Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer
mnanos@greenlightfamilyservices.org
A. Maria Nanos, LCSW, Ph.D., is the Chief Executive Officer of the Greenlight Family Services. Dr. Nanos received her Ph.D. in Clinical Social Work from the Institute for Clinical Social Work in Chicago and her masters in social work at Jane Addams, University of Illinois. Dr. Nanos’ clinical career began in 1987 focusing on children and families of sexual abuse and neglect in the Chicagoland area. Dr. Nanos rapidly moved into managerial positions supervising programs in areas of mental health, child abuse, sexual assault, DCFS investigations and more recently grandparents raising grandchildren. Dr. Nanos is an avid advocate for human services in Chicago and is a frequent presenter at conferences and trainings. Dr. Nanos is an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago in the Masters program and has a part time clinical private practice. She has consulted with many agencies in Chicago thus reaching thousands of families.
Dr. Nanos is a native Chicagoan who enjoys most outdoor activities, travel and nature. She resides with her family in Evanston.
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Operating Officer
rmcmahon@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Ruth McMahon joined Greenlight Family Services December 2017. Ruth brings her expertise and more than nine years of experience as the Chief Development Officer at Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare to her new role at Greenlight Family Services. Ruth’s responsibilities include creating and implementing overall development, marketing, and public relations plans and strategies as well as partnering with Greenlight Family Services’ Board of Directors on all fundraising efforts and activities.
Ruth is a graduate of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Before focusing on development, Ruth served for many years as a Regional Sales Manager and as a Marketing Services Manager in the retail industry. Ruth acted as Co-Chair for her parish’s Development Council board for many years and is an active mental health advocate. Ruth currently lives in Evanston with her husband Paul and four children.
Program Director
Program Director
pmills@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Pamela Mills, MA recently joined the Greenlight Family Services team as the Program Director. Pam received her Bachelor’s Degree and her Master’s Degree from Chicago State University. Pam began her career as a Child Welfare Specialist. She soon moved into supervisory roles within the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Pam’s career in Child Welfare spans more than twenty-six years. She served with distinction as a Permanency Supervisor, a Placement Field Service Manager, a Child Protection Manager, Adoption Supervisor and, finally, as the Statewide Adoption Administrator for the state of Illinois. Pam’s experience, expertise, and professionalism is well known within the Child Welfare field. She looks forward to bringing that leadership to Greenlight and to use her experience to expand its wide array of services.
Staff Accountant
Staff Accountant
Human Resources Director
Human Resources Director
nescobar@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Ms. Escobar has been with Greenlight Family Services since July 2012. As the Human Resources Director, she oversees employee relations. She began at Greenlight Family Services as the administrative assistant, acting as a jack of all trades and serving all departments within the organization in one capacity or another. Her strong leadership skills and natural inclination to take on new tasks lead to an expansion of her role within the organization. From 2014 to 2021, Ms. Escobar was the Office Manager, during which time she oversaw the transition of two outside services into new programs at Greenlight. These were Porchlight Counseling Services (now Greenlight Counseling), a nonprofit formerly located in Evanston, IL, and the Adoption Listing Service of Illinois, a statewide adoption program funded by the Department of Children and Family Services.
As Human Resources Director, Ms. Escobar is responsible for the hiring, development, and safety of employees. She develops and implements human resource programs, motivates workplace communication and safety, and promotes inclusive practices within the organization.
Ms. Escobar completed her B.A. at Columbia College Chicago. Prior to joining Greenlight Family Services, she worked as a freelance tutor and a Writing Consultant at Columbia College Chicago. She enjoys reading, writing original fictional stories, and spending time with her family.
Special Events and Outreach Coordinator
Special Events and Outreach Coordinator
sbyles@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Sheriffa Byles began her role as Special Events and Outreach Coordinator in August 2022. Sheriffa joined Greenlight Family Services in March 2021 as a Family Development Support Specialist. Before beginning her position at Greenlight, Sheriffa acted as the Project Manager for Strategic Events Solutions in Chicago. In that role, Sheriffa designed and managed special events for a wide range of individuals, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. In her new position, Sheriffa plans on combining her dedication to child development and family restoration with her passion for fundraising through special events.
In Sheriffa’s spare time she loves spending time with family, traveling, and doing DIY projects.
