Joseph Fields, Esq.

Board President

Joseph R. Fields, Jr., Esq. is an AV rated (the highest rating possible) attorney practicing law and fighting for the rights of clients in matters involving personal injury & wrongful death, family law, and discrimination against those with disabilities. Mr. Fields graduated from the University of Central Florida in 1983 with a BA in Allied Legal Studies and then went on to graduate from Stetson University College of Law in 1986.  He has been practicing in Palm Beach County since that time.​

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Mr. Fields has a distinguished reputation in the South Florida community for tenaciously and aggressively representing the injured and disabled (and their families), as well as individuals embroiled in family law disputes.

Mr. Fields is a nationally recognized expert in ADA litigation; having been called upon in 2000 by the United States Congress to provide testimony regarding amending the ADA to avoid abusive and retaliatory litigation. Mr. Fields is the co-author of the City of West Palm Beach’s Equal Opportunity ordinance, one of the first all-encompassing antidiscrimination ordinances in the Nation to survive a recall effort created by those opposed to equal rights for everyone.  He is a member of several local lawyer organizations and is a member of the Million and Multimillion Dollar Verdict Club.​

Mr. Fields has been a longtime resident of Palm Beach County, having lived here for more than 30 years. In his spare time, he enjoys sailing, traveling, and motorcycle touring.

Lisa Peterson

Board Vice President

When disabled, elderly and low-income individuals need transportation, they call Lisa.  She has over 20+ years in the public/private transportation industry helping the disadvantaged community access services.  ​

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She has experience in leadership, consulting, team building, professional development, strategic planning and business growth and implementation.

Lisa holds a degree in Public Administration from Barry University and is currently a proud Board Member of CILO and the CEO of Mona’s Transportation of South Florida, Inc. 

Steve G Vlahakis

Secretary of Board

Steve volunteered to join the US Air Force in 1965-1969 during the Vietnam War - Stationed in Ubon, Thailand, he bombed Hanoi and northern Vietnam everyday.​

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After being discharged from the service, he used the GI Bill to procur a BBA degree in management at Adelphi University, in Garden City, NY.  ​

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Steve worked as a VP of Finance and Credit Manager at Kennedy Electrical Supply in Jamaica, New York from 1980-1989.​

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He moved to upstate New York to open up a comic book and sports card store in Chester from 1989 -2001. He sold it in 2001 and moved to sunny Florida. ​

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In Florida, he worked at H&R Block and got his securities license. He worked at MetLife Insurance Company from 2002-2014 and retired. Steve’s introduction to CILO was through MetLife Insurance and our VeTS program for Disabled Veterans.

Lucrecia Aguirre

Board Treasurer

Lucrecia Aguirre , started her career 24 years ago as a social worker for people with disabilities in Florida.  After she completed her masters in management she continue working in the healthcare industry as a provider Relation Director to ensure Vendors will follow contracts and provide needed services advocating for seniors, children and adults with disabilities. ​

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Currently her job number one is being a mom, and she is now is a licensed loan originator, which allows more flexibility to spend time with her daughter. Her passion will always be advocating for individuals with disabilities and the accessibility of services to all.



Dennis Stevenson

Board Member

Born and raised in the Milwaukee suburb of Oak Creek a rural city of mostly farms. Went to college at the University of Wisconsin both the Milwaukee and Madison campuses graduating in 1980 with a degree in secondary education. During college worked many different jobs including bus driver, recreation supervisor, parks maintenance, retail electronics business, sports officiating, and coaching high school sports. Moved to Florida in 1984 to help my brother in law with his business “ temporarily”. Once here decided to stay. Worked for Southern Bell as a fuel truck driver for a few months before getting a job with the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department as a events specialist handling beach events including spring break, seafood fest, and air show. I was living in West Palm and commuting. I decided to leave when I had my son. Went to the Village of Palm Springs and worked there from 1984 – 2018 and retired. Received a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Barry University in 2002.​

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My interest in the disability community began in 1986 when I met Donna Baatelan through the Palm Springs Kiwanis Club. She asked if I wanted to join a group called CILO which was meeting at the Hab Center on 6th Ave. I went to a couple of meetings and this really peaked my interest as I was running recreation programs that included disabled participants. I joined the board shortly afterward under the direction of President Robert Becak. I have been here ever since and have watched the agency grow and thrive to where it is today. I am also on the Board of the Florida Outreach Center for the Blind (FOCB) since 2003 when I began to lose my vision. I enjoy being involved with community service with Kiwanis organization. One of my greatest joys was serving as a Big Brother to a family of three girls and one boy beginning in 2002. I am still in touch with all of them giving away one of the girls at her wedding, and officiating at one of the other girls and the boys weddings. ​

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I hope to continue working in the community as long as I can to contribute to the improvement of opportunities for all to live independently as possible in their pursuit of happiness in their lives.

Charles "Tuna" Wenger

Board Member

Charles Wenger is a retired truck driver and former CILO consumer. He has hosted Motorcycle Poker Run Fundraisers on behalf of CILO for several years and is currently the Senior State Captain of the Bikers for Needy Children Foundation.

He is also the Palm Beach Chapter, Florida State President and National Executive for Guardians Mil-Fr Motorcycle Club.

Phyllis Parthemer

Board Member

Phyllis graduated from Millersville University with a BS in Special  Education and a BA in Psychology. Then she attended Moravian Seminary and Lancaster Theological Seminary completing her MA in Religion. ​

Phyllis was ordained in the United Church of Christ in November of 2008. She has 3 adult children and 2 grandchildren.   She has developed a ministry for adults with special needs.  

Richard Gonzalez

Board Member

Richard Gonzalez has lived most of his life in South Florida, and can't imagine being anywhere else. He is a graduate of Florida State University, a veteran, and a husband and father. A transit professional with experience in fixed route, para-transit and micro-transit, he considers myself a true transit professional. Rick tries to balance his busy life with the needs of his family, community, and job. Recently returning to Palm Beach County, he is hoping to have a positive impact to the place that is "The Best of Everything." RIck works for in West Palm for a national transit company, and always looks for a way to give back. His participation with CILO is one of these ways. 



Bob Rivera

Board Member

Will be updated...