The Charmm'd Team | Buffalo Grove | The Charmm'd Foundation

Our TEAM

A huge heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff and all of the wonderful volunteers who passionately work to build strong leaders, collaborative organizations, and healthy communities... today, tomorrow, and beyond.

Meet our Charmm'd Team below... This team has proven our leadership journeys don't have to be done alone.

Foundation STAFF

SHERI MILLER, CPCC, TTI Certified in DISC, DF & EQ

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MENTOR

"I am often asked why I began Charmm’d. My answer is a selfish one. I love life and want to enjoy it even more. I knew that I stood in my own way of making that happen by how I sometimes responded to what was going on around me. I also knew my reaction to how others acted affected me as well. I wanted to change that. Thus, Charmm’d. We are about the people side of leadership where we learn who we are, how to stand in our own strengths, how to have difficult conversations, how to handle and own those things that trigger us. At Charmm’d we also have the privilege to learn from other leaders who face similar situations. At the end of the day, if we can look in the mirror and know that we have done the right thing, treated others well, taken care of ourselves and made a difference in the world…there’s nothing better."

~Living in downtown Chicago, Sheri loves the excitement the city offers. From biking on the lakefront to walking her dogs in the park to rooftop get-togethers and more, Sheri and her good man continually find adventure in their little piece of paradise. When she is looking for a quieter moment, her ceramics, cooking, reading and, YES! binge-watching fill her bucket like none other. As for her kids, they are invited to anything and everything that is part of her world – and she thoroughly enjoys what they bring to the table as well.~

ASHLEY WARD, MSW, CPCC, TTI Certified in DISC, DF & EQ

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

"Since finding Charmm’d over a decade ago, I’ve said many times over “I have my dream job” and it’s completely true! I’ve had the good fortune to find a career rooted in leadership and emotional intelligence, which has enriched my life in more ways than I could have ever imagined. The best part is that my primary function with Charmm’d is to build relationships with and support a wide variety of community leaders. I hear their stories of triumph and failure and the lessons they learned along the way. I’m grateful to benefit from the wisdom shared by the leaders in our network and I’m inspired daily by hearing how they serve others. My personal and professional “why” is literally being fulfilled each and every day."

~Ashley lives in Boerne, TX with her husband of 15 years, her 12 going-on-20-year-old daughter, her spunky 9-year-old son, a sassy Calico cat and a spoiled Beagle. When she isn’t working out of her home office or traveling to Chicago for work, she loves being outside gardening, swimming, biking, hiking and eating lots of bbq and Mexican food. Don’t ask her to cook though, she will burn it!~

SUSAN GIBSON, TTI Certified in DISC, DF & EQ

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

"Helping leaders make connections through conversations and facilitating opportunities for leaders to grow their networks is why I come to work every day. I thoroughly enjoy having the opportunity to serve others by providing professional development opportunities and seeing the results that transpire. I have been with the Foundation for 10 years and I continually have the pleasure to witness growth, strength and more confidence in new and experienced leaders due to the collaboration of minds. I am consistently motivated to do better because I get to work alongside amazing people doing outstanding things in their organizations and communities."

~In her spare time, Susan enjoys travel, spending time with family and friends, playing games, taking long walks and dining out at her favorite restaurants as well as exploring new ones that pop-up. Susan resides in Lake in the Hills, IL with her husband and their dog. She has three step-children that she loves spending time with.~

WILEY SUSAN WILDER

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR

"I joined Charmm’d knowing my purpose in life is to help others. I truly enjoy being able to serve this team in all of their needs by working behind the scenes in assisting in their happiness and success in what they do best. Being able to fulfill my purpose at Charmm’d has allowed that purpose to flow into a passion. Charmm’d has found a way to build a foundation that allows the community to connect with each other as well as provide the knowledge and tools for them to grow into incredible leaders and become a support system for each other. I’m grateful for this opportunity to have a small part in what Charmm’d provides for the community.”

~Wiley enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling to new places, hiking, baking, and reading. She lives in Crystal Lake with her husband, their teenage daughter, and their three very spoiled dogs.~

Board OF DIRECTORS

DAVE DASTUR

SENIOR PRINCIPAL, JENSEN & HALSTEAD, LTD.

