Leadership Team
Joelle Brescia - President
Joelle is a retired Special Education Assistant from Community Consolidated School District 54 in Schaumburg, IL. She is a member of the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance of Greater Chicago, and Canine Companions for Independence Greater Chicagoland Chapter and is President of Project ALEX Communities, Inc.
As the mother of a young adult son with disabilities, Alex, who has Tuberous Sclerosis and another son, Jason and daughter-in-law Hannah, she keeps very busy. Joelle has been married for over 30 years to her husband Tony. Together they own a Hallmark Store in Rolling Meadows. In her spare time, she enjoys playing her clarinet in the Knock on Wood Clarinet Choir, reading, her book club, puzzles, and getting together with friends.
“As Alex gets older, we are reminded that we do not know what the future holds as far as housing for young adults with specials needs. The idea for Project ALEX Communities has continued to be my priority”.
Contact Joelle
Tony Brescia - Treasurer
Tony Brescia is the treasurer of Project ALEX. He is the father of a young adult with a genetic disorder called Tuberous Sclerosis. Over the years he has been involved with Special Olympics both as a spectator and a coach. Currently he volunteers as a coach and Vice President of the Ten Pin Bowlers Special Olympics Bowling team. Tony owns a Hallmark Store in Rolling Meadows; and have seen first hand my customers who come in with their aging special needs children. Most of these children still live with their parents who are well into their 80’s. Because of this, he and his wift have seen the need for a special type of living environment where families can stay close. He is passionate about making Project ALEX a reality.
Contact Tony
Diane Pfister - Secretary
Diane joined the board after retiring from Township High School District 211 in 2018. Her background is in special education – as a teacher, vocational coordinator, department chair, and transition specialist. She has a family member with a disability which led her to choose special education as a career.
As the D211 transition specialist, she had the opportunity to observe first-hand the challenges faced by young men and women transitioning to their chosen post-high school experience. She shared in their parents’ frustration over the shortage of quality residential opportunities available to their young adults. She is thrilled to have a role on the board of Project ALEX so that she can be a part of developing an exciting new concept for housing adults with disabilities!
Contact Diane
Kimberly Brown - Director of Corporate Relations
Senior Business Analyst, Commonwealth Edison
Prior to coming to ComEd, Kim worked for Chicago Public Schools as a Teacher and Reading Coach. Kim is also the former State Coordinator for the Ms. Wheelchair Illinois Program as well as Ms. Wheelchair Illinois 2012. Kim currently is the Employee Liaison of the Exelon Resource Group ENABLED which educates employees about disability awareness. Kim is also a member of the ADA 25 Advancing Leadership Program. In 2020 Kim will be an Ambassador for the Abilities Expo in Schaumburg. Kim has earned a BA (Elementary Education) and MA (Reading Education) at Saint Xavier University and another MA (Educational Leadership) from Concordia University.
Contact Kim
Lisa Dell - Director of Development
Lisa has lived in the northwest suburbs for 38 years and worked as an elementary teacher in District 54 for nearly 30 years. She is now retired, and has a daughter and two young granddaughters, for whom she now babysits and enjoys spending a lot of time with. She also enjoys spending time with friends and traveling to her vacation home in Florida.
As an elementary school teacher, Lisa had the privilege of working with disabled students. The first-hand experience watching them contribute to the classroom gave her a unique understanding of how special these children are.
Project ALEX is a promising opportunity for unique individuals to be able to live in a community with semi-independence and be surrounded by family and friends.
Contact Lisa
Don Germano, Ph.D. - Director of Policy
After a career in technology leadership, Don has devoted his time to helping non-profit organizations navigate the startup phase and thrive. It has been particularly rewarding to successfully guide this board of passionate and committed individuals through the startup maze and well beyond.
Contact Don
Peter Perisin - Director of Project Management
Pete’s background includes residential construction, land development and the selling of real estate. That has been his primary scope for the last 20 years. He works with builders, develops vacant properties all while working with his clients to help them sell their homes or helps them buy the home of their dreams and that has always been what Pete enjoys doing.
Pete is a long time Barrington resident, regularly volunteers throughout the area and has many contacts in the business community. He has a proven track record of successful transactions with many happy clients. Pete’s unique perspective allows him to anticipate issues, find creative solutions to problems and always with the goal of his clients or the properties leading his ambition.
Pete and his family are excited to reside in a future Project ALEX community.
Contact Peter
Derrick Lord - President of Project ALEX Holdings
Derrick has seen first hand the need and value of Project ALEX in the community. He is proud to have been invited to join these dedicated individuals and families on such an important mission.
Derrick brings decades of experience with a background in insurance and financial services as well as having been a professional magician and musician. He also was named after the doctor that gave his mother 'sight' with her being one of the first successful corneal transplant recipients in history.
Contact Derrick
Jason Brescia, M.S.Ed LCPC, NCC - President of Project ALEX Operations
Jason is a mental health counselor in Arlington Heights and has been an advocate for individuals with disabilities for most of his life. Being a brother of someone with disabilities, he has always wanted to make sure that his brother would receive the best care possible as time goes on. By being a part of Project ALEX Communities, he is able to make sure that not only his own brother, but other people like him, are able to live as independently as possible. Together, we are able to create a community not only for them, but for community members as well.
Contact Jason
Ambassadors
Alex Brescia
Hillary Pittelko
Advisory Board
Nancy Gianni - Chief Belief Officer and Founder at GiGi's Playhouse