The Illinois/Indiana Chapter of Healing the Children began over twenty-four years ago. Until March, 2004, it was associated with Sunnyridge Family Center in Wheaton, IL. It originated with the persistence and hard work of Karen Schreeinga, and it grew and flourished with the assistance of other good people, such as Larry and Arlene Betts, Carole Guye, Laurene Church, Sandy Oyler and Julie Betts.

During this time, more than three hundred children from more than forty different countries were helped. The chapter has now become a separate and unique entity. An outstanding, enthusiastic and all-volunteer board has been created. Its members include Director Jeff Degner, Vice President Tia Poggensee, Treasurer Darlene Meyer and Foster Parents/Medical Advisors Kieran and Dennis Penning. They are all committed to maintaining the legacy of the Illinois/Indiana organization and moving forward into an exciting and hopeful future. Indeed, “hopeful” is such a significant word! It aptly characterizes not only this chapter but also the feelings of underprivileged kids everywhere. Ahead are plans to sponsor more medical missions and to organize local, humanitarian aid for the healing of needy children... around the block and around the world.

Darlene Meyer is employed by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, specifically on the Orthopedic Trauma Team. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and is currently working on a Master's Certification in Training & Development. Darlene and her husband Rod live in Palatine , IL and have been blessed with four cherished daughters. A recent retiree from Delta Air Lines, Darlene believes that the two trips she has made as an escort to Nicaragua were by far her most meaningful travel journeys.

Kieran Penning, medical advisor, is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the School of Nursing at Indiana University, Northwest (Gary) Campus. She is also a nationally Certified Pediatric Nurse through the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and a nationally Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the same body. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she maintains a part-time advanced clinical practice in a pediatric office in Munster, IN. Ms. Penning has 30+ years in nursing, predominantly in the pediatric/ parent-child health areas, and in a variety of acute care, community, and educational settings. She holds memberships in a number of professional organizations, and chairmanships/directorships in some. Her experience with Healing the Children includes 10 years as a foster parent with husband Dennis. She has also participated in two medical mission trips to Guatemala.

Dennis Penning has a background of work experience in nursing, secondary education, health education, and public health. While a member of the Clerics of St. Viator he lived and worked in Colombia, South America for ten years.  He currently serves as Clinical services Coordinator with the Hemophilia Foundation of Illinois. Dennis, his wife Kieran, and his daughter Alyssa, have been a volunteer foster family for the Illinois/Indiana Chapter of Healing the Children for ten years. They have fostered seven children from Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, India, and Nigeria and live in Chesterton, Indiana.

Tia Poggensee has been actively involved in HTC for over 9 years assisting both the Wisconsin and Illinois/Indiana chapters. She lives in Crystal Lake with her husband and 3 wonderful children. Tia has her Master’s of Social Work and is currently employed as a school social worker in District 300.
Jim Trotter

Jim Trotter is a 26 year finance and leasing professional who joined our chapter in 2009 as our Treasurer. He currently lives in Cary, IL with his wife Carin and 2 daughters. Jim also serves as a Stephen Minister for his church.

Jeff Degner, President, has volunteered for HTC for eighteen years, working for both of the Wisconsin and Illinois/Indiana chapters.  He has escorted dozens of children to and from third-world countries and makes bi-annual trips to Nicaragua.  He also has been a participant in medical trips to this same country. Jeff is a published author and one of his stories, based on a Healing the Children experience he had, can be found in the book, “Doing Good for Goodness Sake.” He has been a passenger-service employee of Delta Air Lines at O’Hare airport for almost 40 years and lives in Barrington with his wife, Marcie and their dog, Luna.