Meet a Mom: Hope in Full Bloom with Anya Tanyavutti, Executive Director of Willow House

Hello friendly faces! It’s a new Chicago North Shore Moms spotlight brought to you in part by Mary Gifford of Gifford Law.

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences a family can face, and Willow House is dedicated to ensuring that no child or parent has to navigate grief alone. Under the leadership of Executive Director Anya Tanyavutti, the organization provides free peer support groups and resources to help families heal and find hope. This spring, Willow House is inviting the community to come together for a meaningful evening at their annual spring gala, Hope Blooming, on April 26 at Skokie Country Club. With an open bar, live entertainment, and a night filled with inspiration, this event is not just a fundraiser, it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on grieving families. Read on to learn more about Anya’s journey, Willow House’s mission, and why attending this special evening can truly change lives. Welcome, Anya!

Hey Anya! Let’s start with a little background. Where did you grow up, and where do you call home now?

Hello Everyone, I’m Anya. I’m a divorced mom of three. I was born in Chicago and raised in west Michigan. I came back to the Chicago area about 18 years ago. I’m honored to currently serve as Executive Director of Willow House. This is my 3rd executive directorship, prior to re-entering the employment market I was a stay at home mom for 5 years-I said then and stand by it now, that being a SAHM is the most complex, most demanding role in our economy and thankfully the most rewarding I’ve had too:)

Tell us about your children!

I have three kiddos, ages 12, 9, and 6. 2 daughters and a nonbinary child. I am honored to be their mommy and have the privilege of stewarding their early life experiences. They teach me so much each day about themselves, myself, and the world.

What’s a fun or unexpected fact about you that might surprise your friends? Any hidden talents or quirky hobbies we should know about?

I was a dancer, cheerleader, and pageant queen in High School - all which helped me as an introvert get comfortable with public speaking and performance. And I still love the arts (Shout out to my faves in the Chicago art scene-D Composed, Deeply Rooted Dance Company, and Intrigue Dance and Performance Company). I love to travel, most recently to Puerto Rico. I have been to 7 different countries, including Senegal, West Africa where I lived for 6 weeks. I’m currently a trained birth worker and a shamanic reiki practitioner! I’m also a published author.

What are your favorite places, spaces and restaurants you love?

I love Lake Michigan in all of her forms! My favorite restaurants are Soule, Soul Veg City, and Ming Hinh.

We love a good cloudy weather rec…. What are you reading and watching?

I love audiobooks as a working mom - Any works by Octavia Butler, Tomi Adeyemi, or NK Jemison! I also love to soak up wisdom from the Dhammapada periodically. My mom hack this winter for lazy polar days is spa days with spa supplies from Five Below. The kids enjoy picking them out and applying them. This creates sweet moments to slow down and connect, and it’s low cost in the case that there’s waste ?

Do you have a go-to mantra or words of wisdom that keep you inspired?

I have four I’d like to share:

• If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
• Only the fool believes he is wise. Only the wise man knows he is a fool.
• If not me who? If not now when?
• May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.

Let’s get down to business. Congratulations on your new role as Executive Director for Willow House! Please tell us about this nonprofit, it’s mission and who it serves.

Thank you! Willow House provides no cost support to children, families, and communities experiencing grief as a result of the loss of a caregiver or child. We are where hope lives and healing begins.

We achieve our mission through 8 monthly peer support groups that we host in Chicago, Arlington Heights, Bannockburn, and Round Lake Park.

What drew you to this role and specifically Willow House?

I am a purpose-driven leader. I was eager to bring my talents to Willow House because as someone who nearly died after having my third child whose greatest fear was how that would have impacted my children, I am so grateful that Willow House exists. Further, Willow House is a phenomenal organization where the mission is embodied through our participants, volunteers, staff and board. It’s a wonderful place to work and be connected to!

What a frightening experience! What are you most excited to hit the ground running with at Willow House?

Our Spring Gala, which will be my first gala with Willow House on April 26, 2025.

And, I look forward to the development and execution of our upcoming strategic plan to expand group & school support services and increase the impact of services in the community.

Tell us about your background! What did you before this new role at Willow House?

Before joining the Willow House team I was ED of Changing Worlds and before that Chicago Volunteer Doulas, I also served as a member, vice president and president of the D65 School Board, and was a stay at home mom to 3!

Tell us more about the upcoming Spring Gala!

This year’s Annual Spring Benefit is Hope Blooming happening Saturday, April 26 at the Skokie Country Club in Glencoe. Guests will enjoy and open bar, hors d’oervres and dinner, live entertainment, a trivia contents, surprise giveaways and an evening ‘blooming’ with inspiration, community and the chance to make a lasting impact in the lives of Willow House families. Please join us, visit this link to purchase tickets to the event, a golden ticket for a chance to win a fabulous vacation or donate.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about Willow House?

It’s my pleasure to have the opportunity to connect with all of you. Thank you for your incredible contributions to the world through being yourselves and through momming! Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.