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Joelle is a retired Special Education Assistant from Community Consolidated School District 54 in Schaumburg, IL. She is a member of the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance of Greater Chicago, and Canine Companions for Independence Greater Chicagoland Chapter and is President of Project ALEX Communities, Inc.
As the mother of a young adult son with disabilities, Alex, who has Tuberous Sclerosis and another son, Jason and daughter-in-law Hannah, she keeps very busy. Joelle has been married for over 30 years to her husband Tony. Together they own a Hallmark Store in Rolling Meadows. In her spare time, she enjoys playing her clarinet in the Knock on Wood Clarinet Choir, reading, her book club, puzzles, and getting together with friends.
“As Alex gets older, we are reminded that we do not know what the future holds as far as housing for young adults with specials needs. The idea for Project ALEX Communities has continued to be my priority”.
Contact Joelle
Hi, my name is Tony Brescia, and I am the treasurer of Project ALEX. I am the father of a young adult with a genetic disorder called Tuberous Sclerosis. Over the years I have been involved with Special Olympics both as a spectator and a coach. Currently I am a coach and Vice President of the Ten Pin Bowlers Special Olympics Bowling team. I own a Hallmark Store in Rolling Meadows; and have seen first hand my customers who come in with their aging special needs children. Most of these children still live with their parents who are well into their 80’s. Because of this, my wife and I have seen the need for a special type of living environment where families can stay close. I’m passionate about making Project ALEX a reality.
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Diane joined the board after retiring from Township High School District 211 in 2018. Her background is in special education – as a teacher, vocational coordinator, department chair, and transition specialist. She has a family member with a disability which led her to choose special education as a career.
As the D211 transition specialist, she had the opportunity to observe first-hand the challenges faced by young men and women transitioning to their chosen post-high school experience. She shared in their parents’ frustration over the shortage of quality residential opportunities available to their young adults. She is thrilled to have a role on the board of Project ALEX so that she can be a part of developing an exciting new concept for housing adults with disabilities!
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Senior Business Analyst, Commonwealth Edison
Prior to coming to ComEd, Kim worked for Chicago Public Schools as a Teacher and Reading Coach. Kim is also the former State Coordinator for the Ms. Wheelchair Illinois Program as well as Ms. Wheelchair Illinois 2012. Kim currently is the Employee Liaison of the Exelon Resource Group ENABLED which educates employees about disability awareness. Kim is also a member of the ADA 25 Advancing Leadership Program. In 2020 Kim will be an Ambassador for the Abilities Expo in Schaumburg. Kim has earned a BA (Elementary Education) and MA (Reading Education) at Saint Xavier University and another MA (Educational Leadership) from Concordia University.
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I lived in the northwest suburbs for 38 years and was an elementary teacher in District 54 for nearly 30 years. I am now retired, and have a daughter and two young granddaughters, for whom I now babysit and enjoy spending a lot of time with. I also enjoy time with friends and traveling to a vacation home in Florida.
As an elementary school teacher, I had the privilege of working with disabled students. The first-hand experience watching them contribute to the classroom gave me a unique understanding of how special these children are.
Project Alex is a promising opportunity for unique individuals to be able to live in a community with semi-independence and be surrounded by family and friends.
Contact Lisa
After a career in technology leadership, I have devoted my time to helping non-profit organizations navigate the startup phase and thrive. It has been particularly rewarding to successfully guide this board of passionate and committed individuals through the startup maze and well beyond.
Contact Don
Dean and his wife are parents of an adult daughter who has Down syndrome. Dean has been an ordained pastor since 1988 and has served on several boards of directors, including the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota. With them, he helped spearhead an effort to get an information packet for new parents into every hospital in the State called the “Down Comforter.” During his ministry he worked for a time with people having special needs and with congregations to start ministries which serve persons who are differently-abled. He is a Board Certified Pastoral Counselor, has served in clinical settings and holds a doctorate from the University of Toronto. His desire is to see Project Alex become a compassionate community and a haven for adults with special needs.
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Pete’s background includes residential construction, land development and the selling of real estate. That has been his primary scope for the last 20 years. He works with builders, develops vacant properties all while working with his clients to help them sell their homes or helps them buy the home of their dreams and that has always been what Pete enjoys doing.
Pete is a long time Barrington resident, regularly volunteers throughout the area and has many contacts in the business community. He has a proven track record of successful transactions with many happy clients. Pete’s unique perspective allows him to anticipate issues, find creative solutions to problems and always with the goal of his clients or the properties leading his ambition.
Pete and his family are members of our special needs community.
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Derrick has seen first hand the need and value of Project ALEX in the community. He is proud to have been invited to join these dedicated individuals and families on such an important mission.
Derrick brings decades of experience with a background in insurance and financial services as well as having been a professional magician and musician. He also was named after the doctor that gave his mother 'sight' with her being one of the first successful corneal transplant recipients in history.
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I am a mental health counselor in Arlington Heights and have been an advocate for individuals with disabilities for most of my life. Being a brother of someone with disabilities, I have always wanted to make sure that my brother would receive the best care possible as time goes on. By being a part of Project ALEX Communities, I am able to make sure that not only him, but other people like him, are able to live as independently as possible. Together, we are able to create a community not only for them, but for community members as well.
Contact Jason
My name is Beth Faillo. I am proud to be the mother of three adult children. Our daughter is 30 years old with Down Syndrome. Over the years, I’ve volunteered for various charity organizations. When I attended the forum for Project ALEX, I was enlightened. There is an overwhelming need to develop communities for the adults with special needs. It’s been a privilege to serve on the board.
“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision” - Helen Keller
My name is Dan Faillo. I am proud to be the father of three adult children. We have a daughter that was born with Down Syndrome.
For 28 years I served on the board for a Chicago Chapter for the City of Hope. I have been involved with CIF (Center for Independent Futures-Schaumburg), and have volunteered for various charities. When we attended the forum for Project ALEX I was intrigued by the unique approach for housing for young adults with special needs. The concept was different from anything offered in this area and by all means needed.
“Where there is no vision, there is no Hope” - George Washington Carver
My name is Kay Pittelko. My experience with young adults with disabilities includes working for 3 School Districts as a Transition Services Job Coach. Also, I am the mom of a 31 year daughter with Down syndrome. For much of my adult life, I have worked tirelessly as an advocate for people with all types of disabilities!
There is such a strong need for a semi-independent living community in our area. I hope you will join us in making this vision a reality!
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