Amanda Schleede
Chief Executive Officer
Meet Our Leadership Team
Amanda has a diverse background spanning management consulting, healthcare innovation, non-profit, venture capital, and entrepreneurship. Amanda is uniquely equipped to guide the organization through a period of strategic growth and community impact.
Early in her career, Amanda held leadership roles at top-tier consulting firms (PwC and Oliver Wyman), advising companies and organizations on strategy, operations, human resources, and organizational transformation. Her consulting experience provides a results-oriented mindset while deepening a commitment to solving complex challenges that affect underserved communities.
In the healthcare sector, Amanda led initiatives aimed at improving access, equity, and patient outcomes—work that reinforces her passion for serving youth and families through holistic, community-based programs. She also spent several years in venture capital, supporting early-stage companies focused on social impact and healthcare technology. Most recently, Amanda served as the CEO of several health tech startups.
What draws Amanda to this role is the direct engagement with youth and a lifelong dedication to meaningful work within the nonprofit sector. This commitment is deeply evident in her extensive volunteer work with Illinois Swimming, USA Swimming, and the Chicago Park District Swimming Programs. Through these roles, Amanda has contributed thousands of hours as a Board Member and Officials Chair for Illinois Swimming, not to mention lead official for youth competitions. These experiences have not only provided learn-to-swim opportunities but have advanced youth development and athletic access, while positioning Amanda as a role model to both youth and adults, while strengthening her ability to collaborate across diverse philosophies, cultures, and identities.
As CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs (BGCNWS), Amanda combines strategic vision with a deep belief in the potential of every young person. Under her leadership, the organization plans to expand its reach, strengthen its partnerships, and deepen its focus on equity, academic enrichment, and workforce readiness for the next generation of leaders.
“My vision for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs (BGCNWS) is to create life-changing impact for every young person we serve—by growing our membership, increasing community engagement, and building a culture of philanthropy that ensures every child has the resources, support, and opportunities to thrive.”
Mike Berger
Senior Director of Safety & Facillities
Michael Berger graduated from Spring Arbor University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Administration. He brings over 30 years of experience in youth development, dedicating his career to creating impactful opportunities for young people.
Michael is a collaborative and strategic leader known for building strong community partnerships, developing high-quality programs, and leading teams with a focus on safety, accountability, and growth. His strengths include program development, staff training and mentorship, operational leadership, and creating environments where both youth and staff can thrive.
He is most passionate about the Boys & Girls Clubs movement because of its ability to connect youth with positive adult mentors who believe in their potential and challenge them to grow. He also values providing access to meaningful experiences and programs that many young people might not otherwise have the opportunity to explore.
Nichelle Campbell-Miller
Senior Director of Operations
Nichelle Campbell-Miller also known as “Coach” serves as the Senior Director of Operations for the Boys & Girls Club of the Northwest Suburbs, where she provides strategic leadership for Club operations, program quality, staff development, and organizational excellence. She is committed to creating safe, inclusive environments where young people and staff can thrive.
A Licensed Social Worker with a Master of Social Work from Indiana State University, Coach brings experience in nonprofit leadership, education, trauma-informed practices, restorative approaches, and social-emotional learning. She is passionate about developing strong teams, fostering collaboration, and building programs that create lasting impact for youth and families.
Known for her collaborative leadership style, Coach believes in leading alongside her team while promoting accountability, innovation, and continuous growth. She is dedicated to advancing the Club’s mission of empowering all young people to reach their full potential.
Kayla Caldwell
Director of Program Impact
Kayla started her career here at Boys & Girls Clubs in 2017, as a Youth Development Professional at Golfview Elementary. In 2019, Kayla became the Program Coordinator at our previous Teen Center. She is a long-time resident of Algonquin and studied Elementary Education at Northern Illinois University. Her love for teaching brought her to BGCDT to help give the youth access to different experiences and opportunities. In 2019, Kayla was named the Youth Development Professional of the Year, in the Midwest, by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Gloria Cardenas
Area Director
Gloria Cardenas is the Area Director at the Boys & Girls Club of the Northwest Suburbs. Prior to this role, she served in the school district 300 and district 33 for 17 years, gaining extensive experience in education and community support. She is a mother of four, with two children currently enrolled in the program, which deepens her commitment to youth and family engagement. Gloria holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is pursuing a Master’s in Business Management with a focus on Leadership. She is passionate about supporting youth and families and creating positive, inspiring experiences that strengthen communities.
