Our Teams - Details On Our Team

Allen Swilley

Executive Director

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Eric Foote

Dir. of Finance & Operations

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Claress Pettengill

Director of Development

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Nestor Sagun

Director of Programs

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Karina Galindo

Client Service Manager

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Damaris Hill

Office Manager

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Charlotte Lawless

Accounting Specialist

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Latasha McKelvy

Outreach Program Supervisor

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Xiomara Ruiz

Health Care Coordinator

Jennifer Preston

Street Outreach Case Mgr.

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Isabel Ibarra

Intake Case Manager

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Madiha Chaudhry

Prevention & Diversion Spec.

Indira Blandon

Community Case Manager

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Julie Halpern-Cordell

Grants Manager

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Vicky Kulig

PSH Case Manager

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Samantha Gutierrez

Community Case Manager

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Jill Beller

Community Case Manager

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Katie Hoehne

Development Associate

AriBelle Marban

Prevention & Diversion Specialist

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Cassie Connet

Community Case Manager

Ruth Pea

Administrative Assistant

Auntavia Jackson

Program Services Manager

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Sasha Preskill

Volunteer Coordinator

Executive Director

Allen Swilley

With an extensive background in nonprofit leadership spanning over 15 years, Allen brings a wealth of experience and a passion for effecting positive change within organizations that he has worked with.

Previously with Thrive Chicago, Allen led the Barack Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Chicago initiative, where he skillfully orchestrated the collaboration of more than 65 organizations to collectively work and create more navigable institutional and community environments for boys and young men of color in Chicago. Embracing the belief that nonprofits exist to serve those most affected by imbalanced systems, Allen has made it his life’s mission to help overhaul these systems and eradicate deeply rooted social problems.

Allen’s dedication to addressing systemic issues is evident in his track record. Prior to his tenure at Thrive Chicago, he worked to rally communities in response to challenges like homelessness, affordable housing, and educational disparities among low-income and non-low-income students.

During his time as the Director of Interim Housing and Outreach at DuPage Pads, Allen played a pivotal role in reshaping perceptions about homelessness. His efforts helped secure $7 million of funding for DuPage County’s largest-ever fixed-site shelter. Additionally, he was instrumental in fostering community support for the creation of 111 units of affordable housing in Rogers Park through the city’s inaugural public-private real estate partnership.

Allen’s commitment to ongoing education to complement his vital work in the community is evident through the degrees he has acquired including an MBA from Roosevelt University, an MSC from Northwestern University, and his current work towards, a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago.

Dir. of Finance & Operations

Eric Foote

Eric has spent much of his life doing his best to help others. Growing up the older brother of a person with an intellectual disability gave him early inspiration to work in the special education program at his school as well as volunteering at regional Special Olympics events. After college he turned this desire to help into work with nonprofits and eventually government where he switched his focus to grant making for organizations like PADS. Four years of government was enough though, and Eric is glad his next step was to PADS, an organization that provides tremendous benefit to people in need. As Director of Finance and Operations, he strives every day to ensure both the big picture and small details are well managed. When things are at their best the organization works for the people served, the staff providing the service and the community that supports this important organization.

Director of Development

Claress Pettengill

Claress Pettengill serves as PADS’ Director of Development. She works closely with the PADS’ leadership team, staff, and its Board to envision a sustainable future for the organization, seen from a strategic fundraising, communications, planning, and innovation lens. In her role, she leads PADS’ philanthropic efforts by leveraging its current strengths and opportunities to achieve an inclusive and integrated approach to transformative and donor-centered fundraising. Claress brings her collaborative style of leadership, strong commitment to the work for social justice, and her dynamic approach to relationship building in inspiring others to support our critical work with people experiencing homelessness. Claress is a self-proclaimed lifelong learner. One lesson that she adheres to is the belief in the power of creating genuine communities, building authentic relationships, and nurturing meaningful connections towards a better, more responsible, and kinder world!

Director of Programs

Nestor Sagun

Nestor views working for PADS is an opportunity to give back to a community he grew up in. Born and raised in Waukegan, he has seen many changes through the years so to be part of a positive change means so much to him. For over fourteen years, he has committed himself to working with people in social services throughout Lake County. This passion, commitment, and drive is fueled by his peers and co-workers everyday as we all work together to make a difference.

Client Service Manager

Karina Galindo

Karina Galindo is the Program Assistant at the Day Resource Center at PADS. Karina runs reports for different departments at PADS, assists clients with making appointments, checks mail and helps out wherever she can. She was born and raised in Waukegan. Karina attended high school at St. Martin de Porres Highschool in Waukegan where she was in a work study program. Her senior year of high school she interned at PADS and got her first glimpse of what it was like to work at PADS. Seven years later, Karina would work for PADS full time and has enjoyed being able to help the people in her community. In her free time she likes to spend time with her family and puppy Toby.

