BOARD OF HEALTH MEMBERS

On March 16, 2022, Dr. Terrell was unanimously elected President of Will County Board of Health [BOH]. Dr. Terrell has worked 40 years as a Clinical Social Worker as well as 30 years as a university professor. As a practicing counselor who remains current and actively involved in both the educational and clinical aspects of the behavioral health field, Dr. Terrell is exceptionally well-positioned to provide expertise and perspective to the BOH. Dr. Terrell maintains a private counseling practice.

Resides: Shorewood
Joined BOH: October 2011
BOH Term Expires: June 2026

Chief Hertzmann has been with the Lockport Township Fire Protection District since 1989 and was appointed Chief in 2017. He provides the BOH with insight regarding Emergency Preparation and Response. He holds an associate degree from JJC, and both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from Lewis University. On March 16, 2022, Chief Hertzmann was unanimously elected Secretary of BOH.

Resides: Shorewood
Joined BOH: July 2019
BOH Term Expires: May 2025

Ms. Edna Brass comes to the Board of Health with 36 years of experience educating and supervising programs for students with disabilities and special needs.

Along with serving on WCHD Board of Health, Ms. Brass is also a Silver Cross Community Trustee as well as a board member of the Silver Cross Healthy Community Commission (SCHCC) and the Will Grundy Medical Clinic. These roles afford Ms. Brass opportunities to receive medical updates and to understand the trends that affect our world and our local community.

Ms. Brass is interested in bringing her pragmatic approach to a number of issues facing WCHD. First, she is particularly concerned about the long-term effects that the pandemic may have on all of the residents of Will County. Ms. Brass is also interested in the unique issues that confront the health of women and men. Additionally, Ms. Brass wants to make sure that the people of Will County—regardless of their socio-economic background—are aware that WCHD offers a wide spectrum of services.

Ms. Brass is retired from her work as Director of Special Services for Joliet Township High School District 204. She has been married for 45 years to her husband Saul. They are the parents of three daughters who along with their husbands are also actively involved in serving their community. Ms. Brass and her husband have been long, active members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Resides: Joliet
Joined BOH: July 2022
BOH Term Expires: June 2025

Jeffrey Carey is Deputy Chief of the Joliet Fire Department. He has been with the department since 1996 and was promoted to Deputy Chief in 2019. Deputy Chief Carey has his associate degree from Joliet Junior College, and he is currently finishing his last semester for his bachelor’s degree from Waldorf University. Deputy Chief Carey’s focus in the fire department has been community risk reduction and community mental health programs. The community risk reduction program identifies and prioritize local risks, followed by the integrated and strategic investment of resources to reduce their occurrence and impact. The department’s first CRR program has been a mental health program that provides free, definitive mental health care for all residents of Joliet.

Resides: Mokena
Joined BOH: May 2022
BOH Term Expires: June 2025

Allison Gunnink [MBA, MT-BC (she/her)] received her undergraduate degree in Music Therapy from Western Illinois University in 2010, and a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Health Services from the University of St. Francis in 2013. She obtained the Hospice & Palliative Care Music Therapy certificate for her primary focus of hospice care but has also obtained the NICU Music Therapy certificate. In addition to her work in the field, she has managed a broad team of supportive care providers in an administrative role. Allison resides in the Chicago suburbs and recently began in the position of Clinical Outcomes Manager at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care.

Allison believes in community involvement and has served in various capacities on multiple boards. Allison currently serves as Vice President Elect of the Great Lakes Region of the American Music Therapy Association. She is passionate about health equity and inclusivity within the healthcare field; she believes that person-centered care is crucial in healthcare in order to cultivate an environment in which people feel safe seeking support.

Resides: Shorewood
Joined BOH: May 2022
BOH Term Expires: June 2025

As the CEO of AMITA Health Provena St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Dr. Lipinski brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the BOH. Dr. Lipinski’s perspective and wisdom are highly valued especially when making decisions about programs, budgets, and policies.

Resides: Burr Ridge
Joined BOH: October 2017
BOH Term Expires: June 2026

Mrs. Parker joined the BOH in June 2021 serving as the liaison to the Will County Board. Executive Director of the Lockport Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Parker holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lewis University.

Resides: Crest Hill
Joined BOH: June 2021
BOH Term Expires: July 2024

Mrs. Robbins is a retired nurse who began her nursing career in 1978, spending over 20 years at St. Joseph Hospital. She is a former Past President and Government Relations Director of the Illinois Nurses Association. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of St. Francis in Joliet. Mrs. Robbins also worked as an adjunct nursing faculty for Millikin University and as an Educator Consultant for Nursing Excellence Continuing Education Services.

Resides: Peotone
Joined BOH: October 2023
BOH Term Expires: October 2026