What inspires someone to turn a passion into a mission-driven nonprofit? For Joanna Katsikas, a Lake Forest resident since 2006, the answer lies in a lifelong commitment to empower others. Her journey began years ago, shaped by personal experiences, professional training, and a deep desire to create opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Through her work in special and adult education, Joanna gained valuable insights and a vision for a new kind of organization. After an extended RV trip across the country with her husband, Steve—a trip inspired by his passion for astrophotography—those ideas began to take shape. “Each evening around the fire, we discussed what such an organization could look like,” she shares. From those conversations, North Star Achievement Center was born, with a mission rooted in evidence-based practices and a name inspired by Steve’s stunning astrophotography.

North Star Achievement Center is dedicated to helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live their best, most independent lives. With innovative programs like NOVA (North Star’s Occupational and Vocational Advancement) and STELLAR (Skills Toward Excellence in Learning Life Skills, Advocacy, and Rights), the nonprofit focuses on employment, life skills, and community inclusion.

“A key focus of our work is addressing the lack of services available after high school,” Joanna explains. “Without ongoing support, many individuals lose critical skills they worked so hard to gain. Our goal is lifelong learning for participants and staff alike.”

North Star’s efforts are already making a difference in Louisville, where employment opportunities for adults with disabilities are scarce. While 35% of individuals with disabilities want to work, only 9% have jobs. North Star aims to change that by creating meaningful opportunities for its participants while elevating their valued roles in the community.

Joanna’s dedication to this field began in middle school, where she founded an American Sign Language Club to bridge communication gaps with deaf students. Her passion grew through early work experiences, including a role with first graders with autism, and later through her studies at Vanderbilt University and the University of Arkansas.

Over the years, Joanna gained diverse experience—from teaching in nonprofit schools in Miami to designing intervention programs at Stopher Elementary in Louisville. These programs led to significant student gains and earned the school a National Blue-Ribbon Award in 2014. Each of these experiences shaped her vision for North Star Achievement Center, where she blends her expertise with a deep commitment to fostering meaningful engagement and promoting lifelong learning.

“Louisville is home to approximately 8,000 nonprofits, but fewer than 50 focus on serving adults with disabilities,” Joanna notes. “And the demand is growing.” She encourages residents to support local nonprofits in any way they can—whether by connecting them with resources, helping scouts collaborate on meaningful projects, or even hiring someone with a disability. “Small actions can have a big impact, helping individuals move out of poverty and build stronger connections within our community,” she says.

Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Joanna moved to Louisville with her family in 2006 when Steve accepted a position at Spalding University. Their sons, Max and Andrew, graduated from Eastern High School, where they were active in marching band and acapella groups. Today, Max is pursuing graduate studies in psychology, and Andrew is a junior at the University of Kentucky, double majoring in chemistry and biology.

In her free time, Joanna enjoys reading, woodworking, and what she calls “very cross stitch,” creating art that’s both beautiful and funny. She and Steve have also played in several bands together and remain active in community service projects, including collaborations with the Boy Scouts of America.

Through North Star Achievement Center, Joanna is turning her vision into reality, helping individuals with disabilities achieve independence and thrive as active members of their communities. Her story is a testament to the power of passion, purpose, and perseverance in making a difference—right here in Lake Forest and beyond.