Willow House Names New Executive Director

 
Denise O'Handley
Development Director
(847) 236-9300
www.willowhouse.org
 
Willow House Names Anya Tanyavutti as New Executive Director,  Following Retirement of David Scheffler
Chicagoland’s Only Nonprofit Organization Dedicated to Providing No-Cost Bereavement Support for Children and Families 
Continues Program Expansion Under New Leadership 
 
Bannockburn, Ill. (Jan. 30, 2025) – Willow House’s board president, Eric Lynch, announces the appointment of Anya Tanyavutti as the organization’s Executive Director, following the retirement of David Scheffler, who has led the organization since 2020.
 
Tanyavutti is recognized for her diverse background and 25 years of expertise in the fields of education and nonprofit leadership.  Prior to joining Willow House, she held executive leadership roles with an arts organization serving Chicago Public Schools (CPS), a Chicago birth justice organization, and youth development and community school programs. Additionally, she taught 4th grade in Benton Harbor Area Schools in Michigan, was a former school board leader spearheading innovative policies and served as a DEIB consultant. 
 
“Willow House’s board of directors, staff and volunteers are excited to have Anya leading our team into 2025 and beyond,” said Board President Eric Lynch. “Her background and wealth of experience well positions Willow House for continued program growth and expansion within new communities to support children and families grieving the loss of a loved one.  We also extend our much deserved thanks to David.  Under his leadership, Willow House weathered the challenges of COVID-19 and continued to build upon our organization’s reputation as a national leader in children’s grief support.”
 
Under Scheffler’s leadership, Willow House launched virtual programming to continue its mission during the pandemic and today offers hybrid group environments, opened a new support group site in Round Lake Park and formed a partnership with the Lauri Bauer Grief Centers to complement its group support services with individual counseling at minimal or no-cost to those experiencing grief. 
 
A lifelong learner, Tanyavutti earned her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Master’s in Socio-Cultural Studies and Educational Thought from Western Michigan University.  She’s also a published author, trained birth worker, three-time alum of the Jade T. Perry Cecilia Weston Spiritual Academy and a trained Shamonic Reiki practitioner.  Her distinct combination of expertise will guide Willow House to continue to develop pioneering programs, increasing its impact within the field of children’s bereavement support. 
 
“I am profoundly and personally aware of the expansive ways that we experience grief individually and collectively, especially since the impact of COVID-19 on all of us worldwide,” said Tanyavutti.  “As a mother of three and a seasoned professional, I am deeply committed to the Willow House mission and our very special community.  I look forward to continued stability, expansion and growth of Willow House’s reach throughout the greater Chicagoland region.”
 
About Willow House
Willow House is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated providing no-cost grief support and education for youth, families, schools, and other communities grieving the death of a parent, sibling, or child.  The organization’s programs are where hope lives and healing begins, providing space for people to grieve in companionship with others who share a similar loss.  Programs include Peer Support Groups, Survivors of Suicide Support Groups and an Expressive Arts Program.  Willow House also provides education, training and consultation to schools and communities seeking to support these families effectively.  Serving the greater Chicagoland area since 1998, Willow House is the only independent program singularly devoted to this service in the state of Illinois, with innovative programs utilizing the latest research and best practices in mental health.   Willow House is headquartered in Bannockburn and has additional locations for support groups in Arlington Heights, Chicago, Libertyville and Round Lake Park.  For more information, visit www.willowhouse.org or call 847-236-9300.  Stay connected to Willow House @WillowHouseIL.
 
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Media Contact: Denise O’Handley
deniseohandley@willowhouse.org
Cell: 847-648-2644