Family Fun in Chicago & Fun For Kids: Our Staff

Brady TenBrink | Co-owner

The mother of three children, Brady began her career as a Commercial Interior Designer. Fresh from Kendall College of Art & Design (Grand Rapids), Brady worked for Chicago-based The Environments Group. Toward the end of her three-year professional career, Brady felt called to work with children.  

Obtaining a Masters degree in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois, Chicago, Brady prepared to teach in the Chicago Public School system. Plans changed though given the birth of Sophia…on the day of graduation finals! Two years later, Dylan was born. And June 26, 2009, John and Brady had another daughter, Liviya.  

As a “professional mom” and co-owner of Family Grounds Cafe Company, Brady’s wish is to pour her heart into Chicago children and families, particularly new moms. Similar to John, she shares a passion for coffee, community and kids. 

John TenBrink | Co-owner 

John graduated with a BBA in marketing from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan and shortly thereafter moved to Chicago with his wife, Brady. Working in ad agencies and corporate Web marketing departments, John eventually obtained his Masters degree in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) from Northwestern University in 2005.  John is also a Natural Search Engine Optimization Strategist having worked at Performics, a world-leading SEO marketing agency.

Mixing passions for espresso, Chicago and family life, John understood that his heart called him to formulate the Family Grounds Cafe Company – a dream he shares with his wife, Brady. 

Exercising both creative and entrepreneurial spirits, while serving the Chicago community and his family, is John’s call to passionate living. 

Kelly Beers | Cafe Manager 

Kelly received her Associates degree in Culinary Arts from Grand Rapids Community College. Following her degree, she traveled to Italy to study the Italian Cuisine and completed her internship with a personal Chicago chef. Kelly shares a passion for coffee, food and Chicago!  

Additionally, Kelly also went on to complete her Bachelor's degree in Business Finance from Grand Valley State University. 

Growing up in Michigan, Kelly moved to Chicago to work alongside her sister, Brady, and brother-in-law, John, and contribute to opening the doors of Family Grounds Cafe to share the joy of coffee, friends and kids in the community!

Leeanna Kevan | Cashier & Play Space Assistant

Ever stroll into a place and suddenly feel at home? Well, that is what happened to Leeanna when she took a walk into Family Grounds Cafe. With the smell of coffee and the sounds of children surrounding her, she could not be happier.

Leeanna grew up in Oregon where she spent most of her highschool years working in her church's nursery as a volunteer, and eventually, manager.

Following a year-long exchange with Rotary in Brasil, Leeanna decided to move to Chicago. Although the change to city life is quite a difference from her small-town up-bringing, she likes it enough to stick out the snow. Coffee and kids have called her to Family Grounds Cafe!