Richard Malone, Executive Director
Richard “Dick” Malone most recently served as the President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. Prior to that, Dick was a senior executive at Tribune Publishing and the Chicago Tribune. A graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology, he also holds an M.B.A. from Northwestern University. As a parent of an adult with disabilities, Dick is highly motivated and invested in Center for Independent Futures’ mission.
Cathy Norris, Operations Director
Cathy leads the Operations function, guiding HR, finance and accounting, technology, and the core administrative systems that keep Center for Independent Futures running smoothly. She brings a rare blend of nonprofit insight and private-sector leadership from Thresholds, Potbelly Sandwich Works, Leo Burnett, Hewitt Associates, and her own HR consulting firm, HR Matters. With an M.B.A. from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and a B.S. in Mathematics from Saint Mary’s College, Cathy blends analytical strength with a people-centered approach. She is dedicated to supporting staff, strengthening CIF’s culture, and building the operational systems that power our mission.
Amanda Marks, Intake & Programs Director
Amanda holds a B.S. in Special Education & Elementary Education from Bradley University and an M.A. in School Leadership from Concordia University. Additionally, she holds Illinois administrative and teaching certifications. Prior roles at Misericordia Home, Chicago Public Schools, Ogden International High School, and Northern Suburban Special Education District have provided Amanda with extensive experience in life skills instruction, special education case management, person-centered planning, and staff development.
Elena Gryaznova Schaaf, Development Director
Elena brings over a decade of experience in donor engagement and strategic fundraising initiatives. Throughout her time in higher education and independent schools, she has fostered enduring donor partnerships and designed programs that expand both philanthropic support and community impact. Elena holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Northwestern University. She is passionate about advancing missions that create lasting impact and opportunities for individuals and communities.
Marney Orchard, Education Director
Marney graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in media studies. She worked in media sales as well as non-profit fundraising and marketing, and later followed her passion for teaching by pursuing a master’s degree in education from DePaul University. Before joining Center for Independent Futures, Marney taught middle school social studies and thrived on the energy of the school environment. As a member of the School Consultation Staff, she is excited to bring person-centered planning to as many classrooms as possible/
Kathleen L. Lyons, New Futures Initiative Director
Kathy combines experience in business, law, and education with a passion for social justice. Through our New Futures Initiative training and consultation services, she works with families and organizations to create new housing solutions and build more inclusive communities. Previously the Executive Director of the James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy, Kathy has also worked at the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board, at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and as an employment lawyer in private practice. As a parent advocate for her son with disabilities, Kathy began work with the Illinois State Board of Education and with Evanston schools more than 20 years ago. Kathy received her JD degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and her Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA) from the University of Michigan.
Karrie Mascari, Operations Manager
Karrie Mascari graduated from Loyola University with a B.A. in finance. She began her career as a consultant with Arthur Andersen before working as a financial analyst at Kraft Foods. Having spent many volunteer hours working in education, she followed her passion by earning a master’s degree in education from DePaul University and went on to teach third grade. As Operations Manager, she is excited to support the team and advance the mission of Center for Independent Futures.
Traci Laffey, Life Skills Coach and New Futures Initiative Assistant Manager
Traci Laffey (she/her) works as a Life Skills Coach as well as supporting families through the New Futures Initiative training workshops. Traci holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Illinois Wesleyan University and brings a diverse background, having spent 14 years as a graphic designer before transitioning into special education. Her prior role as an Instructional Assistant for the New Trier High School Special Education Department allowed her to develop valuable skills in supporting students with diverse needs. She has volunteered with organizations such as Special Olympics Illinois, Little Friends of Naperville, and the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association.
Nat Betz, Marketing & Development Manager
Nat graduated from University of Iowa with two B.A.’s in Journalism & Mass Communications and English & Creative Writing. Nat has also received their Master’s in Communications from DePaul University. With over six years of marketing experience across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, journalism, education, entertainment, and programming, they are thrilled to bring their expertise and passion for disability rights to Center for Independent Futures. Outside of work, Nat tap dances and is a devoted stand-up comedy aficionado.
Cecilia Palma, Accounting/Finance Consultant
Cecilia brings more than 25 years in finance management across the non-profit sector. Her diverse background includes oversight within domestic and international non-profits, religious, educational, and health-related organizations. She has successfully managed a variety of system implementations, implementation of robust internal controls, and provided guidance and training to staff on understanding internal financial reports and budgets as they relate to their impact on future strategic decisions. She has effectively managed the coordination of financial audits that were based in the United States and Central America. Cecilia holds a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from National University.
