Our Staff

Laura Dell
Chief Operations Officer

Laura served as Y.O.U.’s Director of Professional Development before becoming COO. In both roles, she is focused on building a strong bridge of leadership for Y.O.U.’s future. Laura also maintains a long-standing leadership development consulting practice. Her academic and professional experience includes organizational development, executive coaching, teaching, and writing. She has lived in Evanston for over 25 years and likes to do crossword puzzles and fitness walking, but not at the same time.

laura.dell@youevanston.org
(847) 866-1200 ext. 240 

Shanan Egger
Chief Financial Officer

Shanan received a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Robert Morris College. Throughout his eighteen year career of progressive accounting experience, Shanan focused primarily on internal control, policy, cost analysis, general ledger, budget preparation, audit, financial reporting, payroll, cash disbursements, and cash receipts.  Shanan enjoys sports and is an active member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

shanan.egger@youevanston.org
(847) 866-1200 ext. 229

Seth Green
Executive Director

Seth joined Y.O.U. as Executive Director in May of 2011 and he feels incredibly fortunate to work with such a talented and dedicated staff. Prior to Y.O.U., Seth led the Job Opportunity Investment Network, a social venture that moves vulnerable adults out of poverty and into long-term careers. He also founded Americans for Informed Democracy, an organization that empowers youth to tackle pressing social challenges through community-based action. Seth’s other work experience includes years as a consultant with McKinsey and Company, where he served such clients as the Gates Foundation and United Way, as well as time at the American Prospect, the Brookings Institution, and Lazard.       

Seth has presented on his work at the U.S. House, U.S. Senate, World Bank, and U.N., and he has been a guest on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal, the Montel Williams Show, CNN, Fox, and MSNBC. His efforts have been featured in hundreds of publications, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Christian Science Monitor, and Marie Claire. In 2005, he received the Search for Common Ground Award for International Understanding and, in 2008, Utne Reader named him one of 50 “Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World.”

A Marshall Scholar, Seth has a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University, master’s degrees from the London School of Economics and Oxford, and a law degree from Yale. He serves on the Evanston Mayor’s Safe Youth Task Force and is a 2012 graduate of Leadership Evanston. He and his wife Caitlin Fitz, an assistant professor of history at Northwestern, have an adorable toddler named Sojourner (who is pictured with him above).

seth.green@youevanston.org
847-866-1200 x 244

Orli Ginsburg
Community School Associate

Orli Ginsburg joins Y.O.U. as the Community School Associate, while a current participant in Avodah: the Jewish Service Corps.  She hails from Ann Arbor, Michigan.  She graduated from Michigan State University in 2012, with a Bachelor's of Arts in h\Humanities and Psychology. During her collegiate years, Orli taught Hebrew and Jewish holidays to elementary and middle schoolers.  She discovered her true calling in education and youth advocacy work during her semester abroad at the University of Haifa's International School, tutoring English to children in the local battered women's shelter.  In her spare time, Orli enjoys biking, whistling, and exploring her new home in the windy city.

Marianne Moberly
Director of Development

Marianne has a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning from the University of Illinois and over 25 years of experience in non profit administration, municipal government, and fundraising. She has served as the Director of Development at Y.O.U. since September 2009. Marianne has a long history of community involvement, serving as the treasurer of the Woman's Club of Evanston, in volunteer leadership positions in the Evanston Public Schools, and as a participant in Leadership Evanston. She resides in Evanston with her husband Tom and three children. In her spare time she loves to read, cook, and quilt, and once rode a bicycle 700 miles in Italy.

marianne.moberly@youevanston.org
(847) 866-1200 ext. 231 

Tonya Patterson
Director of Human Resources

Tonya has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from DePaul University. She has lived in the Chicago area since 1989. She has over ten years of experience in human resources in both for profit and non-profit settings. Tonya has been a volunteer at the Bottomless Closet, where she served as the co-chair of the Client Services Committee. Tonya began working at Y.O.U. as a volunteer and became a staff member in 2001. She enjoys spending time with her family and reading.

