Local Leaders
Meet Our Local Leaders
Our Local Leaders are the dedicated volunteers bringing C.I.T.Y. to your neighborhood.
Northwest Suburbs
Arlington Heights, Mt. Prospect, Prospect Heights, Palatine, Schaumburg, Rolling Meadows
Dana Messmer
Bio coming soon!
Northwest Suburbs
Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Rosemont, Park Ridge, Mt. Prospect
Susan Chavez
Susan is a mother of three with over ten years of nonprofit experience. She has become a passionate advocate for children with disabilities.
Her second daughter, Bella, was born with brain abnormalities causing her to have 100 seizures a day. A radical brain surgery stopped Bella’s seizures and saved her life. Bella’s recovery after surgery began Susan’s journey into finding as much therapy and resources available for her daughter. Susan also began connecting with other families going through similar diagnosis and therapy as Bella. C.I.T.Y. of Support became a huge part of that ability to connect and learn about what is offered in the Chicagoland area.
Susan has spent time working in nonprofit development and fundraising. She has experience in event management, volunteer engagement and building strong relationships with new and future partners. Susan is thrilled to serve as the Local Leader Coordinator helping C.I.T.Y. of Support continue to grow and make an impact on families like her own.
Western Suburbs
Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Downers Grove, Lombard, Villa Park, Addison, Hinsdale
Amy Mishima
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.
Far Northwest Suburbs
Hawthorn Woods, Lake Zurich, Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Wauconda, Barrington
Chelsea Hedges
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.
Northwest Chicago
Jefferson Park, Portage Park, Edison Park, Gladstone Park, Edgebrook, Forest Glen
Elizabeth Martel
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 6th 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.
Northern Suburbs
Norwood Park, Park Ridge, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Norridge, Rosemont, Franklin Park
Kim Behringer
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.
Interested in Getting Involved?
We’re always looking for new leaders within our organization! Please fill out our Volunteer Interest Form below.
