Meet the Staff

Susan B. Friend, CPRP, is the Executive Director of SEASPAR and has been with SEASPAR since 1979. She served as Superintendent of Recreation during the formative years and was responsible for developing programs and services as the agency grew to its current eleven member entities. Prior to working at SEASPAR, Susan began her career at Western DuPage Special Recreation Association. Susan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Administration from Eastern Illinois University and a Master’s Degree in Management from National-Louis University. As a part of her master’s program, she wrote a thesis on inclusive recreation services. Susan likes working with the public and enjoys the variety of experiences that working at SEASPAR provides.

Catherine A. Morava, CPRP, is the Superintendent of Recreation and has been with the agency since June 1983 having served as a Recreation Specialist and most recently Staff Coordinator. Cathy is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation and a minor in Psychology. In her role as superintendent, she supervises full – time staff, is the safety coordinator for the agency and supervises core programs and special events. Cathy is very active in state professional organizations and enjoys serving all SEASPAR residents.

Matthew R. Corso, CPRP, is the Superintendent of Program Development and Public Awareness and has been with the agency since January of 2004. Matt started in the field of special recreation as a part-time staff for the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association (NEDSRA). After graduating from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, he became a full-time staff for NEDSRA as a specialist and eventually became a manager. Matt left NEDSRA after three and a half years to try his hand in the benefits and staffing industry. During his five years out of the field, he continued to work part time for NEDSRA and even worked part time at SEASPAR. In May of 2002, Matt was hired as Manager of Programs at the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) and worked there for almost two years before he finally came to SEASPAR. Matt’s favorite part of his job is coming to work and being a part of a team that provides unique opportunities to SEASPAR residents to help them enjoy their lives.

Anne Cosentino, CTRS, CPRP, is a Coordinator at SEASPAR. She is directly responsible for hiring, training, and assigning part-time staff and volunteers to SEASPAR programs. Anne is also responsible for SEASPAR’s fleet of four vehicles as well as supervising interns. Anne graduated from the University of Iowa in May 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation. She began her career at the Northwest Special Recreation Association as a Program Specialist. She then moved to the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association where she was the Coordinator of Youth Services and Day Camp for four years. Anne joined the SEASPAR team in June 2006. Anne is also involved with the professional associations in the area. Her favorite part of her job is getting to know all of the participants and part-time staff and volunteers.

Brian A. Houzenga, CTRS, is a Coordinator and has been with the agency since October 2006. Brian is responsible for SEASPAR's Inclusion Program, Leisure Education Programs and coordinating teen and adult weekly programs. Brian started in the field of Therapeutic Recreation as an intern at Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA), and then graduated from The University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Leisure Studies, with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation in May 2003. After he completed his internship, Brian launched his full-time career as a Recreation Specialist at Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (M-NASR) in May 2003. Brian worked as a specialist at M-NASR for over three years. Brian’s favorite part of his job is getting to know a variety of people from the member districts SEASPAR serves.

Laura Christensen, CTRS, is the Coordinator for the EAGLES program. Laura graduated from Southern Illinois University in December 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation and a minor in Outdoor Recreation and Psychology. Laura has worked with individuals with special needs since junior high and is very passionate about the field. After completing her field work and internship out west, she returned to Illinois to work at Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association (NEDSRA) for over five years. At NEDSRA, she wore many hats coordinating the outdoor and adventure programs, seniors outings, and youth at risk activities. Laura then moved up to Manager of Adult Services and enjoyed supervising interns as well. She received the ITRS Professional of the Year Award in 2007 for her outstanding contribution in the field of Therapeutic Recreation. Laura left the state to bring therapeutic recreation to the Regional Autism Center at LOGAN in South Bend, IN. There she was able to implement and lead programs that were not previously available to youth and teens with Autism. The impact was huge and beneficial programs will now continue to be offered to individuals on the spectrum to enhance their quality of life. Now, Laura looks forward to helping the EAGLES program soar at SEASPAR! 

