Changes in ARS Leadership 

Little City is pleased to announce changes in its Adult Residential Program leadership roles.

Joanne Kuhstoss is assuming the role of Director of Adult Residential Services. In this role, Joanne will be responsible for maintaining the quality, productivity and positive outcomes of the adult residential program as a whole. She will be leading the program’s day to day operational efficiency and will provide leadership to staff, direction to program operations, development of systems, and promoting a positive environment that is responsive to the needs of the individuals served, the staff providing services, and reflects the mission of the organization.

Previously, Joanne served as Director of Day Services at Lakeside Center in Waukegan for nearly 14 years, overseeing the many programs offered at the center. From the days as part of Countryside Association to the merger with Little City, Joanne has been a constant for the hundreds of people with developmental disabilities who have walked through Lakeside’s doors. And during the COVID crisis, she assumed the role as home manager to the residential homes of Plum Grove and Euclid to work directly with the residents and help keep them safe.

Joanne is excited to serve Little City in this new role and maintain a stable, enriching environment for the adults that call Little City home.

“I thoroughly enjoy coming to work and being able to face challenges and solve them as a team. I love what I do because everyone shares the same vision and is dedicated to the mission – enriching the lives of the people we serve,” Joanne said. “I am truly honored and greatly appreciate Little City for the opportunity and for entrusting me to assist our residents.”

For all questions that would have previously gone to Joanne as the Director of Day Services at Lakeside, the new point of contact is Gregory Halloran at ghalloran@littlecity.org.

The former Director of Adult Residential Services, Ola Olokun, will now be taking on a new opportunity in the adult residential program. In this new role, Ola will be responsible for pursuing new funding streams and alternative residential options for the adult population. Not only will Ola focus on the revitalization and improvement of residential options, but he will be pursuing new, customized housing options to best meet the needs of this changing population.

Working at Little City for 15 years, Ola recognizes the uniqueness of each adult resident, and the importance of providing more choice to help people where they are in order to achieve their goals. He is energized for this new opportunity and is looking forward to charting new territory for adult residential services.

"I am very excited for this wonderful opportunity given to me," Ola said. “My focus is to create effective and efficient residential options by expanding opportunities, enhancing an improved environment for SLA and ICILA residents, and creating an effective transition into traditional adult residential environments.”