Alicia Wehby, Executive Director

Alicia Hassell Wehby, Executive Director of KIN, is the biological, adoptive and foster parent of 5 teenagers. She started as a foster parent 15 years ago and has spent the greater part of her adult life being committed to serving the needs of children and families in the Illinois foster care system.  In 2019, she organized Stuff the Duffel which was able to provide over 4000 care bags to children in foster care.  After seeing the community’s desire to help, she founded Second Bridge which connected the community to the needs of children.  Alicia uses her personal experience and passion to support caregivers with resources as she grows the program to support children both in and out of foster care.

Dawn Bremer, Board of Directors President

After 12 years as a real estate transaction coordinator, Dawn decided  to become a real estate broker and established The Bremer Team.  Dawn is the dynamic force and woman leader that created a real estate team that cares about their clients and community. She prides herself on guiding her clients through every step of the home buying and selling process. Her thorough knowledge and understanding of the real estate market ensures she is working to get the best results possible.
In addition to her dedication to her real estate clients, Dawn’s passion for giving back to the community shines through everything she does. Not only is she an active Board member of KIN, she has been the chairperson of the Keller Williams Red Day for the last 7 years and works closely with the United Way and Food For Thought. Dawn also serves on the D156 School Board as President, Commissioner of planning and zoning and is the President of the McHenry Chamber of Commerce’s MC5 group.

Elizabeth Quijada Fuentes, Board of Directors Secretary

Elizabeth has been practicing in the field of Social Services since 2006.  She has an extensive background working with at-risk youth in a multitude of settings and level of care including crisis and residential placement.  Elizabeth is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Dominican University (2012) and is currently the Clinical Services Manager at Pioneer Center.  Utilizing a trauma-informed lens, Elizabeth develops the programs and staff to best meet the needs of the surrounding community.  In addition to overseeing the Child and Family therapy program, Elizabeth also is an adjust professor at Dominican University, working towards developing competent professionals in the field.  While volunteering for Kids In Need the past few years, Elizabeth opted to join the board of directors to give back in a greater capacity after graduating from the Leadership Greater McHenry County program in 2020.

Jennifer Beltrame, Board Member

Jennifer is a licensed Realtor in Illinois and Wisconsin and a member of The Bremer Team at Keller Williams Success.  Jennifer’s passion is to work with organizations that provide children with opportunities and activities to improve their lives.  She has been the Athletic Director at St. Anastasia Catholic School in Waukegan Illinois since 2014, a member of the Board of Directors for the Waukegan Youth Foundation Jr. Sailing Program since 2017, and a member of the Board of Directors for the St. Anastasia School Queen of Hearts Raffle since 2022.  She has been a youth volleyball coach, animal foster parent, and is an active volunteer in her community.  She is hoping to help KIN grow and expand into Lake County, IL

Kate Malmstedt, Board Member

Kate is a nonprofit manager at Porte Brown, LLC.  In 2005, she graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a degree in accounting.  She is passionate about helping small non-profit organizations with their accounting and tax needs. Kate also serves as the Treasurer of the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce.  In her free time, she enjoys boating, traveling, cooking, reading and spending time with her husband and two goldendoodles.