Alicia Wehby, Director of Second Bridge Program

Alicia Hassell Wehby, the Director of Second Bridge, a program 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.

Carlyn Housh, Board of Directors Vice President

In 2014, Carlyn graduated with a masters in social work from George Williams College. Carlyn’s background is in community social work, victim advocacy, and foster care. Currently, Carlyn is working in the health care field as clinical liaison for One Home Health. Carlyn also sits on the board of directors for the Crystal Lake Teen Center- The Break. When she is not giving back to the community, Carlyn spends time with her family and friends.

Scott Adams, Board of Directors Treasurer

Scott has seen the value of Chaplaincy in his life and other First Responders and their families. He has personally distinguished himself by helping many police officers, fire officers, and emergency dispatchers in crisis. Because of his help, many have gone on to live fulfilling lives. He has served as a Police Officer for nearly thirty years in several agencies including Roselle, Carpentersville, and Richmond. Scott’s diverse and expansive skills have given him a deep understanding of law enforcement and its many challenges in serving the community and within the officers themselves.

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

Donna Adams

Donna has been helping people strengthen their financial security and achieve their goals since 2002. Donna and her husband started Paradise Financial Partners in 2004. Her goal was to pursue a more personal approach to helping business owners and other individuals strengthen their financial security.
Donna believes that a focus on continuing education has been a critical element of her successful career.  Donna is an Investment Advisor Representative holding FINRA Series 6, 7, 26, 63 and 66 securities registrations.  She also holds licenses for life and health insurance in IL, FL, TX and WI, along with certification for long-term care coverage.  Her focus is on economics-based strategies to help create retirement income with guarantees, liquidity and legacy.  With the financial tools of Wealth Building Cornerstones™, Donna seeks to verify the financial decisions her clients make.
Her success has earned her a place in the coveted Leaders’ Club with the companies of OneAmerica®.  Donna is a strong believer in advancing the financial services profession, and is proud to be a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA).

Kate Malmstedt

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.