About The Kilns

Brought to you by the team behind My Half of the Sky, The Kilns offers a blend of professionalism and inspiration, catering to busy professionals devoted to social impact and personal growth.

Named after the home of C.S. Lewis, the famous author of The Chronicles of Narnia, The Kilns was a place of weekly gathering for his friends to encourage, sharpen, and imagine a better world through good work + good culture.

Like Lewis’ home, our shared coworking lounge is for creators and makers to find refuge to focus, connect, and thrive without the distractions of everyday life.

Amenities

Work & Productivity

  • Convenient mobile app to book meeting rooms & amenities

  • 24/7 keyless access

  • Business-grade Wi-Fi

  • 4 complimentary conference rooms with Smart TB + whiteboard

  • 5 phone booth rooms

  • Printers & mailbox service

  • Private offices available

  • Lockers for monitor storage & BYOB

Comfort & Hospitality

  • Complimentary coffee, tea, & snacks

  • My Half of the Sky espresso bar & food menu available for purchase and delivered to your workspace

  • Shared community kitchen area

  • Dedicated on-site hospitality manager

Community & Connection

  • 2 free guests/day

  • Social network opportunities

  • Discounted event tickets for lectures, concerts, & more

  • Discounted event venue rental

  • Private members’ app with directory

  • A community of business & non-profit professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, & makers of good things

Inspiration & Relaxation

  • Rooftop garden

  • The Rabbit Room Library

  • Inspiring coworking & social spaces

Meet the Team

Renee Pollino, Founder

Renee loves empowering women to know their worth + value. Women are incredible leaders who often don’t realize their purpose and value due to systemic issues within the culture. It brings Renee so much joy and encouragement to provide women with work so that they find hope and healing to flourish through serving their families and the community.

Renee believes opportunity gives dignity, value, and hope to those overcoming hardship and trauma. Renee desires to trail blaze the concept that businesses and Capitalism can use the marketplace to build sustainable enterprises while doing good.

Renee lives in West Chicago with her husband, Darrin, where they raised their children since 2004. She is the proud mama of two adult children, DJ and Faith, and a grandma to Chloe Quinn. Renee loves to read and spend time outdoors biking, walking, and planting trees. She has spent the last 25 years traveling to the Middle East, Uganda, Rwanda, Ukraine, Russia, and Haiti to learn, grow, and experience God through culture and beauty. 

Renee Pollino is the CEO and founder of My Half of the Sky and My Half nonprofit kitchen. It is a social justice coffee shop and nonprofit kitchen that addresses social concerns and systemic injustice through creative business solutions that provide opportunity. Renee is passionate about connection the community by creating opportunities for people with obstacles to employment due to poverty, addictions, trafficking, or life as a refugee. Renee has worked for over 20 years with grassroots organization that empower men and women.

Renee is also a member of: Women’s Speakers Collective, Propel Women, and several Direct trade, Fair Trade & Ethical Fashion Movements.

Jonny Bagnall, Customer Experience & Talent Manager

Jonny finds deep fulfillment working at My Half, because of its powerful mission rooted in social justice and community engagement. As a coffee shop that does more than serve coffee, My Half cultivates a space where authentic, personable relationships between staff and customers flourish daily. These meaningful connections naturally extend into The Kilns, the coworking and social house initiative launched by My Half, where community and collaboration go hand-in-hand.

Born and raised in sunny California, Jonny has always been drawn to places where culture, purpose, and people intersect. Now living in Wheaton, he enjoys the blend of suburban familiarity and diverse community life the area offers. Outside of work, Jonny is a devoted husband and a father to a lively toddler who brings joy, curiosity, and perspective into his everyday life. His role as a parent has deepened his appreciation for intentional living and the importance of nurturing spaces that support both personal and collective growth.

What drives Jonny most is being part of a vibrant community eager to grow together. He is passionate about creating environments that empower individuals to reach their potential—especially in the workplace. Whether through mentorship, systems development, or everyday collaboration, Jonny thrives on helping others unlock their potential. He is especially driven to create work environments that are both compassionate and efficient. Jonny creates a space where people feel supported, and systems run smoothly to allow creativity and productivity to flow. For Jonny, community is both the means and the end: a place where growth is mutual and purpose is shared.

Marissa Carlson, Operations Manager

Marissa has been part of the My Half family since 2021, bringing steady positivity, creativity, and heart to everything she does. She plays a key role in managing our partnerships and is deeply invested in the impact they have on missional efforts both locally and beyond. From crafting new drink creations to designing eye-catching posters, social media content, and problem-solving on the fly, she’s our go-to when we need a fresh perspective or a smooth solution. Her behind-the-scenes magic helps keep My Half running like a well-oiled (and well-caffeinated) machine. Marissa isn’t just a friendly face at My Half, she is a key part of what makes this place feel like home as her warmth and intentionality shine through.

Marissa is a nature lover and avid traveler. She is checking off as many national parks and coffee shops across the country, all while staying grounded in our community. Though her spontaneous adventures keep her pet-free, she is rich in friendships and always open to meaningful connections.

Marissa is passionate about learning and growing within herself whether it is personally, professionally, through friends, or random facts! Marissa attends church each Sunday and serves her peers coffee after the services.  She enjoys having connections though coffee no matter where she is! She loves to help others develop and see the people around her flourish. Her heart for people and passion for purpose help everyone around her feel seen, supported, and inspired.

Ilah Boyd, Operations & Marketing Manager

Ilah worked at My Half and the kitchen from 2019–2021 and is excited to be back and a part of The Kilns. She believes deeply in the social justice mission of My Half, especially its impact on issues like human trafficking, addiction, and homelessness—realities often overlooked in our communities. Ilah loves connecting with customers and team members through conversations and enjoys bringing creativity to the My Half and The Kilns through social media.

Originally from Wheaton, Ilah graduated from Wheaton North in 2018 after 14 years as a student-athlete. She later moved to Arizona, where she studied athletic coaching, focusing on the connection between sports, psychology, and injury management. There, she managed the college softball team and worked at a nonprofit coffee shop supporting women recovering from human trafficking and abusive relationships.

A single mom and proud of her journey, Ilah hopes to one day own a coffee shop and coach collegiate softball. She is spiritually grounded and dreams of publishing a poetry book under a pseudonym. Her daughter is excited to start kindergarten this fall!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is parking included?

Parking is not included. Please do not park in The Kilns or coffee shop lots. We recommend using one of the following public parking options provided by the City of Wheaton:

  • Wheaton Place Garage – 232 W. Wesley Street

  • Willow Avenue Garage – 220 S. Cross Street

  • Lot #2 – South side of Wesley Street (between Main & Half)

What are the age requirements for members and event attendees?

  • Coworking memberships: Available to individuals 22+ only.

  • Event and conference room rentals: Open to individuals 18+.

  • Private office rentals: All ages are allowed if remaining within the private office space.

Can you tell me more about the private offices?

  • Private offices are pre-furnished and include their own wifi, as well as the option to directly wire in.

  • Offices are currently available. If there isn’t availability, we have a waitlist you can be added to.

  • To book a tour, please email thekilnscoworking@gmail.com.