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 2025?

    In 2025, Tamieko Brownlee became the leader of the Parents Committee. The group met quarterly to work towards their goals.

    • The largest success of the year was the execution of in-session parent socials to help parents get to know one another. This was coordinated across some of our larger programs once in spring and once and fall.
    • Members of the group worked to update and maintain the KEEN Family Directory which will be sent ot participating families in early 2026.
    • While the group did not host educational trainings for the KEEN community specifically, the group worked to share relevent disability related resources and trainings already occuring in the greater community. A method of regularly sharing these training resources within program reminder emails was developed and is implimented with the support of KEEN Chicago staff members and shared opportunities from members of this group. Additionally, staff and committee members worked together to finalize a guide of community resources to support enrolled families.

  • What are the committee goals for 2026?

    The Committee’s goals for 2026 are listed below. These goals may shift based on program priorities, capacity of the committee, and feedback from community members. 


    1. Build Community: Facilitate caregiver connections during KEEN sessions by continuing to host parent led socials during sessions.

    2.Outreach & Awareness: Support three outreach/awareness events in 2025.  

    3. KEEN Special Events: Collaborate with the Programs Committee  and KEEN staff to support special program events.

    4. Family Directory: Maintain the KEEN Family Directory.  


  • KEEN Chicago Parents Committee Members:


    Tameiko Brownlee - Parents Committee co-leader and KEEN Parent

    Sandra Heidt- Parents Committee co-leader, BOD member and KEEN Parent


    Melanie Gomez - Parent

    Lydia Arroyo - Parent

    Anita Barraza - Parent

    Susan Blocker - Parent

    Jessica Faukner - Parent

    Deanna Frazier - Parent

    Crystal Green - Parent

    Becky Klinghofer - Parent

    Sarah Algaradi - Parent

    Nicole Jones - Parent

    Kyra Reynolds - Parent

    Gabrielle Rankin - Parent

    Edwana Boyd - Parent

    Jeannie Liu - Parent

    Stacy Berry - Parent

    Cassandra Monfiston - Parent

    Latia Williams - Parent

    Lori Goddard - Parent

    Alexis Underwood - Parent

    Sharisa Freeman - Parent

    Bonnie Doran - Parent


    Nirali Chauhan - BOD Representative

    Jeff Underwood - Staff Representative


    While this is reflective of our active membership at the end of 2025, we always welcome new members to the committee at any time. Additionally, all KEEN parents are invited to join any of the scheduled committee meetings. Please reach out with any questions.

  • 2026 Meeting Schedule

    The first meeting of 2026 is tenatively scheduled for February 19, 2026 at 7pm on ZOOM.


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



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 Tameiko Brownlee (tbrownlee726@gmail.com) or Jeff Underwood(JUnderwood@keenchicago.org)