Tabitha Flax, President
North Suburbs
For Tabitha Flax, the mission of the Chicago Gifted Community Center (CGCC) is deeply personal. As the mother of twice-exceptional (2e) children, she knows the joys, challenges, and sometimes lonely journey of raising children whose strengths and needs don't always fit traditional expectations.
Tabitha brings a professional background in strategic partnerships, nonprofit leadership, and community development. She understands that strong communities grow through meaningful relationships, shared experiences, and people who are willing to support one another.
As President of CGCC, Tabitha is focused on strengthening connections among gifted and 2e families, creating welcoming opportunities for children and parents to find their people, and making sure families know they don't have to navigate their journeys alone.
She believes every child deserves to feel understood, every parent deserves support, and every family deserves a place to belong.
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 knows what it's like to grow up being told you're "smart" but also not understanding why you struggle so much in other areas of life. Her goal is to help gifted and 2E people see that they're isn't something "wrong" with them because they have challenges, but rather that their brain just works differently and they need different supports and strategies. She was born and raised in Chicago and currently lives on the North side with her daughter. She loves to learn and share information about giftedness and neurodiversity, and is passionate about the power of community for gifted/2E 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.
