The Young Professionals Board is a group of young professionals who raise funds and awareness for Center for Independent Futures’ mission. As part of our Young Professionals Board, members join a committee that aligns with their interests and strengths, including recruitment, finance, event planning, and development.
Since 2006, the Young Professionals Board has hosted social events to engage a broader audience with our community. To learn more about the Young Professionals Board and how to join, contact us at nmoe@independentfutures.org.
Molly Bulger, Chair
Molly graduated from Butler University with her B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2019. Since graduating, Molly has worked primarily with adolescents with disabilities. Molly joined the CIF team in 2021, she is now working as a Certification Class Instructor, My Full Life Consultant, and the CIF support person for Evanston Township High School. Molly is extremely passionate about helping people with disabilities achieve their fullest potential.
Alex Finnegan
Alex earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting at Loras College and his master’s at DePaul University. While pursuing his CPA studies, Alex is working as a staff auditor at the accounting firm Prado & Renteria. Alex strives to make a difference in society by working to give people opportunities to contribute to their communities. He enjoys supporting Center for Independent Futures to help individuals with disabilities expand their networks and learn valuable skills.
George Folz
George Folz is a multi-disciplinary artist born and raised in Evanston, Illinois. He values the creation and maintenance of sustainable structures for happiness, health, and a sense of feeling whole.
Elizabeth LaChapelle
Elizabeth earned her Bachelor’s degree at Indiana University. She was active with IU Dance Marathon in support of Riley Children’s Hospital and raised money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. As a Human Resources Generalist for Peapod Digital Labs, Elizabeth enjoys helping individuals find fulfilling careers while developing new skills. Elizabeth‘s brother-in-law, Matthew, receives support from Center for Independent Futures, and she is excited to support an organization so important to her family.
Matthew LaChapelle
There are many things that are important to Matthew as a Young Professionals Board member. He is very excited to be a person on the board with Down Syndrome who can help advocate for all people with disabilities, showing his strengths and skills. I look forward to using my connections to help fundraise for Independent Futures, work as a team, plan fundraising events, and meet new people.
Julie Miller
Julie received her Masters of Social Work from Jane Addams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2021. Being involved with the disability community on a deeply personal level, it has always been her goal to deliver the service to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities that she did not receive. Her work revolves around a person-centered and strengths-based practice, bringing out the participants’ best features to support them in facing whatever challenges may arise.
Graig Tertulien
Graig Tertulien has a background in acting, youth development, film, and music. He has about 8 years experience with working with youth in both the in and out of school settings. In the setting with you, he has had the opportunity to lead various improv, film, and writing workshops.
Adam Wiser
Adam graduated from the P.A.C.E. Program in 2008, and has been part of Independent Futures since 2012. He currently works at Nordstrom Cafe, and has been employed there for ten years. Adam is excited to participate on the Young Professionals Board and spread awareness of the wonderful programs that Independent Futures offers to help individuals live independently.
