Meet the Staff

Carolyn Nagle (MPA, CTRS, CPRP)

Carolyn Nagle (MPA, CTRS, CPRP) is the Executive Director of FVSRA and has been with the agency since 1992. She previously was the Executive Director and Superintendent at the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association, the Director of the Mc Lean County SOAR Program in Bloomington, an Activity Therapist at the Galesburg Mental Health Center, and a consultant to several nursing homes in central Illinois. Carolyn earned her Masters in Public Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago and her BA from Illinois State University in Recreation and Park Administration. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and a Certified Park and Recreation Professional. Carolyn’s favorite part of the job is having the opportunity to work with all of the individuals and their families who take part in our programs and all of those who help us provide the services.

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Tracey Crawford (CTRS, CPRP)

The Fox Valley Special Recreation Association Board of Directors and Staff are delighted to welcome back to FVSRA, Ms. Tracey Crawford as our Assistant Director. Tracey started with FVSRA in 1990 as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and was promoted to Inclusion Coordinator in 1993. In 1996, she joined the staff of the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association as Manager of Inclusion. Two years later she was promoted to Superintendant of Recreation and most recently served as Superintendant of Development.

Tracey currently serves as the Past Chairman of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association Board of Directors and is the past president of the National Therapeutic Recreation Society. She has achieved both national and state recognition including the Excellence in Inclusion Award from the National Institute on Recreation Inclusion, the Meritorious Service Award from the National Therapeutic Recreation Society and many others.

Tracey is frequently sought to conduct training seminars on the topic of Inclusion, Diversity, Crisis Prevention Intervention, and Building Positive Relationships. She brings a great deal of talent and energy back to FVSRA and we look forward to having her back on the FVSRA Team as we implement our Strategic Plan to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities

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Hayden Howes

Hayden Howes joined FVSRA in January 2009 and is the Superintendent of Recreation.  He received his Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration from George Williams College of Aurora University and is currently working towards a Master’s degree in Recreation Administration with a certification in therapeutic recreation from Chicago State University.  His prior experience includes working as a Job Coach and Vocational Trainer for individuals with developmental disabilities at Lambs Farm in Libertyville, IL. His favorite part of working at FVSRA is providing therapeutic recreational services and programs that enrich the lives of every participant.

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Ginny Pavesich

Ginny Pavesich is the Office Manager of FVSRA and has been with the agency since 1996. She is a lifelong Illinoisan and many years ago taught public school in Woodridge. She was out of the work force while raising four children. While working at FVSRA she says it has been great to meet participants, family members, park district staff, vendors, and others who work in the SRA field. She loves the diversity of her job - no two days ever seem to be the same!

 

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Charles Smilgys

Charles Smilgys (Business Manager) received his Bachelors of Science degree from Southern Illinois University. Prior to joining FVSRA, Smilgys retired as a CFO at Scarlett Enterprises, Holding Company for four advertising agencies in Villa Park, IL. Charles’ favorite part about working at FVSRA is the people.

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Demaris McNabb

Demaris McNabb is the Secretary/Registrar of FVSRA and has been with the agency since 1999. Prior to coming to FVSRA, she worked in Richmond for 9 years as a secretary in a law firm. Demaris’s favorite part of working at FVSRA is meeting the participants and their families as they come in to the office.

 

 

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Marta Rees

Marta Rees is the Public Information Coordinator of FVSRA and has been with the agency since 2007. Marta holds a Master of Science degree in Communication from National Louis Univeristy. She is fluent in Polish and German. Prior to coming to FVSRA, she worked at the Field Museum in Chicago as Public Relations and Communications Coordinator.

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Jennifer Borrowman (CTRS)

Jennifer Borrowman (CTRS) is the Outreach Coordinator of FVSRA and has been with the agency since 2002. Jennifer received her Bachelors degree from Illinois State University and completed her internship at FVSRA in the Winter of 2001. Jennifer is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Jennifer is often times the first person that new FVSRA participants and families meet when they come to our agency. Jennifer’s favorite part about working at FVSRA is watching the participants grow and learn new skills through the activities the agency offers.

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Michael Younie (CTRS)

Michael Younie (CTRS) is the Athletics and Vehicle Coordinator of FVSRA and has been with the agency since 2003. Mike received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Leisure Services with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Northern Iowa. Mike is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Mike’s favorite part of working at FVSRA is coaching sports and watching the progress that the athletes make in their respective sport over the year.

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Alex Redenius (CTRS)

Alex Redenius (CTRS) received her Bachelors degree from the University of Northern Iowa. Alex began her career with FVSRA as an intern in 2006. After her internship, she continued her career as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Her area of expertise lies in fitness and personal training. Recently, she has been promoted to a Support Staff Coordinator. Alex is an A.F.A.A (Aerobic and Fitness Association of America) certified personal trainer. She piloted a personal training program with FVSRA and has enjoyed seeing the many benefits exercise has on the overall wellness of an individual. Her favorite part about working at FVSRA is seeing the faces of the participants when they reach their potential.

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Heather Nicols Andersen (CTRS, MS)

Heather Nicols (MS, CTRS) is the Inclusion Coordinator. Heather received her Bachelors degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Southeast Missouri State University and her Masters degree in Recreation Administration from George Williams College of Aurora University. Prior to joining FVSRA, Heather worked at Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) as a Recreation Specialist and then a Senior Recreation Specialist, where she coordinated several summer camps and leisure education programs for alternative school in the area. Heather’s favorite part about working at FVSRA is being part of the new and growing team.

 

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Sandy Blondin (CTRS, CPRP)

Sandy Blondin (MS, CTRS) is the School Services & Day Camp Coordinator. Sandy received her Bachelors degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Illinois State University. Prior to joining FVSRA, Sandy worked at Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) as a Leisure Education & Volunteer Coordinator, where she coordinated leisure education programs for alternative school in the area.

 

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Meghan O’Keefe (CTRS)

Meghan O’Keefe (CTRS) is a Program Specialist with FVSRA and has been with the agency since 2005. Meghan graduated from Central Michigan University and received a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Meghan is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Meghan completed an internship at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago working with individuals with physical disabilities, and is looking forward to growing adaptive sports programs here at FVSRA.

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Claire Kelly (CTRS)

Claire Kelly (CTRS) began with FVSRA in August 2006, as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Claire attended school at Western Illinois University and received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation. She completed her internship at FVSRA during the summer of 2005. She loves being able to carry out many of the programs offered and to be a part of each individual’s growth and development through recreation.

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Gretchen Anonick (CTRS)

Gretchen Anonick (CTRS) received her Bachelor’s Degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management with a concentration’ in Therapeutic Recreation from Clemson University. Prior to joining FVSRA, Gretchen completed her internship at the historical Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation in Georgia. She has been volunteering and working with individuals with disabilities for over 10 years. Gretchen’s favorite part of working at FVSRA is spending time with the participants.

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Rachel Begle (CTRS)

Rachel Begle (CTRS) received her Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Prior to joining FVSRA, Rachel worked as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist at Luke’s Behavioral Health Center and Arizona State Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. Rachel’s favorite part about working at FVSRA is getting to know the participants and their families as well as learning about the Special Recreation Associations in Illinois.