Coral Colin
Director of Grant Operations
As a Club Alumni, Coral experienced the mission and knew she wanted to ensure that additional youth could experience it as well, especially in the community where she grew up (Carpentersville). She started her journey as a Jr. Staff in 2008 and has continued to be involved in the movement since, and has grown within the organization.
Her growth from a Site Director to her current position as Director of Grant Operations has shown her the importance of continuing to advocate for the youth of our community. She understands the first experience, that without providing services for families, there would be a huge need.
Coral has many proud moments throughout the years, she might not have as much time on sites as before. She always remembers her times as a club Member & remembers what it was like to have mentors who believed in her & how they are still part of what keeps her pushing forward in her career and life.
Diana Colin
Senior Area Director
As a former Club kid, Diana Colin developed a deep connection to the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Suburbs (BGCNWS) at an early age. That experience inspired her to pursue a career in youth development and give back to the same type of programs that helped shape her growth.
Diana began her professional journey with BGCNWS as a Youth Development Professional (YDP) in 2014 and has worked her way up through progressive leadership roles to her current position as Senior Area Director. Through her leadership, she supports multi-site operations, mentors staff, and helps ensure programs provide safe, high-quality, and enriching experiences for youth and families.
Diana has a strong passion for Trauma-Informed (TI) practices, focusing on creating environments that prioritize safety, emotional support, and positive youth development. She is committed to ensuring members feel heard, valued, and empowered to advocate for their needs, interests, and goals. Diana is known for her collaborative leadership style, dedication to staff growth, and her commitment to building inclusive spaces where youth and staff can thrive.
Claritza Fierro
Area Director
Claritza Fierro’s journey with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs began almost by chance—starting with a simple act of translating for a parent and growing into a fulfilling 13-year career. One of her proudest moments has been witnessing alumni she once mentored return as colleagues, now dedicated to making a difference for the next generation just as the Club once did for them. Through her work, Claritza has discovered a deep passion for supporting families while also growing beyond her expectations as a leader. She remains committed to creating a safe, nurturing space where members and their families feel supported, valued, and inspired.
James Grigsby
Area Director
James Grigsby is an equity‑driven education leader and Area Director for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs, where he leads expanded learning initiatives supporting youth and families in the Palatine area. He brings deep expertise in staff development, compliance, budget management, and cross‑sector partnership building to broaden access to career-connected learning opportunities. His leadership spans nonprofit operations, national partnerships, higher education administration, and regional after-school systems, grounded in his early work as an arts educator and behavioral specialist. James holds a BFA from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and a Professional Certificate as a Child Care Director, and he is committed to creating spaces where every young person feels seen, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.
Juan Jimenez
Chief Financial Officer
Juan brings a strong background in financial and operational leadership, with a track record in managing complex accounting processes and overseeing large-scale budgets. He holds a Master of Public Administration, a Master’s in Financial and Accounting Management, and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology, a combination that reflects both analytical expertise and a deep understanding of people and systems. He is also bilingual in English and Spanish, which strengthens his ability to communicate across diverse teams and communities.
Juan has successfully managed and monitored organizational budgets of up to $70 million, leading teams of grant specialists and accountants with precision and care. His expertise includes month-end closings, budget development and tracking, and the implementation of efficient accounting procedures.
We’re especially excited for Juan to bring his strengths in creating standard operating procedures and some professional development training around finances, which will help streamline our processes and enhance the technical skills of our team.
Maria Ramirez
Director of Secondary Programs & Development
Maria’s passion for children started when she was attending college for Early Childhood Education during her time in high school, through the Tech Prep Program. This leads her to Club through our Jr. Staff Program. Maria has been involved with the movement for over 15 years. As an Alumni, it has been a pleasure for her to see members grow within our organization as she did.
