Let Me Introduce Myself

Hello! My name is Karen Olenec. I am a long-time resident of Western Springs, where I raised my four now-adult children. My passion has always been working with young special needs adults. I have spent many years as a Transition teacher helping students build the skills they need for life beyond school.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of supporting young adults as they grow in confidence, independence, and self-awareness. I believe one of my greatest strengths is the balance I bring—leading with compassion and kindness, while also maintaining a strong belief in perseverance and never giving up until a goal is reached. Those who know me well would likely say the same.

I created this program because I saw a need for continued support after Transition ends—a place where growth doesn’t stop, and where young adults can continue developing real-world skills in a meaningful and engaging way. Helping others move forward, gain confidence, and truly thrive is what motivates me every day.

Why can you trust me to build on and maintain the momentum from a Transition program?

For 11 years, I led the Transition program at Acacia Academy. When I began, the program was small, with only one or two worksites. Alongside an incredible team of administrators and support staff, I helped grow the program exponentially—both in the number of students served and in the wide range of thoughtfully selected community-based work opportunities available to them.

Over the years, I developed strong, lasting relationships with local business owners who came to trust the value of our program. These partnerships were built on consistency, preparation, and a shared understanding that placing the right student in the right role benefits everyone. Many of those businesses continue to employ students who were first introduced to them through the Transition program.

I firmly believe that one size does not fit all. My goal is always to thoughtfully match each individual with opportunities that align with their interests, strengths, and goals. I meet with each client and their family to discuss future aspirations, assess current skill levels, and create a clear, personalized path forward.

With the right guidance, structure, and continued real-world experience, I am confident that each participant can continue progressing toward greater independence.