Office Manager

Damaris Hill

Damaris provides administrative support to the PADS Lake County team. Damaris has lived in Lake County her whole life and has worked in the nonprofit community since 2019. When Damaris is not lending her support to PADS, she likes to make scrapbooks and other crafts for her family and friends.

Accounting Specialist

Charlotte Lawless

Charlotte serves as the Accounting Specialist for PADS. Having personally experienced a loved one battle mental illness and potential homelessness, she wholeheartedly believes in the PADS mission. In her loved one’s case, homelessness was avoided due to access to family and financial help as well as excellent healthcare. Unfortunately, there are many people that do not have these resources and are fighting this battle alone. Support and understanding is very important when someone is in crisis and Charlotte is grateful to be a part of an organization that has the passion to help.

Outreach Program Supervisor

Latasha McKelvy

Latasha has been employed with PADs for over 6 years. She began her employment here as a CSA (Client Service Aid), then became the Office Receptionist, and in 2021 she was offered another position where she became the Outreach Engagement Specialist. Today she is now the Outreach Program Supervisor, and she is able to provide a wide range of services to all individuals unsheltered in Lake County. She enjoys working with the people that we service here in Lake County. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her granddaughters.

Health Care Coordinator

Xiomara Ruiz

Xiomara is fueled by an unwavering passion for making a difference in the lives of others. Her role at PADS is more than just a job; it’s a platform for her to be a vocal advocate for the most vulnerable in our community. As our Healthcare Coordinator, Xiomara collaborates seamlessly with diverse community partners to streamline access to vital healthcare services, ensuring our clients receive the support they need promptly. Her dedication is particularly evident in her work with clients facing high medical needs within our medical respite program.

Beyond her professional commitments, Xiomara cherishes her free time spent creating lasting memories with her family. A firm believer in the importance of self-care, she is constantly exploring new ways to nurture her well-being. Xiomara’s multifaceted approach to life reflects her commitment to both her community and her personal growth.

Street Outreach Case Mgr.

Jennifer Preston

Jennifer is currently PADS Lake County Street Outreach Case Manager and holds degrees in Criminal Justice and Human Services from CTU. Passionate about serving those in need, she volunteered for 2 years on the National Crisis line, aiding over 700 callers. Engaging in Outreach work for Lake County Ministries, she collaborates with professionals to address community issues. With years of experience assisting the elderly, she’s excited to make a difference at PADS and remains humble and thankful. Supported by her loving husband Terell and family, she lives by the motto “Never give up.”

Intake Case Manager

Isabel Ibarra

Isabel Ibarra’s path in psychology began with a deep curiosity about human behavior, emotions, and thought processes. She embarked on her academic journey, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology along with a minor in studio art. Joining the PADS Lake County team, Isabel brings her passion and background to benefit the local community.

In her role as an intake case manager, Isabel draws upon her experience to provide support to individuals facing complex challenges, such as homelessness, mental health issues, trauma, or substance abuse. Her approach to her work is defined by empathy, patience, and a sincere desire to create positive change. She firmly believes in the transformative power of understanding, advocacy, and collaboration to help her clients overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Isabel’s exceptional interpersonal skills enable her to establish rapport and build trust with her clients, fostering a supportive and empowering environment for their journeys toward stability and well-being.

Prevention & Diversion Spec.

Madiha Chaudhry

Meet Madiha Chaudhry, our dedicated Prevention and Diversion Specialist. Hailing from a small town in Pakistan, Madiha brings a wealth of experience and empathy to her role. With a bachelor’s degree from Pakistan and a background in psychology, she understands the importance of emotional support for individuals experiencing trauma.

For over 14 years, Madiha has been actively involved in volunteering with nonprofit organizations such as Humanity First, Feed My Starving Children, and AMC. Her commitment to making a positive impact on her community shines through in everything she does.

Madiha’s compassionate nature and eagerness to help are the cornerstones of her approach. She recognizes that those who walk through the doors of PADS may be facing challenging circumstances and need more than just shelter they need understanding and a caring hand to guide them. Madiha is here to provide that support, both to her clients and her team.

Community Case Manager

Indira Blandon

Meet Indira Blandon, a recent graduate in Human Resource Management from Southern New Hampshire University. Her education has equipped her with valuable skills, but her true passion is making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

She spends her free time volunteering, particularly by preparing and distributing meals to those in need on Sundays. Her drive to help others stems from her own experiences, as her family faced financial hardships during her upbringing.

As a mother to a 4-year-old son, she is dedicated to instilling in him the values of compassion and gratitude. They share a love for outdoor adventures and often visit the park and zoo, where her son’s fascination with animals reminds her of the beauty in the world.

Indira life experiences, education, and role as a mother fuels her passion for helping others. She is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those facing challenges.

