< Back Tenoch Ang tang@associationhouse.org Lead Culinary Training Facilitator What education or prior experiences do you have related to workforce development? I graduated with an Associate Degree in Culinary Education and a Bachelor's degree in Commerce. I have over 30 years of experience working in the culinary field in many places such as the Salvation Army, Calphalon Culinary Center, Illinois Institute of Arts, and more. What about your work inspires you? Since I was 18, I have loved to cook, bake, and travel exploring the food of the world. Through cooking, I want to be able to be of service to the community. I love to teach and share my experiences to people who don't have the financial resources to take up culinary. What's a fun fact about yourself? I love learning different languages. I speak Chinese Mandarin, Chinese Taiwanese, Chinese Fookien, Pilipino or Tagalog, English and am currently honing my Spanish. I was a professional Folkloric Dancer when I was in college, and a martial artist with a specialization on jitkundo. During my free time or weekends, I explore the food of new restaurants. My favorite dish is paella. Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More

< Back Emily Marion Senior Director of Behavioral Health Serving first as a clinician, Emily came to Association House to counsel youth and adults. Since that time, she has been a Supervisor of the Community Support Team (CST), Supervisor of Community Reintegration and Support, and most recently, the Williams Quality Administrator, working with team-based intensive case management programs, including transitioning participants from institutional psychiatric care to independent living in the community. Currently as Senior Director of Behavioral Health, she oversees the mental health programs, substance abuse services, and services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Emily began her career in clinical services as an intern at the International Children’s Center through Heartland Alliance assisting mostly Central American children, and as a human rights intern through a University of Chicago- placement at Casa Alianza in Guatemala City on the Family Reintegration team. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has a Bachelor’s of Science in psychology from Loyola University Chicago and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration. Originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Emily has lived the past 15 years in multiple Chicago neighborhoods. She’s proud to be a part of the team at one of Chicago’s original settlement houses and enjoys working across diverse cultures and collaborative service disciplines, while empowering, advocating for, accompanying, supporting, and learning from Association House participants. Emily enjoys dancing, camping and gardening and rooting for the Chicago White Sox.

< All Staff Ms. Kendra Hogan Post Secondary Mentor How long have you worked in your field? I have worked as a student mentor for 2 years. What inspires you as a mentor? As post-secondary mentor at AHHS I am inspired by a desire to make a meaningful impact on students' lives. My motivation is due to personal experiences, witnessing the challenges students face, and the potential for growth and transformation. The opportunity to guide students in navigating their educational and career paths, fostering resilience, and encouraging self-discovery is deeply fulfilling. Additionally, seeing students succeed and overcome obstacles pushes me to keep pushing them to be the best version of themselves. What is one fun fact about you? I have a borderline concerning obsession with eating nugget ice. Related Content Afterschool Programs Learn More Mentoring Programs Learn More Curriculum Learn More

< Back Luz Hernandez lhernandez@associationhouse.org Senior Training Facilitator What education or prior experiences do you have related to workforce development? I hold over 28 years of employment experience and I am fluent and bilingual in both English and Spanish. My professional work experience includes Human Resources, Recruiting/Staffing, Retail Customer Service, Non-for-Profit Services, Retail Banking and Mortgage Lending. I also have a Bachelor Degree in Business, a Associates Degree in Travel and Tourism. I started working in the financial services industry when I was 16 yrs old through a work study program and placed with one of the “Big Five” accounting firms in downtown Chicago which was an amazing life changing experience. What about your work inspires you? The work I do is rooted in a strong desire to help our participants because I could relate and connect with the participants we serve and firsthand understand their struggles. Throughout my life, I have seen many people with potential who just need a little training and guidance to increase their self-confidence and soft skills. As a workforce facilitator at Association House, I can provide those tools to help people help themselves build a better opportunity for their families through our workforce programs and improve lives and communities. Our workforce program are very valuable because when financial service staff speak multiple languages, it removes barriers to banking for community members who don’t speak English, and contribute to overall community health. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing tremendous resilience and have gotten great satisfaction from mentoring our participants and building their confidence and employability skills. It’s such a joy to see our workforce participants grow and develop not only their employability skills, but their self-confidence and ‘professional self’. All they needed sometimes is a little guidance to point them in a better direction. My passion includes encouraging youth and families to succeed in life and impulse them to take a stand and become leaders of their own life making wise choices. What's a fun fact about yourself? I was on the college Soccer and Basketball Teams. My favorite comfort food is Mexican Corn on the Cob with all the fixings and Thai food. My 1st BankWork$ class gave me a nickname of “Ms. Sunshine” because they said I always brightened up their class days. I’m originally from a small town in Michoacan, Mexico where I learned how to make traditional authentic “Buñuelos” by using my thumbs and knee. Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More

