Our Team
Board of Directors
Jennifer Mosley, President
Jennifer Mosley President
Dr. Patricia Y. Jones Blessman, Vice President
Dr. Patricia Y. Jones Blessman is a licensed clinical psychologist with over thirty years of experience as a clinician, consultant and administrator of mental health programs. Although now retired, her vocational experience encompassed a diverse array of clinical settings; public and private, profit and not-for-profit as well as academic institutions. The integrating theme throughout her varied work experience has been the consistent focus on access to and development of culturally appropriate social services and mental health care for children and their families. Her clinical work has primarily focused on trauma; child abuse and interpersonal violence. She has volunteered her services for children caught in high gun violence communities. She has come out of retirement to focus her energy on health education and coping as we face this global pandemic.
Her philanthropic and civic work also includes serving as a board member for Code Pink: Women for Peace, international Center for Global Child Advocacy and trustee emeritus of Children’s Advocates for Change, a policy and advocacy group which addresses the common welfare of children across the state and is often a leader in key policy shifts that impact children nationally.
Dr. Jones Blessman, with her husband Stephen Blessman are members of the American Sustainable Business Network, a diverse community of business leaders and entrepreneurs who can effect positive social change through business. They are also sustaining members of the Environmental Law and Policy Center. Their combined business interests and portfolio focus is also on socially responsible investing. While screening their family stock portfolio for companies that do good socially while doing well financially, the Blessman’s strive to obtain the triple bottom line results of financial success, social responsibility and environmental sustainability through carefully picking private equity investments.
Dr. Jones received her baccalaureate degree from Northwestern University’s School of Education with a major in Human Development and Social Policy. She earned her doctorate degree in clinical and developmental psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Dr. Patricia Y. Jones Blessman Vice President
Allison Youngblood, Treasurer
Allison Youngblood manages her own consulting business working with corporate and non-profit clients on aligning strategy, people, organizations, and technology to maximize the value of investments and strategic decisions. She uses deep experience in change management and project management, combined with strong analytics and facilitation skills, to bring
together effective cross-functional teams that can solve problems and build organizational capacity.
Allison is a passionate supporter of the community and believes that communities working together can effect change to increase the opportunities for and well-being of all members. A life-long volunteer, she grew up in Missouri where she was a Girl Scout starting in grade school and a member of the teen advisory board for March of Dimes in high school. In Chicago, Allison has served on the boards of Chicago Lights, Fourth Presbyterian Church, and the Junior League of Chicago. As an active volunteer she applied her consulting experience to the non-profit sector resulting in an award-winning Junior League program to build capacity in social service organizations. She supported Bright Promises Foundation when it refined its focus and recently worked on its 150th anniversary committee to develop and host the Elevating Youth Voices Fair. As a single mother who raised her son in Chicago, Allison values the support communities can offer to families and is excited to help Hello Baby provide a solid foundation for all children.
Allison earned a Masters in Learning and Organizational Change from Northwestern University and a Bachelors in Management from the University of Missouri.
Allison Youngblood Treasurer
Meredith Clayton, Secretary
Meredith is a pediatrician who has served in a broad range of healthcare contexts, from a regional children’s hospital to utilization management and from a mission hospital in Africa to a large HMO practice in southern California. Presently she works both as a Physician Advisor for AIM Specialty Health and as a pediatrician at Aunt Martha’s Children’s Reception Center on Chicago’s southside.
Born in Kansas and raised in France, Meredith graduated from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biological Sciences in 2003. Following her pediatric residency, she undertook a second residency in Preventive Medicine at Loma Linda University in California, where she also earned a Masters Degree in Public Health.
Meredith is particularly excited to be affiliated with Hello Baby, given its strong belief in the importance of early literacy and interactive play for child development, two evidence-based practices she emphasizes in her own pediatric work.
Dr Meredith Clayton Secretary
Kathleen Platt, Chair Resource Development Committee
Kathleen resides in Chicago with her husband and son. She spent many years working in the events industry, including The Bank of America Chicago Marathon and The PGA TOUR’s BMW Championship as well as planning and executing The Makeover Mile, an event that focused on the health and safety of underserved communities around the country. She now focuses on volunteering extensively in neighborhoods within the city. She is actively involved in her son’s school Parent Association and is a huge supporter of the animal rescue community. HelloBaby makes a tangible impact on the community and Kathleen is so happy to be a part of an organization that strives to make real change in the lives of children and their families.
