PSI Specializes in the management of homeowner associations. From professional business, governance, and community management services, to leading online services – we offer a complete and unparalleled solution for our clients.
Meet Our Family
Cathy D. Ryan, CMCA, AMS, PCAM | Chief Executive Officer & President
After being with PSI for her entire career, Ms. Ryan purchased the company in 2014 after the passing of the firm’s founder, Tracy Hill. She began with PSI in 1983 and helped to build the firm to the size and quality service provider it is today. She currently holds her PCAM certification, the highest designation awarded to an individual manager through CAI. She has been a member of CAI since 1990, was the CAI-IL Chapter President in 2017, is a member the Chapter’s Finance Committee, and is a recipient of the Olympus Award. Ms. Ryan serves on the editorial board for an industry magazine, and was named Residential Community Manager of the Year by Condo Lifestyles.
Brittany Kojzarek, CMCA, AMS, PCAM | Chief Operating Officer
Ms. Kojzarek has been with PSI since May 2005 when she began
as a filing clerk. Through her tenure with PSI, she has worked in several
capacities, with many of her years spent in the Accounts Receivable Department
working closely with the Association’s attorneys on the collection of
assessments. Ms. Kojzarek acquired her CMCA in 2013, AMS in 2017, and PCAM in 2021.
She has been a key asset in the implementation of new technology at PSI. In
addition to her responsibilities at PSI, she is very active with CAI-IL as past
Chair of the Marketing Committee and the Manager Education Committee, member of
the Volunteer Commission, 2020 Olympus Award winner, and Chapter Board
President for 2023. When she is not working or volunteering in the
industry, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching Disney and playing
games.
Ashley Ryan | Chief Financial Officer
Working behind the scenes at PSI since 2014 and the occasional summer since high school, she is a gear that keeps the system moving. She works as a system admin, assistant closing secretary, and as of 2023, Chief Financial Officer. Taking business and accounting classes throughout high school and university, she graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelors of Science in Business Management and ISIT. She loves computers and technology so after spending a full day at work, she relaxes with video games across all platforms as well as arts and crafts.
Jennifer Morgan | Vice President of New Construction
Ms. Morgan has been an asset to the PSI team since 2002. Starting at PSI as an administrative clerk in high school and working her way up through the ranks. She has worked in several different departments over the years which has made her a great resource for other staff members and PSI clients. As the Director of New Construction, Jennifer works with home builders during the development of a new communities. Striving to be a success in the community association management industry she balances work and home by spending time with her family, serving on the Board of the local youth football organization, and being active within her community.
Sarah Tasic, CMCA, AMS, PCAM | Vice President of New Construction
Sarah Tasic is an accomplished professional who embarked on
her journey as a Community Association Manager in 2014. Beginning as an
Onsite Manager, she quickly demonstrated her exceptional skills leading to her
transition into portfolio management with the PSI team in 2015. Through
her dedicated efforts, Sarah has achieved her CMCA, AMS, and PCAM designations,
showcasing her commitment to continuous professional development in Community
Association Management. Over the years, her outstanding performance and
leadership abilities earned her promotions, culminating in her current role as
Vice President of New Construction. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys a
good book on a stormy night, travelling with her family in their RV, and
decorating her house for her favorite holiday, Halloween!
Alexandra Carmigiano, CMCA | Senior Account Manager
Joined the Property Specialists team in the fall of 2020. She began her career as an onsite assistant, with 8 years of high-rise experience, before becoming a Community Association Manager. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her friends and 2 dogs.
Vitto Pena | Senior Account Manager
Bringing a decade of expertise to the table, Vitto Pena stands as a seasoned Community Association Manager with a passion for fostering vibrant and harmonious communities. Throughout his career, Vitto has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving the needs of community residents with professionalism and care. In his role as a Community Association Manager, Vitto oversees the day-to-day operations of our communities, ensuring that they thrive and prosper under his guidance. With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to open communication, he works tirelessly to address the unique needs of each community he serves, striving to create environments where residents feel truly at home. Beyond his professional endeavors, Vitto finds joy in staying active and engaged in his personal pursuits. Whether he’s hitting the links for a round of golf, enjoying a friendly game of basketball, or immersing himself in the latest blockbuster at the movies, Vitto approaches every aspect of his life with energy and enthusiasm. As a Community Association Manager, Vitto Pena embodies the values of integrity, diligence, and community that lie at the heart of our organization. With his expertise and dedication, he is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those he serves, one community at a time.
