year-round staff
Kristen Mighty, PhD, MPH
Executive Director
Dr. Mighty, a Broadview native, joined the Quinn Center team in 2018 with an extensive 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. Over the past two years, she has established vital financial and grant management infrastructure and has led the effort to strengthen and expand youth programming, adult education programming, and senior outreach and support programming. 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 an extensive 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. Over the past two years, she has established vital financial and grant management infrastructure and has led the effort to strengthen and expand youth programming, adult education programming, and senior outreach and support programming. 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.
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 in 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 in 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.
Elizabeth Young
Development Coordinator
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 Coordinator
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.
rotating staff, interns & FELLOWS
Alecx Hernandez
Dominican Volunteer, Taller de Jose Companerx
I recently graduated from Dominican University in River Forest with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Music. I finished a semester early and studied my last semester in Spain. I grew up in Little Village and Pilsen, and I moved to Cicero a few years ago. This year I am a Dominican Volunteer serving with Taller de Jose as a Compañerx at the Quinn Center. This opportunity will allow me to "walk with" people and families of the Maywood community by translating documents, serving as an interpreter, volunteering, attending court cases (etc.), and most importantly, connecting people with local resources such as Food Pantries, counseling, emergency services, employment opportunities, financial assistance, and more. I am thrilled to have this amazing opportunity that prepares me for my future goal of moving close to the Mexican American Border and "walking with" migrants. Contact Alecx at qccompanera@quinncenter.org.
Dominican Volunteer, Taller de Jose Companerx
I recently graduated from Dominican University in River Forest with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Music. I finished a semester early and studied my last semester in Spain. I grew up in Little Village and Pilsen, and I moved to Cicero a few years ago. This year I am a Dominican Volunteer serving with Taller de Jose as a Compañerx at the Quinn Center. This opportunity will allow me to "walk with" people and families of the Maywood community by translating documents, serving as an interpreter, volunteering, attending court cases (etc.), and most importantly, connecting people with local resources such as Food Pantries, counseling, emergency services, employment opportunities, financial assistance, and more. I am thrilled to have this amazing opportunity that prepares me for my future goal of moving close to the Mexican American Border and "walking with" migrants. Contact Alecx at qccompanera@quinncenter.org.
Hana O'Hagan
Schweitzer Fellow, Senior & Caregiver Programs
After graduating from Creighton University with a BS in Chemistry, Hana worked as a private caregiver and a CNA before beginning medical school at Loyola University’s Stritch School of Medicine last year. Hana began volunteering with the Quinn Center in the fall of 2020, serving with weekly senior programming and Tertulias Spanish-English language exchange. She is now helping to develop caregiver programs with the Quinn Center and hopes to connect more caregivers to helpful resources and Quinn’s supportive community. Hana is passionate about caregiving and serving seniors. Contact Hana at qccaregivers@quinncenter.org.
Schweitzer Fellow, Senior & Caregiver Programs
After graduating from Creighton University with a BS in Chemistry, Hana worked as a private caregiver and a CNA before beginning medical school at Loyola University’s Stritch School of Medicine last year. Hana began volunteering with the Quinn Center in the fall of 2020, serving with weekly senior programming and Tertulias Spanish-English language exchange. She is now helping to develop caregiver programs with the Quinn Center and hopes to connect more caregivers to helpful resources and Quinn’s supportive community. Hana is passionate about caregiving and serving seniors. Contact Hana at qccaregivers@quinncenter.org.
Katherine Mott
Loyola CCGH Intern, Senior & Caregiver Programs
Katherine is a second-year medical student at the Loyola Stritch School of Medicine and the newest member of the Senior Programing team. She graduated from the University of Chicago with a Bachelor’s in Biology and loves spending time with seniors. Before joining the Quinn Center, Katherine worked as a nursing assistant at a community hospital, served as a Promise Fellow through AmeriCorps, and throughout high school worked in a nursing home. Her interests include storytelling, caring for the elderly, and all things Chicago (hot dogs, running on Lakeshore Drive, the White Sox, etc.).Contact Katherine at qccaregivers@quinncenter.org.
Loyola CCGH Intern, Senior & Caregiver Programs
Katherine is a second-year medical student at the Loyola Stritch School of Medicine and the newest member of the Senior Programing team. She graduated from the University of Chicago with a Bachelor’s in Biology and loves spending time with seniors. Before joining the Quinn Center, Katherine worked as a nursing assistant at a community hospital, served as a Promise Fellow through AmeriCorps, and throughout high school worked in a nursing home. Her interests include storytelling, caring for the elderly, and all things Chicago (hot dogs, running on Lakeshore Drive, the White Sox, etc.).Contact Katherine at qccaregivers@quinncenter.org.