Kathleen Platt Chair Resource Development Committee
Heidi Tischer, Director
Heidi is a native of Chicago and resides in the city with her husband and boy-girl twins. Upon their arrival, she decided to leave the insurance industry and stay home to manage the household. She feels fortunate to have the opportunity to volunteer extensively in her community and at the Chicago Public School her children attend. Heidi is the President of the West Bucktown Neighborhood Association where she works closely with her neighbors, local Community Policing Office, Alderman’s office, Park Advisory Council, local businesses and schools, to foster a tight knit sense of community despite living in a large city. Heidi also serves as Vice President of the Friends of Alcott which supports students, families, teachers and staff to make significant improvements to the quality of the school and cultivate a strong school community.
Heidi Tischer Director
Lauren St. Clair, Director
Lauren is a midwestern girl at heart — originally from Indianapolis, IN, she received her BS in Finance and Accounting from Miami University in Ohio. After graduation, she spent several years living and working in Chicago, holding roles in both investment banking and private equity. Lauren has recently graduated with her master’s degree from University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She spends much of her time on the Hyde Park campus just a few blocks away from HelloBaby! Lauren was previously involved with the Young Professionals Board, working on events and partnership opportunities with the HelloBaby team. She is passionate about engaging with the local Chicago community and helping to create a lasting and positive social impact.
Lauren St. Clair Assistant Treasurer
Robin Fine, Director
Robin has spent nearly her entire adult life in Chicago. She continues to live and work in the city after her kids have grown and flown. Robin spent years advocating for children through involvement and leadership in fundraising for her children’s schools as president of both Friends of Alcott and Friends of Lincoln Park High School. She also chaired The Field of Dreams committee that raised $1.6M to renovate the dilapidated outdoor space at Alcott Elementary. She is excited to be involved with HelloBaby and continue her joy in helping children and families.
Robin Fine Director
Dominique Sabbs, Director
Dominique Sabbs is the Senior Manager of Community Development at Chicago Area
Runners Association. Sabbs brings a background of providing comprehensive support and
outreach to communities within Chicago’s South and West sides, working to build
relationships and healthy communities by expanding accessible opportunities for people to
be active. Sabbs has developed CARA Run Crews, which are free organized weekday group
runs in Chicago neighborhoods. These Run Crews have brought opportunity for people to
run/walk and be active in and with their own community. Sabbs accomplishes the same
goal through ‘Go Run,’ a partnership with the Chicago Park District to put on free, timed 5K
and One-Mile races. This program activates neighborhood parks, builds communities,
encourages an active lifestyle through running, and has become an integral part of
neighborhood culture through community engagement at each run. Sabbs’ work at CARA is
also an integral part of the organization, as her dedication and commitment continue to
remove barriers to make running more inclusive and accessible.
Dominique has a background in youth social work and community engagement. Her passion
is serving others and helping to build healthy and lasting relationships wherever she goes.
She has a 19- and 16-year-old son and a beautiful 3-year-old daughter that has been a part
of HelloBaby since she was about 6 months old. Dominique and Kennedy bring high energy
and laughter to the community within HelloBaby.
Dominique Sabbs Director
Kathy Campbell Wolf
Kathy Campbell Wolf holds a BA in International Studies from Miami University in Oxford, OH. Kathy began her career as an agent at Elite Model Management in Chicago, eventually starting her own agency representing fashion photographers and producing photo shoots. Kathy and her husband are the proud parents of a son and daughter and are actively involved with their school. After adopting their second child, Kathy met Debbie Frisch in 2009 when they both were Board Members at the Adoption Center of Illinois. Together, with photographer Susan Andrews, they spearheaded a rebranding and new marketing material for the adoption agency. Kathy is also a Board Member at the Chicago based not for profit Spark Ventures, an international organization servicing communities and enhancing the quality of education for people in Zambia and Nicaragua.
