Keshet is so excited to introduce not one, not two, but six new program staff! We are so fortunate to have recently received funding that has provided us with the opportunity to hire such incredible talent. Keshet prides itself on recruiting and retaining the high-caliber team members that our participants deserve. We are thrilled to welcome all six of these skillfull individuals and look forward to their success at Keshet!
Savanna Biagioni, Recreation Coordinator
Hello, my name is Savanna Biagioni. I am beyond excited about joining Keshet as a Recreation Coordinator. I began my journey in the Special Needs Community when I was fairly young, volunteering in programs at my schools starting at the age of 9 years old. Later I began working as a Paraeducator in a therapeutic day program in Oswego. It was there that I realized I wanted to do more within the community. I joined Keshet as a Head Counselor in the summer of 2017, working at Camp Chi. I continued to return to Keshet as an Assistant Director and later joined the Education Department as a Paraeducator. Outside of my work life, I am happily married with two dogs and expecting my first child in May 2022. I look forward to growing with Keshet personally and professionally.
Drew McNamara, Recreation Program Manager
Hi, my name is Drew McNamara and I am very excited to be joining the Keshet team as the Recreation Program Manager! I previously worked for Keshet as a counselor for four summers plus one summer as the site director at Elaine Frank Apachi Day Camp. I’ve had the opportunity to go to Camp Chi with one of my campers and also helped with Winter Camp multiple times. I graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with both my Bachelor’s Degree (2017) and my Master’s Degree (2018) in Social Work. After school, I joined Little City Foundation as a Case Management Supervisor for three years. I own a company called Creative Souls, which provides opportunities for people to create art that is printed on shoes and apparel. I’m a huge fan of Chipotle, Illini basketball, running marathons and photography. It feels amazing to be back with Keshet and I can hardly wait for the summer!
Sammi Lococo, Recreation Associate
Hi everyone! My name is Samantha Lococo but everyone calls me Sammi! I am so excited to be a part of the Keshet Recreation Team. Not too long ago, I attended the University of Wisconsin- Madison (ON WISCONSIN!) and graduated in the Spring of 2021. At UW- Madison, I was a member of Gamma Phi Beta as well as Badgers for Special Olympics. I also had the pleasure of working with Make-A-Wish Wisconsin and Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin. Even though I have been involved with many great organizations throughout my life, I believe that my most influential and important experience has been growing up with my little sister who was born with a rare genetic neurological disorder. She is the reason I am so passionate about the work I do at Keshet both in recreation and as a para-educator in the preschool. In addition to spending time with my two sisters and my family, I love spending time with friends, watching Netflix, reading, and anything and everything Marvel.
Abigail Rambo. GADOL Program Manager
Hi! I am Abigail Rambo. I grew up in Clovis, California. I attended Colorado State University and received my Bachelors of Social Work. I first worked with adults with developmental disabilities as DSP in Colorado. After completing my degree, I moved to Chicago and worked in nonprofit fundraising. I then became a QIDP and found I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am passionate about ensuring team members have active and engaging days. In my spare time, you can find me reading, walking on Lakeshore Trail, or watching the Denver Broncos.
Hannah Kane, Social Worker
Hi, my name is Hannah Kane and I am very excited to have joined the Keshet team as a Social Worker. I began working at Northwest Special Recreation Association as a program assistant in my junior year of High School. I continued to work for NWSRA during the summers for the next 5 years as a Camp Counselor, Assistant Site Director, and Site Director for camps. I graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (I-L-L!) with my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and then completed my Master’s degree in Social Work at UIC’s Jane Addams College of Social Work in May of 2021. Outside of work, I love baking new recipes and playing with my cat Fox, and my dog Hoover!
Ellie Landau, GADOL Vocational Coordinator
I am excited to be joining the Keshet community! I have my Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago in Disability and Human Development. I have been working in the field for 8 years and have enjoyed being able to work with both individuals with disabilities and their families throughout my time. My brother has an intellectual disability, which has allowed me to understand the unique challenges that loved ones face after an individual finishes with the school system. In my spare time I have been enjoying learning to crochet.
