Get Involved · 2026

Committees

Committees are where the chapter’s work gets done — from education and legislation to mentorship, litigation, and member engagement. These are the teams shaping IL NAELA throughout the year.

Where the Work Happens

Twelve teams, one mission

Each committee is led by chapter members who volunteer their time and expertise. Members are always welcome to join a committee and help advance elder law in Illinois.

DE&I Committee

Wendy Cappelletto, Paige Fox and Zisl Edelson

Education Committee

Jenette Schwemler

Co-chairs MembersMelissa Kallio

Hardship Waiver & Scholarship Committee

Mallory Moreno

Chair MembersHeidi Dodd, Linda Strohschein, Melissa Kallio

Legislative Committee

Wendy Cappelletto and Ben Neiburger

Co-chairs MembersAmy Delaney, Kaye Dent, Anthony Ferraro, Melissa Johnson, Melissa Kallio, Tamara Marshall, Mallory Moreno, Heather Voorn, Dawn Weekly

Litigation Committee

Melissa Johnson

Chair MembersZisl Edelson, Amy Gjesdahl, Melissa Kallio, Eric Parker, Bridget Wrobel

Litigationpalooza Committee

Melissa Johnson

Chair MembersMelissa Kallio, Mallory Moreno, Mike Otte, Adam Stern, Bridget Wrobel

Membership Committee

Melissa Kallio

Chair MembersPaige Fox, Mallory Moreno, Courtney Todt Podkowa

Mentor & Mentee Committee

Courtney Todt Podkowa

Chair MembersJohnPatrick Brown, Jayme Levin-Muriel, Melissa Kallio

Social Media Committee

Melissa Kallio

Chair MembersHeather Voorn, Kelly Wambold

Sponsorship Committee

Tamara Marshall

Chair MembersHannah Clark, Melissa Kallio

State Advocate Designate to National

Heather Voorn

UnProgram Committee

Helen Mesoloras and Katie Lenert

Co-chair MembersKaye Dent, Melissa Kallio, Gina Salamone, Kelly Wambold, Lauren Weldon

Lend your expertise to a committee

Joining a committee is one of the most rewarding ways to give back, sharpen your practice, and connect with peers. Become a member, then reach out to get involved.