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
Chief Executive Officer

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

Leslie Boyle, M.Ed., BCBA
Director of Human Resources & Organizational Development

Yamari Rodriguez
Director of Finance

Joanna Wagner, MNA
Director of Development & Marketing

David Walters, PMP
Director of Facilities & Project Management

Becca Del Real
Director of Special Education

Liz Juarez, RN
Director of Nursing

Brenda Roman, QIDP
Director of Adult Day Program

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