CHARMM'D BOARD VICE PRESIDENT

"I have both learned from other leaders and helped strengthen other leaders within the Charmm'd community by sharing feedback, ideas and experiences. This learning and strengthening has happened at both the Board level where we strive to make Charmm’d the best organization that it can be, as well as at the community level where I have had the opportunity to meet several outstanding individuals at the Charmm’d events."

MARCOS LEVY

FACILITIES & SECURITY MANAGER, WILMETTE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT

CHARMM'D BOARD SECRETARY

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR & MENTOR

During my 18-year tenure at Lake Forest Library, my Library Director offered the opportunity for managers to attend a Charmm’d leadership seminar. This experience influenced my management philosophy and invigorated my desire to become a more effective leader, leading me to a new position as Facilities Manager at Cook Memorial Library. While many people may view leadership and success as climbing the ladder to achieve the highest position possible, I believe the heart of leadership is not limited to how far one advances, but how one is able to influence others. In 2020, I accepted a new management position at Wilmette Public Library managing a diverse team of individuals. With the knowledge and support I have accumulated through Charmm’d and their Peer Advisory Groups, the various challenges I have endured in the workforce have broadened my leadership dynamic with topics such as problem-solving, conflict resolution, and team building. Charmm’d has been a vital part of my success. The team at Charmm’d take you on a journey that inspires others to also want to become leaders. I, myself, have taken on the role as mentor and co-facilitator in the Leadership Academy to share my passion for developing effective leaders.

Advisory BOARD

LESLIE BLAKE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF MCHENRY COUNTY

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR

"Charmm'd has been a tool that has grown and transformed with me as I have changed roles and faced new challenges. The team and the peers you work along with are a group of extremely qualified and intelligent people. The answer is always in the room when you are surrounded by such talent. The variety of resources and opportunities to connect and grow are incredible. I am impressed with how Charmm'd continues to evolve with the changing needs of the individual and our society as a whole. I especially enjoy the non-profit groups that allow leaders to connect about the real world issues that these organizations face that are unique to the non-profit sector."

KRISTIN BIWER

DIRECTOR OF LIFE ENRICHMENT, ASPIRE

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR

"Charmm’d has provided me opportunities professionally and personally to become the person and leader that I want to be. Through the skills that I have learned and the resources that I gained, I am able to reflect, take action, and support a better balance at home and work. With our ever changing and dynamic world, I have a renewed sense of determination to be happy and fulfilled in all areas of my life."

ALLAN BOGAN

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR

"The Charmm’d Foundation is a unique and special organization. I have had the ultimate privilege of engaging with Charmm’d the past few years, first as a non-profit executive who has nominated staff members at my organization to participate in the Leadership Academy, next as a mentor for a Peer Advisory Group, and now as an Advisory Board Member and Peer Advisory Group Co-Facilitator. I find that the Charmm’d staff and volunteers strive for excellence at all times, in every interaction, and have a strong desire to develop and learn from and with all participants. I am honored to represent Charmm’d and I feel empowered as a leader in my own organization and with Charmm’d interactions because of the genuine, authentic engagement I have had with every leader and leadership experience at Charmm’d. I am grateful to be able to provide support and guidance to Charmm’d program participants in giving back to make a positive impact on the Charmm’d community, and to continue my own personal and professional journey of growth and learning."

DINA DONOHUE-CHASE

VICE PRESIDENT GROWTH AND INNOVATION, ANIXTER CENTER

“Charmm’d provides an invaluable platform where you can take a purposeful break and gather with other professionals to share, learn and reflect. I have gained tremendous knowledge to better inform my work and leadership approach. The combination has had a direct and immediate influence allowing me to advance my professional goals for people and mission impact. The comradery, laughter and friendships gained along the way have been a wonderful bonus.”

SHERRY QUAM TAYLOR

CEO, QUAM TAYLOR LLC

"From the first interaction with the leadership team at the Charmm'd Foundation, I could tell something was different about the way they led. They were authentic and intentional in every interaction. Quickly, I witnessed this same level of care for the leaders they worked with, many of them were my clients. I'm involved with the team because of the unique and remarkable support they provide leaders who are changing their communities, country, and world."

NICOLE SEIDLITZ

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION

"Charmm’d is an invaluable – and unique – asset to nonprofit professionals and nonprofits as a whole. From being able to learn and share with colleagues who have similar jobs to sharing best practices and forming significant professional relationships, Charmm’d has helped me become a more effective leader. In turn, the nonprofits where I have worked have become stronger as well."