< Back Jacqleen Musarra Vice President of Operations As the Vice President of Operations, Jacqleen partners with our teams to drive transformative program delivery and embed the mission and vision of our agency at every level of engagement. Jacqleen is thrilled to return to the House after previously supporting our teams as the Director of PQI last in 2011. A counselor by training, her commitment to providing exemplary care is rooted in cultivating meaningful consumer, family, and employee experiences. Jacqleen most recently held roles as the Director of Community Outreach within Medicaid-managed care and Director of Hospital Relations at a critical care hospital and ER. Jacqleen's passion for advocacy has provided opportunities to facilitate collaborations within the community to positively influence health outcomes. Jacqleen uses each of her experiences to leverage her critical understanding of the intersection of factors that influence health while cultivating relationships to drive diverse and inclusive culture. Jacqleen was awarded the "Courage to Change" recognition at Aetna for developing peer recovery roles within the managed care framework.

< All Staff Ms. Sabrina Benchaabane Substitute Teacher - Psychology & Science How long have you worked as a teacher? I have been in education for two years! What inspires you as an educator? I love being able to make a difference within my community! My students are everything to me and knowing that I can provide them a safe, secure, and encouraging environment every day brings me so much joy an fulfillment! What's a fun fact about yourself? Outside of teaching, I am a published author and poet! Related Content Afterschool Programs Learn More Mentoring Programs Learn More Curriculum Learn More

< Back Walker Coleman wcoleman@associationhouse.org Career Navigator - Clean Energy & Building Trades What education or prior experiences do you have related to workforce development? Prior to working at AHC, I worked in Germany at the Global Crop Diversity Trust in their Partnerships team. Whether it's for a donor or for an employer, success is all about putting your best foot forward and I'm pleased to bring that experience to our participants. What about your work inspires you? I'm really moved by watching participants become the people they want to be. What's a fun fact about yourself? I've been dog sledding around the world's northernmost town, Longyearbyen, Norway. Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More

Ensures coordination of services and continuity of care of participants in the program. Develops and establishes intensive outreach strategies to maintain program capacity. Monitors delivery of services and ensures continuous quality improvement in relation to program goals and standards. The Self-Direction Assistance (SDA) – Home-Based Support Services coordinates and assists families to access appropriate supports during times of crisis. Works closely with other programs and service providers in the community to increase service access and ensures adherence to service agreement for. The hourly rate for this position is $25.00 < Back Self-Direction Assistance (SDA) – Home-Based Support Services Apply Now Job Type Full Time About the Role Ensures coordination of services and continuity of care of participants in the program. Develops and establishes intensive outreach strategies to maintain program capacity. Monitors delivery of services and ensures continuous quality improvement in relation to program goals and standards. The Self-Direction Assistance (SDA) – Home-Based Support Services coordinates and assists families to access appropriate supports during times of crisis. Works closely with other programs and service providers in the community to increase service access and ensures adherence to service agreement for. The hourly rate for this position is $25.00 Requirements Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology or related social services area from an accredited university or college. Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) required. Bilingual-Spanish preferred. Two years of experience in community behavioral health setting. Experience working in diverse populations. Availability to work flexible schedule to accommodate families’ needs. Basic computer skills. Valid IL driving license. Licensed use of a car, current car insurance and driving record acceptable to Agency insurance carrier. Benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401(k) with employer match; paid vacation time, 13 paid holidays + 2 floating holidays Equal Opportunity Employer Association House of Chicago does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, marital status, pregnancy, order of protection status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, military status or an unfavorable discharge from military service and any other classification protected by local, State, or Federal law. Application Instructions Please email Yvonne Rodriguez, Human Resources Coordinator with your resume and cover letter directly at yrodriguez@associationhouse.org .

