Our History

Have Dreams was founded in 1996 by a small group of parents and educators in northwest suburban Park Ridge seeking autism programs for their children extending beyond the school day. Parents along with visionary professionals, educator Kris Johnsen, Dr. Catherine Lord, and Dr. Kathleen Kennedy Martin developed the first Have Dreams program, a Social Skills class, for the original seven children who launched the organization. The Social Skills class was held once a week in a room above the Oakton Ice Arena in Park Ridge. Have Dreams now serves over 140 children and families with autism at locations in Park Ridge and Evanston, Illinois.