As Director of Leadership Development, she works first hand with our staff, from recruitment and interviews to orientations and program training. She is able to impact our members and families in our community. She helps staff members practice our mission: Nourish Character | Inspire Potential, the moment they are hired. Maria provides the resources our professionals need to succeed in providing the optimal Club experience.
Maria was born on the West Side of Chicago and grew up in Carpentersville attending D300. She has been on staff since she was a member herself. This gave her a different perspective on why this movement is so important. We often hear the success stories of our Staff impacting Members, but forget the impact Club Members actually can have on Staff.
Mike Sein
Director of Digital Experience
Mike Sein serves as the Director of Digital Experience at BGC, a position that seamlessly blends his extensive expertise in marketing and IT. His journey with the Club began in 2014, initially as a program specialist, where he honed his skills in technology programs. This role laid the groundwork for his subsequent ascension to a leadership position in Marketing and IT. Mike’s rich professional background spans Supply Chain Management, Electrical Engineering, and Information Technology, alongside a passion for the creative arts, notably in video production, photography, and graphic design. As a devoted father of three, Mike infuses his work with a deep sense of personal dedication and a commitment to family values. His unique mix of professional skills and personal insights has been a driving force behind innovative initiatives and consistent excellence in his role at BGC. Mike’s favorite aspect of his job is highlighting the amazing work at BGC and showcasing the Club’s impact and achievements through his digital expertise.
Katie Wilson
Senior Director of Philanthropic Engagement & Events
Katie Wilson joined Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs in February 2020 to help coordinate the Youth of the Year Awards. What was originally intended to be a short-term role filling an immediate event need quickly evolved into a long-term commitment to the organization and its mission. Today, Katie serves as the Senior Director of Philanthropic Engagement and Events. Throughout her tenure, Katie has planned and executed more than 30 events, created countless memories for Club youth, families, and supporters, and helped open the door to an ever-growing network of donors, partners, and community champions. Her passion for connecting people to the mission continues to strengthen the impact of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs and the opportunities available to the young people it serves.
Meet Our Specialist Team
Areli Arroyo
Compliance Administrator
Areli Arroyo began her career with the organization in 2018 as a Youth Development Professional at the Golfview and Perry sites. In 2023, she transitioned to the Main Office to serve as the Compliance Administrator. In this role, she has expanded her knowledge and developed expertise in a variety of systems, processes, and compliance practices, contributing significantly to her professional growth within the organization. Outside of work, Areli enjoys spending quality time with her husband and four children. A dedicated soccer mom, she spends many weekends supporting her children as they compete in soccer games and tournaments.
Melissa Arroyo
Membership Coordinator
Melissa Arroyo has been a dedicated Boys & Girls Club team member since 2014, beginning her career as a Youth Development Professional at Meadowdale Elementary. With a passion for working with children and supporting families, she has served youth of all ages across multiple Club locations, with a special interest in engaging kindergarten through 3rd-grade members through creative and hands-on activities.
In 2019, Melissa advanced to Assistant Director, serving at Parkview Elementary and later supporting the Algonquin sites through the summer of 2024. Her commitment to youth development and family engagement led her to start her current role as Membership Coordinator, where she helps families access programs and resources while building strong community connections.
Melissa is grateful for the opportunities the organization has provided throughout her career and remains committed to making a positive impact on the lives of youth and families every day.
Lluri Coria
Director of Athletics
Lluri will always be a club kid! As a former BGCDT member, 2003 Youth Of The Year, and Jr. Staff for three years, she knew BGCDT was still a place she could call home. Growing up in Carpentersville and seeing firsthand the impact that the club has on our community is one of the reasons she decided it was time to come back and utilize the skills the club provided her. As a volleyball player in Dundee-Crown, she believes athletics is a crucial component to many children’s success, along with discipline. As the Athletics Director, she is looking forward to providing more opportunities for our youth to use their skills without limitations. With a background in customer services and athletics operations, she is hopeful she can help our local families and members find a fun way to stay active and be part of a team. Lluri is also a proud mom to a boy who is now a 2nd-generation BGCDT member. The Club has been such a fantastic part of her life, and now, being able to be on the other side of the spectrum, she couldn’t ask for a better team to work side by side on this incredible mission in making a great community with young leaders.
