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
Lizette Martinez
Social Work Intern, Taller de Jose Companerx
Lizette is a second year social work student who has always felt a calling to a life of service. She was born and raised in Chicago’s predominately Latinx communities and is fluent in Spanish. Considering herself a Chicana, Lizette wholeheartedly embraces her Latino roots, culture and heritage. Before joining Quinn Center, Lizette worked as a Community Health Worker/Promotora for the last fifteen plus years. She has participated in outreach activities in various Chicago communities that have included community health fairs, preventative education workshops, care coordination and connecting people with local services. She aims to bring her experience and love for service to the Maywood community and help people and families with linking them to resources and accompany them through a very complex social service system. Contact Lizette at qccompanera@quinncenter.org.
Social Work Intern, Taller de Jose Companerx
Lizette is a second year social work student who has always felt a calling to a life of service. She was born and raised in Chicago’s predominately Latinx communities and is fluent in Spanish. Considering herself a Chicana, Lizette wholeheartedly embraces her Latino roots, culture and heritage. Before joining Quinn Center, Lizette worked as a Community Health Worker/Promotora for the last fifteen plus years. She has participated in outreach activities in various Chicago communities that have included community health fairs, preventative education workshops, care coordination and connecting people with local services. She aims to bring her experience and love for service to the Maywood community and help people and families with linking them to resources and accompany them through a very complex social service system. Contact Lizette 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.
Matt Baker
Loyola CCGH Intern, Youth Programming
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 Programming
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.
Elisa Sanchez
Dietetics Intern, Loyola University
Elisa completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at Dominican University Spring of 2019. She is passionate about broadening her knowledge in community nutrition and public health. Helping break the language barrier that is often prevalent in healthcare is a goal of hers. She looks forward to working with the community at the Quinn Center and expanding her connections as well.
Dietetics Intern, Loyola University
Elisa completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at Dominican University Spring of 2019. She is passionate about broadening her knowledge in community nutrition and public health. Helping break the language barrier that is often prevalent in healthcare is a goal of hers. She looks forward to working with the community at the Quinn Center and expanding her connections as well.
Stavroula Antonopoulos
Dietetics Intern, Loyola University
Stavroula received her Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences with a Dietetics emphasis from the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. Throughout her undergraduate career, she volunteered in Tucson’s diverse community focusing on alleviating food insecurity through health promotion and education. She received her Master of Science in Human Nutrition with a Community Nutrition concentration from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. She is passionate about eliminating childhood obesity through health promotion and education. At the Quinn Center, Stavroula facilitates the after-school programming by providing nutrition education and activities. She is thrilled to continue working hands-on with children and adolescents.
Dietetics Intern, Loyola University
Stavroula received her Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences with a Dietetics emphasis from the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. Throughout her undergraduate career, she volunteered in Tucson’s diverse community focusing on alleviating food insecurity through health promotion and education. She received her Master of Science in Human Nutrition with a Community Nutrition concentration from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. She is passionate about eliminating childhood obesity through health promotion and education. At the Quinn Center, Stavroula facilitates the after-school programming by providing nutrition education and activities. She is thrilled to continue working hands-on with children and adolescents.
Michael Zavoli
Youth Programming Intern, Concordia University
Michael is a Senior at CUC and currently pursuing a degree in criminal justice. He be helping the youth program during the fall 2021 semester. Michael is very excited to help out the youth, create new relationships and help out the community who lean on the Quinn Center for support.
Youth Programming Intern, Concordia University
Michael is a Senior at CUC and currently pursuing a degree in criminal justice. He be helping the youth program during the fall 2021 semester. Michael is very excited to help out the youth, create new relationships and help out the community who lean on the Quinn Center for support.
Joel Childers
Youth Programming Intern, Concordia University
Joel Childers is a Senior Criminal Justice major at Concordia University Chicago. He is originally from Detroit, Michigan and has played basketball at CUC for 4 years. Joel plans to join the Chicago Police department after graduation. He is excited to continuously make a positive impact and feels blessed to have the opportunity to work with the children and families of the Quinn Center.
Youth Programming Intern, Concordia University
Joel Childers is a Senior Criminal Justice major at Concordia University Chicago. He is originally from Detroit, Michigan and has played basketball at CUC for 4 years. Joel plans to join the Chicago Police department after graduation. He is excited to continuously make a positive impact and feels blessed to have the opportunity to work with the children and families of the Quinn Center.
Oralia Rodriguez
Programming Intern, Concordia University
Oralia is a Senior at Concordia University Chicago studying Criminal Justice, K-12 Art Education, and Sociology. She is excited to work with the Seniors and Youth of the Quinn Center community.
Programming Intern, Concordia University
Oralia is a Senior at Concordia University Chicago studying Criminal Justice, K-12 Art Education, and Sociology. She is excited to work with the Seniors and Youth of the Quinn Center community.
COVID OUTREACH TEAM
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.
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!
