About Esperanza


At Esperanza Community Services, our mission is to empower people with developmental disabilities to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling, independent lives. We strive to achieve this through innovative education, effective advocacy, and compassionate support while fostering a supportive community where everyone can thrive.

Our History

Esperanza Community Services began as a school in 1969, created in response to the lack of services available to students whose learning needs were not being met in traditional classrooms. Our founder, Guadalupe Reyes, was driven to help her son Bobby, whose developmental disabilities were caused by spinal meningitis. Guadalupe Reyes made Esperanza School a place where students with developmental disabilities found a solid foundation of education, support, and encouragement upon which they could grow.

Finding a place like Esperanza was absolutely wonderful for me because it made me realize I wasn’t going through this alone.

Esperanza School parent

Executive Leadership

For more than 50 years, Esperanza has built a strong and positive reputation among our families as a trusted and caring service provider. The Esperanza team is uniquely positioned to support our rich and diverse community. Esperanza is an anchor for the people we serve and their families by providing the help and hope that many have been unable to find elsewhere.

Jayne Drew

Chief Executive Officer

Jonathan Gonzalez

Director of Finance & Administration

Anne Hellmer

Principal, Esperanza School

Mike Jersey

Chief Program Officer,
Adult Programs & Services

Jess Lynk

Director of Marketing

Dave Walters

Director of Facilities Management

Transparency and Accountability

Board of Directors


  • Aaron McKay
    Chair
    Levy Restaurants
  • Suzanne Ritzler
    Secretary
    Accenture

Directors

  • Kristen Casperson
    Rush University Medical Center
  • Bret Deyo
    Aetna
  • Dana Drummond
    Salesforce
  • Ben Frey
    Intelsat
  • Sean Gill
    Jenner & Block
  • Kyle Grisius
    Midtown Chiropractic and Natural Medicine
  • Gillian Nagler
    Briar Hall LLC
  • Lauren Novak
    Corrugated Supplies Company
  • Kent Richard
    Northern Trust
  • Staci Yesner
    Compass Chicago
  • Interested in joining our Board? Learn more.

Emeritus Board

  • Franco Pacini
    Zagone Studios
  • Michael Roberts, Director
    RM Partners Law

Associate Board

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