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VIRTUAL TOUR - MEET THE STAFF! Updated May 21, 2010
 
 
My name is Don Miner and I am currently the Manager of The Division of Youth Services. I have been a Program Supervisor at the Firehouse since 1995. I have been working with children and families since 1984. I think the Firehouse is a great place, not just because of the cool building and games, but also because of the incredibly cool kids who come through our doors. I love playing games that don't require electric power. (That is because when I was a kid, my classmate Thomas Edison had yet to start his career as an inventor.) When I am not at the Firehouse, I am spending time with my family and friends, riding my bike, reading, and staying up late at night writing bad jokes.
 

My name is Gina Gooden and I am one of the Program Supervisors working both with the Youth Center and the Senior Center.  I enjoy working at both places because they are so important to this community.  I  recently completed my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis.  You will often find me upstairs in the "After 3" program or facilitating the Girl's Friendship Groups. I enjoy helping members with their studies and working with the Girls Groups. My door is always open and I look forward to meeting you and spending time with you. When I am not working at The Firehouse or at the Senior Center, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Jeff, and my dogs Lily and Maddy.

 

 

 

My name is Kimmie DiNicola and I work at both The Firehouse, and at the Senior Center.  I have a BA from Columbia College in Sign Language Interpreting, and a teaching certification from National-Louis University in secondary education.  I love working at both places, and getting involved with the kids and the seniors!  I also coach figure skating at Centennial Ice Rink and have been there for the past 10 years.  When I am not working, I love spending time with my friends, family, and my husband Jonathan.  I fell so lucky to be involved with such great programs, in a great community!

My name is Jennifer Klein.  I am very excited to be working here at the Firehouse.  I went to University of Illinois in Champaign and studied Sociology and Spanish.  I studied abroad in Granada, Spain and later lived in Barcelona teaching English!  I love to travel, discover new places and meet new people!  In my spare time I enjoy making jewelry, reading and exercising. I also lead the Art Club on Wednesdays at the Firehouse.  I also like to play board games, especially Clue and Boggle.  I look forward to getting to know you! 

My name is Jenna Schwalbach, and I am a youth worker at The Firehouse. I have a BA from Alverno College in Psychology. Currently, I am working on my MA in Forensic Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. In the past I have volunteered at Junior Achievement teaching supplemental lesson plans at an elementary school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I really enjoy working with kids to help them apply what they learn in school to their everyday life. When not working or in school, you can usually find me distance running.

Hi, my name is Scott Lukes and I recently graduated from University of Arizona and studied Sociology to learn about how people interact with how they behave in a social environment. I came to The Firehouse when I was in 6-8th grade and went to Edgewood. I like to play video games, card games and run. I was on the Highland Park High School track team and in college I threw Javelin. I am currently trying to become a school counselor by going through a master’s program at Northeastern Illinois. I am excited to be here where I had so much fun. I like to travel and have been to Toronto, Mexico, London, Rome, and Los Angeles…I would like to go to Japan, Australia, and Turkey…one day.