Meet the Staff
Carolyn Nagle (MPA, CTRS, CPRP)
Carolyn Nagle (MPA, CTRS, CPRP) is the Executive Director of FVSRA and has been with the agency since 1992. She previously was the Executive Director and Superintendent at the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association, the Director of the Mc Lean County SOAR Program in Bloomington, an Activity Therapist at the Galesburg Mental Health Center, and a consultant to several nursing homes in central Illinois. Carolyn earned her Masters in Public Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago and her BA from Illinois State University in Recreation and Park Administration. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and a Certified Park and Recreation Professional. Carolyn’s favorite part of the job is having the opportunity to work with all of the individuals and their families who take part in our programs and all of those who help us provide the services.
Mike Selep (MPS, CPRP)
Mike Selep (MPS, CPRP) is the Assistant Director of FVSRA. He returned to FVSRA in January of 2012. He was superintendent of recreation from 2001 to 2005. For the past six years, Mike has been professional services director with the Illinois Park & Recreation Association. In addition, he served as interim executive director from 2009-2010.
"I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the membership of IPRA as the professional services director and interim executive director," Selep said. "I had the chance to meet and work with so many dedicated professionals and elected officials that make Illinois the leader in parks and recreation nationally. I am excited to return to an agency where passionate professionals make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities through the power of recreation and to continue moving the profession forward through my membership and involvement in IPRA."
Mike brings more than 20 years of experience in the field of parks and recreation. His other positions include special projects assistant, accountant, grant administrator and information technology coordinator with the Schaumburg Park District; program coordinator with West Suburban Special Recreation; and activity director with Royal Elm and Elmhurst Extended Care rehabilitation centers.
Jennifer Borrowman (CTRS)
Jennifer Borrowman (CTRS) is the Superintendent of Recreation and has been with the agency since 2002. Jennifer received her Bachelors degree from Illinois State University and completed her internship at FVSRA in the Winter of 2001. Jennifer is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Jennifer’s favorite part about working at FVSRA is watching the participants grow and learn new skills through the activities the agency offers.
Ginny Pavesich
Ginny Pavesich is the Office Manager of FVSRA and has been with the agency since 1996. She is a lifelong Illinoisan and many years ago taught public school in Woodridge. She was out of the work force while raising four children. While working at FVSRA she says it has been great to meet participants, family members, park district staff, vendors, and others who work in the SRA field. She loves the diversity of her job - no two days ever seem to be the same!
Charles Smilgys
Charles Smilgys is the Business Manager of FVSRA. He received his Bachelors of Science degree from Southern Illinois University. Prior to joining FVSRA, Smilgys retired as a CFO at Scarlett Enterprises, Holding Company for four advertising agencies in Villa Park, IL. Charles’ favorite part about working at FVSRA is the people.
Demaris McNabb
Demaris McNabb is the Secretary/Registrar of FVSRA and has been with the agency since 1999. Prior to coming to FVSRA, she worked in Richmond for 9 years as a secretary in a law firm. Demaris’s favorite part of working at FVSRA is meeting the participants and their families as they come in to the office.
Elizabeth Finch
Elizabeth is the Public Information Coordinator of FVSRA. She received a B.S. in Advertising and a B.A. in Spanish from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Before coming to FVSRA, Elizabeth worked as a Special Events Assistant for the University of Illinois Spurlock Museum and as the Project Coordinator at DeForest Group, an advertising agency in Elmhurst, IL. Elizabeth's favorite part of working at FVSRA is meeting the participants and working with an office full of enthusiastic coworkers.
Michael Younie (CTRS)
Michael Younie (CTRS) is the Senior Manager of FVSRA and has been with the agency since 2003. Mike received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Leisure Services with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Northern Iowa. Mike is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Mike’s favorite part of working at FVSRA is coaching sports and watching the progress that the athletes make in their respective sport over the year.
Alex Redenius (CTRS)
Alex Redenius (CTRS) is the Support Staff Manager at FVSRA. received her Bachelors degree from the University of Northern Iowa. Alex began her career with FVSRA as an intern in 2006. After her internship, she continued her career as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Her area of expertise lies in fitness and personal training. Alex is an A.F.A.A (Aerobic and Fitness Association of America) certified personal trainer. She piloted a personal training program with FVSRA and has enjoyed seeing the many benefits exercise has on the overall wellness of an individual. Her favorite part about working at FVSRA is seeing the faces of the participants when they reach their potential.
Heather Nicols Andersen (CTRS, MS)
Heather Andersen (MS, CTRS) is the Inclusion Manager. Heather received her Bachelors degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Southeast Missouri State University and her Masters degree in Recreation Administration from George Williams College of Aurora University. Prior to joining FVSRA, Heather worked at Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) as a Recreation Specialist and then a Senior Recreation Specialist, where she coordinated several summer camps and leisure education programs for alternative school in the area. Heather’s favorite part about working at FVSRA is being part of the new and growing team.
Sandy Blondin (CTRS, CPRP)
Sandy Blondin (MS, CTRS) is the School Services Manager. Sandy received her Bachelors degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Illinois State University. Prior to joining FVSRA, Sandy worked at Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) as a Leisure Education & Volunteer Coordinator, where she coordinated leisure education programs for alternative school in the area.
Amy Cahn (MS)
Amy Cahn is the Outreach Services Coordinator.
Ben Berg
Ben Berg is the Athletics Coordinator at FVSRA.
Claire Kelly (CTRS)
Claire Kelly (CTRS) is the Event Coordinator at FVSRA and began with FVSRA in August 2006, as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Claire attended school at Western Illinois University and received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation. She completed her internship at FVSRA during the summer of 2005. She loves being able to carry out many of the programs offered and to be a part of each individual’s growth and development through recreation.
Heather Richardson (CTRS)
Heather Richardson (CTRS) is a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist at FVSRA.
Marcella Tomko (CTRS)
Marcella Tomko (CTRS) is the Adult Coordinator at FVSRA. She graduated from Kent State University in 2006 with bachelors in leisure studies and a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation. She came to FVSRA after working several years in adult programming in Ohio. Marcella fell in love with the special needs population while working an AmeriCorps program during college.
Marcella is the Adult Coordinator for FVSRA and is responsible for overseeing the STARS Day Programs as well as all of the adult programs offered.
Her favorite part of her job is getting to opportunity to work with new clients and to help them successfully accomplish their goals.
Leticia Favela
Leticia is the Customer Service Rep at FVSRA. She holds her Associate's Degree in Business/Retail Administration, has over 10 years experience in Customer Service and is fluent in Spanish. She is licensed at the Illinois Association of Mortgage Professionals and has five years experience as a Licensed Loan Originator. Leticia's favorite part of working at FVSRA is to see the excitement of the participants when they meet for a program and getting to know them. She is greatly inspired by the staff commitmemnt and dedication.