Staff Backgrounds

Amy Skeen, Executive Director, MSW, LCSW, holds her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is responsible for internal operations and program administration. She has over ten years experience in not-for-profit program operations and staff development, specifically working with youth, families and communities. In addition to administrative development, she enjoys opportunities to work within the direct service programs, supporting staff to best meet the needs of the girls served. In addition, Amy completed the post-graduate coursework and earned a Type 73 certificate that qualifies her to provide social work services to children with special needs in a school setting. Finally, Amy has received numerous awards for her leadership including the 2007 Hershey's STRIVE Award for Local Youth Sports Administrator of the year.

Carrie Lydon, Development Director, holds her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Spanish from Ball State University. Her background includes development, fundraising, and special events management for community-based organizations focusing on poverty and women�s issues. Committed to making the world a better place for women and girls, Carrie represents GIG on the Mayor�s Fitness Council, and is a member of the Young Women's Leadership Council for the Chicago Foundation for Women.

Liz Pearson, Programs Director, holds her Masters Degree in Education with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University. She has spent her professional life creating equal educational opportunities for children in Chicago. After spending two years as an elementary school teacher on the Southside of Chicago, she has continued to work with various educational non-profits to train and support new teachers coming into Chicago Public Schools.

Sandi Caldrone, Development Associate, holds her Masters Degree in Anthropology and Women�s Studies from Northern Illinois University. She is personally committed to advancing the health and well-being of women and girls and has five years� experience leading women�s activist organizations. Prior to joining the Girls in the Game team, Sandi worked as a teaching assistant at the university level for three years, and taught English in Japan for four months.

Jenika Faes, Marketing and Communications Specialist, earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Communication from Eastern Michigan University. She has spent eighteen years doing gymnastics, and has significant experience coaching and motivating young women. Professionally and personally, she is committed to creating opportunities for the underserved communities of Chicago.

Mika Keegstra, MoveIt! Coordinator, earned her Bachelor Degree of Social Work from Illinois State University with a minor in Women's Studies. She spent two years as an Urban Youth Development Volunteer with the Peace Corps in Paraguay, focusing on youth health, and has gained extensive experience in health education working for AmeriCorps/Chicago Health Corps, Erie Teen Health Center, and Chicago Women's Health Center.

Ashley Hernandez, Game Day Coordinator, earned her Bachelor�s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management with a certificate in Non-Profit Management from Roosevelt University. She has worked extensively with urban and suburban youth for the past five years and is dedicated to empowering the youth of today to use sports and health to build their self-esteem and enhance their lives.

Miriam Merrill, After School Program Coordinator - Elementary, During her graduate work at Xavier University, Miriam gained hands-on experience developing programs through her internship with the Office of Sports Administration at CPS that helps her lead after school programming at Girls in the Game. Miriam brings her background as an All-American collegiate athlete, extensive coaching experience, and genuine desire to help youth achieve their fullest potential.

Kara Niven, Office Manager, holds her Master of Science in Physics from Imperial College, London. On graduating, she spent 4 years working in the field of Information Technology but upon moving to the USA spent 18 months in the advertising industry as an events coordinator. She is a volunteer at the Museum of Science and Industry teaching Science Connections and has a passion for sports, including horse riding, snowboarding, yoga and pilates.

Elizabeth Okey, After School Program Coordinator � Union Park, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Social Relations, with concentrations in Political Science and Women�s Studies from Kalamazoo College. A collegiate volleyball player, she has experience as a leader in athletics and she is passionate about engaging today�s youth in healthy living through fitness, nutrition and leadership development.

Sara Whalin, Summer Camp Coordinator, received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Xavier University. After working as a nutrition educator in Chicago Public Schools as part of the Amate House volunteer program, she came to Girls in the Game to further pursue her love of working with children toward improved health and wellness. As a marathoner and triathlete, Sara brings with her a passion for fitness and health.

Erin Starkey, MoveIt! Coordinator, holds her Masters in Social Work from University of Illinois at Chicago and her Bachelor's of Arts in American Cultural Studies from Western Washington University. Her international travel experience has solidified her desire to advocate for the basic human rights and health rights of women and girls worldwide. Erin has been active her entire life, from ballet slippers to running shoes, she won't stop moving! She believes that having people who taught and encouraged her to have a healthy and active lifestyle throughout her life has greatly contributed to her overall success in life as a girl and now a young woman.

Megan Babst, Adrienne Carmona, Klaudyna Cieszynska, Grace Cua, Sandra Duran, Laura Haase, Ashley Lambert, Ashley Potter, JoAnna Pulgar, Angela Matthews, Katie McDaniel, Alexandra Murphy, Joanne Rodriguez, Sona Smith, part-time program coaches, have years of experience working with children and possess a sincere desire to positively impact the lives of female youth.