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Pattie Zinski, Development Director
Deborah Giesler, MS, CCC/SLP, Executive Director
Deborah Giesler, MS, CCC/SLP, Executive Director
Deborah Giesler, MS, CCC/SLP, Executive Director
Deborah Giesler, MS, CCC/SLP, Executive Director
Deborah Giesler, MS, CCC/SLP, Executive Director
Deborah graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and from Governor's State University with a Master of Science in Communication Disorders.
She began her career as a speech pathologist and Brain Injury Team Leader on the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Lutheran General Hospital.
Deborah is the founder and Executive Director of Synapse House, starting in 2014.
Vera Kramer, Business Development Manager
Deborah Giesler, MS, CCC/SLP, Executive Director
Rebecca Hastings, Employment Services Coordinator & Community Support Specialist
Rebecca Hastings, Employment Services Coordinator & Community Support Specialist
Kristina Chapman-Rapp, M.S.Ed. C.P.T G.E.I. , Exercise Physiologist & Community Support Specialist
Rebecca Hastings, Employment Services Coordinator & Community Support Specialist
Becky is a 2016 graduate from Brown Mackie College in Akron, Ohio where she began her career as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. She developed her clinical skills in the skilled nursing, outpatient, and home health settings. Becky quickly discovered that her natural ability for creative problem solving was especially useful when paired with adaptive equipment and assistive technology for people with acquired brain injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, among other diagnoses.
As Employment Coordinator, Becky continues her passion for creative approaches to overcoming challenges and lending a helping hand to Members ready to return to the workforce.
Rebecca joined our team in 2021 and also works with our Community Support Service program with wounded veterans, which is a great passion of hers.
Kristina Chapman-Rapp, M.S.Ed. C.P.T G.E.I. , Exercise Physiologist & Community Support Specialist
Kristina Chapman-Rapp, M.S.Ed. C.P.T G.E.I. , Exercise Physiologist & Community Support Specialist
Kristina Chapman-Rapp, M.S.Ed. C.P.T G.E.I. , Exercise Physiologist & Community Support Specialist
Kristina graduated from Northern Illinois University in August 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and a Master’s degree in Science and Education in May 2011.
Kristina’s interest in exercise physiology began when she discovered “Exercise is Medicine” throughout her bachelor’s degree, and her internship in cardiac rehabilitation at Edward Heart Hospital, Naperville.
She joined Synapse House in 2020 to lead our Exercise Program and work with wounded veterans in our Community Support Service program.
Erika Panatera, MS, OTR/L, Clubhouse Work Unit Coordinator, Occupational Therapist
Kristina Chapman-Rapp, M.S.Ed. C.P.T G.E.I. , Exercise Physiologist & Community Support Specialist
Kristina Chapman-Rapp, M.S.Ed. C.P.T G.E.I. , Exercise Physiologist & Community Support Specialist
Erika graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 2018 with her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and went on to get her Master's of Science in Occupational Therapy degree in 2021 from Lewis University.
As an Occupational Therapist at Synapse House, she is motivated to help our Members do the things that make them who they are and get them back to doing the things they love!
She enjoys cooking tasks with the Members in the culinary unit, leading group discussions to build cognitive skills and planning events for the Members in the Clubhouse!
Megan McClain, MS,OTR/L, Clubhouse Work Unit Coordinator, Occupational Therapist
Megan McClain, MS,OTR/L, Clubhouse Work Unit Coordinator, Occupational Therapist
Megan McClain, MS,OTR/L, Clubhouse Work Unit Coordinator, Occupational Therapist
Megan graduated from Miami University in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and from Cleveland State University in 2007 with a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy (OT).
Megan’s interest in neurology started during her internship at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD and has grown throughout her career.
She joined Synapse House in 2020. She provides leadership and mentoring to our team and to our fieldwork students.
LaShelle Morrow, Transportation
Megan McClain, MS,OTR/L, Clubhouse Work Unit Coordinator, Occupational Therapist
Megan McClain, MS,OTR/L, Clubhouse Work Unit Coordinator, Occupational Therapist
LaShelle joins our team as our new driver. She has many years as an experienced bus driver for the school systems.
We are thrilled to welcome her to Synapse House!
Patrick Dwyer, Community Support Services
Megan McClain, MS,OTR/L, Clubhouse Work Unit Coordinator, Occupational Therapist
Patrick Dwyer, Community Support Services
Patrick will be joining our team shortly. He will be graduating from Fox College as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
Patrick will be working with our warriors and be assisting in the Clubhouse Program.
Accreditation, Membership & License
Commission on Accreditation of Facilities
Synapse House is proud to be accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Facilities (CARF) for Community Integration & Community Employment Services: Employment Support & Job Development.
International Brain Injury Clubhouse Alliance (IBICA)
Synapse House is an active member of the International Brain Injury Clubhouse Alliance (IBICA), www.braininjuryclubhouses.net
DuPage County Health Department
Synapse House is licensed/permitted by the DuPage County Health Department to operate an Annual Category II Food Establishment.