Individualized Care. Supportive Environment.
Through transformative service, HH focuses on a holistic approach to care that considers how mental health impacts ones wellbeing, motivation, physical health and outlook on life. In our comprehensive Adult Programs, we create a safe space for clients to learn and develop skills for success within the community and their home.
The Helping Hand Way
Our Adult Programs provide enriched activities for individuals with I/DD within the community. Learning experiences are based around art, life skills, music, fitness, recreation, volunteerism, health, and wellness. HH team members use clients input to develop groups/classes that are focused on individual needs and interests.
Meet Our Adult Programs Leadership
I am most proud of the connections I have made with our adult clients. They inspire me to work hard for them. My goal is to have a strong, cohesive team skilled at meeting their needs in every way I can.”
Director of Community Programs
Joined HH in 2007 | Years of Experience 14
Interacting with our clients – regardless of who you are – changes you in unexpected ways. Even a brief interaction leaves a mark on your heart. Our clients and their families are so inspiring. It’s the reason I’ve been with HH for 30 plus years.”
Director of Residential Program
Joined HH in 2005 | Years of Experience 39
Lenette directly supervises the Residential Manager team and ensures the day-to-day processes of HH’s residential program are up to speed. This includes ensuring the CILA’s are staffed adequately and supplies are stocked for the houses and nursing department. Lenette collaborates with all departments regarding the CILA services – this includes transportation, nursing, Community Day Programs, Behavior Services, and more.
Lenette began her career in the accounting field and later changed to working in the medical field. She began working and connecting with the adults in the day program and was later promoted to a team leader. She later transitioned to the residential department where she currently is the Director.
I make sure our adult clients receive the best care possible. Adults with I/DD should be given every opportunity possible to achieve their goals. I love seeing all the success and growth each person showcases every day, and I’m thankful and honored to be part of it.”
Director of Service Coordination
Joined HH in 2010 | Years of Experience 14
I started working in this field because I wanted to make a difference in someone’s life. All these years later, that goal has remained the same. I’m proud to be part of an amazing team that continues to find solutions and never stops advocating for each adult we serve. Adults with I/DD should have every opportunity to be happy and live the life they want to live. I feel so honored to be part of their journey and seeing them transform into their best self.”
Associate Director of Day Programming
Joined HH in 2009| Years of Experience 24
Sheila supports staff in the Community Day Programs. She mentors staff so they can grow professionally based on their goals that they have set for themselves. Sheila also works with staff to develop a meaningful curriculum so the clients are offered the best quality programming. She supports the clients by ensuring that their needs are being met through person centered programming. Sheila started out as a DSP. She worked through each position in the adult day program and now currently oversees the Community Day Service program at Helping Hand. She is also the agency Safety Coordinator and CPR/First Aid Instructor for adult services.
I enjoy sprinkling kindness everywhere I go. My goal when working directly with the clients is putting more emphasis on their abilities over their disabilities!”
Coordinator, Adult Admission
Joined HH in 2014 | Years of Experience 12
Ceana coordinates intake for both the Community Day Program and Community Living (CILA) in her role. She serves as the first contact for potential new clients and their families seeking adult services at Helping Hand.
Ceana graduated from WIU with a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy, is a certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, and has her Master’s degree in Child Development specializing in children with special needs from Erikson Institute. Ceana started as DSP and various supportive roles working with clients, families, and staff.
It’s our mission and duty to continue to destroy the stigma that people with ID/DD can’t be valued members in a multitude of employment sectors. We have found over the years that their interests and desire to work are as strong and as varied as people without disabilities. The people we place into integrated employment settings maintain better attendance, better retention, higher morale and oftentimes better production than people without disabilities. Including people with ID/DD into the workplace is transformative not only for the people employed, but for the businesses culture as well.”
Director of Employment Services
Joined HH in 2022 | Years of Experience 30
Jim oversees the Employment Services Department at Helping Hand. He has worked in the field for over 30 years starting first in direct care and then in case management, compliance, and employment. Jim’s aim with the Employment Services Department is to help as many people fulfil their career goals as possible, along with helping local businesses meet their hiring needs. He is a strong collaborator and it’s his mission to connect people with ID/DD to employers where they will be equally valued.
It’s been an absolute joy to work with the clients and teams at Helping Hand. It’s amazing to think that we come to work to provide services and supports for our clients, but it is us who are left changed forever.”
Associate Director of Case Management
Joined HH in 2020 | Years of Experience 13
Cristina supports the case management department which ensures clients’ needs and goals are being met while maintianing open communication with families. She is also co-chair of the Human Rights Committee protecting the rights and restrictions of those who she serves. As well, she is an instructor for the Professional Crisis Management system. Before working in Human Services, she was a teacher for 13 years, teaching in Chicago and abroad in Spain. She holds a Bachelors in English from Northern Illinois University and a Masters in Arts and Teaching from Concordia University. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, yoga, and spending time with family.
I am grateful for the opportunity to help others live with independence and dignity.”
Associate Director of Adult Behavior Service
Joined HH in 2024 | Years of Experience 20
I advocate for my team as well as the people that we serve. It is a priority to show respect, kindness, and optimism to ALL each and every day!
Associate Director of Adult Residential
Joined HH in 2023 | Years of Experience 17
James oversees the operations and service coordination of five HH residential homes (CILA’s). He provides leadership to Residential Supervisors and supports them by working with DSPs for the continuity within the homes.
James obtained his degree from Northern Illinois University. He has several years of experience in the health care field and working with individuals with disabilities.
I am passionate about helping the individuals we serve to receive genuine care.
Associate Director of Residential
Joined HH in 2018 | Years of Experience 28
Adrienne manages the team members for the residential homes and works closely with all departments at HH. She has worked in the social service field for over 24 years. Adrienne started working as a DSP with disadvantaged men in the Chicago Englewood neighborhood.
She enjoys assisting individuals with emotional and physical disabilities achieve their personal goals of life. She sets goals to ensure that all clients receive optimal care and have personal choices for their respective lives.
The difference that I make with the individuals we serve lets me know more every day that I made the right career choice, and I wouldn’t change it for anything!
Associate Director of Residential
Joined HH in 2022 | Years of Experience 15
Tanika started as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at in 2010. Through the years, she found her true passion of working with individuals with disabilities. Now as an Associate Director of Residential Services, she provides the highest quality of care to those we serve. Tanika also has an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and Medical Assisting.