Maria-Elena is the Community Resource Coordinator for West40 ISC #2. They provide support and education for staff and students from 38 School Districts and 3 Special Education Co-Ops in the Western Suburbs of Chicago.

Make no mistake, Maria-Elena is a force to be reckoned with! She works relentlessly to help any parent, student or staff member to get connected to resources that make a difference. Reach out to her at any time, and she will have answers or get you connected to what you need. And if you ever see her with that wagon FULL of goodies, do not delay! She knows how to work an event with the magic of swag.

Thank you Maria-Elena for all that you do, and giving selflessly every day. YOU make a difference! 

Sarah Matticks is a kindergarten teacher in Maywood School District 89, and a single mama to her 16 year old daughter. She pours her heart and soul into everything that she does, and works hard to create a warm, engaging, inclusive environment that fosters a love of learning for all.

She is often working to write grants and find fundraising opportunities to provide her students with all the resources they need to be successful. She also runs a yoga club at her school to encourage mindfulness and provide social emotional learning to students in all grade levels, and manages the school's garden club through the summer. They grow, harvest, and find fun ways to eat an abundance of fruits and veggies!

Sarah is passionate about caring for her students and gives fully of herself so they can be their best. We are a so lucky to have her teaching our children of today - the leaders of tomorrow!

Amara Edwards is a full-time medical student, currently enrolled in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program at National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, IL, with the intent to dual enroll and pursue her Doctor of Chiropractic degree thereafter. Previously, she earned her B.S. in Biomedical Science with an emphasis on nutrition.

In addition to the taxing demands of being a medical student, Amara works as an Administrative Support team member at Serenity Holistic Health, a local Oak Park medical practice that provides naturopathic & chiropractic medicine, acupuncture and body work. She takes pride in working for such an amazing team of healers, where she helps manage the flow of the office, assisting providers, and all things patient-centered. She cares deeply about serving others along their healing journeys.

Personally, Amara is a seeker of truth in every aspect of her life, from her passion for food as medicine to her spiritual and emotional wellness, and understanding the deep truths the body can reveal on a healing journey. Having originally discovered her passion for root-cause and holistic medicine after the loss of mother, she started her academic career as a non-traditional student at the age of 29. She believes wholeheartedly that it is NEVER too late to pivot to pursue your dreams and passions, no matter how long, uncertain, or challenging the journey might be.

We can't wait to see how Amara's compassion and innate healing abilities will take full flight as she continues her training. Keep an eye out - this powerhouse is here to make the world a more beautiful place!

It has been such a gift to connect with Karina Quintana as part of our Heal the Healers program. She is an instructor in both yoga and Pilates, but while she has a deep passion for Pilates, her first love remains yoga. The moment she stepped foot into a yoga studio for the first time, she knew this was her calling and immersed herself in trainings and her practice, receiving 1300 hours of yoga training!

Karina is also an advocate and ally for the yoga BIPOC & LGBTQ+ community and has a passion for keeping the culture and essence of yoga alive and respected. She believes yoga is not about the poses; it’s what you learn about yourself while on the journey. During her classes she allows space so that the journey is authentic to you. Attendees at her classes love how she shepherds them through poses and flow in such a seamless and mindful way!

About four years ago Karina was in a terrible car crash and her journey back to health and balance has been at the centre of her practice ever since. She knows intimately that the body can store trauma in many ways and she is devoted (for the sake of her three children!) to exploring how these can be overcome. This experience has been a powerful learning tool for Karina and she remains committed to gaining insights from the journey and sharing this knowledge with all who work with her.

We are always amazed how, when you least expect it, inspiration comes knocking at your door. We are humbled to support the healing of such a bright light. Check out her socials @Karina Yoga-Pilates to see videos of her amazing yoga sequences. You will be in awe!

Karina teaches, and spreads the yoga LOVE, throughout the Chicago-land area.