Meet the H5H Team

My name is Marie Bernier. I started as a job coach with District 218 in August 2006. My first assignment was at Moraine Valley Community College. At Moraine, I was able to train students in many departments on the campus.  After 5 years at Moraine, I was moved to Richards High School and became the job coach there. I enjoyed being a part of the Bulldog community and still consider myself a Bulldog.  Last year I was fortunate to become the store manager of High 5 Heights. It has been a pleasure working with the ATP staff as well as the High 5 Heights staff to create this store and this experience to train students in a real store setting. I have met many people in the store and I’m thankful for the support of the community to make the store a success. 

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, hanging out with friends, watching Cubs games and getting caught up on General Hospital. 

My name is Lisa Blyth.  I was born and raised on the southside and currently reside in Palos Park.  I am a wife, mom of two adult kids, and I have two grandchildren.  I keep busy with my favorite hobbies that include: decorating, traveling, cooking, entertaining and shopping (it's my cardio!).  My close-knit family and my hobbies keep me pretty busy.  When I am not enjoying the previously-mentioned activities, I can be found working at High 5 Heights.  Working at the store has allowed me to utilize a combination of my skills and past work experiences to create a successful job training atmosphere, as well as, an aesthetically pleasing shopping experience.  I look forward to many more years to come, and I consider it both a pleasure and privilege to work at High 5 Heights!

My name is Jenae. What I like about working at High 5 Heights is I am really getting comfortable interacting with the public and  gaining new skills that I can take with me wherever I go. I enjoy assisting and being supportive with the other members of our team when they need assistance or have questions. When I’m not at H5H, I enjoy trying to cook new things, playing video games, and going to the movies. I really enjoy coming to work everyday because I get to work with a great group of people.

Hi, my name is Julia Huscher. I was the first employee of High 5 Heights. My favorite thing about High 5 Heights is that I get to see everyone and I like to help or create new products. When I am not working at High 5 Heights I am either going on family and friends vacations, hanging out with family and also seeing my two nephews. I also work at Chick-fil-A in Chicago Ridge. When I am not working I am playing in the Special Olympic sports for Oak Lawn Park District. I love  CHSD 218 & High 5 Heights team!!!

Hello, my name is Amy Kaskie. Life’s adventures—and occasional chaos—have shaped my ongoing journey, one that revolves around the art of self-care. With over 20 years as a mental health professional, I’ve found my greatest joy in working with teenagers, including my own! Along the way, I became a yoga instructor and energy healer, committed to being present for others in both mind and spirit while continuously learning and growing myself. This passion led me to create Turkey, a beloved brick-and-mortar space in Beverly on Chicago’s south side. True to my vision, Turkey thrived for five years, leaving an impact that still resonates. Now, I’m weaving my multifaceted skills into new ventures, sharing what I’ve learned and continuing to grow alongside others.

My name is Mariclare Kmiec. I am the proud mother of two daughters who also work for District 218. 

I most enjoy spending time with my family and many grandchildren. 

I have been a job coach at the High 5 Heights store since June 2024.

Prior to coming to High 5 Heights I was a First Grade Teacher for 37 wonderful years. I am so happy I made the choice to join this awesome TEAM at 218!

Hi my name is Demetrez Kelley and I am the maintenance and a laser machine operator at High 5 Heights. I graduated from Richards High School and I was also a student at CHSD 218 Adult Transition Program (ATP).  Before working at High 5 Heights I  was the night

custodian at Eisenhower High School. In my free moments, I like to read, listen to music and most of the time i like to go with the flow with most things.

I help with assisting the other job coaches with making the products, remaking the store and

help teach the students how to use the machines.  I have recently started learning how to use the embroidery machine which is really cool! What I like about the job is that I am able to learn new things and to stay busy while doing it.

Hi! My name is Kerry McNicholas, and I’ve been working in the field of special education for over 20 years. One of my proudest accomplishments is being part of the creation of High 5 Heights. With the help of many dedicated hands, we’ve built a space where students not only learn to run a business but also gain hands-on work and life experience. I'm fortunate to work alongside the dedicated students and staff from the CHSD 218 Adult Transition Program. Seeing our students thrive—both during the program and after they graduate—is the most rewarding part of my career. Outside of work, I love spending time with my daughters, nieces, and nephews, and enjoy being surrounded by my close family. I also like staying active, traveling and catching up with friends.