Community Association Managers
Ariel Lepe
Began working in the industry in 2013; she become a manager in 2017 after getting her IREM. Ariel joined the PSI team in the summer of 2020. Her green thumb brings all the office plants to life. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, DIY projects, gardening, and of course, relaxing.
Cristy Ulrich, CMCA, AMS
Started in this industry in 1979 and in 2003 Cristy joined the Property Specialists Team as a portfolio manager. Prior to joining the PSI Team Cristy was an on-site manager for 20+ years at a Retirement Community. She enjoys working with all her board members and homeowners, camping, and relaxing by the campfire.
Jacob Pena-Klenec
New to the industry, he joined the PSI team in 2021 as a Community Association Manager. When not in the office, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, going to concerts, and snowboarding.
Jennifer Morris
Jenny joined PSI in the Fall of 2022 with 3 years of community association management experience. What she loves most about the industry is that no two days are the same; there is always something new to learn. She prides herself on her work ethic, attention to detail, and project management skills. Outside of work you will find her on the sidelines of a baseball field, football field, or wrestling mat rooting on her 3 boys, outside in her gardens, golfing with her husband, or watching a reality show.
Joey Pena
New to the industry, coming from a strong insurance background with 20+ years experience. She joined the PSI team in 2023 as a Community Association Manger. She loves the fast-paced environment and getting to know each one of her communities individually to best manage their needs and expectations. When not in the office she is a natural caretaker so you can typically find her with family, friends, and all her many many pets that are all spoiled rotten. Hobbies include volunteering, animal activism, and cooking. She is a die hard vegan and loves trying to convert anyone, and everyone, to try a new vegan recipe.
Justin Werner, CMCA
Began his career as a community association manager in 2002 and started working for PSI in 2012. His true passion is on-site management. He takes great pleasure in educating Board members and working with residents to increase their property values. Justin grew up on the West Coast and enjoys all forms of water sports and outdoor adventures, while spending time with his family.
Leslie Beltran
Leslie has been with PSI since 2017. You might catch her on a walk with vendors, Board members, or members of the community when she’s on property. Leslie enjoys baking and spending time with her family. When she’s not watching a Bears or Cubs games she is cheering on her children from the sidelines. One of her favorite saying is, “ No matter how you feel… get up, dress up, show up, and never give up”.
Ruben Luna
Joined PSI in November 2021. He is a huge baseball fan; loves the Chicago White Sox. During the summer, he likes to take advantage of the nice weather, going to the lake, concerts, or even cooking up some great food on the grill and having friends over for a cook out. As a big music fan, he listens to just about any genre of music while staying active. He enjoys kayaking, rollerblading, swimming, and especially beach volleyball.
Tyler Maichel
Tyler joined the Property Specialists team in the Fall of 2023. Before coming to PSI, Tyler was the onsite assistant manager of a high-rise community where he worked for 14 years. He is an avid Chicago sports fan and a Chicago Bears season ticket holder. When he is not attending Bears games he enjoys classic cinema, video games, and going to concerts.
Assistant Community Association Managers
Alyssa Bartecki
Alyssa started at PSI end of summer 2021 as an assistant community association manager for new construction. Previously working for PSI during her summers in college, she enjoyed it so much she decided to come back to the PSI family! In her free time she loves to spend time with her family and friends. She also loves to read, cook, and play golf.
Amanda McCoy
Started at PSI in 2020 right before COVID-19. Her career started as front desk receptionist for an onsite community association, was quickly moved up to assistant manager and then front desk lead. In her free time, she enjoys gaming, reading horror stories, camping, and playing in creeks. She has several animals and hopes to one day have even more in her family.
Brandy Rueber
Started fresh in the industry with PSI in June 2020. She spent 15 years in higher education and decided on a new adventure. She has been married to her wonderful husband for over a decade. She has two beautiful stepdaughters and together they have a son. In her spare time, she loves being with family, crocheting, and watching Disney movies.