Communications & Grant Coordinator
Communications & Grant Coordinator
tdebrock@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Tegan Debrock joined the Development team at Greenlight Family Services as the Communications & Grant Coordinator in August 2022. Tegan earned his BA in Political Science with a Minor in Social Work from Texas State University in his hometown of San Marcos. During his college career, Tegan co-founded a nonprofit organization, HOME Center, serving unhoused community members in Hays County, TX. He also served as the Co-founder and Chair of the Homeless Coalition of Hays County. Tegan found his passion for social services, nonprofit work, and grassroots community organizing through these roles. Tegan looks forward to using his love of writing and organizing to empower Greenlight’s mission and support the Chicago community.
Tegan moved to Chicago in 2022 excited for public transit and snowy winters. In his free time, he reads & writes, runs Dungeons & Dragons sessions, and watches all things nerdy.
Director of Legal Services
Director of Legal Services
kcarli@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Karin Carli, JD, is the Director of Legal Services at Greenlight Family Services. She joined the team in 2017. Karin received her law degree from DePaul University College of Law, in Chicago. Prior to working at Greenlight Family Services, Karin was an attorney and Guardian ad Litem at the Office of the Cook County Public Guardian for 11 years, where she represented and advocated for abused and neglected foster children. Karin is passionate about and has spent her entire legal career helping children and families. She is dedicated to the clients she serves and public interest law.
Karin is from Indiana, and moved to Chicago in 1994. In her free time, Karin enjoys spending time with her family and friends, biking, baking, reading and traveling. She lives with her family in Chicago.
Staff Attorney
Staff Attorney
sfleming@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Legal Administrator
Legal Administrator
mjohnson@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Ms. Johnson joined Greenlight Family services as the Legal Administrator in 2015. She comes to this role with over twenty years of experience in administration. Prior to joining Greenlight Family Services, Ms. Johnson worked with the Greater Food Depository as the Assistant for the Healthy Kids Meal Program. She works directly with the staff attorneys in order to provide clients with the optimal level of assistance possible. Ms. Johnson provides clerical support and client intake services for the Legal Department. She also works directly with the Mediation Manager to help carry out the Mediation program by scheduling mediation for individuals who have filed a service appeal with the DCFS Administrative Hearings Unit.
Ms. Johnson is passionate about supporting families and providing assistance to clients as they call in to the office. Her interests include spending time with her grandchildren, crocheting, dancing and traveling.
Program Coordinator
Program Coordinator
Ashley deRamos-Stark, LSW, joined Team Greenlight in 2023 as the Greenlight Counseling Program Coordinator. Ashley received her Bachelors in Psychology and Spanish from Calvin University, Michigan, and her Masters in Social Work with a specialization in Trauma Across the Lifespan from Western Michigan University. Ashley has over six years of experience working with survivors of domestic violence by providing counseling, housing advocacy, and crisis intervention. Her intersecting experience in the criminal legal system and partner abusive intervention programming informs how she helps survivors in their healing journeys. Ashley is passionate about growing support networks that comprehensively prevent and intervene with violence. She looks forward to partnering with local universities and counselors to continue and expand access to care for student survivors through Greenlight Counseling.
Ashley lives in Chicago with her husband and her dog Ruby and enjoys trying local restaurants, walking or reading by the lakeside, and enjoying the city’s live music scene.
Adoption Listing Service of Illinois Program Supervisor
Adoption Listing Service of Illinois Program Supervisor
sroberson-flowers@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Shirica Roberson-Flowers, MS joined the Greenlight Family Services team in 2022 as the Adoption Listing Service Program Supervisor. Shirica received her Bachelor’s Degree and her Master’s Degree from Governors State University. Shirica has worked in social services for nearly 20 years. She started as a case manager at Indian Oaks Academy for adolescents with behavior issues, then as a Permanency Worker, an Adoption Specialist and a Program Supervisor at One Hope United. Working with families and children involved with DCFS allows Shirica to tap into another level of compassion for others. Helping children find their forever families has always been the best part of working in the child welfare field for Shirica.
Shirica resides in Joliet with her husband and is the proud mother of three young adults.
