Brenda Grusecki

Brenda Grusecki (Past President) is an English teacher who retired from Oak Park and River Forest High School where she chaired the English Division for seventeen years.  Subsequently, she has worked as instructor and supervisor of student teachers at Northwestern University and Dominican University. She spent many years teaching in the gifted program (Center for Talent Development) for middle and high school students at Northwestern.  As a Board Director of the Family Service and Mental Health Center of Oak Park and River Forest (re-named Thrive Counseling Center), Brenda served in several capacities including officer positions, gala co-chair, and co-chair of a successful endowment campaign. In 2009, she received the Rita Johnson Humanitarian Award from the organization.  Brenda has also served on several other Boards in Chicago and is currently a Trustee of the American Writers Museum. With her husband, she administers a family foundation that funds education, the arts, and housing and social service initiatives and programs. The Gruseckis enjoy and support the many cultural opportunities that Chicago offers.