leadership
Meet the Foundation
Board, Staff, and Supporting Leadership
Board of Directors
Ainsley Borel, Director Ainsley joined the OPRFHS Imagine Foundation Board in 2023. He has spent decades as an investment professional and is currently a Consultant Relationship Manager at Capital Group. Ainsley, who is passionate about education, moved to Oak Park because of the schools and wants to ensure they remain strong for future students. He is an OPRFHS neighbor and the parent of two future Huskie alumni.
Mark Carroll, Director Mark joined the OPRFHS Imagine Foundation Board in 2023. He is a principal at Cognitive Capital, a proprietary trading firm based in Chicago. Mark is an supporter of Dominican University and of the Cara Collective, a nonprofit committed to transforming the lives of individuals affected by homelessness and poverty. Mark is an OPRF alumnus who lives in River Forest and is the parent of three OPRF students.
Tom Dwyer, Treasurer Tom (a.k.a. “Jr”) joined the Imagine Foundation Board in 2022. He is a member at Thomas J. Dwyer & Associates, LLC, which is where he is a practicing accountant and attorney. Jr is a lifelong River Forest resident and served as a Village Trustee (2013-2017). He is an OPRF alumnus and the parent of two current Huskie students and one soon to be future Huskie. Also, Jr recently gave up wearing pleated pants too!
Lynn Kamenitsa, Director Lynn co-founded the OPRFHS Imagine Foundation in 2019 after volunteering as a co-chair of the Imagine OPRF Work Group in 2017-2018, which made her aware of the need for philanthropic investment to make the Imagine Plan a reality. Lynn is a retired professor who has been an active volunteer in local nonprofits from politics to the performing arts. She’s an Oak Parker and the parent of two OPRF alumni.
Chee-Young Kim, Director An entrepreneur at heart, Chee co-founded NowSecure, a mobile security company based in Oak Park. With her experience in finance and accounting, she helps nonprofit organizations strategize their financial goals that best fit their needs. Chee, who lives in Oak Park, is the parent of two OPRF alumni and one younger student.
Laura Maychruk, Director Laura joined the OPRFHS Imagine Foundation Board in 2023. She owns Laura Maychruk Real Estate, and founded and ran Buzz Café in Oak Park for 25 years. The President of the Oak Park Arts District, Laura has lived in Oak Park and River Forest and appreciates the education OPRF has provided to her own four children and former employees at Buzz Café.
Kathryn Schmahl, Director Kathryn Schmahl joined the OPRFHS Imagine Foundation Board in 2024. She is a product of private school education and is a staunch believer in the importance of investment in our communities and public schools. Kathryn is a communications professional, working in healthcare for the last 15 years. She lives in River Forest and is the parent of three future Huskies.
Stephen Schuler, President Stephen co-founded the Imagine Foundation in 2019 as a way to give back to his alma mater and community. Professionally, Stephen is a trader, investor, entrepreneur, executive, and philanthropist. He and his wife co-founded the Good Heart, Work Smart Foundation, which contributes to charities throughout our community and state.
Teddy Scott, Secretary Teddy has served on the board since 2022. His professional background is a unique combination of pharmaceutical research, intellectual property law, and entrepreneurship. He serves on the Board of Advisors for the University of Chicago Innovation Fund. He lives in Oak Park and is the parent of one OPRF alumnus and three future alumni.
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Heidi Ruehle Executive Director Heidi joined the Imagine Foundation in 2024. She has spent over 25 years in the Oak Park area, serving in leadership positions for several community and nonprofit organizations. Most recently, she served as the executive director of the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation, with prior experience in fundraising and development. Heidi lives in Oak Park and is a parent of two OPRF students.
Melissa Elsmo Chief Development Officer Melissa joined the Imagine Foundation in 2023. As a grateful parent of an OPRF graduate and 25-year resident of Oak Park, Melissa firmly believes our public high school is a community cornerstone. Melissa is eager to engage with philanthropic alumni and community members who are interested in investing in the future of OPRF.
Amy O'Dea Development Coordinator Amy began working with the Imagine Foundation in 2022. She brings a wealth of administrative, planning, and teaching experience in several industries from finance to fitness. She lives in Oak Park and is the parent of two future Huskies.
supporting leadership
Advisory Council
Paul Beckwith
Susan Bridge
Paul Carbery
Sherry Licht Carbery
Susie Goldschmidt
Barbara Graham
State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly
Dee Millard
John Rigas
Celena Roldan Sarillo
Bob Spatz
Sara Spivy
Shawn Vogen
Kristin Carlson Vogen
Jeff Weissglass
associate board
Donnie Biggins
Brian Cuellar
Chibuike Enyia
Darien Marion-Burton
Andrea Schuler
Christina Waters
campaign steering
Lindsay Gallante
Chris Griffith
Victoria Hansen
Ann Harmon
Greer Haseman
Kim Hoyt
Leigh Ann Hughes
Cory Kohut
Ann Kreiter
Karen Lareau
Cindy Milojevic
Pete Ryan
Olivia Schreiner
Jenny Shepherd
Julie Sievert
Joyce Webster