Wendy's Wonderful Kids Supervisor / Family Development Specialist
Wendy's Wonderful Kids Supervisor / Family Development Specialist
fstratten@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Felicia Stratten joined the team at Greenlight Family Services in 2017. She came to this agency when Greenlight Family Services began managing the Adoption Listing Service and Inquiries Unit, a program formed by DCFS. The goal of the Adoption Listing Service is to match youth in care with their forever families. Ms. Stratten is a family development specialist for the program. Her role requires both diligence and care as she coordinates with caseworkers at foster care agencies, meets with youth awaiting adoption, builds relationships with these youths, and responds to inquiries made by families interested in adoption.
Ms. Stratten earned her undergraduate degree from Chicago State University in 2007, and later went back to earn her MSW in 2014. She began her career in Child Welfare in July of 1995 as a Case Assistant Specialist with Aunt Martha’s Youth Service Agency. In January of 2001, Ms. Stratten became the lead teacher for Aunt Martha’s Head Start program, and from November of 2007 through February of 2015 she was a Foster Care Case Manager with Aunt Martha’s Youth Service Center. In October of 2016, Ms. Stratten stepped into her role as an family development specialist.
Ms. Stratten enjoys family, traveling, reading, and life’s many adventures. She and her husband are also licensed foster parents and have completed their family through foster care.
Wendy's Wonderful Kids Adoption Recruiter/Family Development Specialist
Wendy's Wonderful Kids Adoption Recruiter/Family Development Specialist
bcarlson@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Beth joined the Adoption Team at Greenlight Family Services as a Family Development Specialist. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Bradley University and her Master’s Degree from University of Illinois at Chicago. Beth worked as a Foster Care Caseworker for seven years prior to starting at Greenlight Family Services. Beth worked closely with the Adoption Listing Service while working as a caseworker and is excited to join the Adoption team. Throughout her time as a caseworker, she developed a passion for working with youth in DCFS and helping them find their “forever home”. Beth is excited to work in the adoption field at Greenlight Family Services and continue to play a crucial role in a child’s adoption story.
Beth lives on the Northside of the city with her husband. She enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and is on a mission to find the best gluten free donut in the city!
Family Development Specialist
Family Development Specialist
jduffy@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Jenna joined the Greenlight Family Service’s team as a Family Development Specialist in July of 2022. Jenna obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois-Springfield and her Master’s Certificate in Trauma-focused Child Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Prior to starting at Greenlight, Jenna gathered a wide range of experience working with children in care through her role as a Therapeutic Mentor. Jenna also worked at a community homeless shelter and provided domestic violence education, support to survivors of domestic violence, and performed community outreach.
Jenna resides in central Illinois with her husband, two dogs, and numerous plants. In her free time, Jenna enjoys crafting, baking, gardening, and hiking.
Family Development Specialist
Family Development Specialist
mgosha@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Millicent Gosha joined the team at Greenlight Family Services in January 2022. She is proud to join the Adoption Listing Service and Inquiry Unit as a Family Development Specialist. Millicent is dedicated to matching youth in care with their forever families. Millicent received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Chicago State University and her Master of Arts in Psychology from National Louis University. For eighteen years, Millicent focused on her career in the field of early childhood education. Most recently, Millicent spent the last three years working as a Home Visitor for Chicago Child Care Society/Family Focus. Through her extensive knowledge of early childhood development, Millicent was able to use her skills to implement the Parents As Teacherscurriculum for pregnant and parenting moms looking to be better parents to their children.
As a Family Development Specialist, Millicent hopes to be the advocate needed to match children in need of love and care with their forever families.
Family Development Specialist
Family Development Specialist
nmeek@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Nicole Meek is a native of Springfield Illinois. She received a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Benedictine University. She then went on to pursue a Master’s in Humans Services with the emphasis in Child and Family Studies which she received in 2017 from the University of Illinois at Springfield. During graduate school, Nicole worked as a Child Welfare Specialist. This experience allowed Nicole the ability to provide excellent case management services to children and their families. She brings her experience and passion for child welfare to her new role as a Family Development Specialist at Greenlight Family Services since July 2019. Nicole joined the team under the Adoption Listing Service of Illinois at the centers new location in Springfield that is dedicated to finding forever homes for children that are in foster care.
Nicole enjoys working with children and their families. She loves spending time with her French Bulldog Gizzmo, her family and friends. Nicole also enjoys traveling, shopping and dining out to eat.