Lisa Rasin, joined the full-time staff on January 5th as the Fund Development Coordinator. Lisa’s responsibilities will include raising funds to continue and expand services to meet the growing needs of the communities that SEASPAR serves. Lisa has strong ties to the local community, including six years on the board of Directors for the Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Indian Boundary YMCA. Lisa is also a member of the Downers Grove Kiwanis Club, which sponsors two of SEASPAR’s largest special events . For two years she chaired the Downers Grove Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society. She has been recognized by the Business Ledger as an “Influential Woman in Business” and the Downers Grove Chamber of Commerce honored her with its Outstanding Volunteer award.   In addition, the Village of Downers Grove named her the citizen of the year. Lisa has had the privilege of working with individuals with disabilities as a volunteer at SEASPAR for many years through the Kiwanis Club in Downers Grove. Her nephew, Jack, also participates in a variety of programs at SEASPAR, and Lisa feels this is her way of giving back to this wonderful organization.  She truly understands the challenges and importance of providing quality programs to our families in our communities.

Greg Pavesich, is a Recreation Specialist and has been with SEASPAR since September of 2009. Greg received a Bachelor’s Degree in Rhetoric and Communications from Drake University. After working at Orchard Place Youth Treatment Center in Des Moines Iowa, Greg returned to community based recreation as a Program Specialist with Northwest Special Recreation Association in May of 2005. Some of Greg’s hobbies include swimming, cycling, and playing golf. Greg responsibilities as a Recreation Specialist include Adapted Sports, Nursing home outreach, and Youth at Risk. What Greg loves most about his position is being able to offer opportunities in recreation to individuals that might otherwise not have the same opportunities.

Kim Huggins, is a Recreation Specialist and has been with SEASPAR since June 2010.  Kim started her career at the Fox Valley Park District while pursuing her Bachelors of Science Degree in Recreation Administration with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from Aurora University.  After graduation in August of 2006, Kim started working at the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association and moved up to Senior Recreation Specialist.  Kim currently coordinates teen and adult special events, social clubs, vehicle and facility scheduling.  The best part Kim loves about her job is seeing miracles happen every day and giving everyone a chance to participant in different activities. 

Rachel Hane, Recreation Specialist, started with SEASPAR in September of 2010.  Rachel received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Illinois State University in Recreation and Park Administration with an emphasis on Therapeutic Recreation and a minor in Psychology.  Rachel completed her internship during the summer of 2010 at NEDSRA in Addison.  Rachel currently coordinates the children weekly and special events, youth weekly and special events, and aquatic programs.  Rachel values supporting SEASPAR participants as they develop through new and meaningful experiences.

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Aaron Hirthe, Recreation Specialist, started with SEASPAR in July of 2011.  His responsibilities include Special Olympics, aquatics, and cooperative camps.  Prior to SEASPAR, Aaron was the Adult Recreation Coordinator for the Little City Foundation in Palatine.  He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin in Madsion.  He enjoys exploring the world with his wife and son.  He is an "outdoor enthusiast" who enjoys camping, hiking, canoeing, sailing, and most sports. 

Georgia Weber, is the Administrative Secretary at SEASPAR. Georgia began working at SEASPAR in 1983. Prior to working at SEASPAR, she was a legal secretary in Chicago for multiple lawyers. Georgia enjoys working at SEASPAR because she experiences the rewards almost daily from the wonderful staff, parents of participants, and the participants that mere money cannot buy.

Ann Franczyk, a long-time volunteer, joined the full-time staff in March of 2006 as the Administrative Assistant. Her involvement with SEASPAR began in 1999 as a volunteer for special events and the Friday Night Social Club program. Prior to joining the agency, Ann worked for Nalco Chemical Company in public relations and corporate communications for 28 years. After retiring from Nalco, Ann worked at the Downers Grove Park District for more than four years as Administrative Secretary for the Board of Park Commissioners and the district’s Administrator. Through her long association with SEASPAR, Ann has developed a great respect for the integrity of the staff and their dedication to the participants. The joy received by serving the special needs of the community makes this the most fulfilling and rewarding job she’s ever had!

Cari Podolak,  Registrar, began with SEASPAR in November 2010. Her background includes several years experience as a Production and Quality Manager in various fields. She was a certified internal auditor and helped write and train staff on new procedures. She helped streamline processes and make them more effective and efficient. She also worked at the Carol Stream Park District as the athletic director’s assistance for almost 10 years. She holds several certifications in Microsoft Office programs and various proprietary computer programs. She can’t wait to meet all of the families that make up the SEASPAR community.