Cynthia received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Chicago and has recently retired from BMO Harris Bank. < Back Cynthia A. Ullrich Cynthia has recently retired in the past few years from a long and fulfilling career with BMO Harris Bank. Beginning her career with BMO in June of 1984, she quickly began to make her way up the ladder tackling new positions and gaining skill. Finally, in May of 2016 she took up her final role in Commercial Banking Product. Not only did she find success in the business world, but Cynthia also valued education and holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Why I Serve? As she enters her 14th year on the board, she continues to be inspired by the work that the House does to help people help themselves through a wide array of programs that can be wrapped around their participants.

< Back Zola Zeigler zzeigler@associationhouse.org Intake and Data Entry Specialist What education or prior experiences do you have related to workforce development? I have over a decade of experience working in a non-profit environment and doing data entry. What about your work inspires you? I like the services that Association House of Chicago provides for the community. I'm thankful to play a role in that process. What's a fun fact about yourself? I love poetry, going to the beach when the weather's nice, and things that bring out my creative side. Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More

< Back Jaime Garcia Senior Director of Human Resources Jaime oversees Association House’s Human Resources Department. He manages everyday operations, provides training and consultation to staff regarding human resources policies and procedures and employment regulations; oversees benefits administration; ensures compliance with local, state and federal employment regulations; develops and modifies human resource policies and procedures. He joined the organization in 2003 as a part-time Human Resources Clerk and with much dedication, Jaime gained tremendous experience and knowledge, leading him to where he is today. He attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Management. Jaime also has an MBA from National-Louis University along with a certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) from DePaul University. He is also an active member of the Greater Chicagoland Not-for-Profit Human Resources Directors Group and the Chicago Alliance for Collaborative Effort (CACE) Talent/HR Leaders. He is inspired by the mission of the organization and the services that the staff provide to individuals and families in the community.

< Back Dean Martin demartin@associationhouse.org Career Navigator What education or prior experiences do you have related to workforce development? My extensive background includes over two decades of experience in workforce development, beginning with my role as an AmeriCorps Workforce Development Facilitator, where I focused on training and client resource connection. This foundation was strengthened by my work as an Employment & Training Specialist with Cook County P.O.E.T., conducting job readiness workshops and monitoring data for compliance. What about your work inspires you? I am inspired by the opportunity to leverage my over two decades of experience in community services to ensure the integrity of critical programs. The prospect of using my expertise in programmatic and fiscal oversight to strengthen the effectiveness of services that uplift Chicago families is truly motivating. What's a fun fact about yourself? A fun fact about me is that I have a passion for the outdoors and love to spend my free time hiking, camping, and exploring nature. I also cherish quality time with my family, creating wonderful memories through simple activities, and I am highly engaged in my community, frequently participating in and volunteering at local events to foster connections and support local initiatives. Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More

Food preparation certification and culinary training for employment as a chef or cook. Stipends available and open to returning justice-involved citizens. Association House Kitchen What We Do Association House Kitchen is a fast-paced, 8-week pre-apprenticeship food preparation training and subsidized employment program for returning and justice-involved citizens designed to equip graduates for positions in professional kitchens. Still deciding if a culinary career is right for you? Culinary Fundamentals is a shorter, 4-week course designed for individuals who want to try out the field before committing to a longer program. Participants learn basic kitchen skills, food safety, and what it’s like to work in a professional kitchen. This course helps you build confidence, explore your interests, and decide your next step—whether that’s moving into our pre-apprenticeship program or starting an entry-level job in food service. Kitchen Skills In this program you'll learn: Industry standards and expectations Culinary terminology Classical knife skills Proper food preparation Techniques for maximum yield Use of most common professional kitchen tools and equipment Graduates will also earn their ServSafe Illinois Food Handler certificate. Personal Growth Our unique approach pairs culinary training with critical reflection through Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT). MRT is highly-effective in creating a positive identity, improving decision-making, and helping individuals recognize the social consequences of actions. Participants will receive two MRT sessions weekly during the program and for 4-6 weeks following graduation. How We Are Different In addition to hands-on training , our Culinary Pre-Apprenticeship Program provides one-on-one support and wraparound services to help you successfully transition into registered apprenticeships and employment after the program. Participants have access to an Income Support Specialist, Case Managers, a Career Navigator, Mental Health Counselors, and more. We take the time to get to know you, support your goals, and invest in you as a whole person so you’re prepared for what comes next. Eligibility & Enrollment These programs are currently open to City of Chicago residents who are returning citizens or justice involved individuals with non-violent offenses. Participants must be able to reliably travel to and attend training sessions at 1116 N. Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, IL, as scheduled throughout the duration of the program. For consideration, complete the form below. Contact: 773-772-7170 ext. 1050 Culinary Pre-Apprenticeship Program: Current Class Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30am-1:30pm Class Format: 2-Month Program, 5 Hour Class, and in-person. New cohorts begin every 3 months! Culinary Fundamentals Program: Current Class Schedule: Tuesday through Friday, 3-6pm Class Format: 4-Week Program, 3 Hour Class, and in-person. New cohorts begin every 3 months! Related Content NextJob Learn More Workforce Staff Learn More