Family Development Specialist
Family Development Specialist
bmoore@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Bree Moore joined the Adoption Listing Service team at Greenlight Family Services as a Family Development Specialist in May of 2022. Bree received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Hope College. Upon graduation, Bree started in the field working as a Medical Care Coordinator at Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness. Bree then worked in behavioral health with autistic children as a therapist. Bree is incredibly excited to be working at Greenlight. She can think of no better role for her, as adoption work was her driving force for choosing a career in social work.
Bree enjoys taking contemporary, jazz, and Cirque Du Soleil style aerial dance classes in her spare time.
Wendy's Wonderful Kids Adoption Recruiter/Family Development Specialist
Wendy's Wonderful Kids Adoption Recruiter/Family Development Specialist
jporter@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Jimmiria Porter joined Greenlight Family Services as a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Adoption Recruiter/Family Development Specialist in August 2022. Jimmiria received her Bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University. Jimmiria has an extensive background working with children. Prior to joining the Greenlight family, Jimmiria worked as a Residential Behavior Specialist at Little City Foundation in Palatine, an ABA Therapist for children with autism at Westside Children’s Therapy in Schaumburg, and as a Case Manager at One Hope United in Joliet. Jimmiria is committed to serving in any capacity in which she may improve the lives of children and their families.
In her spare time, Jimmiria creates graphic designs and loves to do makeup makeovers for her friends.
Program Supervisor
Program Supervisor
sauwers@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Stephanie Auwers, LMSW, is the Program Supervisor for Post Adoption services. Stephanie joined the team as a Family Development Specialist in July 2019. Stephanie received her Bachelors of Social Work from Calvin College, and her Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan – Go Blue! Prior to coming to the agency, Stephanie spent 8 years working in foster care adoptions in Michigan where she held case worker and supervisory roles.
In her free time Stephanie enjoys being active, spending time with her dogs, and exploring her new hometown with her sister.
Program Supervisor
Program Supervisor
jhammond@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Joan received a Masters’s degree in Child and Family Community Services from the University of Illinois at Springfield in 2000. Prior to joining Greenlight Family Services in November 2019, she worked in the child welfare system for eighteen years. Joan has experience in the areas of specialized foster care with Camelot Care Centers, residential care for individuals with disabilities with The Hope Institute, and at-risk families and youth with The Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery.
Joan enjoys warmer weather activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. She loves spending time with her family and friends. Joan lives in a small town south of Springfield with her husband and three dogs.
Family Development Specialist
Family Development Specialist
kbeck@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Kelia is a Greenlight Family Services as Family Development Specialist with the Post-Adoption team in Springfield. She obtained her Master’s degree in Human Services with a focus in Child and Family Services through the University of Illinois Springfield. Kelia also has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL. She has three years of experience as a Child Welfare Specialist before coming to Greenlight. Kelia has a passion for youth which lead her to human services. She has a passion for assisting youth with self-actualization and learning to self-advocate.
In her free time, she devotes most of her time to being a mother to her 11-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter. Kelia enjoys writing, reading, and considers herself a sponge for knowledge because she enjoys learning new things. She is looking forward to growing in her current position and expanding her knowledge base in family development and other youth services.
Case Aide
Case Aide
lgarcia@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Leticia currently resides in Hometown, Illinois; a fun fact about her small town is that after World War II ended, inexpensive duplex houses were built there for former GIs and their families. She has two daughters,13 and 24, and shares her home with her youngest daughter, fiancé, 3 guinea pigs, 1 chinchilla and 1 Pomapoo (Pomeranian and Poodle mix). Leticia enjoys all music and loves to read and watch documentaries to pass the time.
Family Development Specialist
Family Development Specialist
agore@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Angela Gore joined Greenlight Family Service in July 2022 as a Family Development Specialist. Angela received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Chicago State University and her Master’s degree in Public Administration from Governors State University. Angela began her journey working with children and their families in 2013. She helped organize a daycare and afterschool program through a church located in the Lawndale community of Chicago. In 2015, to help struggling parents with affordable childcare, Angela became a Licensed Home Daycare provider. In her last position, Angela worked as a Foster Care Case Manager at a nonprofit agency. It was there that she acquired a desire to help families reach their goal to stay together, reunify, or to find permanent loving homes for children in foster care.
