Mission.Our mission is to build on a foundation of loving families united with LGBTQ people and allies who support one another, and to educate ourselves and our communities to speak up as advocates until all hearts and minds respect, value and affirm LGBTQ+ people.
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HISTORY
PFLAG Sauk ValleyIn 2006 Barb and George Schwamberger and Jane Biddle established PFLAG Sauk Valley, a local chapter of PFLAG National, which has more than 400 chapters nationwide. They wanted to provide a source of support and advocacy for the Schwamberger's lesbian daughter and the gay and lesbian community as a whole. The first meeting took place at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Amboy.
Our local board meets once per month. If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, please use the CONTACT link or call 815-408-0604. |
PFLAG NationalThe idea for PFLAG began in 1972 when Jeanne Manford marched with her son, Morty, in New York's Christopher Street Liberation Day March, the precursor to today's Pride parade. After many gay and lesbian people ran up to Jeanne during the parade and begged her to talk to their parents, she decided to begin a support group. The first formal meeting took place on March 11, 1973 at the Metropolitan-Duane Methodist Church in Greenwich Village (now the Church of the Village). Approximately 20 people attended.
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Support PFLAG Sauk Valley
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Our Board
Sarah Schlegel
President
Term expires: August 2028
Pronouns: she/her/hers
I have, along with my husband Tim, raised two children, who are now young adults. PFLAG was a guiding light when our family sought an inclusive space with educational resources. Serving on the PFLAG board is my way of keeping that light shining for others, and I am honored to serve alongside a terrific cast of other dedicated board members, who—as you will read—bring a wide variety of skills and personalities to our chapter. Please keep in mind that PFLAG Sauk Valley runs 100% on volunteer energy (my “day job” is as a middle school teacher), and we function on the “many hands make light work” philosophy. Be in touch to learn more about how you can lend “people power” to our mission to create a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.
President
Term expires: August 2028
Pronouns: she/her/hers
I have, along with my husband Tim, raised two children, who are now young adults. PFLAG was a guiding light when our family sought an inclusive space with educational resources. Serving on the PFLAG board is my way of keeping that light shining for others, and I am honored to serve alongside a terrific cast of other dedicated board members, who—as you will read—bring a wide variety of skills and personalities to our chapter. Please keep in mind that PFLAG Sauk Valley runs 100% on volunteer energy (my “day job” is as a middle school teacher), and we function on the “many hands make light work” philosophy. Be in touch to learn more about how you can lend “people power” to our mission to create a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.
Karol Teal
Board Member
Term Expires: Sept. 2023
Pronouns: she/her/hers, ze/hir/hirs, interchangeable
Karol Teal moved to Sterling in 2002 after re-connecting with her father, a Sterling native. Karol earned hir libral arts degree from Sauk Valley Community College, thanks to the GI Bill ze received due to hir service in the US Navy. She has been involved with PFLAG Sauk Valey in various capacities for over ten years. In 2010, ze joined forces with Youth Outlook and helped establish an LGBTQ+ youth drop-in site in Sterling beginning October 2011. Karol joyfully continues to serve as the Sterling Youth Outlook program assistant Thursday nights and First Presbyterian Sterling.
Board Member
Term Expires: Sept. 2023
Pronouns: she/her/hers, ze/hir/hirs, interchangeable
Karol Teal moved to Sterling in 2002 after re-connecting with her father, a Sterling native. Karol earned hir libral arts degree from Sauk Valley Community College, thanks to the GI Bill ze received due to hir service in the US Navy. She has been involved with PFLAG Sauk Valey in various capacities for over ten years. In 2010, ze joined forces with Youth Outlook and helped establish an LGBTQ+ youth drop-in site in Sterling beginning October 2011. Karol joyfully continues to serve as the Sterling Youth Outlook program assistant Thursday nights and First Presbyterian Sterling.
Nicole Pfeiffer Oberg
Board Member
Term Expires: September 2026
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Nicole Pfeiffer Oberg has lived in the Sauk Valley since 2000. She is the Owner/Practitioner/Reiki Master Teacher at Sauk Valley Reiki in Sterling. She also teaches part time music at Challand Middle School and Woodlawn Arts Academy and is a Truancy Caseworker for Lee/Ogle/Whiteside County. Nicole sings in the praise band at First Presbyterian Sterling and also directs the adult choir there. Nicole updates the website and facebook page for PFLAG Sauk Valley.
Board Member
Term Expires: September 2026
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Nicole Pfeiffer Oberg has lived in the Sauk Valley since 2000. She is the Owner/Practitioner/Reiki Master Teacher at Sauk Valley Reiki in Sterling. She also teaches part time music at Challand Middle School and Woodlawn Arts Academy and is a Truancy Caseworker for Lee/Ogle/Whiteside County. Nicole sings in the praise band at First Presbyterian Sterling and also directs the adult choir there. Nicole updates the website and facebook page for PFLAG Sauk Valley.