Genesis Delgado
Grant Reporting Administrator
Genesis Delgado graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, specializing in Research and Analytics, along with a background in Fine Arts. Having been with the company for five years, Genesis has developed extensive organizational knowledge and experience across various roles. In late 2025, she transitioned into the position of Grant Reporting Administrator, where she supports grant reporting processes and helps ensure accurate and timely reporting. Outside of work, she enjoys creating murals, combining her artistic background with her passion for bringing creative visions to life.
Abby Gallagher
Youth Belonging and Wellness Specialist
Abby joined BGCNWS in August 2025 as Director of Community Engagement and Belonging and now serves on the SEL Team as the Youth Belonging and Wellness Specialist. A licensed K–12 educator, she holds a Master’s Degree in Bilingual and Multicultural Education from Spain and brings over a decade of teaching experience from the U.S. and overseas.
She values the Club as a space where young people can explore self-expression, well-being, and curiosity—free from the pressure of grades. Having lived and worked across five continents, Abby developed a deep appreciation for belonging—not just in new communities, but within oneself and around others. This perspective led her to study Eastern philosophies and meditation, earning a 200-hour yoga certification in Nepal and over 300 hours in meditation teacher training.
Abby integrates the science of neuroplasticity into her work, helping youth build growth mindsets and challenge limiting beliefs about happiness, ability, and relationships. She speaks Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, with some rusty basic proficiency in Vietnamese and Nepali, and enjoys dancing, nature, and healthy living. She regularly participates in solitary and group retreats, using time in nature and contemplative practices to reconnect and reflect. Abby leads with empathy, compassion, and a deep belief in the inherent goodness and dignity of every person.
Daisie Gutierrez
HR Administrator
Daisie Gutierrez has been a dedicated member of the Boys & Girls Club team since August 2017. She began her journey at the Meadowdale Club as a Youth Development Professional (YDP), working with 3rd–5th grade members for three years before transitioning to support youth at CMS Middle School and assist with front desk operations. Daisie later joined the Boys & Girls Clubs’ main office as a Front Desk Receptionist and currently serves as the HR Administrator. Having grown up in Carpentersville and attended schools that the Club now serves, she takes great pride in giving back to the community that helped shape her. Daisie enjoys building connections with staff and families, supporting the Club’s mission, and making a positive impact in the community she calls home.
Joseph Myhre
Financial Analyst/Club Safety and Training
Joe joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs in March 2026. Joe holds a bachelor’s degree in health and human physiology from the University of Iowa, where he was a member of the men’s swimming and diving team. Following graduation, Joe was a competitive swim coach and helped produce multiple state champions, national and Olympic trial qualifiers, and helped place athletes on international team rosters. Joe is currently a Master of Business Administration candidate at Southern New Hampshire University and has earned professional certifications in data analytics. Outside of his professional role, Joe enjoys playing guitar, reading, and going to the gym. Joe is excited for the opportunity to bring his data analytics and leadership skills to the BGCNWS team and help contribute to the club’s mission of helping all young people reach their full potential.
Cassandra Ostrum
Director of Development Operations
Cassandra Ostrum brings over 16 years of experience in advancement operations, fundraising strategy, and donor engagement. She has supported a wide range of institutions, from public universities to international nonprofits, helping them build strong operational foundations to drive philanthropic success. Cassandra holds a Masters in Communication from Purdue University. She also holds professional certifications in Google Data Analytics and nonprofit fundraising best practices. A passionate advocate for operational excellence, Cassandra is an active member of CASE, the Association of Donor Relations Professionals, and the Association of Advancement Services Professionals.