HOLLIS SIENKIEWICZ

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, SCHAUMBURG TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY

My Charmm'd Peer Group is one meeting I can say I always look forward to. It's a time to connect with other leaders and recharge so I can stay excited about my leadership role at work. Not only do the other members of my group listen and offer advice, they often help me reset my perspective and my focus. I'm excited to be a part of the Charmm'd Advisory Board as a way to give back to this wonderful organization. They've provided so much guidance and support to so many leaders and I look forward to being a bigger part of that effort of cultivating confident, competent leaders in service-based organizations.

TOM SOUTHALL

RETIRED - FORMER VICE-PRESIDENT GLOBAL INNOVATION, CONSTRUCTION, ITW

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MENTOR

"I am involved with the Charmm’d Foundation because I believe strong, credible leadership is critical for people to achieve their personal goals and personal potential. And it is also critical for organizations to achieve their goals and achieve their respective Missions. Through the process of teaching leadership, and the skills and components that comprise leadership, we enable people to optimize their work and their teams. Charmm’d provides multiple paths for people to learn the process of leading and the tangible, repeatable skills they need to effectively lead."

Leadership Academy Co-Facilitators

SAVINA CHACHEVA

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, CANCER WELLNESS CENTER

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.”

LIZ COX

SUPERINTENDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND RISK MANAGEMENT, WILMETTE PARK DISTRICT

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."

MEGGAN DAVIES

RECREATION MANAGER, NSSRA

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR

JEN FREY

DIRECTOR, HEALTH AND FITNESS CENTER, ADVOCATE GOOD SHEPHERD HOSPITAL

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR

"It is truly an honor to work with leaders in our community who are ready and willing to serve. The Peer Advisory groups provide a safe space where non-profit leaders can grow, learn and wrestle with topics that occur across various industries. I love the look on the participants’ faces when they realize they are not alone AND their problems are solvable! The camaraderie and support offered by Charmm’d is unparalleled and makes volunteering as a co-facilitator easy and fun. I’m grateful for the personal growth I have experienced and the confidence I have gained as a result of being in this role."

ANN GOODRICH

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC DIRECTOR and 6TH GRADE TEAM LEADER, NORTH SHORE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR

"I began with Charmm'd just last year as a participant in the Leadership Academy. I grew more as a young leader that year than I could have ever imagined. Both my peer advisory group and my phone calls with Sheri were invaluable. Having the opportunity to workshop situations, listen to how others were handling problems, and trust in such a supportive group was a blessing. Now as I have shifted to a leadership role in the Peer Advisory groups, seeing the other side of Charmm'd has been just as impactful. Learning from other leaders and participants continues to impact my day-to-day work as a teacher and young leader."

DEB GUY

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WOMEN'S EXCHANGE

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR

"For nearly a decade, working with The Charmm’d Foundation has brought me tremendous opportunities to be among amazing non-profit leaders to learn and grow my own leadership skills. My involvement has included peer groups, leadership workshops and executive coaching. Currently, I enjoy being a mentor in the Leadership Academy. My experiences are numerous and only my gratitude to Charmm’d could be wider or deeper."

BECKY LITTMANN

PRINCIPAL, WILMETTE SCHOOL DISTRICT 39

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR

"I have been involved with Charmm’d as an educator for more than 10 years. The team at Charmm’d are exceptional leaders, coaches and facilitators who are deeply committed to everyone’s personal development and success. The organization has provided me with opportunities to learn and grow with other community leaders. I am fortunate and grateful for the opportunity to meet and discuss important topics with other leaders who encounter similar challenges. Together we reflect, learn and grow!"

GREG MCDONOUGH

INNOVATION SPACE COORDINATOR, LAKE FOREST COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR

"I became involved with Charmm’d through the Leadership Academy. The networking, interpersonal, and intrapersonal skills that I’ve developed over the past several years have been invaluable to my growth as a leader. What makes Charmm’d so special really is “the people side.” There’s genuine care in everything the organization does. Through Charmm’d, I’ve facilitated Peer Advisory Groups, attended Leadership Summits, and even a holiday potluck. The quality is spectacular throughout all their services."