Angela is the proud mother of three adult children and six beautiful grandchildren who affectionately refer to her as Gee Gee. Angela enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Family Development Specialist
Family Development Specialist
slacy@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Sheila Lacy graduated with Bachelor’s in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and obtained a Master’s of Jurisprudence in Child and Family Law from Loyola University. Sheila worked in residential services, shelters, and intact and foster care case management for over 20 years with children and families experiencing varying levels of needs. She supported families in a variety of settings with diverse backgrounds, including both long-term and brief interventions. She assisted several friends throughout the years by providing care to their children through private arrangements to avoid them having to enter the child welfare system.
Sheila enjoys volunteering in low-income areas in Chicago providing families with needed services and resources. In her free time, she enjoys planning parties, outdoor activities, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Family Development Specialist
Family Development Specialist
csizer@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Charlotte received her Bachelors degree in Sociology from Illinois State University and her Masters in Human Services from Capella University. Prior to working for Greenlight Family Services, she has spent over 20 years working with families involved in foster care in positions ranging from advocate to case manager to supervisor.
Charlotte is an adoptive caregiver to her nephew through foster care and has fostered three other relatives all with special behavioral and cognitive needs.
Charlotte enjoys the outdoors and food because she runs 5k’s to half marathons when she’s not reading or spending time with friends and family.
Educational Advocate
Educational Advocate
dvizcarra@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Deisy Vizcarra joined Greenlight Family Services as an Educational Advocate for the Family Matters team in January of 2023. Deisy received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Western Illinois University and recently earned her Masters degree in Education at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Currently, she is pursuing her doctoral degree in School and Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Deisy brings to Greenlight her experienced background in various roles such as home visitor, family advocate, and family care coordinator in early intervention. She looks forward to working with families and supporting them through the education process through IEP and 504 plans.
Office Manager
Office Manager
hescobar@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Helen is the Office Manager for Greenlight Family Services. She began at Greenlight as the Assistant Bookkeeper at the main office in Chicago. In 2019, Ms. Helen moved to Springfield, IL, where she was instrumental in establishing a new office location to help Greenlight Family Services expand its ability to assist families in their adoption journey. Ms. Helen received her B.S. at Loyola University Chicago and her skills in management and bookkeeping along with her experience with the agency in Chicago put her in high gear to hit the ground running in getting Greenlight Family Services’ newest office established.
Ms. Helen returned to Chicago in 2021, and has expanded her role to manage all Greenlight offices. In addition to her exciting work at Greenlight Family Services, Ms. Helen enjoys her pet cats, spending time with family and going on adventures. She says that adventures can happen anywhere, and even if they’re small adventures, they can teach you so many new things.
Family Development Support Specialist
Family Development Support Specialist
scasillas@greenlightfamilyervices.org
Sandra Casillas joined the Greenlight Family Services in October 2017. As the Family Support Specialist, Sandra is a vital member of the team. She works under the Adoption Listing Service of Illinois, a program of the Greenlight Family Services. She brings over 25 years of child welfare experience to her role. She acts as the first point of contact for individuals and couples who are interested in becoming adoptive or foster parents. As an adoptive parent herself, she has an understanding and appreciation for the questions, concerns, and struggles that callers have when they contact Greenlight Family Services. Sandra is devoted to helping families become whole through adoption and foster care.
Sandra now resides in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood with her husband and their four wonderful children.
Executive Administrative Assistant
Executive Administrative Assistant
mluna@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Client Data Technician
Client Data Technician
gortiz@greenlightfamilyservices.org
Gabriel Ortiz joined Greenlight Family Services as a Client Data Technician in August of 2022. Gabe received his Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate from Moraine Valley Community College and is currently working towards his BS in Software Development from Bellevue University. Before joining Greenlight, Gabe worked as a Pharmacy Technician, retail and food management. Gabe’s true passion, however, is Computer Science. Through this role, Greenlight has provided an amazing work environment in which he can share his expertise and pursue his degree.
Gabriel lives in Chicago near beautiful Lake Michigan. He enjoys spending time with his chosen family and friends. He often bikes along the lakefront and takes short trips to the beach as a way of relaxing and enjoying the wonders that the city has to offer.
