FHSR'S STAFF
KRISTEN J. VAN DYKE - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Kristen J. Van Dyke, Executive Director, first joined FHSR thirteen 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 first-hand the benefits of cochlear implantation. 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: Communications and Events Manager
Having spent more than 20 years as a managing partner in a small design/build firm in Chicago, Ms. Kaiser brings a repertoire of leadership, design and management skills to the Foundation for Hearing and Speech Research. Her lifelong commitment to children, education and advocacy made the move to FHSR seamless. Her multi faceted background makes her capable to handle the many different tasks needed in running a small Foundation. She is not afraid to take charge and handle any problems that come her way and pursues the opportunities that the non-profit sector brings. Ms. Kaiser’s experience and expertise in event planning, accounting, legal, financial and human resources, design and technology and her passion for public service makes her a great asset to FHSR. Besides the day to day coordination, her work includes the redesign of the website and keeping it updated, event planning including graphic design & coordination, coordination of all social media campaigns in her collaboration with Carlson Integrated.
Kate Spelman - DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Anna Tess Ed.D - Education Coordinator
Ms. Tess is the new education coordinator for FHSR. Prior to joining FHSR, Anna was a school administrator and teacher at a school for children with hearing loss for eight years. 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, Ms. Tess competes in marathons, spends time with her family, friends and dog.
Read more about Anna and the Education Coordinator Position in our Blog
FHSR INTERNS
Maria Ortiz - Development Intern
Maria joins FHSR as the new Development and Database Intern. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Special Education along with a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management. Maria is a dedicated special education teacher with the Chicago Public Schools and is passionate about advocating for people with disabilities. Eager to explore the nonprofit sector, Maria seeks to gain valuable experience through this internship to further her career beyond the classroom setting.
Kelly Schlicher - Education Program Intern
Kelly graduated from University of Georgia in 2022 with her B.S.Ed. in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is a 2nd year doctoral student for Audiology at Rush University with an interest in pediatrics and is passionate about hearing conservation for all ages! Aside from the Associate Board, Kelly is thrilled to be working with Anna Tess as the Education Program Intern. She will be working to support the growth of our literacy initiatives and provide assistance to special projects throughout the year. Kelly has volunteered for numerous organizations, both in audiology and beyond, and is so excited to be more involved with FHSR. In her free time, Kelly enjoys listening to podcasts and spending time with her friends and family.
