The Niles Township High School District 219 Board of Education inducted three new members at their May 6, 2025 meeting. Board elections were held on April 1, 2025 as part of the consolidated election cycle. Nour Akhras, Kandice Cooley and Lindley Wisnewski were sworn in and seated during the Organization of the Board. In addition, the Board elected Amber Wood as President, Ken Durr as Vice President, and Kandice Cooley as Secretary. Board officers serve for a term of two years.

D219 also expressed gratitude to Naema Abraham, Elana Jacobs and Joe Nowik for their service as they completed their terms on the Board of Education. We appreciate the time and effort they gave to support our schools, students, families and staff. 

We are pleased to introduce the following new members who will join returning members Ken Durr, David Ko, Celia Stennett and Amber Wood on the D219 Board:
 
Nour Akhras

A Morton Grove resident of 10 years, Dr. Nour Akhras brings decades of experience in pediatric healthcare and global humanitarian work to her new role. She is the mother of four children, including two future Niles North High School students, Classes of 2027 and 2031.

Dr. Akhras is a Pediatric Infectious Diseases Physician and has spent the last 20 years dedicated to the health and well-being of children, both in her local community and abroad. As a board member for medical Non-Governmental Organizations such as MedGlobal and the Syrian-American Medical Society, she has traveled the world providing care to displaced children.

Her motivation to serve on the D219 Board stems from her understanding of how a child’s social and emotional environment impacts their overall health. She is committed to fostering a culture of safety, equity, and support for every student in the district.

In addition to her work as a physician and advocate, Dr. Akhras is the author of Just One: A Journey of Perseverance and Conviction, a book that aims to humanize the refugee experience. She immigrated to the U.S. from Syria at the age of four and now enjoys swimming, writing, and spending time with her family.

Kandice Cooley

A longtime community member, Kandice Cooley grew up in Skokie, attended Lincoln Junior High and Niles West High School, and now lives in Morton Grove. She is the proud parent of two children, one attending Niles West High School, Class of 2028, and another in elementary school.

Kandice is a Senior Price Analyst for a manufacturing company and previously served as Vice President of the District 69 Board of Education. She has a strong connection to the district, bringing both personal and professional experience to the role.

In joining the D219 Board, she is focused on strengthening communication between the district and the community, adopting a community schools model that supports the whole child, whether through access to mental health resources, food, or medical care. She also brings expertise in budget management and contract negotiations and is committed to increasing diversity within district leadership.

Outside of her work and service, Kandice used to coach cheerleading at Niles West and is an avid fan of both sports and local restaurants.

Lindley Wisnewski

A long-time Morton Grove resident, Lindley Wisnewski brings a passion for education, equity, and community service to her role. She has lived in the district for 16 years and is a parent of a student in the Class of 2028. 

Professionally, Lindley is a dedicated Oncology Registered Nurse with a Master of Science in Nursing. She also owns and operates My Gym Children's Fitness Centers in Skokie and River Forest, earning Franchisee of the Year for the Midwest Region in 2018. 

Her commitment to children and families extends beyond her professional work. From 2021 to 2025, Lindley served on the Skokie-Morton Grove School District 69 Board of Education. She has also held positions on the Franchisee Advisory Board for My Gym, the Evanston Youth Hockey Board, and the Ethiopian American Kids Community Board. 

Lindley’s motivation to serve on the D219 Board is rooted in her belief in equal opportunity and access for all students. She is a strong advocate for every child’s right to feel safe, seen, and supported at school. 

Outside of her Professional and volunteer commitments, Lindley enjoys running, reading, and spending time on her boat in Wisconsin. A passionate animal lover, she has two cats, two dogs, a guinea pig, and a fish. 

To learn more about the D219 Board of Education, please visit our webpage.