Tabitha Flax, President
Chicago
Tabitha
Flax is a seasoned professional in business development in nonprofit and cyber
sectors. Tabitha has spent 12 years building go-to-market partner programs
from the ground up. In her current role, she has developed and
built global academic and commercial partnership programs and teams.
Through these programs, tens of thousands of students have become trained and
certified in cybersecurity.
In
addition to her work in the IT and Cyber industry, Tabitha is also a passionate
advocate for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) and
for twice-exceptional
children and their families. As both certified as an art therapy
practitioner and a cognitive behavioral therapy practitioner, she brings a
unique, holistic approach to supporting children.
Tabitha’s work in this area reflects her commitment to creating inclusive
environments where children
can thrive.
Tabitha is excited to bring her diverse
expertise and insights to the board, contributing to the mission of supporting
twice-exceptional kids and their families.
Leslie is the mother of a highly gifted teen whose needs often were not met by existing resources. She is currently an associate psychotherapist at Mosaic Therapy, and runs parent support groups and kid clubs for CGCC. She has presented at IAGC, IMSA, and a variety of state counseling conferences; and is finishing up her master's in counseling and applying to doctoral programs in the hopes of better serving our gifted and homeschooling communities. Leslie understands that giftedness is an element of diversity which is frequently overlooked.
Leslie is the mother of a highly gifted teen whose needs often were not met by existing resources. She is currently an associate psychotherapist at Mosaic Therapy, and runs parent support groups and kid clubs for CGCC. She has presented at IAGC, IMSA, and a variety of state counseling conferences; and is finishing up her master's in counseling and applying to doctoral programs in the hopes of better serving our gifted and homeschooling communities. Leslie understands that giftedness is an element of diversity which is frequently overlooked.
Leslie is the mother of a highly gifted teen whose needs often were not met by existing resources. She is currently an associate psychotherapist at Mosaic Therapy, and runs parent support groups and kid clubs for CGCC. She has presented at IAGC, IMSA, and a variety of state counseling conferences; and is finishing up her master's in counseling and applying to doctoral programs in the hopes of better serving our gifted and homeschooling communities. Leslie understands that giftedness is an element of diversity which is frequently overlooked.
Leslie is the mother of a highly gifted teen whose needs often were not met by existing resources. She is currently an associate psychotherapist at Mosaic Therapy, and runs parent support groups and kid clubs for CGCC. She has presented at IAGC, IMSA, and a variety of state counseling conferences; and is finishing up her master's in counseling and applying to doctoral programs in the hopes of better serving our gifted and homeschooling communities. Leslie understands that giftedness is an element of diversity which is frequently overlooked.
Leslie is the mother of a highly gifted teen whose needs often were not met by existing resources. She is currently an associate psychotherapist at Mosaic Therapy, and runs parent support groups and kid clubs for CGCC. She has presented at IAGC, IMSA, and a variety of state counseling conferences; and is finishing up her master's in counseling and applying to doctoral programs in the hopes of better serving our gifted and homeschooling communities. Leslie understands that giftedness is an element of diversity which is frequently overlooked.
Michelle Smith, Vice President
Grayslake
Michelle Smith is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach helping individuals build meaningful, healthy lives. As the mother of three twice-exceptional boys — one of whom she currently homeschools — she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role. In addition to her Health and Wellness Coaching degree, Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She has experience in leadership, mentoring, sales and recruiting. She is passionate about creating environments where gifted and 2e learners are intellectually challenged, emotionally supported, and experience a true sense of belonging. Michelle believes that when children feel understood and appropriately challenged, they are empowered to thrive. As a board member of the Chicago Gifted Community Center, Michelle is committed to strengthening community connections, expanding access to resources, and advocating for the unique needs of these children and their families.
Pamela Shaw, Treasurer, Social Media Editor, Far North Suburban Coordinator
Long Grove
Pamela has multiple part-time jobs which allow her the flexibility to manage the ups and downs that come with parenting two twice exceptional teens. She is a substitute teacher, private music teacher, virtual school teacher, professional development facilitator, and online course reviewer. She received her M.Ed. in Special Education with an emphasis on Gifted Education from the University of Missouri. Her Illinois teaching endorsements include K-12 Music, K-12 Gifted, 5-8 General Science, and 5-8 Language Arts. She served on the Illinois State Board of Education’s Gifted Advisory Council for three years, and currently serves on the board of the Illinois Association for Gifted Children as Co-Chair of the Policy and Advocacy Committee.
Leslie is the mother of a highly gifted teen whose needs often were not met by existing resources. She is currently an associate psychotherapist at Mosaic Therapy, and runs parent support groups and kid clubs for CGCC. She has presented at IAGC, IMSA, and a variety of state counseling conferences; and is finishing up her master's in counseling and applying to doctoral programs in the hopes of better serving our gifted and homeschooling communities. Leslie understands that giftedness is an element of diversity which is frequently overlooked.
Leslie is the mother of a highly gifted teen whose needs often were not met by existing resources. She is currently an associate psychotherapist at Mosaic Therapy, and runs parent support groups and kid clubs for CGCC. She has presented at IAGC, IMSA, and a variety of state counseling conferences; and is finishing up her master's in counseling and applying to doctoral programs in the hopes of better serving our gifted and homeschooling communities. Leslie understands that giftedness is an element of diversity which is frequently overlooked.
