Keshet's heart and soul

Jennifer Phillips is an experienced special educator who has dedicated her career to building inclusive communities. Jennifer began at Keshet in 1994 as a one-to-one summer camp counselor, which inspired her to become a special education teacher. Since then, she has risen from being a teacher in Keshet’s High School to the Director of Recreation and then as the organization’s first Chief Program Officer. Her leadership in program development and community partnership building has been an unparalleled success for the organization. Jennifer has established Keshet as a national leader in inclusion, particularly inclusive summer camps, and is regularly called upon to speak at conferences and trainings. Jennifer received a B.S. in Elementary Education and Special Education from National Louis University.

Bishal has more than two decades of financial management experience in strategic and operational leadership with large nonprofit organizations. He comes to Keshet from Envision Unlimited where he served as Chief Financial Officer overseeing $77 million operations after successfully supporting program growth by 50% in just two years. Prior to that, Bishal served at the corporate office of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), where he advanced into progressively challenging roles during his 20 plus years there and led the fiscal management team during the organization’s major restructuring. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, in accounting and business management from the University of Maine, and an MBA from Texas A&M University.

Jamie’s commitment to creating inclusive communities began from her experiences as a higher education administrator and summer camp professional for over 20 years, including as a director at Camp Chi. From there, she found her way into the world of marketing, communications and non-profit management. Now she oversees development and fundraising at Keshet, where she feels inspired every day. Jamie has an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration and J.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Lauren Berndt is a graduate of Ithaca College with a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation. She began her career in recreation working with people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. After several years in the field, she was introduced to fundraising and has been in philanthropy ever since. Prior to joining Keshet, Lauren was the Director of Major Gifts at Per Scholas, a workforce development program which advances economic equity through rigorous training for tech careers. She believes that philanthropy has become an important way for people to express their identity and feels privileged to have the opportunity to match donors with meaningful investments.

Theresa has nearly 20 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities. Theresa holds QIDP certification, is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor. Most recently, Theresa was the Senior Director of Programs at Orchard Village, where she oversaw Therapeutic Recreation, Community Day Services and Vocational Departments. Theresa is thrilled to continue her journey at Keshet, providing direction and senior supervision for GADOL and MY Life. She is extremely passionate about developing and growing modern, person-centered programs. She is most excited to begin to develop connections with those served and the individuals who support them.

Robin Anderson is an experienced non-profit leader who is deeply committed to strengthening the future of the Jewish community. Prior to Keshet, she was a full time Jewish camp professional at Camp Young Judaea Midwest for nearly 20 years, most recently as Executive Director, where she focused on building relationships to create a safe and inclusive community. Robin graduated from Indiana University and received a master’s at Brandeis University’s Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program.

Robin Horton has served as a Human Resources Professional for over 20 years.  She has devoted her career to serving non-profits like Keshet.  Prior to Keshet, she was the Executive Director of Human Resources and Risk Management for the Ozarks Regional YMCA, where she oversaw hiring, training, benefits, and compliance.  She focused on improving employee relationships, and building a safe and inclusive working environment. Robin graduated from Lee University and is a certified SHRM-CP and PHR.

Lisa has dedicated her 30+ year career to working with and advocating for people with disabilities. She began her time at Keshet as the Director of Adult Day Services and has since transitioned into a new position as Keshet’s first Director of Quality Assurance. In this role, Lisa ensures that programs are compliant with accreditations/licensures, the organization’s operations meet quality, integrity, and efficiency standards and she develops systems to sustain optimal delivery of services. Lisa holds a Masters in Social Work and was recently accepted into the Illinois CQI Mentorship Program.

Robert comes to Keshet after six years as the principal of The Winston Knolls School.  He has a deep understanding of non-profit therapeutic day schools and a history of building relationships with students, families, staff and community partners. He is a skillful special educator and behavior intervention specialist with 19 years of experience at therapeutic day schools. Robert holds a dual master’s degree in special education and educational leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. We look forward to seeing how his collaborative approach to education elevates the instruction and the culture of Keshet’s schools from kindergarten through transition.

Since Stephanie was at a young age, she has dedicated her education and career to supporting individuals with disabilities. Stephanie began her career as a Summer Camp Counselor and Special Olympics coach in 2011 and has excelled professionally in the non-profit sector. Graduating with her bachelors in 2016, she became a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and then in 2019, graduated with her master’s in Organizational Leadership and Management from Lewis University. Throughout this time, Stephanie has developed multiple programs creating inclusiveness and learning opportunities for all individuals to achieve their highest quality of life.

Traci has dedicated her career to supporting individuals in the community while focusing on their abilities and helping to support their independence. She has worked in nonprofits for many years, including, most recently, at Clearbrook as the Coordinator of Community Employment Services. Prior to that, Traci managed Anixter Center’s ACT program and spent years working at Christopher House and the Leyden Family Services and Mental Health Center. Traci resides in Buffalo Grove with her husband Dave, teenage son Max, and her two lovable rescue dogs Toby and Murphy. Traci is looking forward to helping our adults live meaningful lives.