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Explore the leadership team that's creating long-lasting change throughout our communities in Chicago. Learn more about the Association House leadership team. Executive Staff Juan Carlos Linares President and CEO Learn More Jaime Garcia Senior Director of Human Resources Learn More Margarita Rosas Director of Finance Learn More Emily Marion Director of Behavioral Health Learn More Tanya A. Wade Senior Director of Clinical Operations Learn More Julie Rodriguez Executive Vice President Learn More Tom Mathews Director of Facilities Learn More Lincoln Stannard Senior Director of Community Development Learn More David Pieper High School Principal Learn More Harriet Sadauskas President Emeritus Learn More Lillian Bui Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives Learn More Jacqleen Musarra Senior Director of Performance and Quality Improvement Learn More Damaris Acevedo Director of Child Welfare Learn More Filiberto Rios Director of Community Health and Workforce Development Learn More Auxiliary Board Board of Directors

< Back Tom Mathews Director of Facilities Tom manages the maintenance of the buildings, grounds, and equipment of Association House’s 153,000 square foot community center and three residential locations. He assures safe and efficient operations and meets agency, accreditation, funder, State Fire Marshall and Department of Building standards. His background includes thorough knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and control systems including computerized building automation and energy management systems. Tom loves his work at Association House, enjoys helping to make a difference, and is happy to be an integral part of the leadership to continue our mission. Prior to Association House, Tom served as the Operations Manager at AvAirPros serving Midway Airport where he was responsible for maintenance, contracts, operations, and general day-to-day interactions of various operational equipment and facilities systems. In 2005, he adopted his youngest daughter from China. Recently, his eldest daughter has blessed him with two granddaughters. Tom holds a certification in HVAC, a universal refrigeration license, and a stationary engineer license and a Bachelors of Science degree from Southern Illinois University’s College of Engineering. Finally, he has a certificate in e-Business Strategy from University of Chicago.

< Back Lillian Bui Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives In partnership with Lincoln Stannard, Lillian also serves as Co-Executive Director of LUCHA, the organization’s affordable housing development arm. She approaches this work with a deep understanding of how housing, equity, and opportunity intersect — insights rooted in early roles with Habitat for Humanity and as an AmeriCorps member at Lafayette Elementary in Humboldt Park. She is passionate about growing programs that address the economic, educational, and racial disparities that keep people from reaching their fullest potential. She believes in building relationships and treating all people with dignity. Lillian holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy from the University of Chicago Harris School, a Bachelor of Arts in History from Lake Forest College, and an Associate of Arts from Bard College at Simon’s Rock. Lillian also currently serves as a board member with Corazon Community Services, a leading youth-development organization based in Cicero.

Association House culinary students staff a catering event at LCLC Chicago. At Association House of Chicago , workforce training has always been about more than skill-building— it’s about access, opportunity, and long-term careers. This year, two of our flagship workforce programs are taking an important next step to better support participants and meet industry needs. Both the Clean Energy Jobs Program  and Association House Kitchen Culinary Program  are now pre-apprenticeship programs , designed to prepare participants for placement into Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs)  or to move directly into employment. Why the shift? In many skilled trades — especially clean energy fields like solar installation, HVAC, and weatherization — workers are required to complete a significant number of hours in a Registered Apprenticeship Program before becoming fully qualified. These programs offer paid, on-the-job training and industry credentials, but they can be difficult to access without prior experience. That’s where our pre-apprenticeships come in. Association House’s programs provide participants with the hands-on training, foundational skills, and workplace readiness needed to successfully enter RAPs — or step directly into jobs when opportunities arise. Importantly, this shift reflects what these programs have always done: help people break into high-demand fields by removing barriers to entry and building real pathways to sustainable careers. Core Construction participants complete a hands-on capstone project together before graduating. What this means for participants: Participants in both programs will continue to receive high-quality training, now with an even clearer connection to next steps after graduation. Clean Energy Jobs  participants will benefit from expanded training, including a longer solar curriculum, to maximize readiness for apprenticeships and employment in Chicago’s growing clean energy sector. Association House Kitchen  participants will gain valuable pre-apprenticeship experience that supports placement into culinary RAPs or immediate roles in restaurants, catering kitchens, and other professional food-service environments. Both programs continue to offer stipends and supportive services  to qualified participants, helping ensure that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of success. For community partners and employers, this transition strengthens the talent pipeline by aligning training more closely with workforce standards. And for participants, it means clearer pathways, stronger credentials, and greater access to long-term employment. Learn more or apply today! Association House Kitchen:   associationhouse.org/kitchen Clean Energy Jobs Program:   associationhouse.org/cleanenergyjobs

