We are so pleased to announce that we’ve added three new members to our Board of Directors. Kevin Cullinane, Sharon Hermanns, and Drew Thompson bring diverse perspectives and expertise that will make our organization stronger.
Kevin began tutoring with us last year after he retired as a physician. He said the Learning Edge environment fulfilled what he most missed about work: being around people who have positive attitudes, who are doing something they enjoy, and who are pulling together as a community to accomplish something. Kevin has an enthusiasm for education and helping people meet their potential. “I’d like to see the students develop a strong sense of their ability, their worth, and a confidence to move forward with their lives both personally and professionally,” Kevin explained. In his time on the Board, he hopes to advocate for “students having a voice in choosing programming and advocating for their own needs as they continue on their path toward independence.”
Sharon, a seasoned community activist, volunteer, and proud mother, found Learning Edge when her high school-aged children began volunteering with us! Sharon had past experience tutoring and her children had also been the recipients of tutoring, so “tutoring is near and dear to her heart.” Sharon, who brings a wide array of experience on Oak Park nonprofit boards, said she likes to come in as a listener before deciding in what ways she will help promote an organization’s vision. One thing she is initially excited about is recruiting and supporting more high school tutors. “The high school tutors here really embody the spirit and create very special, sometimes easier, relationships with their students,” Sharon explained. “I love that they give a couple of years before they go off into the world; Volunteerism at this age plants the seed of community engagement for later in life.”
Drew Thompson is a father to two of our current students and has been a vocal supporter of Learning Edge. Drew, a Corporate Environmental Coordinator at UPS, brings both his professional experience and perspective as a father to the board table. Drew, who listed a litany of benefits his own children received from tutoring, said his goal on the board is to help more kids experience the Learning Edge magic. “I want to help Learning Edge grow–get more funding and create more awareness of what we do,” Drew said. “I want to see more kids, the next generation, have access to Learning Edge.”
Welcome to the Board, Kevin, Sharon, and Drew! Thank you for your service.