Local Leaders

Meet the Volunteers Bringing C.I.T.Y. to Your Neighborhood

Arlington Heights, Mt. Prospect, Prospect Heights, Palatine, Schaumburg, Rolling Meadows

CITY of Support - Local Leaders - Dana Messmer
Member Bio

Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Rosemont, Park Ridge, Mt. Prospect

CITY of Support - Local Leaders - Susan Chavez
Member Bio

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.

Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Downers Grove, Lombard, Villa Park, Addison, Hinsdale

CITY of Support - Local Leaders - Amy Mishima
Member Bio

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.

Hawthorn Woods, Lake Zurich, Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Wauconda, Barrington

CITY of Support - Local Leaders - Chelsea Hodges

Chelsea Hedges

cheljgray@gmail.com
Member Bio

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.

Jefferson Park, Portage Park, Edison Park, Gladstone Park, Edgebrook, Forest Glen

CITY of Support - Local Leaders - Elizabeth Martel
Member Bio

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.

Norwood Park, Park Ridge, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Norridge, Rosemont, Franklin Park

CITY of Support - Local Leaders - Kim Normoyle
Member Bio

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.

Although C.I.T.Y. began in the NW Suburbs of Chicago, Local Leaders are working to bring awareness & implementation of our innovative resources, events, & programs to their home communities.

What? You don't see your neighborhood represented? Reach out to us! We'd love to have contacts all across Chicagoland!
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CITY of Support - Local Leaders - Get Involved in Your City