Josie has called Highland Park home since 2011, where she resides with her husband and two active boys, aged 10 and 12. As the owner of Growing Happiness Garden Design, Josie embraces the vibrant community spirit and abundant recreational offerings that Highland Park provides.

Josie actively participates in Highland Park’s recreational scene, regularly attending group exercise classes at the recreation center and taking advantage of the park district’s lessons in golf, pickleball, and tennis. Her boys are enthusiastic members of the park district’s football, basketball, and tennis programs and often seen exploring the aqua-park, beaches, and fishing ponds.

Beyond her personal engagement, Josie is passionate about promoting inclusivity within the community.   She is committed to ensuring that all community members of Highland Park and Highwood, regardless of income, can access and benefit from the diverse programs and facilities available in Highland Park.

Silvia works at First Bank Chicago and moved to Highland Park with her husband Sam with their two children. They love living here because of all the green space Highland Park has to offer. Their children enjoy summer camp programs, Hidden Creek AquaPark, and hiking in many of our incredible parks. Silvia says she’s excited to be a part of the Parks Foundation because “Our ability to give back and reach everyone in the community is powerful and connective.”

Nick Barnes has been a Highland Park resident since 2018. During his free time Nick enjoys golf, tennis, pickleball and enjoying the local parks and Heller Nature Center with his daughter Emma and wife Jennifer. Nick joined our board because he realized the importance of open space and equal access to parks and preservation. Nick works in the City of Highland Park as a resource manager and acts as liaison to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. He is a former Recreation Specialist and has worked locally in the fields of Special Recreation and Special Education. Nick is proud to support the Park Foundation’s mission and seeks to use his appointment to help promote community enrichment through the parks.

Lori, her husband Jason, and their two children (5 & 7) moved to Highland Park three years ago. From beach yoga and dance to tumbling, flag football, basketball and coaching all the baseball, the park district provides plenty of opportunities to keep them on the move! Lori believes that “Community service has always been part of my why. I am excited to give back and bring awareness to the Parks Foundation so all community members in Highland Park and Highwood can access quality park district programming.”

Matt’s family moved to Highland Park 63 years ago when he entered kindergarten at Wayne Thomas in 1960. His wife Jamie used to go to West Ridge school when it was a one room schoolhouse and the two have called Highland Park home ever since. The Pestines raised two children here where the kids went ice skating at Centennial Ice Arena and attended Park district camps. Matt and Jamie enjoy the walking the same Moraine Beach with their dogs where both of their families use to spend weekends at the old Moraine Hotel. What Matt loves best about The Parks Foundation, is its direct connection to the community that has been home to him and his family for his entire life.

Rob Stepen has been a Parks Foundation Board member since 2021. Though he is busy as a business performance advisor with Insperity and his work on other Boards, including Loyola University of Chicago – Executive and Professional Education Center Advisory Board, and the Entrepreneurship Institute, Rob enjoys giving back to his community, especially his work with the Parks Foundation of Highland Park. For Rob, giving his time and his talent pays back tenfold – connecting him to his community and enriching his life.

Danielle Thiel and her husband, Brian, moved to Highwood/Highland Park in 2012. They were introduced to the Park District through their two boys’ (ages 10 and 12) extremely active year-round sporting activities. Through that experience they have seen what a unique and special community we have with absolutely amazing resources, exceptional programs and caring people. She joined the board to help further promote the board’s goals in ensuring all members of our community get to share in these same valuable and rewarding experiences.