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HERE IS WHAT OUR Advocates SAY
Each of our Advocates on this page represents a strand of the ropes you see depicted throughout our website. They intertwine their knowledge and rely on each other for strength, support, and understanding benefiting them both personally and professionally.
If you want to grow and help others, you belong here and we encourage you to get involved and become a part of this rope. We offer services at no charge or at nonprofit pricing for those that qualify. Hopefully, in the not-so-distant future, you too will be an advocate for Charmm'd.
Advocate TEAM
Education
ADAM HARRIS
HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS AND STORYTELLING
"Since joining Charmm'd I have found a new sense of empowerment in my career and personally. I belong to and meet with my Communications Peer Advisory Group once every two months for a few hours, and I look forward to those meetings with all of my being. These peers of mine have become meaningful friendships. They are my biggest cheerleaders who push me to follow my genius and passion of public speaking. They know who I am as I feel comfortable and excited to express all my thoughts and emotions with them. Since joining Charmm'd I have become a better leader in my role as a professional and in life."
MARCIE FAUST
PRINCIPAL,
SOUTH PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
"As I transitioned into my very first school leadership position, I was lucky to have joined the Charmm'd Principal Group where I instantly made deep and meaningful connections with other school leaders. School leadership can be isolating, but with the support of Charmm'd, I always felt as though I had a group of colleagues to turn to who faced similar challenges to me. I have grown to appreciate this group. The ideas, experiences, and advice shared by my Charmm'd principal colleagues have made me a stronger more empowered school leader. I am forever grateful for my involvement with Charmm'd."
"While time is precious, each opportunity to meet with a Charmm’d coach or a Peer Advisory Group has provided insight to support more intentional work in our schools. Taking the time to pause, reflect, and learn from other community leaders always leaves me energized. Charmm’d has provided partnerships and support while inspiring me to lead with a greater sense of purpose. Thank you!"
Faith
DUAYNE MEYER
SENIOR MINISTER,
NORTHFIELD COMMUNITY CHURCH
"Charmm’d has given me the opportunity to gather with, and learn from, colleagues working in sectors of the not-for-profit world that are different from my own and yet who are confronted with many of the same challenges. Charmm’d has been and is a source of new ideas and perspectives that inform the what, how and why of the work I do in my setting. The staff are deft facilitators and coaches, engendering collegiality and trust among group members. My experience has been informative, enjoyable and helpful both professionally and personally."
MARLENE DODINVAL
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-CHICAGO, SHALVA
"I have great appreciation for the work of the Charmm'd Foundation and have seen firsthand the transformative impact of their programs. I was a member of a senior leaders Peer Advisory Group (PAG) that started just before the pandemic, the group provided a reliable and supportive sounding board through uncertain times. I have also served as a mentor in the Charmm'd Leadership Academy and as a PAG leader for professionals who completed that program."
Library
MIKAEL "MICK"
JACOBSEN
DIRECTOR,
LAKE VILLA DISTRICT LIBRARY
"I have found Charmm’d to be a perspective-widening organization which has helped me understand the aspirations, concerns, and mindsets of leaders of non-profit organizations throughout the Northern Suburbs. It is simple (and feels safe) to stay inside your field’s echo chamber, but hearing unvarnished opinions and truths from admirable and accomplished community leaders has helped me personally and has helped me guide my organization to better serve my community. I am always pleased to spend time with the Charmm’d organization be it through group meetings or individual coaching. I highly recommend working with Charmm’d!"
MOLLY SCHEIBLER
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, SCHAUMBURG TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY
PAST CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR
"Being a part of Charmm’d has helped me become a better leader and has helped me become an even better listener. The Peer Advisory Group that I am involved in has been pivotal to my growth as a Supervisor. We have created a safe environment to discuss our personal and professional goals. With the help of the Charmm’d Foundation I have become the manager that I always wanted to be."
ANDREA LUBLINK
COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING MANAGER,
PALATINE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
"Being a part of a Peer Advisory Group has been an enlightening experience. Through our open and honest conversations, I’ve learned from other non-profit marketers and been able to apply some of that knowledge in my own career. Along the way, I’ve gained more insight about myself and what motivates my workstyle. It’s good to know I’m involved in a group that can share some of the same victories and challenges."
