“As a young child, my mother was sexually abused by a relative and her entire career was devoted to helping children and families in the community in which we lived. I would like to honor her by continuing her legacy in the work I do here at the CCAC.  I work hard every day to ensure that the programs implemented at the CCAC allow families to get the care they need and deserve.”

Kathy Grzelak, M.A., L.C.P.C.

Kathy Grzelak, Director of Programs, joined the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center in May 2009. Kathy comes to the CCAC with over 15 years of experience in the fields of child welfare and human services, most recently as Director of Children and Family Services at Little City Foundation in Palatine and Chicago, where she had worked since 1998. For her entire career, Kathy has worked with children who have histories of sexual and physical abuse and neglect.  Kathy has served on many state-wide committees related to childhood abuse and neglect, special education, and juvenile justice.

In her role as the Director of Programs, Kathy oversees all program areas of the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center including forensic interviewing, family advocacy, MPEEC (Multidisciplinary Pediatric Education and Evaluation Consortium), mental health, training, and outreach.

Kathy is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in the state of Illinois, as well as a child welfare specialist.  Kathy graduated from DePaul University with a Master’s degree in Human Services and Counseling and a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies from Northern Illinois University.