Kristen Mighty, PhD, MPH
Executive Director
Dr. Mighty, a Broadview native, joined the Quinn Center team in 2018 with a background in public health, budget growth and management, data-driven assessment, and professional collaboration with a wide array of stakeholders. She earned two Bachelors of Science degrees in Microbiology and Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She holds both a Doctorate in life sciences and a Master’s degree in public health from Northwestern University. At the Quinn Center, she has established vital financial and grant management infrastructure and expanded programming for youth, adult education, and senior outreach. As a servant leader, she is passionate to serve the community she grew up in and utilize her lived experiences to provide the needed personal and professional development of community members. She strives to empower community members in order to inspire them to be courageous enough to pursue their dreams.
Contact Kristen at director@quinncenter.org.
Executive Director
Dr. Mighty, a Broadview native, joined the Quinn Center team in 2018 with a background in public health, budget growth and management, data-driven assessment, and professional collaboration with a wide array of stakeholders. She earned two Bachelors of Science degrees in Microbiology and Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She holds both a Doctorate in life sciences and a Master’s degree in public health from Northwestern University. At the Quinn Center, she has established vital financial and grant management infrastructure and expanded programming for youth, adult education, and senior outreach. As a servant leader, she is passionate to serve the community she grew up in and utilize her lived experiences to provide the needed personal and professional development of community members. She strives to empower community members in order to inspire them to be courageous enough to pursue their dreams.
Contact Kristen at director@quinncenter.org.
LaToya Towns
Program Director
LaToya officially joined the Quinn Center team in April 2022, but has been a part of the Quinn family for 6 years, leading our adult and senior Zumba program. She holds a Bachelors in Secondary Education with English and Spanish as her majors. She is also a graduate of Living Word School of Ministry and Joseph Business School. She has led many community programs both here, in the United States, and in Mexico while studying abroad - teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), coordinating volunteers at a school and an orphanage in Mexico, and working as a summer camp director in the city of Chicago. LaToya's motto is “Use me to empower and impact the world with my love, my smile, and encouraging words” as she strongly believes that this will shine light on any community."
Contact LaToya at qcprogramdir@quinncenter.org.
Program Director
LaToya officially joined the Quinn Center team in April 2022, but has been a part of the Quinn family for 6 years, leading our adult and senior Zumba program. She holds a Bachelors in Secondary Education with English and Spanish as her majors. She is also a graduate of Living Word School of Ministry and Joseph Business School. She has led many community programs both here, in the United States, and in Mexico while studying abroad - teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), coordinating volunteers at a school and an orphanage in Mexico, and working as a summer camp director in the city of Chicago. LaToya's motto is “Use me to empower and impact the world with my love, my smile, and encouraging words” as she strongly believes that this will shine light on any community."
Contact LaToya at qcprogramdir@quinncenter.org.
Elizabeth Young
Development Director
Liz began her work at the Quinn Center in November 2019. Prior to joining the Quinn Center, Liz coordinated the local implementation of a national anti-poverty, social justice program on behalf of the Archdiocese of Chicago, which included managing marketing/PR, communications, grant evaluation and administration, fundraising, and program development projects. She also has an extensive background in community service and social justice education after spending six years working in Campus Ministry at a local Jesuit high school. Liz holds B.A.s in Anthropology and Spanish from the University of Notre Dame and an M.A. in Social Justice & Community Development from Loyola University Chicago.
Contact Liz at qcdevelopment@quinncenter.org.
Development Director
Liz began her work at the Quinn Center in November 2019. Prior to joining the Quinn Center, Liz coordinated the local implementation of a national anti-poverty, social justice program on behalf of the Archdiocese of Chicago, which included managing marketing/PR, communications, grant evaluation and administration, fundraising, and program development projects. She also has an extensive background in community service and social justice education after spending six years working in Campus Ministry at a local Jesuit high school. Liz holds B.A.s in Anthropology and Spanish from the University of Notre Dame and an M.A. in Social Justice & Community Development from Loyola University Chicago.
Contact Liz at qcdevelopment@quinncenter.org.