Municipal
ROBERT BRILL
FIRE CHIEF,
WHEATON FIRE DEPARTMENT
"Over the past several years, The Charmm’d Foundation has had a profound influence on the professional development of many members of my organization, myself included. The Peer Advisory Groups regularly produce stimulating discussions relevant to today’s workplace challenges. The networking experiences and personal coaching were invaluable in my professional career."
TODD NAHIGIAN
MANAGER, CROYA
"Charmm'd helps me to look at my leadership skills and determine ways to best handle difficult situations. I am more confident as a leader and I offer better advice to other leaders. I am consistently making connections with other leaders in local communities, and I continue to be a liaison for other leaders to meet when I see an opportunity for them to grow."
"I learned of the Charmm’d Foundation from colleagues at other local governments. Personal and organizational assessments, coaching, peer groups, The Leadership Academy, and The Summit have all provided several important and valuable experiences for myself and our team’s leaders. The networking and spontaneous exchanges outside the formal structured programs are equally valuable and welcome. The mix of participants from the not-for-profit sector and local government is another hidden gem of Charmm’d. The diversity of these participants and perspectives is a key to its success. Charmm’d programs offer me a way to help build the team using many voices."
BRIAN LAMBEL
FIRE CHIEF,
VILLAGE OF WILMETTE
"As a new fire chief with limited fire administrative experience, I looked for all opportunities to collaborate with other professionals, both inside and outside of the fire service. I was also looking for a mentor outside my organization. The Charmm’d Foundation was able to provide all of these needs. I often find myself reflecting on my personal discussions from my coaching sessions to guide me through the many tough decisions I need to make each day. I truly believe that my experiences with Charmm’d have guided me and increased my capacity to provide solid leadership. My leadership journey started over five years ago and I’m still engaging as well as enhancing my leadership aptitude over the numerous various Charmm’d programs.
ADRIANA ORTIZ
CLIENT SERVICES DIRECTOR, ZION TOWNSHIP
"I have had the opportunity to work with The Charmm’d Foundation staff since October 2018. Working with The Charmm’d Foundation has helped me grow my leadership skills personally and professionally. It has opened so many doors for leadership development. I’m currently a part of the Charmm’d Foundation Leadership Academy and coaching services. Being part of these groups has connected me with other leaders and I’m thankful for the relationships, networking and the connections that I have built among other leaders. I’m more confident as a leader of my community and I continue to strengthen my leadership skills to make myself an even better leader. The Charmm'd Foundation's commitment to help others with leadership development is enormous. My experience has been excellent and I will continue my leadership journey with them by my side."
Nonprofit
ED HEISER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
BUEHLER YMCA OF METROPOLITAN CHICAGO
"The opportunity for professional and personal development through the resources and network of Charmm’d are invaluable. By collaborating with fellow non-profit and public sector peers, I have gained a stronger understanding of my community and improved my ability to produce positive outcomes for those I serve. Additionally, Charmm’d provides a “safe space” to address unique issues and challenges that impact non-profit and public sectors. I am a better leader today because of the opportunities and experiences Charmm’d provides."
DEBRA PUCE
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT,
RAGDALE
"The network of terrific nonprofit professionals I have built during my connection with Charmm’d has been invaluable to me both professionally and personally. In 2018 I joined a Peer Advisory Group (PAG) which is a special, confidential space for a diverse group of nonprofit leaders to transparently share experiences, ideas, feedback, and perhaps most importantly – offer each other support. These conversations help grow emotional intelligence and an openness to new ideas and best practices. This helps me immensely in my role as a nonprofit fundraiser to build collaborations, partnerships and relationships. Executive coaching has also helped me learn how to get out of my own way to be a better nonprofit leader and to map out a course for growth. My coach has really helped me stop to think about what kind of a leader I want to be and what I want to create for the future. Charmm’d provides a wealth of resources for nonprofit leaders to connect and grow!"
JOEL WILLIAMS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HABITAT FOR HUMANITY LAKE COUNTY
“The Charmm’d Foundation has helped me grow as a leader and a person. There are times where the role of Executive Director can seem very lonely, and the networks and connections I have gained through Charmm’d give me an opportunity to explore ideas and solutions with others in similar situations. Couple that peer support with the outstanding services the Charmm’d staff provides, it not only helps me grow, it allows me to bring that back to other managers and staff, helping them grow stronger in their own individual leadership.”
