meet our team

Founder & Executive Director

Meet Jaimie. Jaimie is a seasoned public servant with over thirteen years of experience in special education, dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and fostering inclusive communities.

Certified in both Elementary Education and Special Education, Jaimie spent over a decade as a special education teacher, working closely with families to ensure every child receives the support and dignity they deserve.

Jaimie founded Rising Lights Project in 2020 and leads with compassion and vision—creating spaces where individuals of all abilities feel welcomed, valued, and connected.

Jaimie is CPR certified and continues to pursue professional development that enhances both safety and care within Rising Lights’ programs.

Director of Communications & Impact

Meet Amy. Amy has been with Rising Lights since our founding in 2020.

Amy holds a certificate in Permaculture Design from the Resiliency Institute in Naperville, IL, and uses her gardening knowledge to ensure our garden-focused programs, as well as all our other work, tracks positively against our goals.

Amy is a published author of a book for parents of children with disabilities.

CPR certified

Root in Nature: Therapeutic Horticulture Ally

Director of Development & Operations

Meet Laura. Laura joined Rising Lights in 2025 and brings over 20 years of professional fundraising experience, with a proven talent for bringing people and ideas together, to our team.

Laura has a passion for serving the disability community, having being introduced to Rising Lights through a neighbor who is a Rising Adult member.

She brings both fundraising and operational management expertise to our team and thrives on creating experiences that inspire connection, strengthen community, and move missions forward.

Co-Director of Programming

Meet Jess. Jess is a graduate of Aurora University with a degree in Recreational Therapy and Human-Animal Science. At AU, she was a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council, President of a student club, Treasurer for Sigma Delta Gamma sorority, and worked multiple jobs across campus.

She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and has always wanted to serve those around her. Jessica’s passion and source of inspiration was ignited by her Aunt Sara, who was born with Spina Bifida. Now, in her career, she feels like her work is in honor of her aunt’s legacy.

Jess enjoys reading and taking long walks to Chik-fil-A in her free time.

Adult CPR/AED and Child CPR certified

Root in Nature: Therapeutic Horticulture Ally

AllenForce: Therapeutic Recreation Veterans Certificate

Outreach & Community Event Co-Ordinator

Meet Tessa. Tessa leads our Rising Parents program and manages all our external facing community activities and events.

Tessa is a mother of twin boys, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. With a strong commitment to supporting the special needs community, she served on the board of the Rising Lights Project for two years before transitioning into a staff position.

She holds a degree in English from the University of Iowa and has spent the majority of her career in Human Resources. Her passion lies in connecting with and advocating for caregivers of individuals with special needs.

In her free time, Tessa enjoys family activities, boating, and reading. She deeply values the relationships she has cultivated within the Rising Lights Project and the Rising Moms group.

Program Assistant

Meet Meredith. Meredith is a graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences. She has a passion for supporting, engaging and learning from individuals with varying abilities and neurodiversity. As a mom and substitute teacher, she found herself gravitating to special education classrooms and wanting to connect more.

Her Auntie Colleen was born with cognitive and physical disabilities, which guided Meredith to be committed to inclusivity. She feels a strong connection to the mission of Rising Lights Project.

In her free time, Meredith enjoys spending time with her husband, two teen daughters and dog. She loves to decorate cakes and go running (even though she's not fast!)

Program Manager

Meet Molly Molly joined Rising Lights Project in August 2025, bringing deep expertise in disability services and inclusive programming.

Her background includes impactful work with Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA), where she supported individuals with diverse needs through compassionate, community-centered care.

Molly holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Western New Mexico University and is passionate about fostering belonging and empowerment.

At Rising Lights, she supports our Monday and Wednesday programs and leads our Thursday and Friday sessions with warmth, insight, and dedication.

Program Assistant

Meet Julie. Julie is a seasoned educator with over ten years of experience supporting diverse learners through individualized instruction and creative strategies.

She holds a Master of Arts in Education from Cleveland State University and brings strong skills in student engagement, communication, and team collaboration.

At Rising Lights Project, Julie fosters confidence and success in every participant she serves, contributing warmth, flexibility, and dedication to our inclusive community.

Friday ASL interpreter

Meet Kate. Kate joined Rising Lights Project in 2023, bringing her passion for inclusive communication and community connection.

She earned her degree in American Sign Language from the College of DuPage and serves as our interpreter on Monday evenings and during Friday garden programming.

Kate’s presence ensures that our spaces remain welcoming, accessible, and deeply rooted in belonging.