Schools, meaning soon we will be navigating the next journey into high school. Elizabeth is very excited to join C.I.T.Y. of support to help guide families through all the resources that are available, but most importantly to help families realize they are not alone in this journey.

Kim is a mother (and dog & cat mom), wife of a first responder, trauma-informed yoga and children’s yoga teacher, and an advocate. She enjoys spending time with loved ones, yoga, poetry, writing, dancing, and reading. Kim is committed to her passion of helping others heal, connect with themselves and with a community that they feel safe with.