Stephanie Barrera
Taller de José Compañera
Stephanie is a Taller de José Compañera at the Quinn Center. As someone who is a first generation Mexican-American she can say that she has seen first-hand the sacrifices that loved ones make when they want to give their family a better life. As a child she remembers how her grandparents struggled due to language barriers and little education so she became their little translator as well as their little companion. She would go everywhere with them just so they didn’t feel alone. Now in the present, she feels a great responsibility to help others with the same struggles that her grandparents once faced. She is grateful to be the helping hand, and to make sure that people do not feel alone. Yo no camino en frente de ti ni atras de ti .. yo camino a tu lado.
Contact Stephanie at sbarrera@tallerdejose.org.
Taller de José Compañera
Stephanie is a Taller de José Compañera at the Quinn Center. As someone who is a first generation Mexican-American she can say that she has seen first-hand the sacrifices that loved ones make when they want to give their family a better life. As a child she remembers how her grandparents struggled due to language barriers and little education so she became their little translator as well as their little companion. She would go everywhere with them just so they didn’t feel alone. Now in the present, she feels a great responsibility to help others with the same struggles that her grandparents once faced. She is grateful to be the helping hand, and to make sure that people do not feel alone. Yo no camino en frente de ti ni atras de ti .. yo camino a tu lado.
Contact Stephanie at sbarrera@tallerdejose.org.
Maria Galvin
Bookkeeper
Maria has lived in Melrose Park her whole life. She joined the Quinn Center in February of 2021 but has been with the Archdiocese of Chicago since 2004 as the bookkeeper. Having a strong faith brought her to work for Sacred Heart & St. Eulalia Parish. She loves working with numbers and call herself a math geek.
Bookkeeper
Maria has lived in Melrose Park her whole life. She joined the Quinn Center in February of 2021 but has been with the Archdiocese of Chicago since 2004 as the bookkeeper. Having a strong faith brought her to work for Sacred Heart & St. Eulalia Parish. She loves working with numbers and call herself a math geek.
Modesto
Quinn Center Maintenance
Quinn Center Maintenance
Maria
Quinn Center Housekeeping
Quinn Center Housekeeping
Karan Mody
COVID Vaccine Ambassador
Karan graduated from Loyola University with a Biology major and a Bioethics minor. Upon graduating, Karan completed a one-year post-baccalaureate program at Dominican University to improve his application for medical school. Since completing the program, Karan is currently in the process of applying medical school. At the Quinn Center, he is COVID-19 Vaccine Ambassador. In his role, he performs outreach to provide education and accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, he participates in vaccine distribution planning and coordination through interactions with IDPH and nurses who administer vaccinations.
COVID Vaccine Ambassador
Karan graduated from Loyola University with a Biology major and a Bioethics minor. Upon graduating, Karan completed a one-year post-baccalaureate program at Dominican University to improve his application for medical school. Since completing the program, Karan is currently in the process of applying medical school. At the Quinn Center, he is COVID-19 Vaccine Ambassador. In his role, he performs outreach to provide education and accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, he participates in vaccine distribution planning and coordination through interactions with IDPH and nurses who administer vaccinations.
Randall McFarland
COVID Vaccine Coordinator &
Senior and Caregiver Coordinator
COVID Vaccine Coordinator &
Senior and Caregiver Coordinator
Simon Peter Kierulf
COVID Vaccine Coordinator &
Hunger Ministry Coordinator
COVID Vaccine Coordinator &
Hunger Ministry Coordinator
Contact the COVID Outreach team at qccovidoutreach@quinncenter.org or 708-401-7798.
Martha Ramirez
Youth Program Coordinator
Martha began her work at the Quinn Center in September 2019, though she has been serving youth in the Proviso community since 2010. Her background includes working with youth in education and social services in the Chicago area. She has worked with youth in group homes, hospitals, community centers, and schools with a focus on families and children in diverse communities. She attended B.U. Wheelock where she majored in Social Work. She is excited to serve the families and children in our community and be part of creating lasting and meaningful change here at Quinn.
Contact Martha at qcprograms@quinncenter.org.
