Meet our team

Nicole Mann, Executive Director Nicole Mann, LMSW, MBA joined the EveryChild team in 2023 as our Executive Director. Nicole has spent her career focusing on programming for youth that is more preventative, family-centered, and community-based. Nicole lives in Rock Island with her daughter, Charlie, and their two dogs, Moe and Daisy. She often jokes that when she is not at work she is working as a zero-star rated Uber driver driving her daughter around to all of her activities. Nicole loves watching her daughter participate in all of her activities, reading, traveling, and enjoying quality time with friends and family. She enjoys working with EveryChild staff and board members who are passionate about making our community a safer place for kids.

Stephanie Kieffer, Vice President of Finance Stephanie Kieffer joined the EveryChild team in 2023 as our Vice President of Finance. She currently lives in the Quad Cities with her two daughters, Madison and Sophia, and two dogs, Molly and Buddy. Stephanie loves hiking, gardening, cooking, reading and spending time outdoors with her children and pets. Stephanie is grateful to work with the caring, compassionate staff at EveryChild and learn about the good things they are doing for our community.

Michael Terry, Vice President of Programs
Michael Terry, LISW, LCSW, is trained in EMDR and is our resident infant mental health consultant. At the office Mike keeps everything running smoothly to ensure we are always in compliance and following the very best practices to deliver quality, effective services. When asked what he would do with an extra hour every day, he said he would use to it work. As committed as he is, we do make him leave once in a while. Then you can usually find him at a Silvis School Board Meeting or doing anything outdoors. He loves cycling, camping, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking and canoeing. We aren't actually sure what he does during the Midwest winters when forced to stay inside. The number one thing on his bucket list is to backpack Yosemite or summit Rainier. Mike's attention to detail and clinical skills are essential to our success.

Brooke Hendrickx, Vice President of Development and Communications
Brooke Hendrickx is our Vice President of Development and Communications and a certified teacher! Brooke was a college softball pitcher at Illinois Wesleyan University (Go Titans!) and passed some of her athletic genes down to her two boys. Brooke is always cheering for at least one team or another. Most often she can be found at the baseball fields or the basketball court with her husband cheering on her sons. Brooke is a trained facilitator of both the ACE Interface and Connections Matter training modules. Brooke loves the people she works with at EveryChild and the positive energy each of them bring.

Jess Lovera-Matter, Rock Island County AOK Coordinator Jess Lovera-Matter is the AOK Coordinator for the Rock Island County AOK Network. She has her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Iowa in Art History and Political Science as well as her Master's Degree from the University of Illinois - Springfield in Political Science with an emphasis on state and local level politics related to public health. Jess has direct experience with helping children and navigating service barriers by raising five kids with her husband, Kameron, and their blended family. In her free time she enjoys attending her kids' many events, spending time snuggling her pets, and finding new shows to binge watch.

Autumn Glass, Family Engagement Specialist Autumn Glass is the Family Engagement Specialist for the Rock Island County AOK Network. Autumn recently graduated from Northern Illinois University with her degree in Child Development. She is excited to dive into her new role and help families learn how they engage and advocate for their child during the early learning years. In her spare time, Autumn enjoys reading novels and being entertained by her two cats, Ava and Athena.

Lyss Chiampi, CASA Coordinator Lyss (they/them/theirs) joined the EveryChild team in 2022! They graduated from Western Oregon University in 2018 and currently live with their partner, Norie, in the Quad Cities. Lyss has a lot of experience with advocacy – starting their advocacy work at the state and federal levels in 2013. They have testified in front of the Oregon House Committee as a survivor of conversion therapy to advocate for the elimination of the practice and protect others from its harmful effects. Lyss’ passion is creating a world – a community – where all have access to the resources they need thrive and we are so happy to have them as part of our CASA and EveryChild team advocating for kids in our community. Their hobbies include any and all outdoor activities, taking care of over 100 houseplants, and lamenting the start of the final season of This is Us. Someday, Lyss hopes to through-hike the Appalachian Trail, a whopping 2,190 miles that begins in Georgia and ends in Maine!

