Des Plaines speech language specialist earns national honor
Dana Yala, a speech language pathologist at Orchard Place Elementary School in Des Plaines, was selected as a 2014 Champion of Literacy by Scientific Learning. Yala is one of 17 educators from across the country chosen for going above and beyond the call of duty for their students, colleagues and parents. She was nominated by Jessie Newbury, who said, "Since 2012, Dana has worked with hundreds of students with the Reading Assistant program. She is an advocate for literacy and her effort with the kids is easily noticed through their growth. I have no doubt that her commitment to the kids by coaching and increasing expectations is helping students on their journey through their growth in literacy." Yala was presented with a crown and flowers by Ellen Teelucksingh, District 62 assistant superintendent for student services, and Julio Lopez, Orchard Place principal.
Lynne Schneider, executive director of the Buffalo Grove Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, will retire from the chamber at the end of the year. Schneider joined the chamber in 1989, and has served the business community for the past 25 years. Schneider has overseen the events and day-to-day operations of the chamber, worked in partnership with the village on the Buffalo Grove Days Festival, created the Heart of the Community Awards and assisted on the merger of the chamber with the Lincolnshire chamber. She served on the board and as president of the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, sat on the Illinois Chamber as an ex officio director and in 2011, was awarded the prestigious Lester W. Braun Jr. Distinguished Illinois Chamber of Commerce Executive Award, an award presented by her peers. She also serves as secretary of the Northwest Suburban Chamber of Commerce Executives. She also is on the board of the Buffalo Grove Friends of the Parks Foundation and is a member of the Village of Buffalo Grove Arts Commission and ad hoc Bicycle Committee.
Society of Health and Physical Educators America has recognized Steven Peter, a physical education teacher at the Science & Arts Academy in Des Plaines, for winning the 35th annual Jump Rope For Heart State Recruitment Challenge. Peter went above and beyond the $3,500 recruitment challenge, raising more than $9,000. The money will support cardiovascular research and physical education and training programs. Peter will receive a professional development package which includes a stipend to attend SHAPE America's National Convention & Expo in Seattle, plus an online shopping voucher to buy P.E. equipment.
Clara Carlson, 15, of North Barrington, completed a wilderness expedition traveling with the National Outdoor Leadership School. Carlson, with nine other kids and two instructors, backpacked for 30 days in the Bighorn Mountains of northern Wyoming, traveling over meadows, valleys, high passes and boulder fields. They saw wildlife including moose, elk, deer, marmots, pika and many bird species. Overall the group hiked 95 miles and gained 15,050 feet of elevation.
Northwest Community Healthcare's Medical Group expanded its network of experienced doctors by welcoming a pediatrician, an internist and a family medicine physician.
Dr. Heidi Chatham, board certified in family medicine, is treating patients at 1450 Busch Parkway, Buffalo Grove. Chatham earned a Doctor of Medicine degree in 2008 from Central America Health Sciences University, Belize City, Belize. She completed her residency at Hinsdale Hospital in 2012.
Dr. Mark Rothschild, board certified in pediatrics, treats patients at 135 N. Arlington Heights Road, Buffalo Grove. Rothschild earned a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1976 from Chicago Medical School. He completed his residency at Wyler Children's Hospital, University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics in 1978.
Dr. Sofia Tirovolas, board certified in internal medicine, is treating patients at 605 W. Central Road, Arlington Heights. Tirovolas earned a Doctor of Medicine degree in 2007, from Rush University Medical Center, Chicago. She completed her residency in 2010, at Medical College of Wisconsin and Affiliated Hospitals, Milwaukee.
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