Youth Program Coordinator
Martha began her work at the Quinn Center in September 2019, though she has been serving youth in the Proviso community since 2010. Her background includes working with youth in education and social services in the Chicago area. She has worked with youth in group homes, hospitals, community centers, and schools with a focus on families and children in diverse communities. She attended B.U. Wheelock where she majored in Social Work. She is excited to serve the families and children in our community and be part of creating lasting and meaningful change here at Quinn.
Contact Martha at qcprograms@quinncenter.org.
Jesenya Amaya
Youth Program Coordinator
Jesenya began her work at the Quinn Center as a volunteer in Fall 2018 and formally joined the staff in Summer 2019. She is a member of our sister parish Sacred Heart and lives and works in the Proviso community. Jesenya formally joined the staff in Summer 2019. She is currently completing her undergraduate degree at Dominican University and majoring in Education, as well as pursuing her certification in Family Engagement through HarvardX. She plans to continue serving her community and working towards The Quinn Centers’ mission of achieving social justice throughout the diverse Proviso community.
Contact Jesenya at qcprograms@quinncenter.org.
Youth Program Coordinator
Jesenya began her work at the Quinn Center as a volunteer in Fall 2018 and formally joined the staff in Summer 2019. She is a member of our sister parish Sacred Heart and lives and works in the Proviso community. Jesenya formally joined the staff in Summer 2019. She is currently completing her undergraduate degree at Dominican University and majoring in Education, as well as pursuing her certification in Family Engagement through HarvardX. She plans to continue serving her community and working towards The Quinn Centers’ mission of achieving social justice throughout the diverse Proviso community.
Contact Jesenya at qcprograms@quinncenter.org.
Nisha Bharat
Senior and Caregiver Coordinator
Nisha is a second year medical student at Stritch School of Medicine and is currently leading the Senior and Caregiver program at the Quinn Center. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Michigan. Growing up in India, community service has always complemented her education and she has volunteered with several non-profit organizations in underserved communities. She enjoys working with the seniors around Maywood to promote wellness and help create as well as be part of the diverse community.
Senior and Caregiver Coordinator
Nisha is a second year medical student at Stritch School of Medicine and is currently leading the Senior and Caregiver program at the Quinn Center. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Michigan. Growing up in India, community service has always complemented her education and she has volunteered with several non-profit organizations in underserved communities. She enjoys working with the seniors around Maywood to promote wellness and help create as well as be part of the diverse community.
Amanda Shaw
Senior and Caregiver Coordinator
Amanda is excited to be a part of Senior Program at Quinn this year! She is from St. Louis, MO and studied Chemistry at the University of Kentucky before currently attending Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. Amanda loves to ride horses, write poetry, go to concerts, and hang out with friends in her free time. Creative Conversation nights are her favorite part of Senior Program.
Senior and Caregiver Coordinator
Amanda is excited to be a part of Senior Program at Quinn this year! She is from St. Louis, MO and studied Chemistry at the University of Kentucky before currently attending Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. Amanda loves to ride horses, write poetry, go to concerts, and hang out with friends in her free time. Creative Conversation nights are her favorite part of Senior Program.
Randall McFarland
Senior and Caregiver Coordinator &
COVID Vaccine Coordinator
Senior and Caregiver Coordinator &
COVID Vaccine Coordinator
Contact the Senior and Caregiver Outreach and Support team at qccaregivers@quinncenter.org.
Megan Hawley
Program Assistant
Megan joined the Quinn Center team in the summer of 2022 as an Amate House fellow to coordinate community programming such as the youth afterschool program, senior and caregiver outreach, weekly dinner distribution, along with Quinn’s larger events. She earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Notre Dame, with concentrations in Anthropology, and Science, Technology, and Values. Megan’s varied experience with healthcare, youth, and seniors is valuable in aiding the Quinn Center’s mission. She is especially passionate about promoting health and wellness through nutrition, fitness, and mental health initiatives, in addition to fostering a community of care and support.
Contact Megan at mhawley@quinncenter.org.
Program Assistant
Megan joined the Quinn Center team in the summer of 2022 as an Amate House fellow to coordinate community programming such as the youth afterschool program, senior and caregiver outreach, weekly dinner distribution, along with Quinn’s larger events. She earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Notre Dame, with concentrations in Anthropology, and Science, Technology, and Values. Megan’s varied experience with healthcare, youth, and seniors is valuable in aiding the Quinn Center’s mission. She is especially passionate about promoting health and wellness through nutrition, fitness, and mental health initiatives, in addition to fostering a community of care and support.
