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 2024?

    In 2024, Sandra Heidt continued to lead the Parents Committee. The group accomplishmhttps://www.keenchicago.org/programs-accomplishments in 2024 were the following:

    • Members of the Parents Committee supported the planning and execution of a graduation celebration for participants 22+ who have aged out of KEEN Chicago's traditional programming.
    • Committee members supported 4 Community Outreach events to spread awareness of KEEN Chicago's programs.
    • Members of the group worked to update and maintain the KEEN Family Directory.
    • 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 2025?

    The Committee’s goals for 2025 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 hosting at least one parent-led social activity in 2025 at UIC Sports & Fitness Center, Evanston YMCA, and Rauner Family YMCA.  

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

    3. KEEN Special Events: Collaborate with the Programs Committee to plan a graduation event for participants aging out in 2025.  Support other programmatic special events as needed (i.e. holiday celebration, Any K, other one-time events).

    4. Family Directory: Maintain the KEEN Family Directory.  

    5.Committee Structure: Define roles, responsibilities, and norms for greater efficiency.  


  • 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


    Lydia Arroyo - KEEN Parent

    Anita Barraza - KEEN Parent

    Susan Blocker - KEEN Parent

    Jessica Faukner - KEEN Parent

    Deanna Frazier - KEEN Parent

    Melanie Gomez- KEEN Parent

    Crystal Green - KEEN Parent

    Becky Klinghofer - KEEN Parent


    Nirali Chauhan - BOD Representative

    Laura Fillenwarth - Staff Representative

    Jeff Underwood-Staff Representative


    While this is reflective of our active membership at the end of 2024, 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.

  • 2025 Meeting Schedule

    Our 2025 meeting schedule is below:


    February 20 at 7:00pm

    May 8 at 7:00pm

    August 14 at 7:00pm

    November 13 at 7:00pm


    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 Sandra Heidt (asherahna@gmail.com) or Laura Fillenwarth (LFillenwarth@keenchicago.org)

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