Our Office

Center for Independent Futures
743 Main Street
Evanston, IL 60202-2202
map

P: 847.328.2044
F: 847.328.2665
E: center@independentfutures.com

Jane Doyle, Ph.D., Executive Director and co-founder
Jane has over 20 years supervisory, teaching, consulting, and fieldwork experience focused on transitioning young adults with disabilities into community lives.  Jane has served on the faculties of National Louis University PACE Program and University of Illinois at Chicago, supervising graduate students’ teaching practicum in Chicago Public Schools.  Jane and her husband, Dave, have an adult daughter with developmental disabilities.

Kim Mercer, M.Ed , Community Life Coordinator
Kim received a B.S. in Special Education from the University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign.  After graduation, she took a position in the Chicago Public Schools as a high school special education teacher, teaching in the severe and profound disabilities program for one year and in the autism program for two years.  Through this experience, Kim discovered her desire to help create opportunities for adults with disabilities.  Kim has been serving in her current capacity since September 2005.

Jacqueline Heavey, LSW, Community Life Liaison
Since 2005, Jacque has shared her social work expertise with CIF individuals and families.  Jacque received a B.A. in Sociology from John Carroll University and her Masters in Social Work from the University of Cincinnati.  After earning her degree, Jacque worked with children expelled from Cincinnati public schools and teenage wards of the state in Oakland, California.  Jacque lives in Chicago.

Cynthia Witherspoon, M.Ed., Career Development Coordinator and Building
With degrees from Saint Francis College and Butler University, Cynthia worked as a special education teacher for more than 23 years prior to joining the CIF staff.  In addition, Cynthia completed her coursework for the Leadership in Educational Administration Endorsement from Iowa State University.  To CIF, Cynthia brings a passion for creating innovative educational opportunities and effective management systems.  Cynthia currently lives with her husband and their family in Evanston.

Mary Bowmann, B.A., Development/Administrative Associate
Mary received a degree in Sociology from Northwestern University where she was involved in Special Olympics as a volunteer coach and student board member.  After graduating, Mary came to CIF as a Northwestern University Public Interest Program Fellow.  At the end of her year-long fellowship, Mary moved into her current position and is thrilled to continue with CIF.

Michelle Martin, B.A., Development/Administrative Associate
Michelle graduated from Loyola University in 2006 with a degree in English and International Studies.  Michelle has a wealth of experience with non-profits through her past work as an AmeriCorps Volunteer in Denver, CO and an Immigrant and Human Rights Intern in Chicago.  Originally from St. Louis, Michelle now lives in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago.

Family Member, Friend or Advocate? Tell Us About You here.
Professional? Tell us about you here.