Meet Our Family Advisory Council Members
Learn more about the parents and caregivers who partner with the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) to help improve services and support for all Illinois families of children and youth with special healthcare needs.
Krystle Myers, Northern Illinois
Krystle Myers is a dedicated mother and advocate who brings both professional expertise and deep personal experience to the DSCC Family Advisory Council (FAC). Before becoming a full-time caregiver to her daughter, who lives with a rare disease, Krystle worked as a program coordinator at JPMorgan and attended nursing school. Her medical background has helped her navigate the overwhelming world of complex care, but even with that training, she’s experienced how hard it can be to get the right support in Illinois.
Krystle has turned those challenges into action. She’s served on the Illinois Rare Disease Commission, helped pass state legislation (SB 67), and advocates nationally through the EveryLife Foundation. She also stays connected to the Make-A-Wish community through their walk and alumni team.
Krystle joined the FAC to help improve the road for other families like hers who deserve timely, compassionate, and coordinated care without having to travel across the country to get it. She’s proud to use her voice to push for change and make Illinois a better place for medically fragile children.
Her advice to fellow caregivers: “Take it minute by minute, then day by day. Every single day is a gift.”
Fun Fact:
Krystle spent six months living in Guatemala and still calls it one of the most amazing experiences of her life.
Dena Chapman, South Suburbs of Chicago
Dena Chapman is a mother, advocate, and lifelong believer in the power of the parent voice. She is the proud mom of two brilliant young adult sons, including her youngest, who has a rare neuromuscular condition. Dena’s caregiving journey began more than two decades ago, and it has shaped not only her life, but her life’s work.
With a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Loyola University and advanced studies in editing through the University of Chicago, Dena brings both professional and personal depth to her advocacy. Over the past 25 years, she has worked across grassroots and state systems to strengthen family engagement and champion the voices of parents in shaping policies and services. She has served as a Parent Liaison in Early Intervention, a master trainer in parent development leadership, and a key voice in the development of a new Early Childhood Education and Care system for the state of Illinois. Her leadership has helped activate family councils statewide and build lasting change through authentic collaboration.
Dena is especially passionate about improving systems of care for children with disabilities and ensuring that transition to adulthood is met with support, not barriers. She joined the DSCC Family Advisory Council (FAC) to be part of the critical work being done for medically complex children and families in Illinois and believes the FAC is a space where real, meaningful change begins.
Dena describes her caregiving journey as life-changing and deeply spiritual. In a moment of fear and uncertainty, she found strength, clarity, and a promise to give her son everything she had. Since then, she’s held onto the belief that “I have everything I need to care for my son. I am more than enough.” That reminder has carried her through the hardest days, growing her faith and love along the way.
Fun Fact:
Dena is a classically trained ballerina and even built her own ballet studio at home. Just don’t ask her to perform, because she admittedly has serious stage fright!
Kassandra Santos, Northwestern Illinois
Kassandra Santos is a proud medical mom, lifelong learner, and passionate advocate. With a master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs, she has worn many hats throughout her career, from student affairs and human resources to customer service and warehouse work. Each role has shaped her into the caregiver and advocate she is today, giving her the tools to navigate complex systems and support others with empathy and strength.
As a newer parent to a medically complex child, Kassandra’s caregiving journey is still unfolding. While navigating cultural dynamics and learning how to advocate for her daughter, she’s also found the courage to set healthy boundaries that keep her family grounded. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Kassandra works intentionally to ensure her family’s story is accessible to others in the Spanish-speaking community.
Kassandra was drawn to the DSCC Family Advisory Council (FAC) because she genuinely believes in the power of possibility. One quote that has guided her for years is: “She is a dreamer, a doer, a thinker. She sees possibility everywhere.” It’s more than just words; it’s the way Kassandra moves through the world. That mindset of curiosity, action, and optimism fuels her commitment to advocacy, especially for those whose voices too often go unheard. With a strong foundation in equity and inclusion, she continues to learn, grow, and speak up, not just for her own family but for many others navigating similar journeys.
Fun fact:
Kassandra has a gift for connecting with people from all walks of life, and she uses that gift to build bridges, spark conversations, and uplift her community wherever she goes.
Mary Herschelman, Central Illinois
Mary Herschelman is a writer, publisher, and devoted advocate who brings her heart and storytelling skills to the Family Advisory Council. With a background in journalism and a career as the publisher of a community newspaper, Mary knows the power of words to raise awareness and build connections.
Her advocacy began through her journey as a parent to her late daughter, Grace, who lived with a rare disease. Together with her husband, Mary worked to bring attention to rare conditions, support access to IVF, and champion accessibility. These tremendous efforts have made an impact both locally and across Illinois.
Mary was introduced to DSCC after her daughter transitioned from Early Intervention, and she has never forgotten the support her family received. Now, she serves on the DSCC Family Advisory Council (FAC) in Grace’s memory, offering her insight to help other families feel seen, supported, and less alone.
She reminds fellow caregivers to celebrate the small milestones and hold onto moments of joy. “Special needs parenting has so many challenges,” she says, “but focusing on the good parts helped me stay positive for my family.”
Fun fact:
Mary is a huge Harry Potter fan and lives by one of her favorite quotes: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” She strives to embody that kindness every single day.