Center Leadership
Executive Director
Josephine A. Boggs, MS-OTR/L
Josephine Boggs has been part of the Center for Independence since 2002. She holds a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and brings more than two decades of experience supporting children and adults with disabilities and their families.
What began as a desire to help children reach their full potential soon evolved into a Josephine’s mission driven commitment to children and adults with disabilities and their families. Josephine found the Center’s use of music and rhythm to enhance learning truly inspiring. She contributed her talents as a vocalist in therapy sessions and used music as a joyful and meaningful tool to engage, inspire, and connect with the children she served.
Over time, Josephine’s role grew from clinician to Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Director, and Director of Programs. With each step, she gained an appreciation for the power of compassion, creativity, and helping to instill an ‘I Can’ Attitude in children and adults with disabilities.
Josephine has dedicated her career to advocating for Center families, helping children with disabilities thrive in classrooms and community settings. She strives to empower adults with disabilities so they stay connected to their communities, access meaningful education opportunities, and find inclusive work environments using the Center’s innovative employment services program, Working Together Chicago (link). Honoring the vision of founders Patti and Chuck Herbst, Josephine is dedicated to upholding the Center’s mission of providing accessible, affordable therapy for individuals with disabilities and removing barriers to employment.
As Executive Director, Josephine continues to lead with that same heart, creativity, and commitment that guided her from the start building- a community where children and adults with disabilities are supported, celebrated, and empowered to thrive.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PATRICIA C. HERBST, CPA
Patricia C. Herbst, CPA, served as the founding Executive Director of the Center for Independence for 30 years, where she laid the groundwork for an organization that has positively impacted countless lives. After retiring from her role as Executive Director, Patti transitioned into the role of Chief Financial Officer, where she continues to lend her financial expertise to help grow and strengthen the organization she built. She remains deeply committed to the Center’s mission and legacy, ensuring that it continues to thrive for future generations.
A graduate of Loyola University, Patti is a Certified Public Accountant with experience in fiscal management. Her perspective as a parent of a young adult with cerebral palsy-spastic quadriplegia has also played a vital role in shaping the Center’s work, helping to ensure it stays family-centered and focused on meeting the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities.
Patti’s leadership has always been driven by her belief that individuals with disabilities and their families should be empowered, celebrated, and given the tools to lead independent, fulfilling lives. As Chief Financial Officer, she remains dedicated to supporting the Center’s growth and continuing its legacy of care and advocacy.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help children and young adults with disabilities achieve their highest level of independence in the home, school, community and workplace. We offer affordable therapy programs that help children with physical disabilities develop self-determination and an “I Can!” attitude. The Center breaks down employment barriers for adults with 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.
Intensive Motor Therapy - Reach Your Potential!
Center Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Program times vary — check calendar.
2025-2026 Program Calendar
Quick Contact
Center Locations
CFI Main Center
100 W. Plainfield Rd.
Countryside, IL 60525
Brighton Park
2701 W. 36th Pl.
Chicago IL 60632