Fonso's
Place
Fonso's
Place
A B O U T U S
A B O U T U S
welcome to
Fonso's Place
welcome to
Fonso's Place
Meet Our Team
Meet Our Team
Fallon Smith, QIDP
Founder & President
Fallon Smith, QIDP
Founder & President
​
Fallon Smith-Grady, a native of Chicago, Illinois, has been dedicated to helping others from a very early age. Her passion lies in creating innovative programs and services for individuals with special needs. Fallon has made significant contributions to various agencies across Illinois, driven by her commitment to enhancing human services. She founded Fonso's Place to establish a groundbreaking blueprint for transforming post-educational services and support for individuals with special needs.
Erin Robinson, MA R-DMT, DSP
Director of Therapeutic Movement
and Counseling Services
Erin Robinson, MA R-DMT, DSP
Director of Therapeutic Movement
and Counseling Services
Erin Robinson, a Chicago native, is a therapeutic mover and registered dance/movement therapist. She has a wide range of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities in many different clinical and educational settings. Erin received her M.A. in dance/movement therapy and counseling from Lesley University. From an early age, Erin always felt that movement was a way she could express herself when she could not find the words. Erin is very passionate about the many ways dance and movement can allow one to explore their own emotions, as well as build connections with others in a fun way. Her approach to therapeutic movement is one focused on establishing an awareness of self and others, building self-esteem, and developing social emotional skills.
A Tribute to the Luminary
Alfonso Smith
"Uncle Fonso"
A Tribute to the Luminary
Alfonso Smith
"Uncle Fonso"
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When we think of a safe place, many of us envision childhood homes or the embrace of our grandparents. For me, it was summer cookouts at my Uncle Fonso’s house, surrounded by family, delicious barbecue, and his infectious laughter. My uncle, a humble man dedicated to serving his community and church, was a "big kid" at heart, always knowing how to make everyone feel at ease and enjoy themselves. At Uncle Fonso’s place, I felt safe, encouraged, and supported in my goals and endeavors. It was a place where I could be my true self, receiving the nurturing, love, and guidance needed to build confidence and strive for greatness.
I aim to share the spirit of my Uncle Fonso’s place through this agency. I want our members to feel loved and encouraged through their interactions with peers and staff. My desire is to nurture and develop a sense of self-confidence, embracing our differences and abilities. Our programming is designed to be fun and exciting, invoking the inner child in all of us. Most importantly, I strive to cultivate an environment of support and guidance, empowering the individuals we serve to make sound independent choices and achieve the greatness within them.