Kathy Campbell Wolf Director
Advisory Board
Sherlanda Brooks, Advisor
Sherlanda Brooks is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Diversity Sourcing Solutions. Sherlanda has extensive experience in Supplier Diversity with major global organizations. In addition, she also has experience as a successful business leader and entrepreneur in the consumer product industry.
Prior to forming Diversity Sourcing Solutions, Sherlanda has had the privilege of working in Supplier Diversity for global procurement leaders such as Kraft Foods, Mondelez International and PepsiCo. Sherlanda’s passion for Supplier Diversity began when in 1996 as a Women Owned Minority Business Enterprise; she started her own consumer product company “As Good As Mother’s” Inc., a specialty product line of seasonings. Through her work with Supplier Diversity leaders at Kroger, Safeway and Albertson’s, she secured local and national distribution in over 1500 grocery stores and food service outlets across the country. In 2007, amid rising cost, Sherlanda sold As Good As Mother’s as intellectual property.
Currently Sherlanda serves as the chair for Diversity and Social Responsibility for the Institute of Supply Management (Chicago), Lane Tech Alumni Board Member and the advisory board for the Women’s Business Development Center. She also plays an active role in working with and empowering youth in underserved communities as well as supporting women’s shelters. Sherlanda attended the University of Kansas on a full track scholarship where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communications.
Sherlanda Brooks Advisor
Robbin Carroll, Director
With a degree in biochemistry from UCLA, Robbin Carroll aims to combine her knowledge of the body’s response mechanisms to stress with collaborative community engagement in order to foster hope and healing in Chicago.
Robbin ran her own business for 35 years. After completing her yoga teacher certification, Robbin became interested in how the body moves to heal trauma. She has trained with Street Yoga in Seattle, YogaKids in Connecticut, Radiant Child Yoga in New York, Brain Gym in California, and the Justice Center in Boston, MA.
Robbin began her NFP work in Englewood as a volunteer yoga teacher for children at the Montessori School of Englewood. Through yoga and mindfulness practice, her intention was to provide children with some relief from the stress and trauma caused by continued exposure to violence. It became evident, however, that much of the stress and challenges experienced by the children occurred outside the school’s walls.
In 2013, Carroll expanded her efforts by purchasing an abandoned home in Englewood and officially incorporated I Grow Chicago, NFP to address the root causes of trauma in Englewood. Through I Grow Chicago’s Peace House, Robbin worked to integrate the practices of restorative justice, artistic expression, mindful movement, somatic coaching and economic development to create a new model of social change.
Robbin Carroll Advisor
Gerri Cicchinelli, Advisor
Gerri became a fundraiser from her involvement as a volunteer at Children’s Memorial hospital and for her passion for making a difference. While she had enjoyed a career as a retail entrepreneur and corporate executive, being able to apply her drive and energies to a mission driven organization is what she aspired to do.
She attended the Northwestern School of Continuing Studies and obtained a Certificate of Philanthropy. Gerri has worked at various Chicago nonprofit organizations and is currently at her dream job as the Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Western Golf Association Evans Scholars Foundation.
Gerri believes that an education is the key to reducing the cycle of poverty and changing the trajectory of a family. She believes that HelloBaby will facilitate positive change in the communities it serves and is honored to be part of this groundbreaking work.
Gerri Cicchinelli Advisor
Kassie Cicchinelli, Advisor
Kassie was born and raised on the North side of Chicago and loves the city and all it has to offer. She is passionate about caring for the people of Chicago, especially those that are less fortunate. Kassie is honored to be part of the founding team that has started the Young Professionals Board for HelloBaby, serving in the role as President.
Kassie graduated from the Latin School of Chicago and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Indiana University. She currently is a project manager for a marketing firm. She loves spending time with her friends and family, dogs, being outdoors and pizza!
Kassie Neville Advisor
Angelita Johnson, Advisor
Angelita is a seasoned educator and pediatric developmental therapist and an unwavering advocate for underserved communities. With a profound passion to nurture the potential in every child and a heart committed to making a positive impact, she wants to continue to change the world of education and pediatric therapy.
Angelita’s quest to transform young lives began two decades ago. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Education, she initially worked as an elementary school teacher, where she discovered her natural talent for connecting with and understanding the unique needs of each child. Her drive for excellence led her to pursue a master’s degree in Education, solidifying her expertise in addressing the challenges faced with children with diverse developmental needs.
