Parents Committee

The Parents Committee is a group of caregiver leaders committed to furthering KEEN's Mission

What is the KEEN Chicago Parents Committee?

The KEEN Chicago Parents Committee embodies a community of families from a range of different social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds who connect and embrace each other’s individualities through friendships, acceptance, inclusivity and respect. We ensure our KEEN athletes are socially, mentally, and physically engaged in healthy living through recreation, physical activity, various sports activities and fun.


The Parents Committee supports KEEN Chicago’s efforts in program improvement, youth outreach, special event facilitation, resource sharing and connecting community members.  You can reach out to any of us at any time if you have suggestions, ideas, are looking for information/resources, or just to chat. 


  • What did the Parent Committee accomplish in 2023?

    The Parents Committee was revived in early 2023 for the first time after the Pandemic. This was a rebuilding year for the group, and, in Spring 2023 we identified Sandra Heidt as the committee leader and parent representative to the Board of Directors. Sandra worked to engage parents throughout 2023, and the committee held three virtual meetings. The group managed booths at multiple resource fairs in 2023, developed  the first KEEN Chicago Family Directory, provided feedback on program evaluation tools and program schedules, and set a vision statement.

  • What are the committee goals for 2024?

    The Committee’s goals for 2024 are listed below. These goals may shift based on program priorities, capacity of the committee, and feedback from community members. 

    • Host a graduation for 22+ Athletes in August 2024, providing transition resources to families
    •  Facilitate a holiday party in 2024
    • Support at least 3 community outreach /tabling events
    • Coordinate at least 2 disability related trainings for the KEEN Community 
    • Maintain and update the KEEN Family directory

  • KEEN Chicago Parents Committee Members:


    Sandra Heidt - Parents Committee leader and KEEN Parent

    Lydia Arroyo - KEEN Parent

    Angela Ballard - KEEN Parent

    Anita Barraza - KEEN Parent

    Angelicia Benitez - KEEN Parent

    Tameiko Brownlee - KEEN Parent

    Susan Blocker - KEEN Parent

    Jessica Faukner - KEEN Parent

    Crystal Green - KEEN Parent

    Robert Griggs - KEEN Parent

    Elizabeth Ibarra - KEEN Parent

    Becky Klinghofer - KEEN Parent

    Marion Soriano - KEEN Parent

    Bianca Thomas-Eduok - KEEN Parent

    Melania Tinoco - KEEN Parent

    Jasmine Verushka Via Jamias - KEEN Parent

    Latia Williams - KEEN Parent

    Nirali Chauhan - BOD Representative

    Laura Fillenwarth - Staff Representative

  • 2024 Meeting Schedule

    Tuesday; January 23, 2024 @ 6:30 pm

    Tuesday, March 19, 2024 @ 6:30 pm

    Tuesday; June 25, 2024 @ 6:30 pm

    July through October (off for the summer)

    Thursday; November 14, 2024 @ 6:30 pm


    Meetings subject to change based on the schedule of participating members. Quarterly meetings will take place via ZOOM. Please reach out for the link!


     We also plan to host 1-2 in person meetings/social events during the year if possible.

Parents Committee Meeting

Interested in Getting Involved?

We are always looking for dedicated parents who are interested in getting involved with the committee. Come to volunteer and share your talents or just to socialize with other parents.  Joining the committee is a great way to get to know other caregivers who are on a similar journey and to help an organization we all appreciate. For more information, reach out to Sandra Heidt (asherahna@gmail.com) or Laura Fillenwarth (LFillenwarth@keenchicago.org)

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