Intensive Therapy
A Message from the Board of Directors
Honoring Patti Herbst’s Retirement
When the Center for Independence opened nearly 30 years ago, its mission was simple and bold: to empower children with physical disabilities to gain lifelong skills and independence. Today, that mission remains strong—and the organization is thriving.
Over the years, the Center has expanded its reach, adapted to the needs of our community, and launched new programs such as Working Together Chicago, supporting young adults with disabilities as they enter the workforce.
As a parent of a child who has grown up at the Center, I’ve seen the power of this mission firsthand. My son Evan began attending as an infant and has blossomed into a confident, hard-working young adult preparing for college. I know this was made possible because of the Center’s support.
In addition to being a parent, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Board for nearly 15 years. Through every chapter—growth, challenge, and triumph—the Center has been guided by the extraordinary leadership of Patti Herbst. Her vision, passion, and fierce commitment have built an organization that is financially strong, programmatically innovative, and deeply trusted.
Last year, Patti shared her plans to retire. In preparation, the Board launched a comprehensive succession planning process. We formed an Executive Director Search Committee and partnered with a national human resources firm specializing in nonprofit leadership. After months of thoughtful planning and with full confidence, the committee selected an exceptional internal candidate, Josephine Boggs, our longtime Clinical Director. Josephine has more than two decades of experience at the Center and is deeply respected for her clinical insight, compassion, and leadership. She will officially step into the Executive Director role on November 1st.
On behalf of the Board, I thank Patti for her lifetime of service, her tireless advocacy, and the legacy she leaves. We are grateful she will remain connected to the organization in a new role, continuing to mentor, support, and guide the Center she built.
With deep appreciation,
Clay Kalweit
President, Board of Directors
Etienne’s story
Etienne was evaluated at the Center for Independence through Conductive Education in 2021 and joined us for the 4 weeks individualized motor learning summer intensive program. He enjoyed time with his peers, and after summer, life happened. He had major hip surgery and moved houses, which meant he had to stop coming to the Center.
In 2023, Etienne ‘s mom decided to try the Center’s summer intensive again and Etienne was placed in a group with his similarly abled peers for 3 days a week, 6 hours a day.
He drove in his power chair on the first day of summer camp using a special joystick to drive, with a big, shy smile!
The students in his group were a bit older than him, but they all relate to the feeling of coming in and seeing the therapy rooms after a long time!
Like everyone else, Etienne started using elbow supports, in addition to his Benik hand brace, and after the initial tears, it started to feel better! He began reaching with his arms forward. Etienne wanted to sit with his peers at the plinth table for games, art and fun!
He got so very brave sitting on a stool with a walker behind him for safety around his trunk. Once the game started, he was part of the group with his voice and his smile. The fear of sitting with less support and more independence was gone!
By the end of the Center’s summer intensive program:
- Etienne was sitting on a Rifton toilet seat every day he came. He even asked to be left alone to get some privacy!
- He sat at the plinth with his peers for 45 minutes without any complaint about wearing his elbow supports
- He ambulated inside/outside with the Rifton Gait trainer for 150 feet daily with assistance and a smile! He has not been in a walker for over 2 years due to his previous hip surgery!
- His mom now uses the same Rifton toilet seat at home for showers.
- Etienne is now using his home bike, after practicing at the Center with his peers outside in the parking lot.
The Center is looking forward to discovering more of Etienne’s skills when he continues attending the program on a regular basis!
Story by Gabi Molnar, Conductive Education Teacher