Read below for an important message from the Chair of our Board of Directors.
It is with mixed emotions of sadness and gratitude that the Board of Directors announces Jenni Rook has resigned as Executive Director of ITA effective June 3, 2022. Jenni developed and flourished during her 17-year tenure with ITA. Since becoming the Executive Director in 2011, Jenni has been a trusted leader, colleague, and community partner. She has been the driver in the long-term strategy and development of ITA. While we will miss her immensely, we wish her the very best in her new endeavor as the Executive Director and President of Thrive Counseling Center in Oak Park. Jenni’s accomplishments are too many to list, but here are a few:
- Established ITA as its own 501(c) 3 in 2015
- Facilitated the move to our own location in 2017
- Led the growth and expansion of services to the schools and community partners
- Developed the Musical Bridges to Memory Program
- Demonstrated steadfast leadership through unforeseen challenges including floods, construction issues, and a global pandemic
- Tripled the operating budget through increased fundraising and growing earned income sources
- Cultivated partnerships with foundations and community partners
Over the next few months, we will be conducting a search to find the new CEO of ITA. During this transition period, it is our priority to find the best individual to next lead ITA, while still maintaining a stable and effective organization. As part of this transition, we have hired Dr. Megan Ross as the Interim CEO. Dr. Ross is a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist in addition to having advanced degrees in Counseling and International Psychology. She has been serving as the chair of the Advisory Council at ITA of which she will be stepping down while she is acting as Interim CEO.
Jenni’s dedication and passion to ITA has been an inspiration and is appreciated beyond words. She will be greatly missed by the staff, Board members, clients, and partners alike. We look forward to building upon the success of ITA and continuing the mission of empowering individuals, families and communities to grow and heal through advanced approaches in Creative Arts Therapy, setting the standard for treatment, practice, and training within the field. We are optimistic for the next chapter of ITA as we continue to support our community in the important work to bring the creative arts therapies to those in need.
If you have any questions or concerns during this transition process, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly at ginnytrainor@yahoo.com
Sincerely,
Ginny Trainor
Board Chair, Institute for Therapy through the Arts