Meet The Team
Amy Carmack
Executive Director
Amy became the Executive Director of Special Connections in late March of 2023. She and her life partner, Gary, moved to Morris in 2021 from Kankakee, IL. Amy had served as the Director of Development at Good Shepherd Manor in Momence, IL for the past 15 years. Her role at Good Shepherd included donor stewardship, special event fundraising, grant writing and building the endowment program.
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Amy also has an extensive background in nonprofit Board management and training. Over the years she has provided workshops for many nonprofit and for profit organizations focusing on strategic planning, goal setting and teambuilding through her company, LeaderVersity Resources.
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On a personal note, Amy is Mom to three adult children (and their spouses) and Mimi to eight beautiful grandkids! Two of her three kids live in Iowa, where she is originally from, and the third lives in Wheaton.
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Amy states, "Being a part of organizations that serve individuals with disabilities has been an honor and privilege during my career. Special Connections is a wonderful organization that is having such an impact in the lives of our participants and their families. I look forward to working with everyone to grow and nurture this very worthy organization!"
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Tina Nall
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Special Olympics Program Coordinator
I am a mother to my son Dominic and daughter-in-law Bekah, and my son Marcus who is a special needs adult with multiple diagnoses. Previously living in Minooka since 2005, we recently moved to Garner. I have 15 years of experience driving a school bus for students of all abilities, and 14 years of management experience in food service retail settings. Besides spending time with my family and helping Marcus to learn and grow to be a valuable member of our community, I enjoy traveling, riding my motorcycle, and spending time with our dogs.
Marcus has benefitted since 2011 from the Special Olympics sports and activities that Special Connections offers. His favorite sport is swimming! I have always enjoyed volunteering for various organizations, so it was natural for me to start helping as an assistant coach and to eventually become the head coach of Track and Field. In 2018 I became the Program Coordinator for Special Connections. My main purpose is to oversee all of the Special Olympics sports that we offer. I love working with and helping to provide social and fitness opportunities for those with special needs, as well as inviting community members to become involved whether by coaching or being a Special Olympics Unified Partner.
I have big dreams and goals in mind as Special Connections continues to grow, and I'm honored to be a part of such exciting times in a wonderful organization!