Abby Kritzler

Title: Dream Leaders Program Director

Childhood Dream: To play Mimi in Rent.

Abby was thrilled to join the Dreams for Kids team in 2008 as the Dream Leaders Coordinator. She was raised in Chicago’s north suburbs but left to attend Boston College where she received her degree in Sociology and Human Development with a minor in Faith, Peace, and Justice. While in high school and college, Abby was blessed with the opportunities to participate in service trips in Mexico, Guatemala, Tanzania, and the outback of Australia, heightening her awareness and passion for global issues. Then while in Boston, Abby became heavily involved in working with inner-city teenagers through the Roxbury Youth Programs, of which she later became the Program Coordinator. Abby was continuously inspired by her students’ strong spirits as they tirelessly overcame struggles to affect social change.

When Abby moved back to Chicago, she was first drawn to Dreams for Kids because of its dual approach of tackling local and global issues. She strongly believes in the Dreams for Kids ideal that all people, despite their limitations, can do great things in this world. This theory is proven for Abby each week as she enters the Dream Leaders classrooms and watches how determined the students are to improve the lives of others less fortunate than them.

Abby developed the Dream Leaders’ curriculum and is currently facilitating workshops in middle and high schools across Chicago. She looks forward to expanding the program to more students that are excited about helping others. She feels honored to work for a cause she believes in so strongly. Aside from Dreams for Kids, Abby is passionate about her family, travel, food, and Chicago sports.

Request Abby to bring a Dream Leader workshop to your school or speak at your event: abby@dreamsforkids.org
Read Abby’s Blog.