Working Together Chicago is a program of Center for Independence through Conductive Education Inc., an Illinois nonprofit under Section 501 C 3 of the Internal Revenue Code. The mission of the Center is to help people with disabilities achieve their highest level of potential. Center for Independence and the Working Together Chicago program is an approved community employment provider with the Illinois Department of Rehab Services. (DRS) Learn more about the Center.
Our Vision
Despite the fact that the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed more than 25 years ago, people with disabilities still struggle to access employment. More than 70% of people with disabilities are un/under employed, and many live in poverty because of over-reliance on governmental support.
Working Together Chicago is convinced that the way to bridge the current employment gap is by working together across sectors with the common goal of generating new approaches that re-imagine what is possible!
Our Team
Meet Our Board President & Executive Director
BOARD PRESIDENT
CLAYTON P. KALWEIT | President/Board Chairman, Goodwill Industries of SE Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago
Clayton joined the Board in August 2013. His professional career focuses on managing operations related to Real Estate Development, Security, and Environmental Safety and Medical Services. He is a native of the Chicago area and a graduate from the University of Southern California - Marshall School of Business in Los Angeles. As a Board member, Clayton wishes to raise awareness for the Center and children with physical disabilities through outreach programs and fundraising efforts. Clayton is also a Center parent, with his youngest son attending the Conductive Education program in Lake Zurich. Clayton's wife, Megan, is an active member of the Center's Fundraiser Committee.
Term Expires: 9/2025
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PATRICIA C. HERBST | Center for Independence Founder
Patricia Herbst, CPA. Mrs. Herbst graduated from Loyola University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and is a Certified Public Accountant. As Executive Director, she is responsible for overseeing the daily administration of the Center. As the parent of a young (employed!) adult with cerebral palsy – spastic quadriplegia, Patti brings her unique family perspective of raising a child with a physical disability, ensuring the Center's program is “Family Centered”.
Contact Patti: 708-588-0833 | Email
Meet Our Staff
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
JOANNE CALLAHAN
Joanne graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and has over 30 years of professional experience. Joanne is responsible for administering the program and setting in motion the strategic plan of WTC. She brings a unique blend of personal experience and passion to the organization. Joanne and her husband Jack, have a daughter with a physical disability and have a personal understanding of the value and issues of employment.
Contact Joanne: 312-995-3302 | Email
EMPLOYMENT COORDINATOR
LANI LoCOCO
Lani graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science. As a person with a physical disability, Lani brings her personal experience to job coaching and her interactions with the WTC participants. She is extremely passionate about making a difference for adults with disabilities and their access to the workplace. As the Employment Services Coordinator, Lani is in direct contact with all the stakeholders of the WTC program and works to streamline all communication.
Contact Lani: 708-588-0833 | Email
EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST
CHARLIE O'MALLEY
For the past 14 years, Charlie has been devoted to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He has worked in a variety of settings, such as recreation, high school transition programs, and adult programs, which has enabled him to discover his passion for advocating for adults and their families. Charlie has also been instrumental in developing programs that promote diversity, inclusion, and independence. As an Employment Specialist, Charlie is in direct contact with all the stakeholders of the WTC program and is committed to ensuring seamless communication between them. He is eager to continue creating opportunities that will help those he serves achieve their goals.
Contact Charlie: 708-588-0833 | Email
WTC Young Advisory Board
Our volunteer Young Advisory Board is made up of emerging leaders across industries. These talented professionals engage in strategy, marketing, networking, program development and social events.
Work and play go together!
The Young Advisory Board hosts social events throughout the year to encourage networking and new friendships with WTC Participants.
Meet Our Young Advisory Board
Dylan Barnard – Account Executive, Google
Diana Berumen – Account Supervisor, Dentsu
Emily Epp – Senior Finance Associate, Home Partners of America
Kevin Epp – Senior Software Engineer, Amount
Kacie Herbst – Development Manager, JDRF Illinois
Ani Hunt - CFI Social Worker
Colleen Musselman - CFI Classroom Aide
George Renaldi IV – Private Equity, BP Capital Management
Marni Tahvilian – Pediatric Optometrist, Wheaton Eye Clinic
Allison Wagner – Senior Programmatic Account Manager, Google
Interested in Joining our Young Advisory Board?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions? Expand the panels for answers. Have more questions? Scroll down to contact us.
Let's Work Together
The Center for Independence believes that people with disabilities can have great success in the labor market when they have the right supports and are given a chance. Join us today in making this possible.
Contact
Joanne Callahan
312-995-3302 or Email
Center for Independence through Conductive Education Inc., an Illinois nonprofit under Section 501 C 3 of the Internal Revenue Code. The mission of the Center is to help people with disabilities achieve their highest level of potential.
Working Together Chicago promotes workforce diversity and inclusion through superior employment services for people with disabilities.