Our Team

Jodie Segal, MSW
Director of Education
Jodie will be working with area Middle and High Schools in order to raise awareness and provoke dialogue about teenage suicide among students, staff and parents. She will assist schools in the implementation of the SOS Signs of Suicide® Program, an evidence-based suicide prevention program that teaches students how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, and seek out needed help. In addition to providing hands-on support to those staff members implementing the SOS program, Jodie will also offer all-staff training sessions, as well as presentations for parents. She helps to foster their understanding of warning signs, and highlight ways in which they can support at-risk teens. Jodie is no stranger to preventative efforts or to working with schools, families and community organizations. She began her career as a school social worker, where she implemented a range of programs designed to foster resiliency in students and strengthen their support systems. For the past six years, Jodie has worked as an assistant principal at both the elementary and middle school level. She has a solid awareness of the issues and pressures affecting today’s youth, and, like Elyssa’s Mission, recognizes the need to work collaboratively in order to build a safer community: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” —Helen Keller Jodie holds a B.A. degree from Washington University in St. Louis and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She completed her school administration degree at Loyola University. Jodie resides in Deerfield with her husband Gary and their two young daughters.  

Leslie S. Klassman
Community Outreach Coordinator, 847-826-5307
Leslie Klassman serves as the Community Outreach Coordinator for Elyssa’s Mission, a not-for-profit foundation that provides support and resources aimed at removing the painful challenges faced by today’s teenagers and which often can lead to suicidal ideation. Leslie’s focus is on providing information and aiding in the implementation of the Signs of Suicide an evidence based suicide prevention program for both Middle School and High Schools. In addition to her work with Elyssa’s Mission Leslie is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She is in private practice and specializes in providing assessment, education and counseling services to individuals who have experienced impairment in their lives due to substance use. Leslie is also active as the volunteer coordinator for Keshet Buddy Baseball. This program pairs individuals with developmental disabilities with volunteers who assist them while playing the game of baseball. Leslie received her undergraduate degree in Community Heath Education from the University of Illinois, Urbana, Champaign and her Master’s in Human Resources from National College of Education. Leslie and her husband Dean, have two adult children.