tonya.patterson@youevanston.org
(847) 866-1200 ext. 225

Leah Seligman
Director of Clinical and Child Welfare Programs

Leah received her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology at State University of New York, New Paltz College and her Master's of Arts in Counseling Psychology at Northwestern University. Leah has worked with youth since 2003 and has been with Y.O.U. since 2005. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Leah enjoys making Amigurumi (little crochet animals and toys) and spending time with her nephews and niece.

leah.seligman@youevanston.org
(847) 866-1201 ext. 321

Melissa Carpenter
Community Schools Manager

Missy is a native of Northern California, but has lived in many places, including her time as a teacher and student in Guatemala (her heart's true home). She moved to Chicago after completing her graduate studies at the University of Washington in Seattle. Her Masters of Education is in Curriculum & Instruction, with a focus on Language, Literacy, and Culture, and she has a deep passion for building relationships between families, communities, and schools. She is an active member of Teachers for Social Justice as part of the Popular Education committee, and spends her spare time in the company of dear friends and family. Missy also loves to travel with her partner, Paul.

Susan Bodett
Manager of Grantwriting and Communications

Susan joined Y.O.U. in April of 2013 following 35 years in corporate collaborations and innovative technology development. Most recently, Susan was an Open Innovation leader for Kraft Foods, harnessing externally-sourced experts and innovation for Kraft’s worldwide businesses. Her experience in non-profit grant-writing grew from her long involvement and leadership role with the Kraft Foods Employee Fund Leadership Council which was charged with awarding almost $2 million in grants annually to Chicago-land non-profit organizations. Susan holds a BS degree from Northwestern University in Environmental Studies. She’s a long-time resident of Grayslake where she enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog, Boogaloo, taking cooking classes, gardening, traveling, and attending music events.

Marla Mazzenga
Business Manager

Marla is the Business Manager at Y.O.U. She handles the business affairs and assists with financial reporting. Marla received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Welfare from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Previously she worked for the Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation in Evanston as a paralegal and as a volunteer. Marla has a passion for live music, enjoys all styles of music and has attended over 100 Ravinia shows.

marla.mazzenga@youevanston.org
(847) 866-1200 ext. 224

Amanda Porta
Senior Development Officer

Amanda is a graduate of Indiana University, Bloomington, where she studied Communication and Culture. During her time at IU, she discovered her passion for fundraising and non-profit work. Before joining the development staff of Y.O.U., Amanda worked for almost five years on one of the largest fundraising campaigns in Chicago to build Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. She then joined the team at the National Museum of Mexican Art, where she grew the membership and individual giving programs. Amanda is thrilled to be part of the Y.O.U. family, as the Senior Development Officer, where she will be working to grow private philanthropy in support of the kids we have the privilege to serve. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys being outdoors, checking out the latest restaurants, spending time with friends, family and walking her dog.

Dave Studenmund
Senior Associate in Grant Accounting and Finance Analytics 

Dave is a 1985 graduate of the Kellogg Graduate School of Management. After school, Dave and his wife decided to stay in Evanston to raise their three children. They've never looked back. Dave has over 20 years executive and consulting experience in strategic and financial planning for private and nonprofit organizations. He is also known to be a bit of a baseball buff.

dave.studenmund@youevanston.org

Leslie Warner
Grants Manager

Leslie is a graduate of Knox College and has been involved in development and fundraising, both professionally and as a community volunteer, for over 20 years. She was a research associate for Northwestern University’s Office of Development & Alumni Relations for several years before taking on multiple volunteer roles at Oakton and Chute schools, Evanston Scholastic Chess, Childcare Network of Evanston, the Oakton Historic District Association, and the Evanston Dance Ensemble. Leslie has lived in Evanston for over 25 years and enjoys gardening, bicycling, running, travel, and following the Joffrey Ballet and Chicago Blackhawks.

