Our Team

Board of Directors

Jennifer Jones, President

Jennifer is the owner and Director of Event planning for JNM Events.

For 17 years, Jennifer has planned a wide variety of private, corporate and charity events all over the US! Through her love and passion for simply making people happy, she gives all of herself to bring joy to those through her events.

After attending the University of Michigan, Jennifer moved to Chicago, where she has been involved in giving back to underrepresented communities for years; and has been involved with many different organizations around the city. She is excited to bring her experience from her prior involvement with other communities to HelloBaby, as well as seeing the smiles on the little faces and their parents that we support.

Jennifer Jones President

Kathy Campbell Wolf, Vice President

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 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

Heidi Tischer, Secretary

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 Secretary

Dr Damian McGee, Director

Dr Damian is a board certified pediatrician caring for children of all ages since 2005. She is a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, has privileges at Prentice Women's Hospital and holds a faculty appointment at Lurie Children's Hospital. Dr Damian currently practices with Donohoe Pediatrics in North Center.

Dr Damian has always had a passion for giving back to under-resourced communities. She has been active in community service since her education at Howard University, Meharry Medical College and training at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She is committed to always making time to serve others, as it truly gives her so much joy to pay it forward. In addition to serving HelloBaby , Dr Damian is also a mentor with iMentor Chicago. She resides in Bronzeville with her family.

Dr Damian McGee Director

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

Meredith Clayton, Director

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 Director

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 Director

Advisory Board

Jeff Braddy, Advisor

Jeff and his wife Susan are the Andrews and Braddy of Andrews Braddy Photography. For over 20 years, Jeff has worked for a wide variety of satisfied clients including many Fortune 500 brands. Jeff’s brings drama and life to the products he photographs.

As a life long resident, Jeff is deeply committed to Chicago. Jeff and Susan are parents to a daughter and son, Alex and Ian, and were very active in CPS when their children were students. Jeff has always used his photographic skills to give back to the community. Jeff is committed to capturing the story of HelloBaby on film.

Jeff Braddy Advisor

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

Sidney Frisch, Advisor

Sid grew up in Highland Park, IL, and has lived in Chicago since receiving his bachelor and law degrees from the University of Illinois. He is an attorney at the law firm of Frisch & Frisch, Chtd. His practice has been primarily focused on business, real estate, and tax matters. He is married to Debbie, and together they are parents of daughters Lauren and Michelle, puppies Hunter and Morris and grand puppies Boone and Daisy.

Sid is happy to lend his legal and business expertise to HelloBaby. With his wife Debbie, Sid believes all children are entitled to opportunities for safe, inspired play.

Sidney Frisch 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

Young Professionals Board

Kassie Cicchinelli, President

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 Cicchinelli President

Alex Giordano, Treasurer

Alex experienced her first year living in the city of Chicago when she transferred to the Latin School of Chicago during her Junior year of high school. Born and raised in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio, Alex was not used to the bustling, inner-city lifestyle that quickly became her new home. Not surprisingly, Alex instantly fell in love with the city – its culture, diverse neighborhoods, endless things to do and of course, the food! Upon learning of HelloBaby’s mission to serve families in the south side of Chicago, Alex was eager to assist in an organization that gave back to her community. Alex is excited to be a part of HelloBaby’s Young Professionals Board and eager to make a difference and tangible impact on the community.

Alex graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with her Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. She is currently an Investment Banking Associate at KeyBanc Capital Markets.

Alex Giordano Waldock Treasurer

Erin Young, Secretary

Erin was born and raised in Chicago. She has been lucky enough to call multiple Chicago neighborhoods home, including her childhood home in the South Loop. Erin is passionate about science, engineering and education. Her interest in childhood education began while volunteering at Loyola University's Early Childhood Cognition Lab as an undergraduate. Erin has since been involved in many STEM programs to encourage and share her passion with girls and young women. Erin is beyond enthused to assist in the founding of HelloBaby’s Young Professionals Board and continue her work supporting mothers and their children.

Erin graduated from Whitney M. Young High School and received her Bachelor's of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University. She currently works for Google in the West Loop.

Erin Young Secretary

Young Professionals Board Members

Brittany Martin
Danielle McKinney

Lindsay Trewn
Sonal Patel

Maggie Witzenburg

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

Jesmine Nampala

Jesmine is originally from Atlanta, but has made Chicago her home. She enjoys interacting with children and helping their parents. Jesmine loves that HelloBaby is a free, safe place for kids to come play and socialize with other kids. HelloBaby has helped Jesmine and she says her daughter loves to visit. Jesmine is excited to be a part of the Hello Baby team because she knows that HelloBaby helps parents and their children be successful.

Jesmine Nampala Assistant Manager

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. Tamika fell in love with teaching and became a substitute teacher. 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 Assistant Manager

Amanda Freeman, Director of Social Media

Amanda is our resident social media expert. She grew up in the western suburbs and has lived in or around Chicago all of her life with the exception of completing a degree in photography at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo and teaching English for a few years in Seoul, Korea. She has always loved children and is excited to combine that love along with her passion for photography and social media to support the work of HelloBaby. Amanda believes that building stronger communities will lead the city of Chicago to a brighter, safer future.

Amanda Freeman Director of Social Media

Susan Andrews, Development Director

Since her early years in a small town in Michigan, Susan has been living, raising two children, and making photographs in Chicago for more than 20 years. As a photographer, she specializes in photographing people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Her clients include companies that serve babies and children, and include Radio Flyer, Gerber, McDonalds, PepsiCo and Quaker.

Susan combines a keen eye for photography with a heart for the young - supporting the work of HelloBaby, Special Olympics, The Adoption Center of Illinois, The Lincoln Park Zoo, and other family-focused community organizations. According to Susan, “The great joy of my life has been raising my children. The highlight of my career is the work I have done photographing infants and children. Working with HelloBaby is a natural fit for me”.

Susan Andrews Development Director

Teddy Frisch

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.