Office Team

Niki joined The Village Chicago in 2015 as a social work intern and, as she’ll tell you, “just never left!” She earned her Master’s in Social Work with a specialization in healthcare from Loyola in 2017. Niki is inspired by connecting members to services, resources, and one another – drawing upon members’ experience and expertise just as they draw upon hers. She appreciates how the Village is adapting, building multigenerational relationships, and finding new ways to support mental and physical well being. In her spare time, Niki can be found reading too many books at once, cutting quilt squares, or lifting weights.

Callie began as a volunteer for the Chicago Hyde Park Village in 2020 and has previously worked as an educator and writer. As both a team member and volunteer, she is committed to building more equitable communities through developing intergenerational networks of connection and support. Callie received her BA in English from The University of Washington and has a Master’s in Literature from Trinity College Dublin. An avid reader and writer, Callie is passionate about all things literary and also enjoys the visual arts, cycling, and travel.

A founding Village member, Laurel started volunteering for the Village shortly before it opened in June 2009 and became a part time staff member in 2010. She worked in marketing for nearly 40 years, in advertising agencies and as a sole practitioner consultant. In her current role, she helps shape strategy, planning and communications for most major Village initiatives. Her proudest accomplishment was founding Bottomless Closet in 1991, the first nonprofit free business apparel resource for women transitioning from assistance to work.

Darien moved to Chicago in 2021, from Morgantown, West Virginia, to embrace the energy and opportunity of the Windy City. With a passion for making a difference, she has built her career as a dedicated development professional, specializing in supporting social service and healthcare nonprofit organizations. Her drive to empower communities and foster positive change is at the heart of everything she does. Darien thrives on the endless adventures Chicago has to offer. From uncovering hidden gems in the city’s diverse neighborhoods to indulging in its world-class food and arts scene, she is always eager to explore. A creative spirit at heart, she channels her artistic side into designing handmade greeting cards and unique paper crafts, finding joy in sharing her creations with others.

Sarah is a proud graduate of Purdue Northwest, where she majored in Biological Sciences with a focus on health and forensic science and took on a leadership role as the head of the Medical Careers Club, helping students make valuable connections with industry professionals. While working in long-term care facilities, she gained extensive experience with older adults and individuals with cognitive impairments. Sarah is dementia care certified and has been an active volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association since 2020. Her passion for health and wellbeing drives her commitment as a Community Educator promoting healthy lifestyles for those who are aging. During Sarah’s free time, she likes to hike, garden, and bake.

Tamara has over a decade of experience in DEIB strategy (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging), corporate social responsibility, community engagement, and program development. Holding a DEI certification from Northwestern University’s Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Tamara’s mission is to introduce modern approaches for creating community and belonging. She actively volunteers for My Block, My Hood My City; Minorities in Cybersecurity; Healthy Hood; Youth Services of Glenview; and the Moran Center. In her leisure time, she indulges her love for travel, camping, forest bathing, Ravinia, and exploring diverse cuisines as a dedicated foodie.

Brooke is a social service and public health professional who has obtained undergraduate degrees in psychology and speech pathology as well as a graduate degree in public health. She recently became a certified dementia practitioner (CDP) through the NCCDP. Brooke started her career in the intellectual disabilities field and began working with older adults within a senior living community, from there moving into legal guardianship and program management. Most recently, Brooke has been working with the Alzheimer’s Association as part of a lifestyle intervention research study aiming to protect brain health in older adults. She is looking forward to finding ways to apply her experience to help establish better brain health and to navigate cognitive changes.

Having returned to her home town to help her parents navigate their final years, Susan landed at the Village because its mission resonated with her recent lived experience — “I wish my parents would’ve had a place like the Village.” She received her undergraduate degree in Finance and MBA from Drake University and a Master’s degree in Religion and Ecology from Loyola/New Orleans. Susan has a rich and varied background in finance, working for financial institutions and non-profits, including religious organizations, youth services, and higher education.

With a BA in English from Kent State University and an extensive background in nonprofit management, healthcare, and the arts, Jessica strives to bring quality programming and exceptional experiences to the Village community. She embraces the notion that it takes a village to make the world a better and more beautiful place, and is excited to be a part of that process.  Jessica is an experienced glassblower and potter and is always up for a new artistic challenge.