leslie.warner@youevanston.org
(847) 866-1200 ext. 242

Concepcion Benitez
Mentor Y.O.U.th Case Manager

Coni graduated from Loyola University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She has been working with Y.O.U since her sophomore year in college and currently serves as a Case Manager for the Mentor Y.O.U.th program.  She works primarily with youth and families from Nichols, Chute and ETHS. Coni is a sucker for movies, loves drawing, and has extensive knowledge on entertainment trivia.

concepcion.benitez@youevanston.org
847.866.1201 x 331

Leslie Rice
Mentor Y.O.U.th Project Director

Leslie was born and raised in Evanston, IL and graduated from Loyola University with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. She has been involved in University of Illinois’ Principal’s Scholars Program teaching mathematics to 5th through 8th graders in Chicago Public Schools. She also currently works at Northwestern University’s Saturday Enrichment Program for pre-K and kindergartners. In her spare time, Leslie likes to travel, write, and attempt to cook.

leslie.rice@youevanston.org
(847) 866-1201 ext. 323

Ellen Muench
Volunteer Coordinator

Ellen Muench serves as Y.O.U.’s Volunteer Coordinator, working closely with our Mentor Y.O.U.th program to recruit and manage mentors.  In addition, she directs the Saturday Morning Breakfast Club, a week-end program which provides one-on-one tutoring assistance to youth ages 3^rd-12^th grade.  Ellen is a native Evanstonian who graduated the University of Texas-Austin with a degree in Government and History.  She’s worked as an intern at Heartland Alliances Refugee and Immigrant Community Services, and as a Classroom Coach in Austin.  Ellen loves being back in the Chicago area because it has the best of all the things she loves – used bookstores, record stores, and excellent comedy.

ellen.muench@youevanston.org
847-866-1201 ext. 330

Janese Johnson
Youth Development Specialist
Chute Middle School

Janese is a native of Chicago.  She graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Family & Family Services.  Following college, she joined the AmeriCorps program for a year where she served the West Town and Austin communities.  Most recently she worked for five years as a Lead Residential Counselor for the Boys Hope Girls Hope program in Evanston.  Janese enjoys cooking, spending time with family and friends, and watching Jeopardy on television.  She is passionate about education, service in the community, volunteering with her sorority, and involvement in her church.

janese.johnson@youevanston.org
(847) 866-1201 ext. 322

Naomi Rosen
Youth Development Specialist
Development Assistant

Naomi Rosen is originally from Evanston, moving to Wilmette in elementary school.  She graduated from Northwestern in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre.  Naomi joined Y.O.U. in September 2012 as a Northwestern University Public Interest Fellow.  She will split her time between program and administration, working as a Youth Development Specialist at Chute and as a Development Assistant as part of the management team.  Following the fellowship, she plans to pursue a Master's in Social Work and combine counseling and her passion for theater.  Naomi is a founding member of White Elephant, a theatrical collective in Chicago.  Their original production, "Pink Milk," debuted at the Chicago Fringe Festival in September 2012.  Her personal interests include travel, cooking, singing, reading, and yoga.

naomi.rosen@youevanston.org

Rachel Derman
Youth Development Specialist

Rachel Derman was born and raised in Evanston and is an ETHS alum. She joins Y.O.U. as the Youth Development Specialist at Dawes Elementary. Rachel received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Education from Boston University. Rachel has worked with youth of all ages in classrooms and summer camps and is passionate about contributing to their growth and development. In her free time Rachel loves to travel, do yoga, eat gummy candy, and hang with her dog, Murphy Lee.

Lauren Mosley
Youth Development Specialist

Lauren Mosley has just started at Y.O.U. as an AmeriCoprs Y.O.U.th Serve member. She grew up in Evanston and graduated from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor’s in Sociology in 2011. Lauren was a teacher’s aide at Summer Stuff Day Camp in Evanston for 4 summers during college. After graduation she taught science and health at an elementary school in Thailand for a year. Since returning from Thailand, Lauren has been a mentor at Ted Fund Tuesdays at the McGaw YMCA, and a private childcare provider. Her interests include, volunteering, traveling, spending time with friends and family, exercising, and jewelry making.

Carrie Costanzo
Youth Development Specialist 

Carrie Costanzo graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor's Degree in Advertising, with a focus on Public Relations. Since college, she has been very involved in leading efforts to rebuild homes and natural landscapes affected by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, LA. Carrie joined the ETHS team as a Youth Development Specialist in 2011.  For the past six summers, Carrie also has been a part of several outdoor camping and nature education programs within the Chicago Park District. She believes strongly that youth benefit from outdoor and extracurricular education just as much as they do from education within the classroom. She hopes to bring environmental awareness and stewardship to Y.O.U. participants and programs. She knows that from the roots up, we can make positive changes in all we do. Looking forward, Carrie hopes to earn a Master's Degree in Recreational Trip-based Therapy.

Emeric Mazibuko
Youth Development Specialist, Street Outreach Worker
Evanston Township High School

Emeric Mazibuko was born and raised in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He studied Early Childhood Development at the University of Port Elizabeth for two years. After coming to the U.S., he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sound Contracting and Acoustics with a minor in Cultural Studies from Columbia College Chicago. Emeric is a passionate and self-taught professional photographer, having worked in this field for almost 12 years. He hasworked with petvarious youth groups in the Chicagoland area on a volunteer basis and the work he has done with these youth, and the desire to do more, is what brought him to Y.O.U. He believes that every child has potential latent within them, and art is one of the many tools we have at our disposal to tap into this potential.

emeric.mazibuko@youevanston.org
(847) 424-7734

Peter McGraw
Youth Development Specialist,
Saturday Morning Breakfast Club Coordinator

Peter McGraw is originally from the suburb of New Lenox, and attended Loyola University Chicago where he majored in Political Science. He joined the Y.O.U. team in February 2012 as a work study student and began his full time work as a Youth Development Specialist at Evanston Township High School in August 2012. He is an avid fan of the Chicago White Sox, Bulls and Bears, and he loves to travel anywhere. He is a proud uncle of ten and enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.

peter.mcgraw@youevanston.org

Ebele Onyema
Director of the CONNECT Center

Ebele Onyema serves as Y.O.U.'s Director of the CONNECT Center at Evanston Township High School.  Charged with leading the Center's strategy and operations, Ebele brings a wealth of corporate and non-profit programming and research experience.  

Her corporate experience includes planning large-scale events for clients such as Oprah Winfrey and MTV;  producing concerts for numerous artists including Billy Joel and Wyclef Jean;  and serving as a research consultant to a broad array of clients including media companies Hearst Magazines and Time Inc.

After years in the corporate world, Ebele decided to turn a passion for youth development into a career.  Prior to joining Y.O.U., she designed leadership programs on behalf of the Moran Center at Chute Middle School and King Lab.  Most recently, Ebele co-created the first leadership curriculum at the Young Women's Leadership Charter School.          

Ebele received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Economics from Georgetown University and her Masters in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago.  However, the education she values the most is the one she receives from her parents, whose daily example shows her the importance of not only living the length of your life, but the width as well.  

ebele.onyema@youevanston.org
847-424-7737

Melody Rose
Clinical Coordinator
Evanston Township High School

Melody earned Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Indiana University. After participating in Teach for America and providing clinical support to children and families through a community mental health center, she obtained a Master's Degree in Social Work.  She loves music (singing, playing, and listening), volleyball, and vegan cooking.

melody.rose@youevanston.org
(847) 424-7932

David Biele
Site Coordinator

David has a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, where he majored in American Culture and is working toward a Master of Nonprofit Management from DePaul University, which he expects to receive in June. He comes to Y.O.U. with nearly fifteen years of middle/high school teaching experience, including two years in Washington, DC public schools through Teach for America and ten years at Noble Street College Prep, a nationally recognized and emulated charter high school in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. Outside of work he is an avid biker, triathlete, and runner, and he is currently training for his ninth marathon, the 2013 New York City Marathon, to be held in November. He is thrilled to be part of the Y.O.U. team and is looking forward to working with Martin Luther King School’s outstanding students, families, and staff.

Jafet Melendez
Youth Development Specialist

Jafet was born and raised in Mexico City and lived there for eleven years before moving to Chicago in 2004. Since then he has continued his education by attending Noble Street College Prep, where he was involved in many activities and sports, including rugby for four years, leading his younger team mates to become better players. He was also involved in the cross country team, which he led in his senior year. Jafet worked at Camp VIDA for youth and is now attending the City Colleges of Chicago, where he will receive his Associates Degree in Art. Jafet is planning to transfer to Northeastern University in the fall to pursue a Bachelors Degree. Jafet enjoys trying new things and adventures, loves to play sports, is a marathon runner and has run the Chicago marathon three times, and also is a skydiver about to receive his skydiving license.

Hussein Napoleon-Ally
Youth Development Specialist
Oakton Elementary School

Hussein received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Northern Illinois University. While attending NIU, he interned with the Joliet Youth and Family Services and Joliet Juvenile Correctional Facility. He also worked for University of Southern California as an RA for their Summer and Special Programs camps.  He loves music, trying new food, and traveling.

hussein.ally@youevanston.org 
(847) 866-1200 ext. 246

Katharine Graves
Site Coordinator
Nichols Middle School

Katharine received her BA from Columbia College Chicago. While completing her internship with Family Focus Evanston, her passion for working with children was rekindled. Through her son’s involvement with the Y.O.U. program at Washington school, she became familiar with the goals, ideals and practices of the program. She is currently the Site Coordinator at Nichols and hopes to continue to impact and inspire the youth. With a degree in fiction writing, Katharine continues to work on her writing and hopes to complete her novel.

katharine.graves@youevanston.org
(847) 866-1200 ext. 228

Jacob Hostetter
Youth Development Specialist 

Jacob Hostetter, is an ETHS alum who returned to Evanston after three years in Nicaragua.  He joined Y.O.U. as a Youth Development Specialist in the fall of 2011.  Originally from New York, he lived in Evanston during has high school years and departed shortly after graduation. He has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and a background in studio arts.  Through years of working in community projects in the Chicago area, Western Massachusetts, and in Latin America, he learned that he enjoys working with youth.  Having struggled with a learning disability, Jacob is passionate about education and the rights of young people to find their personal path to success.

Dawn Ravine
Youth and Family Case Manager 

Dawn Ravine became the Youth and Family Case Manager for Nichols Middle School in May 2012.   Born and raised in Evanston, Dawn received her Bachelor’s Degree from Hampshire College in Sexuality Education and Master’s Degree in Public Health from Columbia University in Sexuality, Gender, and Health with a focus on adolescence.  She has worked for over 10 years with middle and high school age youth, 2 years in Philadelphia and 8 years in New York City.  Dawn is excited to be back in her home town and loves hot yoga, avocados, bike riding, and playing in the park with her daughter Nika and son Teji.

dawn.ravine@youevanston.org

Bárbara Da Silva
Youth Development Specialist 

Bárbara Da Silva joins Y.O.U. as a Youth Development Specialist at Nichols Middle School.  She was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. After living in Chicago and Evanston for several years, she received her undergraduate degree at Hampshire College with an interdisciplinary concentration in Geopolitics, Community Engagement and Multimedia Art. Barbara complemented her education with international research in Cuba and Brazil, teaching in elementary schools through America Reads; and through a summer internship at La Casa Norte in Humboldt Park. Bárbara is increasingly moved by principles of social justice education, community organizing, and utilizing the arts as a tool for empowerment, communication and radical transformation. In her free time, Bárbara likes to sing, samba, belly dance, write poetry, connect with other activists and ride her bike.

barbara.dasilva@youevanston.org

Jesse Chatz
Youth Development Specialist
Oakton Elementary School

Jesse is a native of Evanston and has returned home during his transition between colleges. He plans to double major in Educational Studies and Non-Profit Management. Jesse is a 2012 graduate of ETHS where he served as the Student Representative to the District 202 Board of Education. Jesse has organized many fundraisers and events in the Evanston community including, an alumni outreach program to benefit ETHS students, as well as, a nationally recognized fundraiser to help a local business stay in the community. Jesse comes form a large family and enjoys his time with both family and friends. He loves being involved in the Evanston community but also enjoys traveling to new places.

Angelo Cross
Site Coordinator
Oakton Elementary School

Angelo was born and raised in Chicago where he graduated from De La Salle Institute for High School.   He has a Bachelor’s Degree from Union College in Political Science and a Master’s Degree from Lesley University in Education.  He has worked primarily in the areas of youth development and advocacy including six years with out-of-school time programming and extended learning day education.  Most recently Angelo worked in a Durham, North Carolina middle school as Dean of Student Engagement for the non-profit Citizen Schools.

Andrea Horton
Street Outreach Director

Andrea earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in African-American Studies with minors in Political Science and Women's Studies from Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio. Andrea earned a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2003. She is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity Degree at Garrett Evangelical Seminary at Northwestern University. Prior to joining Y.O.U., Andrea was an attorney for the Chicago Board of Education. Andrea began her legal career with the Chicago Board of Education as an attorney in the Board’s School Law division. Andrea has been extremely active in several civic and non-profit organizations including the Metropolitan Board of the Chicago Urban League, the Constitutional Rights Foundation, the Rebecca Crown Youth Center and the Posse Foundation. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Women Divine which is an organization dedicated to educating, inspiring and empowering teen aged girls.

Nicole Matthews
Site Coordinator
Washington Elementary School

Nicole attended Western Illinois University where she studied Education. She served as the Program Specialist/Asst Director for central Evanston Child Care Center for two years. She also served as the Assistant Director at Bright Horizons Child Care Center. Nicole has been working with children of all ages for over nine years.  She is currently attending Northeastern University  working towards a degree in Social Work. She is  a dedicated  mother to daughters Amber and Jade. She is also a member of Phi Sigma Sigma.

nicole.matthews@youevanston.org
(847) 866-1200 ext. 246

Crystle Dino
Youth Development Specialist
Washington Elementary School

Crystle Dino has been a youth development specialist at Washington Elementary since 2010. She is a Chicago native who has graduated as a POSSE Scholar from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Science degree in Art, focusing on issues of movement and dislocation and identity politics in Asian American Studies through performance.  She has interned with the Asian American Institute and the Indo-American Center where she gained experience in advocacy, community building, and youth programming.  Crystle continues to develop herself as a youth arts facilitator, cultural worker, and visual and performance artist.  Witnessing and participating in positive transformation through creative self-expression is what inspires her to do work with youth, and she hopes to pass these forms down as a tool for healing and self empowerment.  

crystle.dino@youevanston.org 
(847) 866-1200 ext. 227

Brian Williams
Director, Lincoln Junior High School

Mr. Williams has worked with youth for nearly 20 years in sports and fitness and in positive youth development. He graduated with his bachelor’s in Sociology from Northeastern Illinois University and his master’s in Nonprofit Administration from North Park University. His work in youth development programs gives him the ability to reach youth and provide them with life skill activities that promote healthy living. He hopes to assist in learning technology, applying knowledge, and developing relationships that help youth to develop self advocacy and support to others. He believes he is a passionate, empathetic individual who is driven by positive interactions and relationships. Brian has always viewed youth as important community members, with great leadership potential. He has demonstrated this view by working side by side with youth to develop ideas, events, and opportunities for youth to lead. Through positive youth development, Brian hopes that through his holistic work he will aid in the current and future lives of the youth he reaches that will provide a long term positive impact.