Debbie Heeren
Executive Director
Debbie Heeren serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation and brings more than 40 years of experience as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois State University in Low Vision and Blindness, followed by a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Southern Illinois University. Debbie also received her certification in Orientation and Mobility from Texas Tech University.
Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to helping children who are blind or visually impaired reach their fullest potential through compassionate instruction, encouragement, and advocacy. One of her greatest professional passions is braille. As a Library of Congress Certified Braille Transcriber, she is passionate about ensuring that students who are blind or visually impaired have access to quality braille and the tools they need to become confident, independent learners.
Debbie’s strong faith and deep love for children are at the heart of her work and leadership. She is passionate about creating opportunities for students and families to grow, learn, and thrive. As Executive Director, she is committed to advancing the Foundation’s mission and ensuring that every child is valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Joni Williams
ChairmanJoni Williams serves as the Chairman of the Foundation, bringing extensive leadership and business experience to the organization. As the owner of a successful marketing company and a longtime President and CEO, she has spent many years leading teams, building organizations, and developing strategies that create lasting impact.
Joni’s expertise in leadership, marketing, and organizational growth provides valuable guidance as the foundation pursues its mission. She is passionate about using her experience to help strengthen the organization, expand its reach, and support programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. Through her service as Chairman, Joni is committed to helping the foundation grow and thrive for years to come.
Troy Heeren
Secretary and TreasurerTroy Heeren serves as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Foundation. As an Aerospace Engineer, Troy brings strong organizational skills and a
thoughtful approach to leadership. He is passionate about problem-solving, innovation, and finding practical solutions that help the organization operate effectively.
He is committed to supporting the foundation’s mission and helping ensure its
long-term success through thoughtful stewardship and service. Through his role as Secretary and Treasurer, Troy is dedicated to helping create opportunities that positively impact the children and families the foundation serves.
Allison Heeren
Director of ProgrammingAllison Heeren serves as the Director of Programming for the Foundation and is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for children with visual impairments and their families. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Oklahoma, along with a minor in Health and Exercise Science. She later received her Master’s Degree in Low Vision and Blindness from Illinois State University.
As a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments for the past five years, Allison has dedicated her career to helping children build confidence, independence, and the skills they need to succeed. In her role as Director of Programming, she is excited to develop engaging events and experiences that encourage learning, connection, and fun for children and their families.
Faith is an important part of Allison’s life, and she is passionate about creating opportunities for young people to grow in their faith and community. She is actively involved in volunteering with youth group activities and retreats, where she enjoys building relationships with students and helping create meaningful experiences for them. Allison is committed to bringing her passion for education, service, and faith to the foundation as she works to inspire, support, and empower every child to reach their full potential.
Sy Chaba
Board MemberSy Chaba brings decades of business, marketing, and nonprofit experience to the Path of Light Foundation board. As Chief Client Officer at Kelly Scott Madison, Sy has spent his career helping organizations solve complex challenges, build stronger connections with the people they serve, and use data and strategy to drive
meaningful growth.
Throughout his career, Sy has worked with a wide range of nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, including The Chicago Lighthouse, The American Red Cross, the YMCA, and numerous healthcare organizations, as well as major national consumer brands. His experience spans strategic planning, marketing, media, organizational growth, and building high-performing teams.
Sy is especially skilled at bringing people and ideas together, asking the right questions, and turning strategy into action. He brings that combination of business experience and nonprofit perspective to Path of Light as we work to expand educational opportunities and help students who are blind or visually impaired build greater independence.
Rebecca DeYoung-Daniels
Board MemberRebecca’s varied background includes more than 40 years of healthcare, management, and consulting experiences. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with an MBA, she has worn many hats within the healthcare and education industries, including maternal and child nutrition, community wellness programming, university instruction, textbook authorship, and home education. Rebecca is a distinguished speaker for audiences ranging from childcare providers to seasoned medical personnel and has mentored many aspiring healthcare professionals over the years. Her numerous regional and national awards pale in comparison to God’s gifts of her spouse, their five adult children, and grandchild. While her previous volunteer work spans professional, community, and faith-based organizations, she is eager to focus her unique skills on the Path of Light Foundation.
Heidi K Greenwood Doell
Board MemberBio coming soon!