Maria, Amilcar, and Jorge with their program leader, coach, and mentor, Jovan. Today is International Day of Disability Acceptance . Observed every January 20, the day promotes social acceptance of people with disabilities and honors the legacy of disability advocate Annie Hopkins, who championed the idea of acceptance over mere tolerance . It’s a reminder to embrace difference, educate our communities, and empower one another. The need for acceptance and opportunity is clear. People with cognitive disabilities experience unemployment at nearly three times the rate  of those without, and nearly 30% of working-age adults with cognitive disabilities have never held a job . In addition, discriminatory practices in some states still allow workers with disabilities to be paid far below minimum wage—sometimes as little as $1.50 per hour . At Association House of Chicago, our Life Skills Education (LSE)  program works every day to change those statistics by creating meaningful, paid employment opportunities for people with cognitive disabilities—right here within our agency and with trusted partners. For LSE participant Jorge , whose dream job is coaching for the Special Olympics, work is about more than a paycheck—it’s about purpose and pride. “When I work, my focus is my family and my friends,” he says. “I want to show my family I can do this, and my friends that they can too.” Through roles supporting our food pantry and community spaces, Jorge builds confidence and community connection that ripple far beyond the job itself. Similarly, Maria  has used her earnings to care for the things that matter to her. “With the money I earned from my job, I saved up and got a harness and shampoo for my dogs,” she says. In doing so, she’s taken ownership of her goals and independence in a deeply personal way. She dreams of one day lending a hand in a veterinarian's office, turning her passion for animals into work she cares about. Amilcar , whose first jobs were at Skyline Design and Association House, reflects on the life skills he’s gained: “I learned how important it is to be on time, get better at your skills, and manage my money.” These lessons aren’t just practical—they’re empowering, helping reshape what work can mean for someone with cognitive differences. Amilcar's artistic eye has made him the go-to photographer for program parties and events, but he hopes to involve it in a job of his own one day. Inside Association House, more than 30 participants are employed at competitive wages above Chicago’s minimum wage , gaining real work experience while they attend LSE. We also advocate for systemic change; for example, Illinois recently passed the Dignity in Pay Act , closing the loophole for subminimum wage work. On this International Day of Disability Acceptance, we celebrate the voices, talents, and contributions of people with disabilities—affirming that acceptance means creating real opportunities  so everyone can thrive, belong, and be valued for their work and worth. ▪ -- Learn more about Life Skills Education and other disability support at Association House here. Find information on how to create more disability access in your workplace through resources provided by Access Living Metro Chicago.

The Association House Run Team crushes their personal goals while fundraising for their neighbors. Are you a runner, fitness enthusiast, or someone ready to take on a new challenge — all while giving back to your community? Lace up those sneakers, because the Association House Run Team is recruiting for 2026!   Whether you’re an experienced runner or a first-time race participant, this is your chance to run together, grow together, and make a meaningful impact  across Chicago. At Association House, we believe in movement with intention  — fitness that not only challenges you physically, but also supports transformational community impact. When you join the Run Team, you’ll: Join a welcoming community of runners  motivated by health, connection, and purpose. Make every mile matter  by raising vital funds that support Association House programs helping neighbors throughout Chicago. Have fun!  From 5Ks to half marathons, we explore Chicago’s neighborhoods one race at a time. Last year, our team not only hit the pavement together — we raised $5,000 to transform lives  in our community! By sharing your passion for running, you help bring opportunity  to the lives of the people Association House serves. Get ready for exciting race days across the city! Our featured team events include: 📅 Sunday, May 17, 2026  – Chicago Spring Half Marathon + 5K 📅 Saturday, July 26, 2026  – Stan’s Donut Run 5K + 10K 📅 Sunday, October 4, 2026  – Bucktown 5K Are you ready to make your miles meaningful? 👉 Sign up today  by filling out the Run Team Interest Form and start your journey with a community that runs with heart and purpose. 📩 Have questions? Reach out to Jennifer Sheridan, Development Specialist , at jsheridan@associationhouse.org