Grants Manager

Julie Halpern-Cordell

With a background as a school and public librarian, Julie is well-versed in research and public service. She’s also a prolific writer with nine books to her name, spanning various genres. Her passion for serving the community and her commitment to helping others are at the heart of her role as Grants Manager. Julie tirelessly seeks funding opportunities to support PADS in providing vital services to our Lake County neighbors, making a significant impact on our community’s well-being. We are happy to have Julie’s dedication and unique talents on our team!

PSH Case Manager

Vicky Kulig

Vicky is a dedicated Permanent Support Housing Case Manager with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Dubuque and soon to complete her Master’s in Social Work at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Her fervor lies in assisting individuals in finding the support needed to secure a place to call home. She firmly believes in addressing Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, understanding that fulfilling basic requirements such as shelter, food, and security opens avenues to address mental and physical health needs.

Outside of work and academia, she embraces an active lifestyle with a penchant for gym workouts and yoga. Exploring the Lake County, Chicago, and Milwaukee areas with her boyfriend, savoring coffee, and indulging in a good read are some of the activities that bring joy to Vicky’s life. She is driven by a passion for making a positive impact on individuals’ lives, fostering a sense of home, and promoting holistic well-being.

Community Case Manager

Samantha Gutierrez

Samantha graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside with her bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She has a minor in Spanish and speaks it fluently; and earned her certificate in Child and Family advocacy and First Aid Mental Health. Samantha is from Chicago, however moved to Waukegan when she was 12 years old. Her experience in Waukegan was great and inspired her mission to help others. She realized that while the community is growing, its needs are expanding as well, including the lack of awareness for supportive resources available for those who need them. This propelled her commitment to make a difference and make an impact, especially to those who cannot speak or understand Spanish. She has always loved to be a voice to those who have been silenced, whether it was because of fear or discrimination. Her big heart has led to her being such a strong open-minded person who shows compassion in all that she sets her mind out to do. She knows that her passion will make a difference even if its one life at a time.

Community Case Manager

Jill Beller

Jill Beller is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She also holds an Associate’s degree in Human Resources from Harper College. Jill joined PADS because she felt a calling to help people. Prior to joining PADS, she spent 15 years working at several agencies that provided services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While travelling to Las Vegas, she learned about the large homeless population there, how they have adapted their lives to survive, and was motivated to help those similarly affected closer to home.

Development Associate

Katie Hoehne

Katie Hoehne is a communications specialist with expertise in public relations and program management. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carroll University and has a strong communications background with both the Chicago Cubs and Amazon. At PADS Lake County, Katie uses multiple channels to share the organization’s mission, vision, and positive impact on the community.

Prevention & Diversion Specialist

AriBelle Marban

AriBelle received her degree in Sociology- Criminology Track, Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies and has a minor in Spanish. Her previous role as a housing case manager at another non-profit agency along with her passion for empowering and supporting clients has allowed Ms. Marban to provide tailored resources and implement strategies to prevent homelessness for individuals and families facing housing instability. AriBelle strives to make each client feel heard and supported, connecting clients with essential services and resources as they work towards stable housing. In her free time, Ari loves to create art, spend time outside and hang out with her friends and family.

Community Case Manager

Cassie Connet

Cassie is a compassionate Community Case Manager at PADS with a degree in Human Services. With a strong commitment to empowering individuals, Cassie works diligently to assess needs, coordinate care, and connect clients with essential resources. Her expertise in human services allows her to offer personalized support, advocate for vulnerable populations, and foster positive outcomes for individuals and families. Driven by a deep passion for making a difference, Cassie is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and promoting the well-being of the community.

Administrative Assistant

Ruth Pea

Ruth is an administrative assistant at PADS. Her primary role is assisting the finance team. She is so proud to be a part of the PADS family. She wants to emphasize the kindness, dedication and perseverance of the PADS staff.

Ruth is a lifelong Cub fan and loves rooting her team on.

Program Services Manager

Auntavia Jackson

Auntavia is a mission-driven community leader passionate about building partnerships, executing impactful outreach, and fostering leadership development. With a strong background in program management and community engagement, she has dedicated her career to empowering individuals and strengthening communities.

Currently serving as Program Services Manager at PADS Lake County, she oversees essential services for individuals experiencing homelessness, ensuring they receive shelter, case management, and pathways to stability. Previously, as Director of Programs at Public Allies Racine-Kenosha, Auntavia launched the local unit, placing emerging leaders in apprenticeships and facilitating leadership training. Her experience also includes serving as Program Director at the YMCA Bray Center, where she established Sister Circle, supporting low-income, minority women with job skills and resources.

Volunteer Coordinator

Sasha Preskill

Sasha comes from a marketing background in communications with a focus on mission-based work. She also carries a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and has worked with a digital marketing agency and a university publishing house to hone her skills in communications. Through extensive community engagement initiatives, she discovered her passion for marketing within community-driven non-profits. At PADS Lake County, Sasha uses her skills in communications to increase volunteer engagement and strengthen local communities.