Angelika Kwak
Loyola CCGH Intern, Hunger Ministry
After graduating from UIC with a Bachelors in Neuroscience and minor in Public Policy, Angelika began her dual degree program (MD/MPH) at the Loyola Stritch School of Medicine. She has worked with the Greater Chicago Food Depository and was a part of the Health and Nutrition team through Americorps- she worked closely with Cook County Clinics and pantry coordinators. Her favorite part was engaging with the community and making connections with folks from all over the area. She is now working with the Hunger Ministry and will be taking part in the Food Distribution. She is very excited to work with the community at the Quinn Center and work towards food justice. Contact Angelika at akwak1@luc.edu.
Loyola CCGH Intern, Hunger Ministry
After graduating from UIC with a Bachelors in Neuroscience and minor in Public Policy, Angelika began her dual degree program (MD/MPH) at the Loyola Stritch School of Medicine. She has worked with the Greater Chicago Food Depository and was a part of the Health and Nutrition team through Americorps- she worked closely with Cook County Clinics and pantry coordinators. Her favorite part was engaging with the community and making connections with folks from all over the area. She is now working with the Hunger Ministry and will be taking part in the Food Distribution. She is very excited to work with the community at the Quinn Center and work towards food justice. Contact Angelika at akwak1@luc.edu.
Matt Baker
Loyola CCGH Intern, Youth Program Evaluation
Matt is in his second year at Stritch School of Medicine and has had a passion for community work ever since he was in Boy Scouts. He is currently working on a survey system for the Quinn Center but likes to help out in other ways whether it be the community garden, food drives, or tutoring. Matt's personal interests include basketball, movies, and yoga.
Loyola CCGH Intern, Youth Program Evaluation
Matt is in his second year at Stritch School of Medicine and has had a passion for community work ever since he was in Boy Scouts. He is currently working on a survey system for the Quinn Center but likes to help out in other ways whether it be the community garden, food drives, or tutoring. Matt's personal interests include basketball, movies, and yoga.
FAITH in THE VACCINE AMBASSADORS (Dominican university)
Gabe Allori
Gabe is entering his senior year at Dominican University on a PreMed track majoring in Natural Science with a concentration in health sciences and minors in Theology, Biology, and Chemistry. He is heavily involved with many of the medical organizations at Dominican and is President of the American Medical Student Association as he strives to guide students on their future paths in medicine. He also helps lead the Mazzuchelli Scholars Honors Program as acting President. Outside of Dominican, he is an active parishioner at St. Edmund Parish in Oak Park where he helps with a number of ministries.
Gabe is entering his senior year at Dominican University on a PreMed track majoring in Natural Science with a concentration in health sciences and minors in Theology, Biology, and Chemistry. He is heavily involved with many of the medical organizations at Dominican and is President of the American Medical Student Association as he strives to guide students on their future paths in medicine. He also helps lead the Mazzuchelli Scholars Honors Program as acting President. Outside of Dominican, he is an active parishioner at St. Edmund Parish in Oak Park where he helps with a number of ministries.
Mia Cervantes
Mia is a first-generation Mexican American born in Durango, Mexico and raised here in Maywood. She recently graduated with her BSN from Dominican University's Nursing program. She is in the process of studying for her nursing board exam, the NCLEX, and hopes to soon be working and serving the community as a registered nurse.
Mia is a first-generation Mexican American born in Durango, Mexico and raised here in Maywood. She recently graduated with her BSN from Dominican University's Nursing program. She is in the process of studying for her nursing board exam, the NCLEX, and hopes to soon be working and serving the community as a registered nurse.
Darian Kochanek
Darian graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2020 with degrees in Behavioral Neuroscience Psychology and Molecular & Cellular Biology, and just finished a year at Dominican University studying Medical Sciences. She was raised on the southwest side of Chicago as a first-generation Polish-American and is currently applying to medical school to become a psychiatrist and serve rural/underprivileged communities! Her time at Quinn as a Faith in the Vaccine Ambassador is spent educating folks about the COVID-19 vaccine and addressing any questions or concerns they have. Because of her passion for medicine and this opportunity to be part of Quinn, she's excited to connect with the community and create a space where people feel comfortable talking about the vaccine!
