Determined to help others like himself, Evan pursued a master's and doctoral program in industrial and organizational psychology. His studies focused on helping individuals, particularly executives, reach their full potential despite everyday challenges. However, during this journey, he realized that the same support professionals needed to excel in their careers was also crucial for students to succeed in school. That’s when he created Staying Ahead of the Game!, a Texas-based program that taught executive functioning skills—like organizing materials, managing deadlines, and preparing for tests—skills that would help students in school and life.

But Illuminos is not just Evan’s story. Enter Wendy Weinberger, Evan’s cousin, who played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life in the Washington, D.C. area.

Growing up in her large, close-knit Jewish family, where many relatives, including her own children, struggled with ADHD, Wendy understood the importance of providing the right kind of support. As a mother and a lifelong advocate for children’s causes, Wendy recognized a critical need for comprehensive, research-based coaching in her community. Her passion for children's causes, combined with her personal experience in managing ADHD within her family, helped drive Illuminos to be the impactful program it is today.

Wendy’s decision to transition from her successful legal and business career was shaped by a deeply personal event: the sudden passing of her uncle, Robert "Bobby" Weinberger—Evan’s father and a guiding figure in Wendy’s life. This loss inspired her to do something meaningful in his memory, and together with Evan, she sought to expand his academic coaching program to the DC metro area to help more families and students overcome the challenges that had long impacted their family.

In 2016, Illuminos was launched in the DC Metro area and now provides services nationwide.

Wendy understood the importance of integrating research into both the curriculum and coaching practices, ensuring every approach was backed by proven methods. She prioritized assembling a team of exceptional coaches—highly skilled teachers with deep experience supporting students with learning differences.

To maintain the highest standards, Wendy created a comprehensive training program that is refreshed every two years. The entire team is retrained to stay ahead of evolving needs. Her leadership team is comprised of individuals with extensive experience working directly with students, embodying Illuminos’ mission.

Wendy personally connects with every family exploring Illuminos. She is driven by her passion for reducing stress in the home and empowering students. Her commitment ensures that every student graduates from Illuminos with confidence, strong self-esteem, self-advocacy, and vital executive function skills to thrive in their academic and personal lives.

With a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center and over 25 years of experience as a practicing attorney, General Counsel, and COO, Wendy brought extensive legal and business expertise to Illuminos. Her dedication to making a difference in children's lives, coupled with her professional experience and passion for advocacy, helped her co-found Illuminos with Evan, ensuring that students would have the tools they needed to succeed academically and personally.

Beyond her work at Illuminos, Wendy has long supported Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., where she has raised over $550,000. Her deep commitment to children’s well-being drives everything she does, and she ensures that Illuminos remains a compassionate, family-centered program.

Wendy lives with her husband, Antonio Calabrese, his three daughters, her two children, two Golden Retrievers, and two Bengal cats in Ashburn, Virginia.