Rob Larson, Senior Program Manager
Rob graduated from Bethel University in Minnesota with a B.A. in Fine Arts and has been working with families and people with disabilities since 2005. Rob supports individuals through Skills Training and coordinates services for residents in the Chicago Avenue and Harrison Street Community Living Option communities.
Jeff Morthorst, Activities Director & Program Manager
Jeff began working at Center for Independent Futures in 2007 as a Personal Assistant and Life Skills Tutor, using his background as a Certified Nurse Assistant to support individuals with disabilities in reaching their health-related goals. For the last 11 years, he has served as Community Life Coordinator for one of our Community Living Options. As Activities Director, Jeff coordinates the monthly calendar of social, cultural, and physical activities that build connections in the community.
Pat Finnell, Office Administrator
Pat brings her years of experience in the corporate world to the administrative duties at Center for Independent Futures. Her career includes sales and marketing positions, primarily within the software industry. After moving back to the Midwest from New York City, Pat is enjoying learning about the Evanston community.
Sharon Purdy, School Consultant
Sharon has spent many years at CIF advocating for Evanston Township High School students, families, and alumni. A former Special Education teacher and longtime Evanston resident, she values connecting students to community resources and supporting learning in person-centered classrooms. Outside of work, she enjoys the beach with her family, cooking a good meal, and walking Leo, her family’s lively companion.
Life Skills Coaches
Ashlyn Michael, Life Skills Coach
Ashlyn holds a Master’s in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences with a focus on Nonprofit Organizational Development from the University of Florida. She recently served as an Adult Transitions Specialist at the Center for Independent Living in Gainesville, where she supported adults with disabilities in achieving independent, community-based living. Ashlyn facilitated skills groups, provided one-on-one support, and partnered with organizations to meet shared goals. As someone with a visual impairment herself, she offers personal insight as she walks alongside others on their journeys toward independence. Ashlyn is passionate about creating safe, empowering, and engaging experiences for people with disabilities and is always open to learning from those around her.
Denise Olsen, Life Skills Coach
Denise’s passion for helping others grow and overcome obstacles led her to this role. She enjoys guiding people through challenges and developing practical skills. Being able to support and encourage others pushed me to turn my passion into purpose.
Donna Rashkow, Life Skills Coach
Donna has worked in education for 18 years in a transition program in a high school. She always loved helping students with life skills because it’s so important. She enjoys watching her participants grow and succeed. She’s been with some of her participants for eight years and she finds it so rewarding to celebrate their accomplishments.
Emmy Peek, Life Skills Coach
Emmy graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Social Policy, and a concentration in Human Development in Context. She has experience working with both adults and children with disabilities in clinical and recreational settings. Emmy is passionate about empowering individuals and fostering client self-advocacy. She is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the Erikson Institute, with the goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker.
Joanna Solomon, Life Skills Coach
Joanna Solomon, originally from Highland Park, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Education from the University of Denver. She brings 18 years of experience from her time at NSSED (now TrueNorth), where she worked for 10 years in middle school, 6 years in high school, and 2 years in the Transition Program. Joanna is excited to embark on her new journey with the Center for Independent Futures.
Jo Oster, Life Skills Coach
Jo has worked with the disability community for over 10 years in a variety of settings. They graduated from Naropa University in 2020 with a bachelors in interdisciplinary studies, focusing on Queer Feminist Gender studies and the importance of art. In Jo’s free time they love to write music, walk their dogs, and hang out at the lake with friends!
Kay Pothast, Life Skills Coach
I graduated from Quincy college with my BA in education. I received Masters degrees from Ball State University and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She was a teacher for 36 years and the last 22 at New Trier High School. At New Trier, I was the adapted physical education teacher and ran the Special Olympics program. I have worked with neurotypical learners all of my career. In Kay’s retirement, she needed to continue her love of working with our community and working toward’s meeting participants’ goals. It has been a joy to work at CIF.
Shannon Ford, Life Skills Coach
Our mission resonates with Shannon deeply. She loves being a Life Skills Coach because it affords opportunities to grow her heart and deepen her understanding of people with different perspective and life experiences.
