Palatine Township Announces Members of Newly Established Disability and Resource Task Force

Palatine Township Supervisor Andy-John G. Kalkounos announced the members of the newly-established Palatine Township Disability and Resource Task Force at the inaugural meeting on August 18, 2026. The Task Force originated from a conversation between Kalkounos and Trustee Natalie Sahinoglu, combining the vision of a centralized index of community resources with Sahinoglu's passionate advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Together, they envisioned a resource that would help residents more easily navigate available services and support. The Task Force was created to assess needs, identify gaps and strengthen connections to existing resources for individuals with disabilities throughout Palatine Township.

"Residents shouldn't have to be experts in the system to find the help they need in our community," Kalkounos said. "We want to make it easier for residents to connect with the right resources and support by identifying gaps and strengthening connections."

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Kalkounos emphasized the importance of focused, thoughtful work by the Task Force. Its members will examine how individuals and families currently navigate available services, identify barriers and explore ways to make connections to resources easier and more effective.

Introducing Task Force members:

Gerald Chapman: Former District 211 Superintendent with extensive experience in education, leadership and public service, Trustee of Inverness Rural Fire Protection District

Linda Hall: Disability advocate and co-founder of Connect to Community, supporting young adults with developmental disabilities

Irene Herzau: Community leader with experience in local government and public service, Trustee of Hoffman Estates Rural Fire Protection

Robert McKanna: Former District 15 Superintendent and appointed Trustee of Inverness Rural Fire Protection district

Hemal Modi: Physical therapist with more than 20 years of experience working with individuals facing mobility and neurological challenges

Julie Nowak: Former District 211 special education leader and Principal of Conant High School, bringing extensive experience supporting students with disabilities and their families

Adrienne Provost: Palatine resident with more than 20 years of personal experience navigating disability, healthcare, education, insurance and government systems

Robin Raef: Palatine Township Senior Center case manager with extensive experience connecting residents to disability services and community resources

Trustee Natalie Sahinoglu: Palatine Township Trustee with a strong personal commitment to improving support for children and adults with disabilities

Palatine Township is your primary source of humanitarian aid in our community. Under the guidance of Supervisor Andy-John G. Kalkounos and the Board, the Township provides numerous services and events for its 115,000 residents and supports 35 social service agencies located within its boundaries. The Township is one of the most heavily populated in Illinois, with a mission to enhance and improve the quality of life for all residents.

Serving Palatine Township: Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Inverness, Arlington Heights, Hoffman Estates, Barrington, South Barrington and Schaumburg.