GUILD STAFF
Polly Abbott, Manager of Adult Rehabilitation Services, is a certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist with additional training as an Orientation and Mobility Instructor. Polly earned her qualifications at Mohawk College in Ontario, Canada. Her other educational experiences include a B.A. with Honors from the University of Guelph and a B.Ed. from Nipissing University also in Ontario, Canada. Prior to the Guild, Polly worked in a variety of teaching positions in England and France. Most recently, she spent six years working at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind as a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist and Case Manager. At the Guild, Polly will be managing all adult rehabilitation services as well as presenting the New Visions program to seniors throughout the Chicagoland area.
Kathy Austin is the Program Coordinator for the Adult Rehabilitation Services Department. She will receive her Bachelor's degree in 2005 from Roosevelt University with concentrations in Sociology, Psychology and Communications. As Program Coordinator, Kathy is the contact person for the New Visions and the Nursing Home Training Programs. She also assists the Director of Services with managing other Guild programs. Kathy also facilitates the Guild's monthly computer club, "Tech Exchange.
Lauri Dishman was hired by the Guild in August 2003 to assist
the Director of Services in designing and implementing the Employment
Connection Program. Now as Manager of Career Services, Lauri coaches clients
through the process of reaching rewarding career goals.
Ms. Dishman earned an M.A. in Counseling and Organizational Psychology from the Adler School in Chicago and has worked extensively with people with disabilities. Prior to joining the Guild, Ms. Dishman spent approximately two years with Thresholds, a psychosocial rehabilitation agency serving individuals with severe mental illness. From 2001 until 2003, Lauri was the Co-Program Director of Pathways Awareness Foundation, a non-profit organization educating parents and health care professionals about the importance of early detection and intervention of gross motor delays in children.
Kathy Firak is Director of Operations. She has a B.A. from Roosevelt University majoring in accounting and computer Science. Before joining the Guild in 1997, Kathy worked in accounting in a small business setting.
David R. Flament is the Guild's Manager of Computer Training. Before joining the Guild, David worked for Unocal Corporation as a computer programmer. His programming background is in both mainframe and PC development. David has an A.A. degree in Business from the College of Lake County, a B.A. degree in education and computer science from Northeastern Illinois University, and a M.S. degree in computer science from Northeastern Illinois University. His teaching philosophy is a simple one; match the training to the student rather than trying to fit the student into a preset training slot.
Brian Hollandsworth, Coordinator, Consumer Product Center attended Joliet Junior College where he took courses in business and accounting. Before joining the Guild he worked as a restaurant manager for twelve years. Brian enjoys helping our members on a one-to-one basis in choosing products that will serve their individual needs.
Cheryl Megurdichian is Director of Development. She earned a B.A. in Marketing Communications from DePaul University and an M.A. in Psychology from Roosevelt University. She joined the Guild in 1997. Her previous work experience includes marketing promotions, proposal writing, and philanthropy. Cheryl is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and is a board member of the Central Lions Club.
Kerry Obrist is the Director of Services for the Guild. She has an M.Ed. Specialist degree in school psychology from Loyola University Chicago and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. As Education Coordinator, Kerry develops educational and social/recreational seminars for students and adults of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. Her other duties include coordinating the Guild's volunteer activities and editing "Guild Briefs", our members' monthly newsletter.
David J. Tabak Executive Director, came to the Guild in May of 2001 from the American Bar Association. During his seven years at the ABA he served in a variety of management positions. His last position was Director, Section of Real Property Probate and Trust Law, a position he held for three years. David earned his B.A. from Brandeis University and his M.A. from the University of Chicago. He is the founder of the C(3)EO Forum and is an author and speaker on non-profit issues.
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