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"The work of the world is common as mud.
Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.
But the thing worth doing well done
has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident.
Greek amphoras for wine or oil,
Hopi vases that held corn are put in museums
but you know they were made to be used.
The pitcher cries for water to carry
And a person for work that is real."

- Marge Piercy from To be of use

Staff

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.

Board of Directors Sue Berman Ellen Brechlin Katie Feldheim Tim Feldheim Carol Felsenthal Alan Meyers Joanne Meyers Ken Meyers Rob Neustadt Marc Rosenbaum Howard Scharf

Advisory Council Dan Dickinson Tom Golebiewski, LCSW Debbie Gross, LCSW Laurie Kahn, MA, LCPC Debra Larrea, LPC Stan Lewy, MHP Jeanne Malnati, LCSW Melissa Malnati Lois Neustadt Rabbi Debra Newman Kamin Zach Novak Nancy Perlson, LSW Kevin R. Roy Reverend Charles T. Rubey Michelle Scheinkopf Debra Stacey, Ph.D. Sara Star, MD Ed Wittenstein