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TotalLink Welcomes Our Newest Team Members
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Meet Our Employment Services Director, Lauren Feldman
Lauren has 17 years of experience working in the disability services field and devotes her life to helping others. She feels the more inclusive we can be as a community, especially in workplaces, the more everyone will have the sense of belonging they deserve.
Lauren received a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and a master's degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University. She has worked in a variety of roles in the field over the years. Some of those roles include: paraprofessional, camp director, Special Olympics coach, special education teacher, Dean of Specialized Services, residential house manager, and director of residential services. Lauren's experience has provided her with the incredible knowledge required to lead, manage, and support professionals in the field as well as people receiving services. Lauren's work is rooted in inclusivity, belonging, and the promotion of independence. She is a steadfast professional who leads with a drive to do whatever it takes to help promote meaning in the lives of others.
On a personal note, Lauren loves exploring Chicagoland sites and restaurants, cooking, walking, and spending time with family and friends outside of work. Lauren is thrilled to be an addition to the TotalLink team, starting in mid-June, and she looks forward to supporting its mission and vision.
| Introducing Bridget Zegler, Our New Employment Specialist | |
Bridget joins TotalLink to Community as an Employment Specialist, bringing with her a Bachelor of Science in Disabilities and Human Development from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her academic journey was motivated by a desire to change the stigma surrounding disabilities and build more inclusive communities.
With years of experience volunteering and working at Our Place of New Trier, Bridget wanted to expand her natural leadership and creativity skills while helping others develop their skills and reach their full potential, leading her to TotalLink to Community.
Bridget was born and raised in Chicago and loves all things Cubs, friends, and family. In her free time, she takes the train to find the best cup of coffee in the city, goes to the Art Institute of Chicago, and rides her motorcycle with her brother.
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The Saturday Night Out Crew Enjoys a Jam Session at Madame Zuzu's | |
The TotalLink Saturday Night Out program enjoyed a fun evening at Madame Zuzu's. Jacob, a TotalLInk Facilitator shared, "I hope this event inspires everyone to want to pick up an instrument and/or a microphone and be up on that stage. Seeing people doing cool things, inspires people to do cool things." | |
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In January, TotalLink launched "Saturday Night Out" in response to requests for a new weekend program. This activity aims to get out in the community and have a fun night out with friends one Saturday each month. The group expressed excitement about seeing live music together, and Madame Zuzu's had the perfect opportunity to do so!
Madame Zuzu's, a Highland Park cafe and event venue, is a favorite local spot for TotalLinkers. TotalLink groups hang out there for Board Game Cafe on Fridays and attend Karaoke night monthly on Thursdays. They have been a great community partner, and we are always excited to see what events they are hosting.
In April, Madame Zuzu's hosted a "Festival of the Bands" night, where local student-led bands played familiar tunes on the stage. The Saturday Night Out group unanimously voted to see the concert. The group had a blast supporting local musicians, dancing with friends, and enjoying Highland Park's nightlife. Many people left with new song ideas to sing at Karaoke.
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Thank you to our TotalLink Trot Walkers, Donors and Volunteers! | |
Mike Wazowski (aka Melissa Taxe) greeted the walkers as they arrived on Sunday, May 19th. | |
The third annual TotalLink Trot, on Sunday, May 19th was a wonderful success! We appreciate all the walkers who joined us for a beautiful morning on the Techny Prairie Trails. This year, we were fortunate to have 16 community businesses and individuals sponsor the event. Thanks to all our sponsors and the Northbrook Park District for hosting our walk. And, we couldn’t do this without our wonderful volunteers from the community and the Northbrook Rotary Club.
“The TotalLink Trot is not just a walk, it's a celebration of inclusion and community spirit. We had over 130 walkers join us. It’s exciting to see the community coming together, walking side-by-side. And, a great example of our journey towards a more inclusive society,” shared, TotalLink's Executive Director, Emily Raming.
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Jenna, Allissa, Jane, and Maddy were four of the walkers who participated in the TotalLink Trot. | |
JoAnn Dominic, Allissa, Cathy Brandell, Wendy Kritt, and Bob Leahy got ready to step off for the third annual TotalLink Trot. | | |
Madame ZuZu's
1876 1st St.
Highland Park, IL
5:30 - 7:30 PM
June 20
July 18
Everyone is welcome to join us for this fun community event.
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