Translating hope to reality

We are dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to lead

self-determined lives, fostering a sense of agency and choice.

Our Team

  For over 55 years, the Esperanza team has earned a distinguished reputation among the families we serve as a reliable and compassionate service provider dedicated to meeting our client’s unique needs and fostering a supportive environment.

Click on the photo below to send an email to any member of our Leadership Team!

Jayne Drew, MBA

Jayne Drew, MBA

Chief Executive Officer

Anne Hellmer, M.Ed., Ed.S., NCSP

Anne Hellmer, M.Ed., Ed.S., NCSP

School Principal

Leslie Boyle, M.Ed., BCBA

Leslie Boyle, M.Ed., BCBA

Director of Human Resources & Organizational Development

Yamari Rodriguez

Yamari Rodriguez

Director of Finance

Joanna Wagner, MNA

Joanna Wagner, MNA

Director of Development & Marketing

David Walters, PMP

David Walters, PMP

Director of Facilities & Project Management

Becca Del Real

Becca Del Real

Director of Special Education

Liz Juarez, RN

Liz Juarez, RN

Director of Nursing

Brenda Roman, QIDP

Brenda Roman, QIDP

Director of Adult Day Program

Tim Jones, Ed.D., MS

Tim Jones, Ed.D., MS

Director of Community Living & Family Support

Our Boards

Comprised of visionary leaders, industry experts, and diverse talents, our board plays a pivotal role in steering the course of organization. Together, we elevate possibilities, setting the stage for a future defined by groundbreaking accomplishments.

Interested in joining one of our boards? Complete the Contact Us form below or email info@esperanzacommunity.org
for more information. 

Executive Board

Lauren Novak

Board Chair

Corrugated Supplies

Hiren Prabhakar

Stephen Scott

Board Development Chair

Savills, NA

Aaron McKay

Immediate Past Chair

Aramark

Leanne Price

Accenture

Bret Deyo

Aetna

Kent Richard

Finance Chair

The Northern Trust

Barbara Obregon

TransUnion

Gillian Nagler

Blair Hall LLC

Kim Deeb

Development Chair

PWC

Nitin Ramachandra

CCC Intelligent Solutions

Brian Macias

KIPP Foundation

Associate Board 

Jessica Young-Eleazar

Chair

Bennett Day School

Bianca Velazquez

Esperanza Staff Liaison

William Ruppert

Interim Financial Chair

Instacart

Diana Maya

Midtronics

Maria Ortiz

Chicago Public Schools

Urooj Amir

Secretary

RWE

Marina Abdou

Financial Chair

Bank of America

Allison Parker

Interim Marketing Chair

Allison Parker Coaching, LLC