SAVINA CHACHEVA
PROGRAM DIRECTOR, CANCER WELLNESS CENTER
PAST CHARMM'D
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
CO-FACILITATOR
“I joined The Charmm’d Foundation’s Leadership Academy in 2021. As a young leader, I was looking for resources and support to help enhance my leadership skills - Charmm’d provided that and much more! Through the regular check ins with Susan, and workshops with Ashley and Sheri, I was able to gain insight into my growth opportunities. The team creates a safe space that allows members to share stories and learn from the experiences of others.”
MAGGIE MORALES
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE LAKE COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
CHARMM'D PAST ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
"I have grown so much, both personally and professionally, through my experience with The Charmm’d Foundation! With every conversation, I come away feeling motivated and inspired to act on my learning. Their talented team equips you with the tools and resources to be the best leader you can be."
JOELLYN STOLIAR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
MAOT CHITIM OF GREATER CHICAGO
"The experiences I have had with Charmm’d could only be described as awesome and inspiring. I am surrounded by leaders in my field who have continued to encourage me to reach my potential. Through collaboration and respect, we support one another in challenges and successes. I am honored to have the opportunity to be part of this network."
AMY WAGLIARDO
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GORTON COMMUNITY CENTER
"When I joined Gorton as the new ED, I was fairly new to the area and also new to being an executive director. Connecting with Charmm’d helped me build my network quickly and provided resources for me to help me do my job better. The team at Charmm’d is so professional and really know how to listen – this leads to meaningful connection in many different ways. I am so glad to be connected with Charmm’d!"
Parks and Recreation
BRIAN ROMES
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
PARK DISTRICT OF HIGHLAND PARK
"The Charmm’d Foundation team, along with all the other community leaders I have met through Charmm’d, have made more than just a little difference to me. You have all had a significant impact on my professional growth and development. As a result of making me a better leader, you have helped all those who work in our organization, as well as the community we serve. For this reason, I currently recommend Charmm’d to as many people as I can. I am delighted to contribute towards the Charmm’d Mission."
DANIEL BREGMAN
RECREATION SUPERVISOR,
MORTON GROVE PARK DISTRICT
"The Charmm’d Foundation is an outstanding organization consisting of wonderful people who care and truly understand the importance of connection within community. In my time since becoming involved with Charmm’d, I have been privileged to meet and form many meaningful relationships with leaders across various industries. These relationships have been an invaluable resource and support to me as I continue to learn and grow on my personal, professional, spiritual, and leadership paths."
CRAIG CULP
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NSSRA
The people I have met at and through Charmm'd is the reason I have been involved for so many years. Having a place to share the successes and challenges of leadership with a group of peers through Charmm'd has become something I need on a regular basis rather than something I hope to find from time to time at a conference or through a phone call. The genuine approach of Charmm'd to serve those that serve is unique and something I am extremely thankful for.
LINDSAY THOMAS
SUPERINTENDENT OF OPERATIONS,
WILMETTE PARK DISTRICT
"I am so thankful to have been nominated to be part of the Charmm’d Leadership Academy, which was my main introduction to this amazing group! When I think of Charmm’d, I think of an organization that provides a variety of opportunities for learning and growth, both personally and professionally. The individuals and mentors I have connected with have provided me with invaluable insight and guidance in numerous areas surrounding leadership, which I hope to take and apply throughout my career. I look forward to continuing to build my leadership skills and passing on advice and mentorship to others."
Friends of the Foundation
ZEESHAN ALI
PAST CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MENTOR
The Charmmd foundation is doing some amazing work in developing the future leaders in the nonprofit sector. Their evidence based approach has developed me as a leader and I feel more confident in developing others. When there was an opportunity to give back to other nonprofit leaders, as a Leadership Academy Mentor, it was a no-brainer for me. I look forward to the growth of my mentees in my peer advisory group and the Charmmd Foundation as a whole.
LIZ COX
PAST CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
CO-FACILITATOR
"Charmm’d has given me the wonderful opportunity to collaborate and learn from other professionals who are passionate about service and leadership. I look forward to every Peer Advisory Group meeting because my takeaways always include thoughtful and insightful feedback that helps me continue to hone my leadership skills. I ultimately see Charmm’d as a “call to arms” for community leaders to rise up and create positive change in the world."
TERRY DASON
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WINNETKA-NORTHFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
"Leaders may think that using Charmm'd during difficult times is valuable. It is during the good times that have proven incredibly valuable to our organization as I learn ways to develop as a leader while not in crisis."