AMANDA MORRONE

EDUCATION MANAGER, REALTORS® LAND INSTITUTE

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR

VICKY TELLO

DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY, NICASA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CO-FACILITATOR

The Charmm’d Foundation has an amazing mission and focuses on bringing leaders together and connecting them to strengthen one another. They go above and beyond just providing topics and lectures, but rather they create personal connections amongst people so we can all share in one another’s successes and challenges. Emotional intelligence is not always taught in school, but it is essential to be a good leader today. I am thankful that I have a great group of people within my Peer Advisory Group that I can lean on for insight without judgment, and that I am connected to a larger network of leaders who all possess a plethora of knowledge and experience. The Charmm’d Foundation allows me and others to move beyond a “checkbox” of professional development training and allows for us to grow as individuals. I am thankful for the opportunities I have with them and I work hard every day to better my organization with the skills I have learned.

Leadership Academy Mentors

DESHA KALMAR

RETIRED DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES, THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MENTOR

"Charmm’d has pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me learn and grow. It has also connected me with many other community leaders, and I value the resources they have provided. What a wonderful group of people!"

GREG KOZAK

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER, COLLEGE OF LAKE COUNTY

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MENTOR

"I want to make a difference for a place that makes a difference.” Being involved with Charmm’d has helped me not only apply that credo but to expand it. By being a Leadership Academy Mentor, I am able to make a difference for the people who make a difference. The mentorship program is filled with bright, articulate, and service-oriented leaders who need a space to learn from Charmm’d’s amazing leaders and from each other. It’s a privilege to be able to facilitate a set of these impactful and generous-hearted souls in a peer-advisory group. I enjoy the mentoring aspect of sharing my successes and failures throughout my career, but even more so (as should come as no surprise), through facilitating and simply listening to each participant in the group, I learn much more than I share. On the fortunate dates on which it takes place, The Leadership Academy is the highlight of my day."

RAY LECHNER

CONSULTING SUPERINTENDENT

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MENTOR

“I have been happily supported by Charmm’d for more than 10 years now. This began when Charmm’d mentored new principals in my school system. They supported and guided community-based conversations that were important and necessary for community collaboration between members in the municipal and education sectors. In having these conversations, we walked away feeling empowered knowing we were not alone and that together, we were making a difference in our community. It is now an honor to be serving Charmm’d and giving back to others as a Leadership Academy Mentor. Go Chamm’d GO!”

SELENA LESURE

CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFFICER, ANIXTER CENTER

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MENTOR

PETE MOORE

HEAD OF SCHOOL, DAVIDSON DAY SCHOOL

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MENTOR

I am fortunate to have been connected with Charmm’d since 2017. I have received executive coaching, been part of peer advisory groups, and am now fortunate to be a mentor in the Leadership Academy. My connection with Charmm’d has helped me develop as a leader and directly led to me accepting my dream job as Head of School at Davidson Day School. There are few organizations like Charmm’d so dedicated to supporting and developing current and aspiring leaders. I feel blessed to be part of the Charmm’d family.

BECKY NELSON

EDUCATIONAL LEADER

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MENTOR

ANTHONY NITTI

HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES, VERNON AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MENTOR

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.

MEGHAN POWELL-FILLER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PADS LAKE COUNTY

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MENTOR

JILL RAMAKER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NIPSTA

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MENTOR

KATIE SWEENEY

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HR, COLLEGE OF LAKE COUNTY

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MENTOR

"“I found the Charmm’d Foundation by accident. In searching for leadership coaches, this “diamond in the rough” surfaced for leadership development in my area. A total package, from coaching, to an academy, to structured networking groups, there is something here for every level of leader. Recently, I joined the Leadership Academy to serve as a mentor, an opportunity to support and inspire new leaders in their journeys. It has been a sheer joy working with the Charmm’d staff. Every leader in Lake County should add Charmm’d to their list of tools in their toolbox”

SCHENITA STEWART

CHIEF OF POLICE, CITY OF EVANSTON

CHARMM'D LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MENTOR

"I walk away feeling heard and respected. My peer group has been a constant support system for me not only professionally but also personally. It is reassuring to speak openly with others who respect your views but give you honest feedback. I have been able to take positive suggestions back to my department. My employees have commented on how some issues have been dealt with in a transparent and professional manner. Thank you to all involved in making this foundation possible."