Darian graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2020 with degrees in Behavioral Neuroscience Psychology and Molecular & Cellular Biology, and just finished a year at Dominican University studying Medical Sciences. She was raised on the southwest side of Chicago as a first-generation Polish-American and is currently applying to medical school to become a psychiatrist and serve rural/underprivileged communities! Her time at Quinn as a Faith in the Vaccine Ambassador is spent educating folks about the COVID-19 vaccine and addressing any questions or concerns they have. Because of her passion for medicine and this opportunity to be part of Quinn, she's excited to connect with the community and create a space where people feel comfortable talking about the vaccine!
summer program staff
Sean Banasiak
Summer Program Director
Sean has worked as a high school science teacher at Nazareth Academy since 2009. Sean began serving as the science department chair in 2016. In his time at Nazareth Academy, he has served as 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 has worked as a high school science teacher at Nazareth Academy since 2009. Sean began serving as the science department chair in 2016. In his time at Nazareth Academy, he has served as 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.
Daniel Halley
Co-Manager, Teen Camp Counselor Program
After high school, Daniel served as an aviation rescue swimmer in the US Navy. After serving in the Navy, Daniel obtained a BS in Biology from Saint Louis University and began his medical school education at Loyola University’s Stritch School of Medicine. Daniel began volunteering at the Quinn Center in February 2021, serving with the youth enrichment program. He is now the co-manager of the teen camp counselor program and hopes to ensure that the teens have a fun summer and gain skills to be successful as young adults. Contact Daniel at qccampcounselor@quinncenter.org.
Co-Manager, Teen Camp Counselor Program
After high school, Daniel served as an aviation rescue swimmer in the US Navy. After serving in the Navy, Daniel obtained a BS in Biology from Saint Louis University and began his medical school education at Loyola University’s Stritch School of Medicine. Daniel began volunteering at the Quinn Center in February 2021, serving with the youth enrichment program. He is now the co-manager of the teen camp counselor program and hopes to ensure that the teens have a fun summer and gain skills to be successful as young adults. Contact Daniel at qccampcounselor@quinncenter.org.
Liwia Kiryk
Co-Manager, Grade School Program
Liwia is currently a junior attending Johns Hopkins University. She is majoring in International Studies with a focus on development. Liwia began volunteering at the Quinn Center in March of 2021, and now serves as the co-manager for the grade school summer enrichment program. She
hopes to continue working with children in the future and would particularly like to work with UNICEF to promote social justice, education and healthcare for women and children in the developing world.
Co-Manager, Grade School Program
Liwia is currently a junior attending Johns Hopkins University. She is majoring in International Studies with a focus on development. Liwia began volunteering at the Quinn Center in March of 2021, and now serves as the co-manager for the grade school summer enrichment program. She
hopes to continue working with children in the future and would particularly like to work with UNICEF to promote social justice, education and healthcare for women and children in the developing world.
Shannon Hopkins
Administrative Assistant
Shannon is currently a junior attending the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Political Science. She is planning to graduate in May of 2023. This will be her first summer working at the Quinn Center and she will be working as a Summer Program Administrative Assistant. The message the Quinn Center stands for is something that she finds very important and is so glad to see that a fantastic resource like this exists to support the people in the Maywood area in so many ways. She is looking forward to working alongside all the other staff this summer and helping in every way possible.
Administrative Assistant
Shannon is currently a junior attending the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Political Science. She is planning to graduate in May of 2023. This will be her first summer working at the Quinn Center and she will be working as a Summer Program Administrative Assistant. The message the Quinn Center stands for is something that she finds very important and is so glad to see that a fantastic resource like this exists to support the people in the Maywood area in so many ways. She is looking forward to working alongside all the other staff this summer and helping in every way possible.
Maura Walsh
Administrative Assistant
Maura began volunteering with Quinn Center during the 2020-21 school year and is excited to work with the Summer Program staff and participants this summer. She has enjoyed participating in the Tertulias program and assisting with the after school program. Maura is a rising second year medical student at Loyola Stritch School of Medicine and earned her Bachelors degree from the University of Notre Dame.
Administrative Assistant
Maura began volunteering with Quinn Center during the 2020-21 school year and is excited to work with the Summer Program staff and participants this summer. She has enjoyed participating in the Tertulias program and assisting with the after school program. Maura is a rising second year medical student at Loyola Stritch School of Medicine and earned her Bachelors degree from the University of Notre Dame.
