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Bridging Educational and Mental Health Resources
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower children and families through educational advocacy and holistic mental health support. We are committed to delivering personalized services that address mental health challenges and disabilities while providing families with the tools and resources necessary to cultivate resilience, well-being, and long-term success. By offering proactive solutions, wraparound care, and fostering community strength, we strive to create environments where every individual can thrive.
Meet The Team
Angela M. Flennoy, Co-Founder & Executive Director
A trailblazing IT professional, Angela Flennoy brings over 20 years of expertise in technology solutions, innovation, and digital transformation. With a robust background in adult education and training, she has spent more than a decade mastering teaching, assessment design, and instructional strategy, seamlessly bridging eLearning and in-person education. Passionate about empowering learners, Angela is dedicated to crafting engaging, inclusive learning experiences that cater to diverse learning styles and drive real-world impact.
Angela holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training, equipping her with the technical expertise and instructional acumen to transform learning and business landscapes.
A devoted advocate for service and community impact, Angela has dedicated her time to various non-profit organizations, with her most recent role as a board member of Chicago Adventure Therapy, an initiative focused on empowering youth through outdoor experiential learning.
As a wife and mother of two teenagers—one with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and CAPD (Central Auditory Processing Disorder)—Angela deeply understands the challenges of raising a child with dual disabilities. Her personal journey fuels her passion for supporting other parents, offering guidance and resources to help them navigate similar challenges with confidence.
Khadija Sufi, Co-Founder & Executive Director
Khadija Sufi is a mother, entrepreneur, and community leader, deeply connected to the rich cultural heritage that has shaped her—her South Asian roots and the dynamic rhythm of life in America. For over 15 years, she has called Naperville home, raising four children in School District 204, establishing a women-owned business, and serving as part of an administrative team for the Western Suburb Township.
For Khadija, life is a delicate balance—where morning coffee fuels ambition, but afternoon chai nourishes the soul. More than just a drink, chai represents a ritual of connection, a moment to pause, reflect, and share—where conversations unfold, laughter is exchanged, and bonds are strengthened.
As a parent, she fostered a tradition of gathering her children around the kitchen table after school. Over light snacks, they talked—about their day, what they had learned (or unlearned), and how they planned to navigate life’s challenges. Sometimes, she sought their advice too, believing that growth is a two-way journey.
Then, the pandemic arrived, bringing an unseen storm. Khadija watched as her children—once full of life and curiosity—began to struggle with mental health challenges. She saw them wrestle with despair, losing hope and, at times, losing themselves. As a mother, she became their anchor, but she also had to reclaim herself from the weight of helplessness that so many families endured.
Her journey has been one of vulnerability, faith, and healing—of learning to let go of judgment, embrace uncertainty, and find strength in connection. Through her experiences, she hopes to inspire others to know that they are not alone.
As Rumi so beautifully said: "The wound is the place where the light enters you."
Meet Our Board Members
Constance E. Means
Constance E. Means, M. Ed is an experienced educator possessing an extensive background in general education, special education K- Adult, and Educational Supervision having served as Assistant Principal and Principal of elementary schools in Chicago, IL. Mrs. Means also served as an adjunct professor in the colleges of education for the following: Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, IL, Concordia University, Forest Park, IL. She also served as consulting Principal and school-based lead educator for instructional improvement in cooperation with DePaul University’s Urban Ed program.
Mrs. Means’ education preparation includes an Associates Arts in Child Development from Chicago City Colleges, Bachelor of Arts in Education, certification K-12, Master’s Degree, Education Supervision, and Doctoral work, Education Supervision (ABD).
Constance is an avid reader, researcher, and educational advocate with a strong leaning toward injustice and educational responsibilities, and human rights. She loves dogs and the competition of many board games, especially card games.
She is the mother of two and has been happily married for more than fifty years, now helping in every way possible to nurture her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family members. She currently serves as the President of her Homeowners’ Association having served in that position for just under six years. She is the founder of a community advocacy group, Save Our Southland.
Enabling high functionality through research-driven educational best practice that maximizes teaching and learning.
Alyssa Smith
Alyssa Smith is a communications and marketing professional with over 20 years of experience in administration and project management. She currently serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for the Village of Addison and is the founder of Belladonna Media & Marketing Group, a people-first social media agency dedicated to helping small businesses and nonprofits grow their digital presence with intention and authenticity. Alyssa holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s degree in Public Administration. With a deep-rooted passion for community engagement, she has served on multiple boards and thrives in spaces that combine strategy, storytelling, and social impact.
A proud mom of two and a first responder spouse, Alyssa understands the power of resilience, collaboration, and a strong cup of coffee. She’s excited to bring her energy, creative thinking, and digital expertise to the board to help further its mission and amplify its impact.
Naomi Humes, APRN
Naomi is a Master’s-prepared Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with over 15 years of diverse healthcare experience, including several years as an in-patient psychiatric nurse. With a deep commitment to nursing education and mental health advocacy, Naomi currently serves as an adjunct professor and a mental health nursing instructor at Chamberlain University and Rasmussen University.
Naomi is empowering future nurses to make a lasting impact on patients' lives by emphasizing the critical importance of mental health awareness, therapeutic communication, and empathetic patient care. Naomi is committed to creating a ripple effect of positive change—empowering nurses to destigmatize mental illness through compassionate care and to advocate for mental health equity across all populations.
Kennedy Flennoy
Kennedy Flennoy with a healthcare administration background with a strong passion for improving access, equity, and quality within the healthcare system. With a background as a Registered Behavior Technician and experience in front-office medical administration, social media management, and clinic operations, Kennedy brings a unique blend of clinical insight and administrative skill to the table.
Her hands-on experience in insurance billing, patient support, and team collaboration has shaped her commitment to community-driven healthcare solutions. As a future healthcare leader, Kennedy is passionate about empowering underserved communities and supporting initiatives that bridge the gap between healthcare and social services. She is honored to serve on the board and contribute her voice, creativity, and growing expertise to the mission of the organization.