Angelita is honored to be affiliated with HelloBaby because of the positive impact and change it brings to the community.
Angelita Johnson Advisor
Nathalie Loma, Advisor
Nathalie Loma was born in 1987 in the beautiful country of Cameroon. Sadly, two months after her birth, Nathalie’s father passed away. The sudden passing of Nathalie’s father created financial hardships for Nathalie and her mother. To make ends meet, Nathalie’s mother taught herself to sew and became a seamstress and dressmaker specializing in African fabric and special event clothing.
Nathalie grew up watching her mother making beautiful clothes for others while providing for her family. She watched and learned from her Mother and fell in love with fashion. As she stated in her last interview,” I remember seeing my Mom look at fabric and asked it what it wanted; it was as if she knew the garment would speak back to her. This is something I have cherished and incorporated in my work as a designer”.
Pursuing a better life through education, Nathalie moved to the USA in 2006, to study Journalism and Broadcasting. After graduating she hosted red carpet events, fashion shows and worked as a fashion writer. She quickly realized her love for fashion was imbedded in her DNA and as much as she loved broadcasting and journalism, fashion was pulling her in every direction.
With the passion to become a designer Nathalie rented a small workroom and spent every working moment designing and sewing her line. Nathalie looks forward to every opportunity to create the perfect garment for each client.
With her Mother as her continued role model and support, Nathalie has been able to overcome life challenges and pursue her dreams. She mentors and encourages students in high school because more than anyone Nathalie understands the importance of following your heart’s desire.
Nathalie Loma Advisor
Dr Damian McGee, Advisor
Dr Damian McGee Advisor
Jason Weaver, Director
Jason Weaver, also known by his stage name J-Weav, is an actor and singer who was born and raised in Chicago.
He is best known for his roles as Marcus Henderson on The WB sitcom Smart Guy, Jerome Turrell on the sitcom Thea, and the pre-teenaged Michael Jackson on the 1992 miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream.
He was also the singing voice of the young Simba in Walt Disney’s 1994 film The Lion King and he played Teddy in the 2006 hit movie ATL.
He is currently working on Showtime’s The Chi, about life in a neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago.
As a father, Jason knows there is no such thing as somebody else’s child. Jason is excited to work with HelloBaby because of his commitment to give back to the community that he will be forever attached to.
Jason Weaver Advisor
Staff
Debbie Frisch, Founder and Executive Director
Debbie Frisch is a Mother, Foster Mother, Spiritual Director, Volunteer, Community Activist and Philanthropist. Debbie is a Chicago transplant who comes from modest beginnings. The City of Chicago welcomed her with open arms and she is thrilled to give back to the city that she loves. Debbie is actively involved with many not for profit organizations that support economically disadvantaged families and children. But her true love has been the children she has been blessed to care for. She is passionate about continuing on her journey to partner with and support families with young children. “I created HelloBaby to help moms and to give all children a joyful, healthy, safe start.”
In response to the lack of services available to parents in underserved communities, Debbie decided to take a chance. Her goal is to establish a safe place that that is friendly, welcoming, environmentally responsible, accessible and fun. Simply said, Debbie believes every baby deserves the best.
Debbie Frisch Founder and Executive Director
Tamika Baker
Tamika was raised on the South Side of Chicago. She has a background in public relations and event planning. Tamika became involved in early childhood education in 2018 when her son turned 3 years old and she began volunteering at his daycare. She fell in love with teaching and became a substitute teacher. Tamika has since completed her Basic Certification in Early Childhood Development from Kennedy-King College – Chicago City Colleges. She loves what HelloBaby represents, the amazing impact it has on the community, and how it helps families. Says Tamika, “I love watching the kids grow and learn every day. It brings me joy!”
Tamika Baker Manager
Maya Jefferson
Raised in the heart of Hyde Park, Maya has always been driven by a deep passion for helping others. With over 15 years of experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant and her ongoing work as a Health Advocate for seniors on the South Side of Chicago, Maya has dedicated her life to supporting those in need.
