Who We Are
THE HISTORY OF THE cLUBHOUSE
Developed in 2006 as “Leading Edge Clubhouse,” New Beginnings Clubhouse formed as an opportunity center for adults with persistent and serious mental illness. In 2020, the Clubhouse was granted conditional accreditation through Clubhouse International. During this time, the name ‘New Beginnings’ was implemented by the members of the Clubhouse. Since then, New Beginnings has achieved a successful work-ordered day where members build an abundance of skills including interpersonal, job developmental and educational skills. Members are offered the opportunities necessary to reintegrate into society and establish independence.
Judge Aleksandra Dimitrijevic
Lake County Judge
Board member since 2024
Charles Williams
Certified Public Accountant
Board member since 2024
Cynthia Kennedy
Director of Adult Intensive Services at Regional Health Systems
Board member since 2025
Deann Patena
President/CEO of Crossroads Chamber of Commerce
Board member since 2021
tHE ADVISORY BOARD
New Beginnings has an independent board of directors; in some cases, if it is affiliated with a sponsoring agency, then the Clubhouse has a separate advisory board. This advisory board is comprised of individuals uniquely positioned to provide financial, legal, legislative, employment development, consumer and community support and advocacy for the Clubhouse.
Dashawn Pertersen
Clubhouse Member
Justin Sikes
Vice President of Quality/Safety and Risk Management at Trilogy
Board member since 2021
Kaley Marino
Outpatient Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Professor of Mental Health Nursing at Purdue Northwest
Board member since 2021
Katie Zromkowski
Occupational Therapist
Board member since 2021
Matthew Lazar
Clubhouse Member
Antwon Simmons
Clinical Laboratory Associate
at Eli Lily
Board member since 2021
Lena Clouse
Pharmacy Manager at Genoa Healthcare
Board member since 2021