Contact Megan at mhawley@quinncenter.org.
Emily Dunn
Social Work Intern
Emily is a first year MSW student from Loyola University Chicago. She is originally from Dallas, TX, moving from Texas to Chicago in the summer of 2022, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from Texas A&M University. Emily has experience working with youth and adolescents from various paths of life and backgrounds, and hopes her passion for empowering and building confidence in other people will translate into the work she does at the Quinn Center.
Contact Emily at edunn@quinncenter.org.
Social Work Intern
Emily is a first year MSW student from Loyola University Chicago. She is originally from Dallas, TX, moving from Texas to Chicago in the summer of 2022, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from Texas A&M University. Emily has experience working with youth and adolescents from various paths of life and backgrounds, and hopes her passion for empowering and building confidence in other people will translate into the work she does at the Quinn Center.
Contact Emily at edunn@quinncenter.org.
Grasiela Victor
Social Work Intern/Taller de José Compañera
Grasiela is a MSW student from Dominican University currently interning as a Compañera at the Quinn Center with Taller de Jose. She is pursuing a Master's in Social Work degree to ultimately work with justice-involved youth and immigrant communities. Her previous work history includes working with DCFS youth and youth experiencing homelessness.
Contact Grasiela at gvictor@tallerdejose.org.
Social Work Intern/Taller de José Compañera
Grasiela is a MSW student from Dominican University currently interning as a Compañera at the Quinn Center with Taller de Jose. She is pursuing a Master's in Social Work degree to ultimately work with justice-involved youth and immigrant communities. Her previous work history includes working with DCFS youth and youth experiencing homelessness.
Contact Grasiela at gvictor@tallerdejose.org.
Mia Wallace
Business Management Intern
Mia attends Dominican University and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in business management. Her goal in life is to provide programs similar to the Quinn Center that will provide a safe environment for people of all ages. Growing up on the Southside of Chicago, she is aware of the immense amount of aid our community needs. Although she is in the beginning of her college years, she hopes to learn how her role in the community can impact others and make permanent change.
Business Management Intern
Mia attends Dominican University and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in business management. Her goal in life is to provide programs similar to the Quinn Center that will provide a safe environment for people of all ages. Growing up on the Southside of Chicago, she is aware of the immense amount of aid our community needs. Although she is in the beginning of her college years, she hopes to learn how her role in the community can impact others and make permanent change.
Tierra Crone
Dietetic Intern
Tierra is a graduate student at Loyola University Chicago, where she will earn a Master of Science degree in Dietetics and complete a 1200-hour Dietetic Internship in May. She is from Fort Wayne, IN and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics with a minor in Global Health Promotion from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. Tierra has 5 years of work experience in community mental health and addictions, and she hopes to continue serving these populations as a Registered Dietitian.
Dietetic Intern
Tierra is a graduate student at Loyola University Chicago, where she will earn a Master of Science degree in Dietetics and complete a 1200-hour Dietetic Internship in May. She is from Fort Wayne, IN and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics with a minor in Global Health Promotion from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. Tierra has 5 years of work experience in community mental health and addictions, and she hopes to continue serving these populations as a Registered Dietitian.
Sean Banasiak
Summer Program Director
Sean began his work with the Quinn Center as the Summer Program Director in 2021. He has also worked as a high school science teacher at Nazareth Academy since 2009. In his time at Nazareth Academy, he has served as science department chairperson, coach, club moderator, and retreat leader. He holds a B.A. in Chemistry Education from Trinity Christian College and an M.A. in Science Education from Saint Xavier University.
Summer Program Director
Sean began his work with the Quinn Center as the Summer Program Director in 2021. He has also worked as a high school science teacher at Nazareth Academy since 2009. In his time at Nazareth Academy, he has served as science department chairperson, coach, club moderator, and retreat leader. He holds a B.A. in Chemistry Education from Trinity Christian College and an M.A. in Science Education from Saint Xavier University.