She recently expanded her expertise by completing her Basic Certification in Early Childhood Development from Kennedy-King College – Chicago City Colleges.
Maya loves working with the public and is committed to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Her passion for service led her to join the HelloBaby team, where she continues to follow her calling—bringing care, compassion, and support to children and families every day.
Maya Jefferson Assistant Manager
Shavon Townsend
As a millennium mom of two toddlers and one gamer son, I’m committed to learn and become more effective with progressive communication with all children; starting with infants and toddlers. I offer the added benefit of sign language. I can immerse your child in an intimate creativity hub that offers a safe & colorful environment, promoting multiple forms of communication, social/emotional development and cultural awareness. Whether it’s reading stories & teaching basic phrases to moms and babies or dancing in floating bubbles, I’m here to support their language journey.
Shavon Townsend Staff
Hilda Bahena, Staff
Hilda brings a passion for language and early childhood education to her role as a bilingual circle time teacher, where she leads engaging lessons in both Spanish and English. Her background includes bilingual instruction starting in elementary school and continued Spanish studies through high school. Hilda loves introducing young children to Spanish and is committed to helping as many little learners as possible gain basic skills to connect with others across cultures. A proud soccer mom, she lives by the quote: “While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” – Angela Schwindt
Hilda Bahena Staff
Vanessa Cabrera Ramirez, Staff
Vanessa is from Mexico, raised in Chicago. She is married and has 2 children,
a 5-year-old girl and a 1-year-old boy. She and her husband have 1 more on the
way that is due in March 2025! During Vanessa's free time she loves to travel as a family.
They have traveled recently to Cancun, North Carolina, Colorado, Arizona, and Texas.
She looks forward to traveling to more places once their new bundle of joy arrives.
Growing up Vanessa has always been surrounded by children as she is the oldest of 5. She
would always help her parents look after the younger siblings. Working
with children has always felt second-nature to Vanessa. She is currently pursuing her
associate’s degree with a concentration in Early Childhood Development.
Vanessa Cabrera Ramirez Staff
Brynn Ovitz, Grant Writer
Brynn is a Chicago native and a recent graduate of Tulane University and NYU, with a background in communications and writing. She first got involved with HelloBaby by attending events and is now excited to support the organization’s mission as a grant writer and researcher.
She’s especially drawn to HelloBaby’s work because it aligns so closely with her values, and she is devoted to giving back to the city that made her who she is.
When she’s not writing, Brynn enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, cheering on the Bulls at United Center, and spending time with her very opinionated, silly cats.
Brynn Ovitz Grant Writer
Naya Gudger, Staff
Naya was raised in the Brooklyn/Curtis Bay Area in Baltimore, Md. Throughout her childhood she has always helped or volunteered with kids. In 2016 Naya moved to Chicago to assist with a family member’s children. July 4th of 2022 she gave birth to her wonderful son Noah. When he turned about 6 months she found out about HelloBaby and it was the best discovery ever. HelloBaby is now and forever will be a part of Noah’s and Naya's life.
Naya Gudger Staff
Amanda Freeman, Marketing Manager
Amanda is the Marketing Manager at HelloBaby, where she leads the organization’s marketing efforts through a creative blend of graphic design, photography, social media, and storytelling. With a degree in photography from Western Michigan University, Amanda has always had a passion for visual communication and using creativity to make a difference.
She grew up in the western suburbs and has lived in or around Chicago all of her life, except for a few years spent in Seoul, Korea, where she taught kindergarten and developed a deep appreciation for working with children from diverse backgrounds.
Amanda has always loved children and is excited to combine that love with her creative skills to support HelloBaby’s mission.
She believes that thoughtful, authentic communication can help build stronger communities—and that stronger communities are the key to a brighter, safer future for the city of Chicago.
Amanda Freeman Marketing Manager
Teddy was born in Toledo, OH and currently resides in Chicago, IL. He is passionate about education and is certified as a therapy dog. To that end, he has attended several rigorous training academies and institutions of higher learning. In his free time he enjoys lake front walks, romps at the park, playing fetch and chewing on bones. Teddy is happy to be on staff at HelloBaby. He says the hugs and kisses he gets from our guests are his favorite thing ever.