FHSR'S STAFF
KRISTEN J. VAN DYKE - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Kristen J. Van Dyke, Executive Director, first joined FHSR seventeen years ago as a Board Director with a personal understanding of childhood hearing loss - shortly after the birth of her son, Maxwell, she learned he was deaf. Since then, she has seen firsthand the benefits of wrap-around therapies for cochlear implant recipients. In 2015, Ms. Van Dyke transitioned into the position of Executive Director. With a Masters in Public Policy from the Harris School at the University of Chicago, Ms. Van Dyke brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the position. Driven by a keen focus on early childhood challenges due to income and health disparities, she works to create programs that address all the needs of children living with hearing loss.
JEAN GUTHEIM KAISER:Â Communication and Events Manager
Jean Kaiser brings a 30 year repertoire of leadership, design and management skills to the Foundation for Hearing and Speech Research through her years of experience running small businesses. Jean's lifelong commitment to children, including education and advocacy, along with her keen business skills align with FHSR's mission assisting in the day to day operations of the Foundation. She oversees all aspects of the Foundation's external communications including the FHSR website and events.
Kate Spelman - Director of Development
Anna Tess, Ed.D - Education Coordinator
Dr. Anna Tess is the new Education Coordinator for FHSR. Prior to joining the Foundation, Anna spent eight years as an administrator and teacher at a school for children with hearing loss. She received her Doctorate in Special Education at Illinois State University, Masters in Educational Leadership from American College of Education, and Masters in Deaf Education at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. Having been born deaf herself, Anna was one of the first-generation recipients of cochlear implants, receiving her first implant at the age of 2 and her second at the age of 19. When she is not teaching children with hearing loss, Anna competes in recreational sports and spends time with her family, friends and dog. Read more about Anna and the Education Coordinator Position in our Blog
FHSR INTERNS
Charlie Pekarek - Development Intern
Charlie Pekarek is thrilled to join FHSR as the 2025/2026 Development and Database Intern. They hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from DePaul University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Charlie has a deep commitment to social justice and brings nearly 10 years of experience in nonprofit roles. They are excited to further the mission of FHSR and build skill in the development and philanthropic sectors.
Nisha Dhanik - Education Program Intern
Nisha Dhanik, MSDE
Nisha is thrilled to be working with Anna Tess as the Education Program Intern. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a BA in Neuroscience and Linguistics in 2017, followed by an MS in Deaf Education in 2019. She worked as a deaf educator for four years in Dallas, TX, before returning to graduate school to pursue audiology. She is currently a second-year Doctor of Audiology (AuD) student at Rush University, where she is passionate about serving underserved communities and reducing barriers to care.
At Rush, Nisha is an active student leader, holding several teaching assistant positions, serving as Vice President of the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) executive board, and volunteering at audiology clinics whenever she can.
Nisha will support the growth of our literacy initiatives and assist with special projects throughout the year. In her free time, Nisha enjoys cooking, reading (she’s always looking for book recommendations!), and discovering hidden gems around Chicago.
