Board of Directors

Heidi is excited to serve on the board of Special Connections! She is a tenured Risk Management and Insurance professional, with special focus on Non Profit Social Service organizations.

Special Connections has helped to give me the opportunity to serve those in our community who are differently abled by letting me share my love of a healthy lifestyle and fitness training!

I have been involved with Special Connections for over 10 years with my daughter Heather, who unfortunately passed away in 2019. I have continued my commitment to Special Connections to honor her memory.

I have been employed at the Grundy County Special Education Cooperative for 23 years.

I am honored to serve on the Special Connections Board! I have had a
lifelong passion for making a positive impact in the lives of people with
disabilities. My journey began at the age of 15 when I discovered my
calling as a camp counselor for people with disabilities in Carlinville, IL.
Fast forward to 2009, I joined Illinois Valley Industries, a not-for-profit
service provider for adults with disabilities where I am now the
Assistant Director. I have over 16 years of direct care experience in
addition to my master's degree in Rehabilitation Administration and
Services.
My journey is not just a career but a testament to the belief that with
passion, dedication, and the right resources and support, we can create
positive change in the lives of people we serve!

Brent is a passionate advocate of people with disabilities and has served on the Boards of Directors for numerous national, state and local non-profits, focusing his efforts in the areas of civil rights, economic empowerment, the alleviation of poverty, and the provision of social services.

I currently teach at Seneca High School as a self-contained math and resource teacher. Aside from teaching, I also am the assistant varsity volleyball coach. After graduating from Coal City High School, I attended Illinois State University. I have obtained a Special Education degree focusing on Learning and Behavior (LBSI) and a Master’s in Special Education.

I am an attorney with Hanson & Fisher Law Offices and focus on giving social security disability clients the voice they so deserve in a process that can be difficult.

I have worked at Busey Bank in Morris in the Treasury Management Dept since 2019, and have been in banking since 1998.

As a founding member, former Executive Director and current Board member for Special Connections, Kelly is passionate about our Mission and providing individuals with special needs opportunities to engage in social, leisure and recreation activities in their community.

Kelly is currently a teacher with the Grundy County Special Education Cooperative at Minooka Junior High School and has worked with individuals with special needs for more than 30 years. "I have witnessed the growth of the individuals served and Special Connections over the years and am excited to see what the future will bring."

In her free time Kelly enjoys any time spent with family, sports and traveling.