Ashley Martinez
Youth Development Program Coordinator
Ashley began her journey with the Boys and Girls Club of the Northwest Suburbs as a Youth Development Professional at Lakewood. She later joined AmeriCorps, serving as a Youth Project Learn Specialist with BGCNWS and continuing her AmeriCorps service for four years. Today, Ashley serves as a Youth Development Program Coordinator with the Boys and Girls Club of the Northwest Suburbs, where she works alongside the Program Team to create and provide a variety of engaging opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and experience new and exciting activities. Ashley graduated from Elgin Community College with an Associate in Arts degree and a Vocational Certificate in Early Childhood Education. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Jacky Ortega
Youth Development Program Coordinator
Jacky is a Youth Development Program Coordinator with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs, where she creates engaging, meaningful, high-quality programming for youth. She began her journey with BGCNWS in 2022 as a Youth Project Learn Specialist through AmeriCorps and has since served as a Program Coordinator, continuing to build her experience in youth development and programming. As a former Club kid herself, she has a personal connection to the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs and is passionate about creating positive experiences that help young people learn, grow, and build confidence. Jacky has several years of experience working with youth and developing hands-on programs, lesson plans, and staff resources across a variety of program areas. She plans to pursue a major in Social Work and hopes to continue working with and supporting youth. Outside of work and school, she enjoys painting and listening to music.
Anakaren Ovalle
Grants Accountant
Anakaren Ovalle combines her educational background in economics and accounting with a genuine passion for giving back to her community. Inspired to work in the nonprofit space to make a meaningful impact, she has spent the past two and a half years managing grant finances for the Club—ensuring programs have the support they need to thrive. While much of her work happens behind the scenes, her impact is felt throughout the organization, and you’ll often spot her at major events bringing that same energy and dedication to the front lines. At the heart of everything she does is a commitment to community and service. Outside of work, Anakaren enjoys weekend trips – exploring neighboring states, documenting local entertainment and experiences, and has a passion for culinary creativity and dancing.
Emma Penders
Director of Youth Leadership & Future Readiness
Emma started at Boys & Girls Club as a Youth Development Professional at our Carpentersville Middle School club site in 2021, which was meant to simply be a summer job while home from college. After working the summer, Emma fell in love with Club and the mission. She changed her major from kinesiology to psychology her senior year and set on serving the youth in her community. In 2022, after graduating from Michigan State University with her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and minors in Health Promotion and Youth and Society, Emma returned to Club as a Social Emotional Learning Intern. After completing her internship, she joined the team full-time as a Life Coach, where she managed life and career coaching for our teen Members at the Impact Center. In 2023, Emma became our Director of Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness and now, she oversees college and career readiness, leadership, workforce development, life skills, and youth advocacy programs at the Impact Center. Emma defines success by helping others succeed and believes with the support, programs, mentorship, and resources from the Boys & Girls Club every Member can become a future leader that can and will change the world.
Jennifer Wolfe
Director of Finance
Jennifer started working with Boys & Girls Club in August, 2009, where she was the founding director at our Parkview Site. She is currently a member of our Admin team as the Club Services Manager. She works closely with our staff of Directors in helping to coordinate club activities and special events. She also coordinates our volunteers and mentors for each of the sites.
Jennifer is a lifelong member of the Carpentersville community. Having been raised and raising her own family here, she is familiar with the area, it’s assets and it’s needs. Working at Boys & Girls Club is so much more than a “job” for Jennifer. It’s an opportunity for her to make a difference in the lives of the local families she has been blessed to get to know.
Phone: 847.909.7445
Email: mramirez@bgcdt.org
Mallory recently made the move to Carpentersville from Chicago, Illinois. She is excited to begin working with the Boys and Girls Club of Dundee Township as the Social Emotional Learning Specialist. Mallory began her career as a teacher in 2016 upon graduation from Columbia College Chicago. While teaching for six years in Chicago Public Schools, she began to identify where her true passion lay: social work. Mallory believes that supporting children and families’ social and emotional health is an essential part of her work in the mental health profession. Mallory is excited to bring her skillset and passion to BGCDT.