< All Staff Ms. Maria Roman mroman@associationhouse.org Receptionist, Attendance Clerk How long have you worked in your field? I have worked in education for 3 years. What is your favorite part of your position? It is a place where all the staff are friendly and respectable, and the students are amazing. What is one fun fact about yourself? I really like to be creative and inspire myself with my own ideas. Related Content Afterschool Programs Learn More Mentoring Programs Learn More Curriculum Learn More

< Back Julie Rodriguez Executive Vice President As Executive Vice President, Julie is accountable to the President for the full cycle of design, development, delivery, and improvement of programs. Julie executes and leads a continuous quality improvement process through the program and service areas. She currently serves as co-chair of the Race, Equity and Social Justice Committee for the Community Behavioral Healthcare Association and she sits on Governor Pritzker’s Committee for Illinois Adult-Use Cannabis Health Advisory. Julie received her Bachelor’s degree in child development and family studies from the University of Illinois in Champaign, her Master’s of Science in Applied Family & Child Studies from Northern Illinois University. She is also a state-licensed marriage and family therapist since 2001. Julies believes that Association House’s dedication to the community and appreciation for family are what makes the organization so special and drive her to work hard each day.

If you know somebody who might benefit from one of our Workforce Development programs, fill out our form below and we will be in touch soon! Related Content Workforce Staff Learn More Financial Careers Training Learn More

Association House High School offers a new path to graduation for 16 to 21-year-olds in Chicago who have been left behind by traditional public schools. GET YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA, YOUR WAY ! ENROLL TODAY! Association House High School High school is not the same journey for everyone — but traditional schools often treat it that way. Whether it’s due to impersonal classes, absent counseling, family challenges, or children of one’s own, not everyone reaches graduation the same way. Association House High School, a Youth Connections Charter School , offers a new path to graduation for 16 to 21-year-olds in Chicago who have been left behind by traditional public schools. As a Level 1+ school, our goal is to prepare successful, productive, and compassionate members of a diverse, competitive, and global society. Mission We offer compassionate, immediate, and individual social and academic support. We commit to empowering students through relevant antiracist education. We will work to develop the essential tools each student will use to transform their lives and realize their endless potential. Vision To stabilize and support each unique student in their current circumstances, to help them overcome and root out inequities, and to prepare them to stand in power for the world they will inherit. Our Core Values Community Growth Courage After School Programs Want to get more involved? We offer a variety of programs after school. It's a great way to make friends and meet new people. Learn More Mentoring Program Our mentoring program focuses on individual students. We provide the resources our students need to be successful. Learn More Curriculum We offer a variety of relevant and engaging courses for our students to be successful, graduate, and earn their degree. Learn More Meet Our Staff Get to know the people behind our student's success. Meet our administrators, teachers, and mentors. Learn More Family Literacy Program Our Family Literacy Program (FLP) is a safe place for our student's children to have daycare while their parents learn in the classroom. Learn More Important Forms Want to register at our high school? You can find our registration and transcript request form here. Learn More Success Stories How Association House High School Gave Sheri Her Second Wind As Association House High School's 2026 valedictorian, Sheri is breaking new ground. May 26 4 min read Sinai & Emmanuel's Home Away From Home Together, Sinai and her son Emmanuel grew up at Association House. Apr 21 3 min read Investing in Hope: Why Our Auxiliary Board Shows Up For our Auxiliary Board, making time to give back to the city they call home is about more than fundraising. Mar 13 3 min read Partners & Funders