Melissa Micari
Has been with the PSI family since 2005, she started as the receptionist and was promoted to assistant community association manager. She has 2 wonderful children and loves to spend time with her family and friends. Her happy place is sitting on the beach listening to the ocean and also loves to crochet and garden.
Mitzi Buttner
Has been a part of the PSI Family since 2001. She has worked in various departments through the years, such as Reception, New Construction, and currently as an On-site Assistant Manager for two of PSI’s properties. Her creative eye is a huge asset as she assists the Marketing Team with PSI’s marketing materials. She loves to spending time cooking, camping with her family, and crafting beautiful art.
Ryen Vincent Pena
New to the industry, he joined the PSI family in October 2022. Since day one, he has strived to bring 100% effort to the office to ensure homeowners are happy at the end of each day. When away from the office he enjoys watching Marvel movies, playing volleyball, and snowboarding. He spends as much time as he can with family and friends, trying out new food and getting outside.
Traci Markland
Began working at PSI and in the community association management industry in December 2019. She has worked in regular real estate on and off since 2001 . She loves to go camping, fishing, hiking, bicycle riding and spend time with her husband and children.
Administrative Staff
Chris Pfleger | Accounts Payable
Coming from a strong accounting background of over 20 years, she first joined the PSI family in June of 2007. Number oriented and able to prioritize and switch gears at a moments notice, she pays our customer’s bills while maintaining healthy bank balances! When away from the office, she enjoys reading, concerts, cross-stitch, and puzzles. She also likes to spend time with friends, family and her kitty Reece.
Dawn Evans | Accounting Department
Joined the PSI team in 2002. Dawn holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (BSBA) with a major in Accounting and a minor in Economics from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Dawn’s current job focus is handling banking and financial matters for our clients.
Janet Dean | Executive Assistant
Started at PSI as a temporary employee, filling in for an employee on maternity leave (Cathy Ryan, the current CEO & President). Was then hired on to fill the position of an Associate in 1996, for a couple years before moving over to the administrative and accounting-payroll department, working her way up to Assistant to the Vice President, followed by her current position as Executive Assistant to the CEO & President.
Jeannie Cooney | Accounts Receiveable
Joined the PSI Team in 2016 as our Corporate Office Receptionist and has been a member of the Accounts Receivable Department since January 2018. She is grateful for the opportunity to work for Property Specialists and to provide exceptional assistance to our Homeowners. To attain a healthy work/life balance, she enjoys spending time with family, gardening, swimming, bicycle riding, and traveling.
Joe Tasic | Business Development
Has been managing the ever-expanding technological needs of PSI since 2012. Additionally, works hard to bring in new clients to the PSI family. In his free time, he enjoys camping with his family and dogs as well as outdoor activities, such as hiking and swimming.
Kelly McDonough | Closings
Joined the industry and PSI in 1994 as a receptionist, later an assistant manager, and since 1998, has worked in the closing department when everything was done via phone, fax, or mail. With today’s technology, she is able to process closing requests quickly. In her spare time, she likes to read, bowl, spend time with her 3 sons, attend fairs, festivals, and musical concerts.
Kent Lowe | Community Inspector
Prior to starting with PSI as QA Director and Assistant Community Association Manager in 2011, he spent the previous 18 years with a major Chicagoland Home Builder as their Midwest Customer Service Manager and later as their Director of QA.
Michelle Gillette | Accounting
She has been with PSI since spring of 2001. Along with her co-worker, she is responsible for producing and verifying the monthly financial statements. In addition, reconciles monthly bank statements for operating, money market, investments and CD accounts. Her biggest hobby is photography.
Mitch Swiatek | Accounts Receiveable
Has been with PSI since 2002, starting in the Accounts Payable before transferring to the Accounts Receivable. As the manager of AR, he oversees the day to day operations of payments and correspondence regarding homeowner accounts, and investigates and resolves irregularities with the homeowners’ accounts. He enjoys a good mystery, while they can be frustrating it is the satisfaction when he can solve the issue.
Sharon Hooper | Accounts Receiveable
Her journey with PSI started in January 2011 in the Accounts Receivable Department. Since most of her work life has been in customer service, she feels comfortable speaking and assisting homeowners. She enjoys sewing, crocheting, reading fiction, traveling, going to concerts, playing games, walking her dogs, and spending time with family and friends.
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