Leslie is the mother of a highly gifted teen whose needs often were not met by existing resources. She is currently an associate psychotherapist at Mosaic Therapy, and runs parent support groups and kid clubs for CGCC. She has presented at IAGC, IMSA, and a variety of state counseling conferences; and is finishing up her master's in counseling and applying to doctoral programs in the hopes of better serving our gifted and homeschooling communities. Leslie understands that giftedness is an element of diversity which is frequently overlooked.
Leslie is the mother of a highly gifted teen whose needs often were not met by existing resources. She is currently an associate psychotherapist at Mosaic Therapy, and runs parent support groups and kid clubs for CGCC. She has presented at IAGC, IMSA, and a variety of state counseling conferences; and is finishing up her master's in counseling and applying to doctoral programs in the hopes of better serving our gifted and homeschooling communities. Leslie understands that giftedness is an element of diversity which is frequently overlooked.
Leslie is the mother of a highly gifted teen whose needs often were not met by existing resources. She is currently an associate psychotherapist at Mosaic Therapy, and runs parent support groups and kid clubs for CGCC. She has presented at IAGC, IMSA, and a variety of state counseling conferences; and is finishing up her master's in counseling and applying to doctoral programs in the hopes of better serving our gifted and homeschooling communities. Leslie understands that giftedness is an element of diversity which is frequently overlooked.
Anna Onley , Secretary
Chicago
Anna is a patent
attorney with a strong background in computer science, complemented by
practical experience in research and technology. She holds an advanced degree
in public policy and is thrilled to be joining the Board of Directors at the
Chicago Gifted Community Center in 2024. Anna is devoted to mentoring young
learners and empowering people from all backgrounds to become innovators and
entrepreneurs. A first-generation American and a parent of a young girl
interested in math and engineering, Anna is wholeheartedly dedicated to
advocating for inclusivity and equitable opportunities for all. She eagerly
anticipates utilizing her expertise to create a positive and impactful change
in her role.
Leslie is the mother of a highly gifted teen whose needs often were not met by existing resources. She is currently an associate psychotherapist at Mosaic Therapy, and runs parent support groups and kid clubs for CGCC. She has presented at IAGC, IMSA, and a variety of state counseling conferences; and is finishing up her master's in counseling and applying to doctoral programs in the hopes of better serving our gifted and homeschooling communities. Leslie understands that giftedness is an element of diversity which is frequently overlooked.
Leslie is the mother of a highly gifted teen whose needs often were not met by existing resources. She is currently an associate psychotherapist at Mosaic Therapy, and runs parent support groups and kid clubs for CGCC. She has presented at IAGC, IMSA, and a variety of state counseling conferences; and is finishing up her master's in counseling and applying to doctoral programs in the hopes of better serving our gifted and homeschooling communities. Leslie understands that giftedness is an element of diversity which is frequently overlooked.
Leslie is the mother of a highly gifted teen whose needs often were not met by existing resources. She is currently an associate psychotherapist at Mosaic Therapy, and runs parent support groups and kid clubs for CGCC. She has presented at IAGC, IMSA, and a variety of state counseling conferences; and is finishing up her master's in counseling and applying to doctoral programs in the hopes of better serving our gifted and homeschooling communities. Leslie understands that giftedness is an element of diversity which is frequently overlooked.
Leslie is the mother of a highly gifted teen whose needs often were not met by existing resources. She is currently an associate psychotherapist at Mosaic Therapy, and runs parent support groups and kid clubs for CGCC. She has presented at IAGC, IMSA, and a variety of state counseling conferences; and is finishing up her master's in counseling and applying to doctoral programs in the hopes of better serving our gifted and homeschooling communities. Leslie understands that giftedness is an element of diversity which is frequently overlooked.
Leslie is the mother of a highly gifted teen whose needs often were not met by existing resources. She is currently an associate psychotherapist at Mosaic Therapy, and runs parent support groups and kid clubs for CGCC. She has presented at IAGC, IMSA, and a variety of state counseling conferences; and is finishing up her master's in counseling and applying to doctoral programs in the hopes of better serving our gifted and homeschooling communities. Leslie understands that giftedness is an element of diversity which is frequently overlooked.
Aileen Kelleher
Chicago
Aileen Kelleher is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with gifted and twice-exceptional children, adults and families. She was born and raised in Chicago and currently lives on the south side with her husband. She loves to constantly learn and share information about giftedness and neurodiversity, and is passionate about the power of community for gifted people and families.
Carole Jones, Past President, Far West and Western Suburban Coordinator and Volunteer Manager
Naperville
Carole is an active mother of two and works full time for Dole Packaged Foods. Founded SOS for 2e (Support Options and Solutions for Twice Exceptional Children) in 2011 and continues to advocate for children rights locally, statewide and nationally. Currently appointed on the Board of Directors for the 708 Naperville Mental Health Board, State Advocate for Lives in the Balance and serves on the Policy and Advocacy Committee for Illinois Association for Gifted Children. Carole's goal is to meet all learner's needs and support families so children can thrive and reach their potential.
