The Chicago Area Blog

Our Chicago Area Team brings a wealth of experience to the table.  More than half the Community Counselors in our area have 15 years of experience or greater.  Combined we have over 125 years of experience serving host families and au pairs in the Chicago area!

Angela Weepie ~ CHA cluster~ Chicago~Hyde Park, South and West Loops, Bucktown/Wicker Park

Angela joined the team in 2003.  She was born and raised in eastern Canada, and has lived and worked in Canada, the US and Mexico and is fluent in Spanish.  Angela is also a Program Consultant responsible for developing resources for host families and au pairs to further enhance the cultural exchange.

Ginny Costigan ~ CHL Cluster ~ Chicago – near north, north and northwest areas in the city

Iris Sommer ~ CHH cluster~ Highland Park, Glencoe, Lake Forest, Linconshire and Riverwoods

Iris has been a community counselor in the north shore area for over fifteen years.  Born and raised in Chicago, loves being here and meeting new people all the time.

Kathy Kressner ~ CHG cluster~ northern Chicago suburbs in Lake and McHenry County

Kathy has been a counselor since 1994 and a life-long resident of the Chicago land area.  Kathy was introduced to the program through a family friend who had a positive experience as a host family.  She has been working ever since making sure that families and au pairs have the best possible experience.

Maria Gabryszewski ~ CHR cluster~ Naperville, Bolingbrook, and surrounding areas

Maria is a Chicago native who has lived in Naperville for 20 years with her husband and two girls.  She was thrilled to be able to join Au Pair in America in 2005 because of her positive experiences both as an exchange student and host parent to international guests.

Pamela Mayer-Caes ~ CHC cluster~ Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Elmhurst & Downers Grove

Pam has been a Community Counselor for over 15 years.  Born in Texas, Pam now lives with her family in the Western suburbs.  Pam enjoys getting to know both the host families and the au pairs during their year (or two) together.  She loves watching the interplay of cultures and helping people grow in understanding and appreciation of one another.

Renee Bernal ~ CHS cluster~ North Shore, Evanston, Winnetka, Skokie, Northbrook

Renee Bernal has been an Au Pair in America community counselor since 2001.

Sandee Plescia ~ CHF cluster – St. Charles, Batavia, Aurora, Bartlett, DeKalb areas

Sandee has worked as a Community Counselor since 1994 and as an Orientation Trainer since 1997.   When her children were younger she hosted au pairs from Sweden and Germany.

Click below to see a promotional video about Au Pair in America

http://aupairinamerica.com/video.asp?keepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=355&width=600