Two Pillars. One Story.

Sara Ray Stoelinga was named Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford’s President and CEO in 2019. Prior, Stoelinga was the Sara Liston Spurlark Director of The University of Chicago Urban Education Institute (UEI), a non-profit organization that bridges education research and practice to foster greater excellence in public schooling. During her 22 years at UEI, Stoelinga gained critical experience across education research, practice, and policy. She also served as a clinical professor on the University of Chicago’s Committee on Education. Stoelinga has written and spoken extensively on urban school history and policy, and has published articles, op-eds, research reports and two books with Columbia University’s Teachers College Press. Stoelinga received a BA and PhD in sociology from the University of Chicago.

Amy Blythe is the Senior Director of Early Learning Services leading Head Start and Early Head Start.

Blythe has a deep passion for our mission and 20 years of progressive leadership experience in early learning, including more than a decade of leadership in Head Start/Early Head Start spanning all content areas, all modes of delivery including home-based, directly operated center-based, school district center-based, and community partnership center-based services. She has in-depth knowledge of industry standards along with a strong leadership disposition in reflective practices, collaboration, staff engagement, strategic planning and much more.

Prior to joining Easterseals, Blythe spent ten years working for Youth In Need located in St. Louis, MO. She has a bachelor's degree in business administration and took Masters courses in education at Lindenwood University.

Dayna Dion is the Vice President of Communications and Operations at Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford (ECR). In this role, she oversees strategic communications, development, and a portfolio of operational aspects for ECR.

Dion has extensive experience as a senior leader across diverse substantive domains in a variety of organizational settings. She has worked in corporate marketing and communications as well as in non-profit and higher education settings. She has led development and fundraising efforts, supervised operational work, and has designed and implemented strategic initiatives across each of these domains. Across her career, in the many settings in which she has engaged, Dion has catalyzed significant organizational development, enhancement, and strategic improvement.

Prior to joining ECR, Dion was the Chief of Staff and Senior Director of Communications and Operations at the Northwestern University Buffett Institute for Global Affairs. Prior to her work at Buffet, she was the Senior Director of National and Global Engagement at the University of Chicago Urban Education Institute.

Dion has a BA in marketing from Michigan State University, an MS in journalism from Northwestern University, and an MA in international relations from the University of Chicago.

Donna Iwanski is the Chief Financial Officer at Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford (ECR). In this role, she oversees all financial operations for ECR.

Donna brings extensive financial leadership, most recently serving as CFO at Start Early, where she led finance, treasury, payroll, legal, compliance, and risk management. She also has experience in the corporate sector having held roles as controller and head of tax for large companies and publicly-traded enterprises.

Iwanski holds a Master of Science in Taxation and a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from DePaul University. She is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Juan Jimenez currently serves as the Controller for Easterseals serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford, overseeing the accounting, financial reporting, and internal control structure of the organization. Juan brings more than 7 years of financial leadership in both higher education and human services settings to his role, including strong expertise in financial management of government grants. Early in his career, Juan also gained experience in direct service while working for the Evanston/Skokie School District 65 where he provided Family Support Services to children and families enrolled in the Head Start and Preschool for All programs and developed and implemented educational opportunities for families enrolled in the district. Juan holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from DePaul University and a master’s degree in Accounting and Financial Management from DeVry University. Juan is fluent in both English and Spanish. Juan is married to the love of his life, Lady Isabel Gil, and has two daughters, Sofia, and Catalina.

Elliot Ransom is the Vice President of Education and Innovation. In this role, he supports the growth and success of Easterseals Academy, the Illinois Autism Partnership, and HB Threads.

Before joining ECR, Ransom was Co-CEO of UChicago Impact at the University of Chicago. In this role, he managed and oversaw all aspects of the organization, including operational and unit performance, strategy, finances, human resources, key partnerships and funders, and work with the Board of Directors.

Previously, Elliot worked as a sixth-grade teacher in Chicago. He's also worked at the central office at Chicago Public Schools and as a leadership coach for school leadership teams. He has a BA in sociology and economics with a concentration in sociology of education and an MBA in leadership and change management.

Rhonda Denise Robinson currently serves as Vice President of Early Learning Services for Easterseals serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford. She has more than 12 years experience as a human resources professional. 

Robinson has worked in corporate America, as well as in non-profit organizations. Organizations she has worked for include FedEx Express, Catholic Charities of Chicago, and McDonald’s Corporation. She enjoys coaching and mentoring leaders, as well as creating processes and systems for organizations.

Robinson has an MBA in business and a BA in organizational management from Concordia University Chicago. She is married to her best friend Dwaine and has two daughters, Brianna and Brittany.

Sarah Rose is the Director of Non-Public Schools, Education, and Clinical Services of Easterseals Academy Chicago, Tinley Park, and Machesney Park Campuses.

Prior to joining Easterseals Academy, she worked in the Oak Park Elementary School District and Deerfield Elementary School District in a number of roles including as a special education teacher for six years, as an assistive technology specialist, and as Director of Student Services. Rose is passionate about increasing student independence and helping students gain access to both academic, social, and leisure skills.

Rose has a master’s degree in educational leadership and a bachelor’s degree in special education. 

Chatia Shelby is a dynamic HR professional who excels at striking a balance between meeting staff needs and ensuring the organization thrives for peak performance. With over a decade of expertise in employee relations, talent management, and HR analytics, Shelby is both a strategic and innovative HR leader.

Shelby embodies accountability, integrity, and trust to deliver top-notch HR services.

Shelby earned her BS in business administration from Lewis University and graduated with an MBA in human resource management from the University of Phoenix.