Kate Thommes takes on Bridge Builder program manager role at Marklund

Kate Thommes of Elgin was recently named program manager for the Bridge Builder CDS Program at Marklund.

Bridge Builder CDS is a community day services program offering vocational and special education services to adults with developmental disabilities and autism who have aged out of traditional education and transition programs. It is located at Marklund’s Nathan Education Center in Elgin.

A board member for Elgin Area School District U-46, Thommes had previously worked as an adjunct faculty member at Elgin Community College, was a teacher for Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavior Health, Jacobs High School in District 300, and Eastview Middle School in District U-46. She was also an ESL Services Specialist for the Elk Grove Village Public Library, and was the senior manager of training for a series of nonprofit healthcare clinics.

Thommes holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Aurora University, a Masters in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from St. Thomas University, and a bachelor’s degree and Professional Educator’s License from Illinois State University.

Founded in 1954, Marklund is a nonprofit organization in Elgin, Geneva and Bloomingdale that provides residential, therapeutic and education services to children and adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities. Learn more at www.marklund.org.