Jeffrey McKinney
Board Member
Term Expires: November 2028
My name is Jeffrey Mckinney! I am a domestic violence caseworker at the YWCA of the Sauk Valley. During work hours, I assist victims who are actively fleeing abuse, and I educate those who need a better understanding of red flags in relationships, just to name two of my duties. In my free time, I find enjoyment in quality time with my loved ones, trying new foods, and walking my dog! By volunteering with PFLAG my goal is to create and maintain a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community in the Sauk Valley area and help empower others who don’t feel empowered themselves!
Board Member
Term Expires: November 2028
My name is Jeffrey Mckinney! I am a domestic violence caseworker at the YWCA of the Sauk Valley. During work hours, I assist victims who are actively fleeing abuse, and I educate those who need a better understanding of red flags in relationships, just to name two of my duties. In my free time, I find enjoyment in quality time with my loved ones, trying new foods, and walking my dog! By volunteering with PFLAG my goal is to create and maintain a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community in the Sauk Valley area and help empower others who don’t feel empowered themselves!
Gabbi McKanna
Treasurer
Term Expires: Dec. 2026
Pronouns: she/her
Gabbi is a Rock Falls native and has spent her entire life in the Sauk Valley area. She holds an elected position as alderman on the Rock Falls City Council and as a precinct committee-person for the Whiteside County Democrats. She is also one of the founders of the Sauk Valley Pride group that hosts Pride festivals throughout the Sauk Valley area. Gabbi works out of her home as a consultant for a national accounting firm and enjoys spending time with her family and pets, reading books, and volunteering.
Treasurer
Term Expires: Dec. 2026
Pronouns: she/her
Gabbi is a Rock Falls native and has spent her entire life in the Sauk Valley area. She holds an elected position as alderman on the Rock Falls City Council and as a precinct committee-person for the Whiteside County Democrats. She is also one of the founders of the Sauk Valley Pride group that hosts Pride festivals throughout the Sauk Valley area. Gabbi works out of her home as a consultant for a national accounting firm and enjoys spending time with her family and pets, reading books, and volunteering.
Laura Rodriguez
Board Member
Term Expires: August 2028
Bio coming soon!
Steve Steinhagen
Board Member
Term Expires: December 2028
Steve is a Sterling native residing in Rock Falls with his father. He is an out, proud, gay man who feels strongly about advocacy for LGBTQI+ rights and human rights and who takes great pride in wearing the labels Liberal, Feminist and Democrat. He is an NPR and PBS junkie and is a proud supporter. He keeps abreast of social/political issues locally, nationally and globally. Steve is in a long-term relationship enjoying relaxed weekends with his partner. He enjoys movies, episodic series, comedy podcasts, and strives for physical fitness. Professionally, he is Office Coordinator at Norther Illinois Home Medical Supply in Sterling.
Layla Krzykowski
Board Member
Term Expires: November 2028
Pronouns: she/her
Layla is originally from the Chicago suburbs but has been in the Sauk Valley area since 2008. She has made her career in human and social services and is currently a Care Coordinator for Lifescape Community Services. Her career focus has been working with senior citizens and individuals who are intellectually and/or developmentally disabled. In her free time Layla enjoys spending time with her family, reading, completing puzzles, doing cross stitch, and participating in volunteer and advocacy work.
Board Member
Term Expires: November 2028
Pronouns: she/her
Layla is originally from the Chicago suburbs but has been in the Sauk Valley area since 2008. She has made her career in human and social services and is currently a Care Coordinator for Lifescape Community Services. Her career focus has been working with senior citizens and individuals who are intellectually and/or developmentally disabled. In her free time Layla enjoys spending time with her family, reading, completing puzzles, doing cross stitch, and participating in volunteer and advocacy work.
Open Seat
Board Member
Term Expires: 2028
Interested in becoming a board member? Please contact us!
Board Member
Term Expires: 2028
Interested in becoming a board member? Please contact us!
Barb Schwamberger
Board Member Emerita
Barb Schwamberger was a founding member of PFLAG Sauk Valley and served in a variety of board member positions over the years. Her unwavering commitment to PFLAG and her genuine affection for its members provides inspiration to us all.
Board Member Emerita
Barb Schwamberger was a founding member of PFLAG Sauk Valley and served in a variety of board member positions over the years. Her unwavering commitment to PFLAG and her genuine affection for its members provides inspiration to us all.
Periodically there are openings for new board members. If you are asked to serve, please consider how your participation could have a positive impact on the lives of others.