< Back Casey Moulton cmoulton@associationhouse.org Digital Navigator What education or prior experiences do you have related to workforce development? My experiences in workforce development are focused on digital literacy and access for our community to jobs, resources, and tools to improve their lived experience. I have previously worked in higher education as an adjunct lecturer, a teacher, and in performing arts. My 18+ years of experience using Google Work Space and Microsoft Office has prepared me for improving the outcomes for participants applying for work, submitting electronic communications, or researching topics over the internet. What about your work inspires you? What is most inspirational to me about this work is that I have seen people obtain skills and achieve agency over their lives, their personal choices, and their ability to access information. What's a fun fact about yourself? Here is one of my favorite quotes, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present.” ---Eleanor Roosevelt Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More

< Back Juan Carlos Linares President and CEO Juan Carlos Linares is President and CEO of Association House of Chicago, where he is inspired by the staff’s deep commitment to serving the thousands of participants who rely on the organization each year and by its 127-year legacy of strengthening lives, families, and communities. An attorney since 2002, Juan Carlos has held leadership roles across the nonprofit, government, and civic sectors. He also serves as a part-time Lecturer-in-Law at the University of Chicago Law School. Raised in a mixed-immigrant household — his mother from Peru and his father from Guatemala — Juan Carlos personally benefited from social service programs, including food pantries and bilingual early childhood education. These formative experiences inform his leadership of Association House as it honors its history, advances its growth, and partners with communities to build strong, stable, and equitable futures.

< Back David Pieper High School Principal As principal, David leverages available resources to ensure students make successful post-secondary transitions and possess critical skills to create lifelong learners and vital contributors to society. He believes the school’s unique character enables him to create an engaging culture for students who have not previously thrived in traditional academic settings. After working as a teacher, David became a Curriculum Specialist focused on secondary education. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in History Education from Illinois State University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. David believes when education and community are bridged together, each can support and elevate the other. Association House High School is an extension of the historic, long-lasting impact of education as a component of community advancement through Association House’s work. He feels it is truly a privilege to continue this legacy.

Our Behavioral Health therapists and counselors provide culturally aware, evidence-based mental healthcare, prevention, treatment, and educational programs. Behavioral Health Our Behavioral Health programs offer an array of culturally competent and evidence-based behavioral healthcare, prevention, treatment, and educational programs delivered by a team of qualified professionals. Services are designed for people facing various challenges at different points in life, whether they are children living with emotional or mental health issues, youth and adults dealing with substance use issues, or families in need of support. We offer a continuum of interconnected services, including case management, counseling, residential living, substance use prevention and treatment, integrated health and resources for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Case Management Our bilingual, culturally-affirming, trauma-informed case management programs support hundreds of individuals with mental health disorders in accessing resources and achieving independence and recovery. Learn More Dulcinea Dulcinea is a structured living setting for adults with severe mental illness or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. We provide a safe and welcoming environment to foster confidence and independence in our participants. Learn More Psychosocial Rehabilitation Psychosocial Rehabilitation provides a structured, therapeutic program that offers group and individual services aimed at building social, economical, vocational, independent living skills, symptom management, and other skills. Learn More Behavioral Health Pre-Apprenticeship Take your first step toward a career in compassion! Our free five-week course prepares you for a career in Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS), Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CRSS), Mobile Crisis Response, or Behavioral Health Case Management Learn More Developmental Disabilities We offer a wide variety of services for people with development disabilities. With dedicated bilingual staff, we work diligently to help our participants lead successful and comfortable lives. Learn More Mental Health Counseling Our services focus on the whole person, providing trauma-informed, culturally affirming therapy that helps you reach your goals at any point in life. You’ll find information on how we can help, the services we offer, our therapists, and how to get started. Learn More Substance Use Counseling Using a harm-reduction approach, we provide Substance Use Counseling and DUI services to individuals looking to reduce their alcohol and drug use. Here, a vision of recovery is made possible. Learn More Drop-In Center The Drop-in Center provides a safe and comfortable gathering place for adults with mental health symptoms who are transitioning from life in a facility to life in the community. This is a place free from stigma and judgement. Learn More Integrated Health Integrated health provides free, bilingual primary health and psychiatric care for low-income, under- and uninsured individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or co-occurring disorders. Learn More Substance Use Counseling Using a harm-reduction approach, we provide Substance Use Counseling and DUI services to individuals looking to reduce their alcohol and drug use. Here, a vision of recovery is made possible. Learn More Problem Gambling Services Our Problem Gambling Services program is committed to raising awareness about problem gambling and finding support that addresses each participant's individual needs. Learn More Success Stories Association House Creates and Pilots New Pathway to Behavioral Health Careers The first year of our Behavioral Health Pre-Apprenticeship introduced students to countless career possibilities. Aug 27 3 min read How Joe Joined Forces With Association House & LUCHA to Get His Freedom Back After a stint in a nursing home, Joe joined forces with Association House to fight for his independence. Mar 12 3 min read Life Skills on the Job: How Our Program Helps People With Disabilities Earn Their First Paychecks Today, we celebrate the possibilities within individuals living with cognitive disabilities at Association House. Jan 20 2 min read Partners & Funders