The Team

Julie Bonar serves as the President/CEO of Neighborhood House Association. She has been in that
position for nearly three years. Prior to that, Julie taught Business Education at the Knoxville Center for
Student Success (KCSS). She started teaching within the Peoria 150 School District in November 2018,
after moving to Peoria from the Washington D.C. area, where she worked for a student association. Julie
has over 25 years of experience in the field of Education and Non-Profit Management.

Julie earned a bachelor’s of science from Philadelphia University and a master’s of education from
Bowling Green State University.

Julie is an advocate for literacy and children. She is a member of Rotary Club of Peoria North, where she
serves as Chairperson for the Literacy Committee. She also serves as a volunteer CASA, as Vice-President
for the Alpha Park Library and Board Chair for Foster Village Peoria. She is an active member of St. Ann’s
Parish in South Peoria.
Prior to marrying her husband, Jon, Julie was a foster parent to teen girls - specializing in youth with
emotional disabilities, addiction and immigrant youth. Julie and Jon have also hosted students from
Czech Republic and Germany through the Youth for Understanding exchange program.
Originally from Oregon, Ohio, Julie spent most of her career on the east coast living in Pennsylvania,
Maryland and Virginia. She enjoys cooking, travel, spending time with her dogs Onyx, Winnie and LuLu
and cheering on THE Ohio State University Football team. Go Bucks!