Carole Jones, President, Far West and  Western Suburban Coordinator and Volunteer Manager

Naperville

CaroleJones@chicagogiftedcommunity.org

Carole is an active mother of two and works full time for Dole Packaged Foods. Founded SOS for 2e (Support Options and Solutions for Twice Exceptional Children) in 2011 and continues to advocate for children rights locally, statewide and nationally.  Currently appointed on the Board of Directors for the 708 Naperville Mental Health Board, State Advocate for Lives in the Balance and serves on the Policy and Advocacy Committee for Illinois Association for Gifted Children.  Carole's goal is to meet all learner's needs and support families so children can thrive and reach their potential.   

Violeta Balan,  Vice President, City of Chicago Coordinator

Chicago

VioletaBalan@chicagogiftedcommunity.org

Violeta, a parent of two gifted elementary-aged children, is forever grateful to CGCC for helping her survive the shock that followed the finding that she was raising exceptional children. Originally from Romania, she moved to Chicago 30 years ago and fell in love with the city at first sight. Before becoming a mother, she worked in international arbitration and litigation for a major global law firm, enjoyed being an adjunct law professor, traveled the world as a global business development manager and learned the inner workings of an United Nations agency abroad. Her most demanding and rewarding job, however, has been that of a parent and she is on a continuous quest how to better understand and support her children’s gifts and challenges. As the city of Chicago’s coordinator, she has the honor to welcome new members and she is looking forward to be of assistance and grow our community of local gifted families.

Linda Zanieski

Chicago

lindazanieski@chicagogiftedcommunity.org

Linda is the mother of one son.  Prior to becoming a mother, she was a consultant with Cap Gemini. She is the quiet driving force behind the scenes; she keeps the calendar full of area events, updates the summer programs information, pays the bills, writes the updates and is in a constant search for enrichment activities for her son.

  Katherine Peterson, Secretary,

  Professional Member Coordinator

  Evanston   

  KatherinePeterson@ChicagoGiftedCommunity.org

Katherine is first and foremost the mother of two twice-exceptional young adults, through whom she discovered the challenging and joyful world of giftedness.  She supported her children by emphasizing their unique personal learning process and strengths. As learning needs evolved they attended public, private school, evolved home school, traveled internationally, and self-directed gap year experiences. Katherine takes great joy in facilitating CGCC Parent Discussion Groups, that highlight family values and the distinctive process of each gifted family. She has been a SENG Model Parent Facilitator since 2010, and continues to be fascinated with giftedness in all life chapters.  

Pamela Shaw, Social Media Editor, Far North Suburban Coordinator

Long Grove   

pamelashaw@chicagogiftedcommunity.org

Pamela has multiple part-time jobs which allow her the flexibility to manage the ups and downs that come with parenting two twice exceptional teens. She is a substitute teacher, private music teacher, virtual school teacher, professional development facilitator, and online course reviewer. She received her M.Ed. in Special Education with an emphasis on Gifted Education from the University of Missouri. Her Illinois teaching endorsements include K-12 Music, K-12 Gifted, 5-8 General Science, and 5-8 Language Arts. She served on the Illinois State Board of Education’s Gifted Advisory Council for three years, and currently serves on the board of the Illinois Association for Gifted Children as Co-Chair of the Policy and Advocacy Committee.

Aileen Kelleher

Chicago 

alieen.kelleher@chicagogiftedcommunity.org

Aileen Kelleher is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with gifted and twice-exceptional children, adults and families. She was born and raised in Chicago and currently lives on the south side with her husband. She loves to constantly learn and share information about giftedness and neurodiversity, and is passionate about the power of community for gifted people and families.

Caroline Spreitzer

Channahon

caroline@chicagogiftedcommunity.org

Caroline is a proud mother of a son who possesses both exceptional abilities and intense characteristics.  She endeavors to navigate the public school system, which lacks any programs catering to twice-exceptional individuals.  In her relentless pursuit, she has discovered the value of utilizing internet resources and embarking on extensive journeys to locate groups or classes that align with her son's vast range of interests.  Since 2000, Caroline has been working in her drapery workroom, where her passion for drafting patterns has always been evident.  Through her experiences, she has acquired an understanding of neurodiversity, particularly within her own family. Caroline is always trying to educate anyone willing to lend an ear about the unique challenges and asynchrony experienced by gifted children.  

Fran Khawaja

Naperville

fkhawaja@chicagogiftedcommunity.org

Fran is a mother to 3 twice-exceptional boys, 2 teenagers and an adult and currently lives in Aurora. She has been passionate about advocating for both her own children, as well as all gifted children. Fran has enjoyed the challenge of navigating and providing for the unique needs of her sons. She is continually learning how to best support her children and help them use their personal strengths.

Anna Onley 

Chicago

aonley@chicagogiftedcommunity.org

Anna is a patent attorney with a strong background in computer science, complemented by practical experience in research and technology. She holds an advanced degree in public policy and is thrilled to be joining the Board of Directors at the Chicago Gifted Community Center in 2024. Anna is devoted to mentoring young learners and empowering people from all backgrounds to become innovators and entrepreneurs. A first-generation American and a parent of a young girl interested in math and engineering, Anna is wholeheartedly dedicated to advocating for inclusivity and equitable opportunities for all. She eagerly anticipates utilizing her expertise to create a positive and impactful change in her role.

Tabitha Flax

Chicago

tabithaflax@chicagogiftedcommunity.org

Tabitha Flax is a seasoned professional in business development in nonprofit and cyber sectors. Tabitha has spent 12 years building go-to-market partner programs from the ground up. In her current role, she has developed and built global academic and commercial partnership programs and teams. Through these programs, tens of thousands of students have become trained and certified in cybersecurity.

In addition to her work in the IT and Cyber industry, Tabitha is also a passionate advocate for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging  (DEIB) and for twice-exceptional children and their families. As both certified as an art therapy practitioner and a cognitive behavioral therapy practitioner, she brings a unique, holistic approach to supporting children. Tabitha’s work in this area reflects her commitment to creating inclusive environments where children can thrive.

Tabitha is excited to bring her diverse expertise and insights to the board, contributing to the mission of supporting twice-exceptional kids and their families.