We provide bilingual support and care for vulnerable children and families who have a history of child abuse and neglect and are involved with DCFS. Child Welfare Association House provides support and care for vulnerable children and families who have a history of child abuse and neglect and are involved with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). We serve the Cook County and Northern Illinois areas and remain one of the few providers with fully bilingual English/Spanish staff. Our goal is to ensure the safety, well-being, and healthy development of children and adolescents with a history of trauma and to promote their resilience and progress. We aim to help parents and families develop nurturing and safe relationships with their children. Foster Care Foster Care services provide children with safe, loving, and secure homes when they are unable to live with their family of origin. Case managers work to achieve permanency for the child through reunification or adoption. Learn More Intact Family Services Intact Family Services provides support to prevent the separation of children and families by identifying problems and risk factors and helping families obtain training and support to keep children at home. Learn More Become a Foster Parent A foster parent is there when a child needs them most. If you have love to give, you can be a foster parent. Our staff is here to support you in your parenting journey. Take the next steps today. Learn More Success Stories Your 2025 Annual Report is Here! Dear Friends, This year marks a defining moment in Association House’s 126-year long history. As we celebrate the completion of our 2023–2025 Strategic Plan, let us reflect on the journey that brought us here. Following the remarkable 27-year tenure of Harriet Sadauskas, I stepped into the role of CEO and President in 2021. During this time, our world was still navigating the lasting impacts of COVID-19. Still, we began drafting our new strategic roadmap. In an era marked b Jan 1 2 min read How Fostering Led Melanie to Her Forever Family After ten placements, Association House foster parent Melanie has a permanent family of four. Dec 17, 2025 3 min read Help Us Bring Holiday Magic to 500 Kids For This Year's Toy Drive! It's time to bring holiday magic to all of Association House's kids once again! Oct 24, 2025 1 min read Additional Resources These resources are here for you. Feel free to check out any of these resources down below pertaining to Foster Care and IDCFS. Also, be sure to check out or Parenting Resources Page filled with tools and tips for all types of parents! Illinois Department of Children & Family Services Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline (1-800-25-ABUSE) - if you suspect a child has been or is at risk of being harmed Crisis and Referral Entry Services Hotline (1-800-349-9049) - the CARES hotline provides connections to SASS services for children and youth experiencing a mental health crisis National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics - all of our staff members follow these ethical standards DCFS Advocacy Office for Children and Families Brochure Parenting Resources

< Back Edwin Serrano eserrano@associationhouse.org Building Trades Instructor What education or prior experiences do you have related to workforce development? Over 20 years in manufacturing work industry. A.A.S. in Logistics. Six Sigma Green Belt What about your work inspires you? Being able to help people develop new applicable working skills through education and hands on training. What's a fun fact about yourself? Always looking for a new adventure to plan and carry out! Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More

Karyn is a Managing Director in Deloitte’s Audit & Assurance Practice. In this role, she works with audit teams in developing their audit responses related to the consideration of fraud in financial statement audits. < Back Karyn Lewis Karyn is a Managing Director in Deloitte’s Audit & Assurance Practice. In this role, she works with audit teams in developing their audit responses related to the consideration of fraud in financial statement audits. Karyn has previously held positions in compliance and leading and conducting a broad range of corruption, forensic accounting and financial fraud investigations for private and public companies and not-for profit organizations. Karyn graduated from Dillard University where she received a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Why I Serve? Karyn is inspired by the organization’s dedication to serving diverse populations and its unwavering commitment to providing resources and programs to individuals and families so they may thrive in their lives, communities, and society.