MEET OUR TEAM

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BECCA OBUCHOWSKI

Executive Director

​Becca is the second Executive Director of Community Choices, taking over for the founder, Jennifer Knapp, in the summer of 2016. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization, works with the Board to develop strategic vision, manages the finances, and develops collaborations with other organizations. She also works to influence state and local policy in developmental disabilities.
 
Becca is long-time member of the Champaign-Urbana Community. She has experience working with and advocating for individuals with disabilities of all ages. Having been part of both the adult services fields and K-12 education, she understands the need to apply fresh perspectives and innovative ideas towards supporting and empowering participants to live the lives they want. Becca holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Illinois. 

Ryan Thomson

Community Life Coordinator

​As the Community Life Coordinator, Ryan runs the Community Transitional Support program. He assists individuals with moving out, developing skills to succeed on their own, and developing long-term connections within their communities.  He also co-facilitates the Men's Group. Ryan joined the Community Choices team in 2012.
 
Ryan graduated from the University of Illinois in 2006 with a Bachelors degree in Psychology.  In the fall after graduation, Ryan began working in the human services field, focusing on Developmental Disabilities for the past 7 years. 

Ashley Withers

Lead Employment Specialist

Ashley Withers has worked for Community Choices as an Employment Specialist since March 2014. Her role is to discover job interests of people with disabilities, help them find a job, and provide on-the-job support. She recently passed her CESP exam and is now a Certified Employment Service Professional. 
 
Ashley has a Bachelor's Degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Hospitality and Tourism Management with a Minor in Psychology. Prior to working for Community Choices, she worked for 3 years as a Human Resources/Vocational Rehab Counselor for an organization that hired individuals with disabilities for jobs at Federal and State contracts all over Illinois and Wisconsin.

ERIC ENGER

Connect Coordinator

​As a Connect Department Coordinator at Community Choices, Eric focuses on building inclusive relationships within the community through the IN Project and Open Champaign, while also working with people to develop individual strengths and cultivate leadership skills through the Step Up To Leadership course and co-facilitating the Men's Group. Additionally, Eric is collaborating on Co-Op Clubs and organizational training development. He joined Community Choices in January 2015.
 
In over 11 years of partnering with people with developmental disabilities and their families, Eric has held a variety of roles in both his hometown of St. Louis, MO and here in Champaign. He obtained his B.A. from Webster University and, during his time working for St. Louis Arc, was awarded Outstanding Recreation Provider Of The Year by the Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis in 2014. 

HANNAH SHEETS

Connect  Coordinator

As a Connect Department Coordinator, Hannah's focus is on building inclusive relationships and promoting opportunities for people to have influence in their community through The IN Project and Open Champaign initiatives.  Hannah also works with people to strengthen relationships and develop leadership roles in their lives through Co-op Clubs and Family Support. She joined Community Choices in July 2015.
 
Hannah has a M.A. in Leisure Studies with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from The University of Iowa.  Prior to joining the Community Choices team, she worked for six and a half years at a special recreation association, coordinating athletic programs and inclusion services. ​

KAITLiN KNOWLES

Employment Specialist

Kaitlin Knowles joined Community Choices in late 2015 as a part time Employment Specialist, supporting people who have developmental disabilities to find employment.  She graduated from North Central College in Naperville, IL with a major in Athletic Training and a minor in Psychology.  Born and raised in Champaign, IL, Kaitlin also ran track at North Central College.

Kaitlin loves to play sports, travel, and help others in anyway that she can.  She has always had an interest in the lives of people with developmental disabilities. Kaitlin's brother is a Community Choices member, and living with him has allowed her to gain knowledge and perspectives that she draws upon frequently in her work. 

JON RUTTER

Employment Specialist

Jon joined the Community Choices team in February as an Employment Specialist.  He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 2005 with a major in psychology and a minor in sociology. He has spent the past 10 years working with individuals with disabilities as a QIDP and employment specialist. In his free time, Jon enjoys traveling to visit friends and spending time with his dogs, Daizee and Pepita.  

Amy wyatt

Community Support Specialist

​Amy Wyatt joined Community Choices in July 2017 as the Community Support Specialist.  Her main focus is serving as the Service Facilitator for individuals who receive home-based support. As the Service Facilitator, Amy's job is to ensure that individuals are receiving sufficient support, working towards goals, and maintaining a happy and healthy lifestyle. She came to us with a wealth of knowledge both about our community and Home Based Support services which she now helps many individuals and families manage. Amy is also responsible for planning and facilitating many of our Personal Development courses.  
 
Originally from Urbana, Amy graduated from Illinois State University in 2004 with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and a Minor in Women's Studies.
She enjoys being outdoors, spending time with friends and loved ones, going to hear live music, and hula hooping!  She has a deep appreciation for all forms of art and tries to incorporate it into her life as often as possible. ​

CHRIS RAY

Membership Coordinator

​Christine is the part-time Membership Coordinator, joining the Community Choices Connect Department in August 2017. She looks forward to learning from members how she can help expand opportunities to participate in their community, from helping identify strengths to empowering its members to live the lives they want.

Chris has lived in Champaign since 1979, coming to the U of I and staying to raise her 2 sons.  She obtained her Master’s Degree in Education, with a focus on Community Counseling in 1997 from Eastern Illinois University.  She has spent the last 20 years working in the fields of mental health and substance abuse in Champaign.