Mission and Values

Our mission is to empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to contribute to and enjoy their community.

We believe in establishing communities where every individual, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to live a life of purpose, connection, and independence. By removing barriers to social engagement, CAN creates inclusive communities where adults with I/DD are valued, visible, and experience true belonging.

2025 Form 990

2026 Annual Report

Black and white photo of Community Access Naperville group standing in front of a white passenger van in a parking lot

History

Community Access Naperville, Inc. (CAN) was incorporated on December, 2011 by a group of local moms. Prior to this, the board members had worked together in an informal partnership called Community Access Multi-needs Partnership (CAMP) to organize and plan a week-long summer day camp which ran in August, 2010 and in August, 2011. This camp served as a trial and template for Community Access Naperville’s Community Based Day Program. The first official CAN sessions took place two Saturdays per month beginning in January, 2012, and CAN now offers weekly programming Monday through Saturday.

Community Based

Community Access Naperville is a community-based day program that goes beyond the traditional center-based care. We are in the community every single day, ensuring our friends with intellectual and developmental disabilities are seen, heard, and involved. From dining with neighbors to volunteering at local sites, we provide the specialized support needed to overcome communication barriers and build lasting social bonds.

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Personalized Attention

With a staff-to-participant ratio of 1:3, CAN ensures personalized attention, unlike larger organizations with fewer staff. This enables the development of activities that maximize each participant's strengths and foster daily community integration, allowing individuals to thrive.

Our community-based approach is unique. While most programs for adults in the I/DD community focus on center-based activities and offer community outings once a week or a few times a month, CAN ensures that every session incorporates a community outing.

Our Team

At Community Access Naperville, our staff brings passion, heart, and exceptional skill to every in-person session. Together, our dedicated team of Program Leaders and Program Assistants boasts over 110 years of combined experience supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities right here in our community.

Our team’s rich background includes extensive training in social work, education, and therapeutic recreation, along with specialized clinical expertise. Together, we are committed to creating an empowering, inclusive, and joyful environment for every participant we serve.

Executive Director

Hannah Klinnert

Hannah joined Community Access Naperville in the spring of 2025, bringing over a decade of experience in nonprofit development and fundraising. She channels her extensive background into CAN’s strategic planning and board development, while thoroughly enjoying her time on-site connecting with CAN’s participants. Her passion for non-profit growth helps strengthen CAN’s community footprint and long-term sustainability.

Operations Director

Brenda Hasler

As Operations Director, Brenda brings extensive experience in supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Building on her background with Naperville 203’s Connections program, she is a fierce advocate for participant independence and meaningful community inclusion. Brenda uses her deep industry knowledge to drive high-quality programming, ensuring every individual thrives in engaging, inclusive in-person sessions.

Behavior Analyst

Nina Koehler, MA, BCBA, LBA

Nina Koehler is Board Certified with more than a decade of experience supporting adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities across school, home, and community settings. She has served in leadership roles in behavioral services, specializing in positive behavior supports, staff training, and individualized programming. Growing up with a brother who has Down syndrome and autism inspired her lifelong commitment to helping individuals build independence, meaningful relationships, and lives filled with purpose,

Community Partnership Manager

Dana King

Dana began her career as a program assistant and job coach at Connections before joining CAN. Driven by a passion for inclusive programming and scheduling, she stepped into her current role as Community Partnership Manager. Today, Dana builds and maintains strong relationships with local partners to create meaningful, community-based opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities