Maha, a dedicated advocate for children and families, brings extensive experience in youth advocacy, direct service, and program leadership to Beacon Place. Most recently, she served as Chief Program Officer at the Illinois Collaboration on Youth, overseeing prevention, intervention, and trauma initiatives. Previously, Worden worked at CASA Kane County, supporting volunteers advocating for children in the foster system. She began her career at Mooseheart Child City and School, mentoring at-risk youth and leading quality improvement efforts. Worden holds a B.S. from Judson University and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University. She resides in Batavia, IL, where she enjoys spending time with her family, running, cooking, and tackling DIY projects.

Robert joined Beacon Place in May 2022, bringing with him a wealth of financial and organizational expertise honed over years as a former financial executive and trader. His background in finance equips him with a unique perspective on how to effectively manage resources and drive impactful initiatives within the community. Armed with a degree in Finance and Economics from the University of Illinois, Robert is committed to leveraging his skills to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those served by Beacon Place. In his personal life, Robert is an enthusiastic outdoorsman who enjoys skiing, golfing, and hiking with his family and dog. He and his wife, Julie, a devoted Learning Behavior Specialist, are united in their commitment to education and community engagement. They reside in Lake Forest, Illinois, where they actively participate in various local initiatives and foster a love for outdoor activities.

Ernie is the Finance Manager at Beacon Place and the instructor behind Cooking with Ernie, a hands-on culinary program that brings families together through food. With over 25 years of experience as a derivatives trader in Chicago, Ernie has also been deeply involved in nonprofit work, serving on boards such as Chicago Voyagers—a Beacon Place partner organization that provides transformative outdoor experiences for low-income youth. His passion for mentorship and community engagement extends beyond finance, as he plays a key role in guiding Beacon Place’s financial sustainability while also leading initiatives that inspire and empower young people. A Virginia Tech graduate with a double major in Finance and Management, Ernie now calls Bozeman, Montana, home, where he enjoys the outdoors with his wife, Tara.

Manuel joined Beacon Place in 2025 as the Launch Program Manager after spending three summers as a dedicated intern. Raised in Waukegan and North Chicago, he is a proud first-generation college graduate and alumni of North Chicago Community High School. He earned his degree in Business Management and Economics from Beloit College in December 2024, along with a minor in Finance and a certification in Marketing. His professional experience includes hands-on work in marketing and youth development, and his passion for supporting high school students is deeply rooted in his own journey through the Schuler Scholar Program, which provided mentorship and guidance during his formative years. At Beacon Place, Manuel leads the planning, implementation, and growth of the Launch programs, helping students access meaningful learning experiences. He is committed to giving back to his community and hopes to inspire students by showing them that success is possible—especially when they see someone from their own neighborhood achieve it. Manuel currently resides in Waukegan and enjoys mentoring youth, exploring local businesses, and staying connected to the community that shaped him.

Christine is a passionate bilingual educator with a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin, along with endorsements in Bilingual Education and English as a Second Language Instruction. With over 25 years of experience, she has served as a bilingual public-school teacher and Educational Program Manager in Lake County, organizing enrichment programs for elementary and middle school students while fluently speaking both English and Spanish. In her spare time, Christine is a self-taught drummer who has played in a local band with her husband and musician community for over 30 years. She brings her creativity and enthusiasm for learning into the classroom, fostering positive relationships with students and staff while supporting diverse learners and making education enjoyable.

Maria joined Beacon Place in 2013 after relocating to Illinois from Atlanta and Columbus, Ohio, where she gained valuable experience in sportswear buying and community volunteering. Her diverse background allows her to connect with various community members and understand their needs. As a fluent Spanish speaker, Maria has made significant contributions to programs such as Summer Lunch and Homework Club, where she actively engaged with families and fostered an inclusive environment. Her dedication and leadership skills eventually led her to the role of Program Manager for the Moms group, where she continues to empower and support mothers in the community. Maria holds a Bachelor of Science in Management with a minor in American Literature from Georgia Tech, reflecting her strong academic foundation and passion for learning. She and her husband, Jeff, reside in Lake Bluff. Together, they enjoy exploring the vibrant local community and participating in various family activities.

Crystal was Beacon Place’s very first official intern during our early years, giving her a unique, ground-level perspective on our mission and community. She holds a B.S. in Family Sciences and Human Development with a minor in Psychology from Northern Illinois University, and earned her Master’s in Social Work from Dominican University, with a focus on supporting migrants and refugees. A bilingual social worker, Crystal is passionate about advocating for youth and their families. She brings a wealth of experience from her work across Lake County in the areas of mental health, case management, and program development. Born and raised in Waukegan, Crystal is deeply committed to serving her community and bridging gaps wherever possible. Prior to her current role, she worked as an in-home therapist, providing trauma-informed, client-centered therapy for high-risk youth and their families.

Wyatt earned his B.A. in History and Critical Theory from Northwestern University in June 2024. For his Senior Thesis, he researched American propaganda during the Russian Revolution, traveling from Columbia, Missouri, to the Library of Congress for primary sources. He has a keen interest in economic history, social theory, and Latin American history, aspiring to teach these subjects in the future. Wyatt's experience includes academic research at Northwestern, a consulting role in Barcelona, Spain, and working as a sports camp counselor for fourth and fifth graders in Lake Forest. As a Lake County native, he is passionate about community involvement, particularly in education, and plans to continue his engagement through direct service, graduate studies, or becoming a teacher.

Rachel brings a strong background in mental health as well as a certificate in Strategic Marketing from Northwestern University, blending her expertise in human services with a keen understanding of community engagement. She received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Olivet Nazarene University, where she began shaping her commitment to service and community support. Prior to joining Beacon Place, she served as the Business Development & Outreach Coordinator for a mental health organization serving Cook and Lake Counties, where she built partnerships, expanded outreach, and connected individuals with vital resources. Her passion for education has been equally impactful. As a Teaching Assistant and Instructor, Rachel helped develop a Makerspace for K–4 students at a therapeutic day school, creating hands-on learning opportunities that encouraged curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Rachel enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring new coffee shops. She is especially passionate about empowering and supporting volunteers, and she looks forward to getting to know and working alongside the incredible Beacon Place community.