Board of Directors
Our diverse Board is committed to helping children with physical disabilities grow up healthy and independent. Over half of the Directors are parents of children with physical disabilities, ensuring our programs remain family centered
BOARD PRESIDENT
CLAYTON P. KALWEIT
President/Board Chairman, Goodwill Industries of Southeast Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago
Clayton joined the Board in August 2013. His professional career focuses on managing operations related to Real Estate Development, Security, and Environmental Safety and Medical Services. He is a native of the Chicago area and a graduate from the University of Southern California -Marshall School of Business in Los Angeles. As a Board member, Clayton wishes to raise awareness for the Center and children with physical disabilities through outreach programs and fundraising efforts. Clayton is also a Center parent, with his youngest son attending the Conductive Education program in Lake Zurich. Clayton's wife, Megan, is an active member of the Center's Fundraiser. Term Expires: 9/1/2025
VICE-CHAIR
JOHN M. THOMAS
National Manager, Ricoh-USA, Inc
John joined the Board in October 2012. Lifelong friend of founders Chuck and Patti Herbst, John has been involved in fundraising, printing support and social media awareness of the CFI. The Center awarded John the annual Angel Award in 2011. As Board Member, John focuses on marketing strategies to raise awareness of the Center's four sites. He also serves on the Golf Outing Committee. A native of Detroit, MI, John received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Michigan State University. Term Expires 10/16/2024
TREASURER
Tracy Lewis
Registered Nurse, University of Chicago Hospital
Tracy joined the Board in February 2015. She lives in Oak Park with her two children. Tracy is a Center parent and a Med-Surg Nurse at the University of Chicago Hospital. As a Board Member, Tracy would like to contribute her knowledge regarding the complex medical issues and communication needs of children with physical disabilities often face. She would also like to focus on family centeredness, outreach and fundraising. Tracy has served on the Center’s annual fundraising committee for the last several years. Term Expires 2/16/2027
Matthew J. Coleman
Attorney, Parente & Norem
Matt joined the Board in February 2023. He is an attorney and partner at Parente & Norem, and a former Special Education Teacher with Chicago Public Schools. Matt is the father of Center participant, Mia (3 Yrs), attending the CS location. He and his wife, Courtney (a pediatric Occupational Therapist) bring their very deep understanding of disability to the Center team. Matt is committed to expanding the Center’s fundraising efforts to broaden Working Together Chicago's employment programs for young people with disabilities. Term expires: 2/15/2026
DR. MARNI HARRIS, O.D.
Pediatric Optometrist, Univeristy of Chicago Hospital
Dr. Marni Harris joined the Board in February 2020. She grew up in Western Springs and first learned of the Center for Independence through her mom, Lori Harris, who has done many art projects with the Center's children. Marni started volunteering with Dr. Valerie Kattouf at the Parents Day Out while attending the Illinois College of Optometry. She now lives downtown and is a Pediatric Optometrist at the University of Chicago Hospital. Marni also serves on the Young Advisory Board of Working Together Chicago and is excited to help expand this program. Term Expires: 2/20/2026
CHARLES F. HERBST
Partner, Chamberlain & Herbst, CPA
Chuck belonged to original parent group that started the Center in 1998. He is married to Patti Herbst, Center Executive Director, and the father of a child who attended the School Age Program. Chuck and Patti live in Western Springs. He is a former certified public accountant who, in the past, has worked for Arthur Andersen & Co. and Kenneth Leventhal & Co. For the past 24 years, Chuck has worked in the Real Estate field in both the commercial and residential side of the industry. As a Board Member, Chuck serves on the Fundraising Committee and has been largely responsible for the success of the Golf Outing. Term Expires: 6/1/2027
DR. ROBERTA O'SHEA, DPT, Ph.D.
Professor of Physical Therapy, Governors State University
Robbie joined the Board in 1998 and served as Board Chair for twelve years. She holds a doctorate in physical therapy and has her Ph.D. in Special Ed. Robbie is employed by Governors State University as a Professor in the Physical Therapy Department and was critical in heading up a joint project between Governors State University and the Center for Independence in providing a Certification Program in Conductive Education. She has also led several research studies on Conductive Education and lectured worldwide on the outcomes. Robbie was awarded “Honorary Conductor” in November 2020, by Semelweis University and Peto Association for her work in the field. She lives in LaGrange with her husband, Marty and two children. Term Expires: 6/30/2027
SHIRLEY SAINS
Retired Senior Vice President, Northern Trust Company
Shirley joined the Board in October 2005. She was introduced to the Center though her daughter who has attended since 2004 and is currently in the school-age program. Shirley has been employed at The Northern Trust since 1985 and currently holds the position of Senior Vice President for the Enterprise Portfolio Capital Management group. She was instrumental in implementing the Disability Business Resource Council at the Northern Trust. Shirley was also the lead parent advocate for implementing the PODD program at the Center. Term Expires: 10/11/2026
ERICK VALDEZ
Assistant Vice-President, Brighton Park Wintrust Community Bank
Erick grew up in Pilson and lives in Cicero with his wife, Adriana and their three children. Erick is Branch Manager of the Brighton Park Wintrust Community Bank and has over 12 years of experience working in various banking areas including retail, management, and business relationships. Erick's children are his motivation and keep him active with their energy -each have their own little personalities. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, building puzzles and Legos with his family. As a Board Member, Erick will be focusing on the Center's Brighton Park program and will bring his love for children and the Latinx community to the Center's mission and vision. Term Expires: 6/28/2025
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PATRICIA C. HERBST, CPA
Mrs. Herbst graduated from Loyola University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and is a Certified Public Accountant. As Executive Director, she is responsible for overseeing the daily administration of the Center. As the parent of a young (employed!) adult with cerebral palsy–spastic quadriplegia, Patti brings her unique family perspective of raising a child with a physical disability, ensuring the Center's program is “Family Centered”.
Our Mission
The mission of the Center for Independence is to help children and young adults with disabilities achieve their highest level of independence in the home, school, community and workforce. Our therapy programs help children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) develop life skills, motor-function and an "I Can!" attitude.
Committed to breaking down barriers to employment, the Center also provides job training and placement for young adults with developmental disabilities through our innovative program Working Together Chicago.
The Center is an IL 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
EIN: 36-4259162
Our Vision: That children and young adults with disabilities have the opportunity to be fully participating members of the community.
Expect more, learn more...DO more!
Center Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Program times vary — check calendar.
Quick Contact
Center Locations
CFI Main Center
100 W. Plainfield Rd.,
Countryside, IL 60525
Brighton Park
2701 W. 36th Pl.
Chicago, IL 60632
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