Board Members
Board Members:
Lisa Warren
Parent, School Board Member
Lisa Warren was one of the founding members of the Coalition due to her role as President of the Middle School South PTO. As the mother of three, Lisa has continued with the Coalition to support the continued education of parents and teens of the harms youth substance use and abuse. This coordinates well with Lisa’s other volunteer activities in the school district and community that focus on enriching and enhancing the experiences of local youth.
Lauren McArdle, Ph.D.
Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Lake Zurich CUSD 95
Lauren McArdle is the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services for Lake Zurich CUSD 95. Lauren has her doctorate in school psychology, and additionally has her clinical psychology license. In addition to her work in schools, Lauren previously operated a private practice where she supported a wide range of social-emotional needs (including challenges with substance use). Lauren's office currently oversees all social-emotional initiatives within the District, which includes identifying mental health needs of students.
Sara Marx, LCPC, NCC
Director of Health & Wellness Ela Township
Sara Marx is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a National Board Certified Counselor (NCC). With over 10 years of experience, she has worked with varied populations: from children to senior citizens, in a multitude of settings including low-income communities, shelters, clinics, schools, private practice, and inpatient facilities. Sara believes everyone will face periods of adversity accompanied by feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, anger, loneliness, and other difficult emotions. These periods offer us opportunities to grow and become the best versions of ourselves. Sara currently serves as the Director of Health & Wellness for Ela Township, which provides mental health services to all Ela Township residents at no cost.
Steve Husak
Chief, Lake Zurich Police Department
Steven D. Husak has been the Chief of Police with the Lake Zurich, IL Police Department since 2014. He began his law enforcement career with the Buffalo Grove Police Department in 1988. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Northern Illinois University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Management from Illinois State University, and is a Certified Police Chief through the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. He has established a professional network of positive working relationships by taking on leadership roles in numerous regional organizations, such as the Major Crash Assistance Team of Lake County, the Lake County Underage Drinking and Drug Prevention Task Force, and the Ela Coalition Against Youth Substance Abuse. Chief Husak is committed to the residents of Lake County and has been an integral part of this coalition.
Jim Cairo
Parent, Cairo Design
Jim joined the Ela coalition in the Spring of 2011 after attending a town hall discussion for random drug testing at Lake Zurich High School. Living in Lake Zurich since 1994 and having both of his daughters attend Lake Zurich High School, Jim was aware of some of his daughter’s classmates struggling with and some losing their lives to drugs. Sadly, Jim also lost his brother to drugs in 1984, further shaping his decision to contribute to the community through campaigning for substance abuse prevention. Owning his own design firm, Cairo Design, Jim felt he could make a difference in the community and hopefully help other families by utilizing his design and marketing skills as a member of the coalition. Jim has supported the Ela coalition and has been a vital piece in creating Ela’s annual postcards. His creativity and graphic design skills greatly helps the coalition spread its message.