ANTHONY NITTI
RETIRED HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES, VERNON AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
PAST CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR
"Charmm’d Foundation has connected me with other leaders at the same level of management as myself. The Peer Advisory Group I have been affiliated with since 2017, encourages, motivates and supports me as I set and achieve goals in my current leadership role. I am truly honored the team at Charmm’d believed I would be a good mentor to future leaders in government and in the nonprofit world. As a mentor, I look forward to sharing my education, experience and knowledge in hope I can provide the guidance necessary for others to succeed."
BRENDA TOSCANO-RODRIGUEZ
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, VILLAGE OF ROUND LAKE
"While I had to take an emergency leave out of the country, I came back to work with messages from The Charmm'd team reaching out to me about a leadership program I had been signed up for by my former supervisor and had no idea about it. I remember going to the first meeting and being intimidated - not really knowing what I had been signed up for. Half a year later, it is easily one of the most amazing things anyone could have done for me and I am incredibly grateful for it. Since joining the organization, I have learned so much and have been able to apply what I have learned to my everyday life, both professionally and personally. I have never felt more comfortable approaching others, having difficult conversations in the workplace (and personal life), understanding different personality types, and how to work with others. My experience with Charmm’d has been truly remarkable and the people I have met have been nothing but wonderful. I am excited to continue to develop and grow my leadership skills with Charmm’d!"
GEORGE ALEXOFF
RETIRED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NORTHFIELD PARK DISTRICT
"The Charmm’d Foundation has provided me a forum of leaders outside my community who have been able to provide me with a fresh prospective of how they deal with leadership within their communities and their agencies. I have taken this information and been able to apply what I have learned to help me better navigate through the partnership opportunities here in Northfield. Through this, my agency has been able to provide more for the community with less, by utilizing existing community resources in a more collaborative way."
PETER BOWER
MARKET EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
ALSAC/ST. JUDE
"I have had the opportunity to work closely with The Charmm’d Foundation for several years. This organization is like no other! Their commitment to helping develop leaders and strengthen communities is bold and ambitious – and they do it so well. I am thankful for the relationships I’ve built with other leaders through Charmm’d and the personal learning and growth that they have made possible."
DANI CZARNIK
PAST CHARMM'D ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER AND LEADERSHIP ACADEMY PARTICIPANT
"Charmm’d has been such a wonderful resource for me both professionally and personally. Charmm’d has provided me with a network of leaders to learn from and grow with. The Charmm’d staff continues to provide well-designed programs which allow me time to reflect on my leadership style, team dynamic and constantly pushes me to evaluate and develop my leadership skills for the future."
DR. JEAN SOPHIE-HEAD
RETIRED SUPERINTENDENT/ STATE TEACHER/PERA EVALUATION TRAINER/NORTH COOK INTERMEDIATE SERVICE CENTER COACH AND PRINCIPAL AND SUPERINTENDENT MENTOR, CONSULTANT FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING AND PERSONNEL
"Charmm’d has provided me opportunities to network and grow with "like" peers that are in leadership and a part of community organizations. It has allowed me time to reflect and gain an understanding of myself and the local community by meeting with other leaders in both formal and informal groups. I have strongly encouraged the leaders in my organization to take part in the leadership offers that apply to them. The professionalism of the Charmm’d leaders as well as the "out of the box" thinking has been a valuable resource in my work!"
SCOTT ROSEN
TOWNSHIP COMPTROLLER, GLENBROOK HIGH SCHOOL
DISTRICT 225
PAST CHARMM'D
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
CO-FACILITATOR
"Now in my second year being involved with The Charmm'd Foundation, I'm so glad it was recommended to me and that I took advantage of the opportunity in front of me. The leadership team at Charmm'd is second to none and they make sure every participant has the resources available and the ability to communicate whatever the needs may be. Meeting with Peer Advisory Groups every month has opened my eyes to different ways of thinking and has allowed me to come away from every session more informed about myself and others than I was before. I am grateful for what the Leadership Academy has taught me and I know it will help me on my path toward continual personal and professional growth."
COURTNEY VOLNY
CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER, WINNETKA-NORTHFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
PAST CHARMM'D
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
CO-FACILITATOR
"Joining Charmm'd has given me the incredible opportunity to speak with other professionals outside of my field and the ability to share insights, and encouragements, which has been invaluable to me both personally and professionally. As a new manager, it has been an amazing experience to sit down with other leaders and know that I can both share my own experiences and learn from the experiences of others. Charmm'd has built a platform that allows professionals to connect in a safe communicative environment where we are able to build professional connections and friendships."