Priscilla Jackson, CASA Advocate Specialist Priscilla Jackson joined the EveryChild team in 2023 as the CASA Advocate Specialist for the Rock Island County CASA Program. Before assuming this role, she interned with the CASA program. Priscilla earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Ambrose University, majoring in forensic psychology and criminal justice with a minor in sociology. While pursuing her Bachelor's Degree, Priscilla was a member of the SAU Competitive Cheer Team and achieved the title of NAIA National Cheer Champion in 2023. Currently, Priscilla is pursuing her Master of Science in Criminal Justice at St. Ambrose University, with an expected graduation date of May 2024.

Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Priscilla dedicates her time to her passion for fitness, with aspirations to compete in bodybuilding competitions. Priscilla also finds joy in reading, binge-watching TV shows, and spending quality time with her cat, Bucky.

Carmen Galvin, Director

Kara Castel, Medical Director Kara is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, licensed in both Illinois and Iowa. Kara became a Registered Nurse in 2013 and a Nurse Practitioner in 2019. Kara worked as a labor and delivery nurse for 8 years, including two travel nursing assignments. Kara has worked as a Nurse Practitioner for over two years, providing care to hundreds of patients. Kara enjoys being able to interact with her patients, learn more about them, and provide age appropriate education related to their care. She loves being involved in all aspects of the care her patients receive. Kara is thrilled to have joined the team at the Mississippi Valley Child Protection Center. She is eager to care for and serve those needing her medical knowledge and skills. Kara and her husband have four children, a son and three daughters, as well as a beloved male boxer. Kara enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and exercising. She loves the outdoors and looks forward to being able to travel more often.

Jenna Wagner, Family Advocate and Medical Coordinator
Jenna Wagner is our Family Advocate and Medical Coordinator. She loves coming to work in a big old house to help families through some of the most difficult times. Her role is an advocate, knower of all services, coordinator of schedules and keeper of papers, and is one we couldn’t operate without. She is a kind face and strong support for families. When not chasing her toddler, she loves enjoying the quiet and watching the Bears or the Cubs. After serving families all day, she loves nothing more than seeing how excited her baby is to see her and treating herself to French fries dunked in an ice cream shake.

Rebecca Valladares, Forensic Interviewer and Community Educator
Rebecca Valladares, MA, has been a Forensic Interviewer and Community Educator at the Child Protection Center since July 2018. Her favorite part of her job is working with children and families. Before joining EveryChild, she was a trauma counselor working with children and adults. She belongs to Kappa Delta sorority, which supports Prevent Child Abuse America. The Quad Cities native likes to spend her free time watching Netflix, going to sporting events, traveling to big cities and spending time with her friends, as well as go for relaxing walks and work out by playing soccer or jogging. Rebecca loves the “Rocky” movies and has wanted to visit Greece ever since she saw “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.” If she had an extra hour every day, she would watch one more episode of the latest Netflix show she’s binging – which could be how she developed her special talent of telling you the plot of any episode of “Friends” just by the episode title.

Heather Lamb, Community Education Coordinator
Heather joined our team as a Prevention Education Specialist in 2016. Originally from East Tennessee, she loves getting to go back to the mountains to visit family each summer and go on adventures with her nieces and nephews. Having earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from the University of Northern Iowa, Heather puts her early childhood knowledge to use in delivering parent support classes, prevention and trauma informed care training to the community. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, listening to true crime podcasts, and learning new hobbies. She also hopes to one day visit all 50 states and make it to Italy, Greece, and Australia.

Jessica Smith, Director of Home Visiting

Jessica joined the EveryChild team in 2021 as a Family Support Specialist, working her way up to the Director position. She graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education and has been working with children and families for over 10 years. Jessica has been married to her husband Josh since 2010 and, together, they have two boys named Hunter and Ethan, They also have 2 dogs-Mosby and Jade, 2 cats-Cat and Tucker, and 6 back yard chickens! In addition to that, she and her family are a foster home for rescue dogs. When she's not taking care of her family and pets, she enjoys reading, movies, and going on family vacations. Her favorite place she's visited so far is Ocho Rios, Jamaica and she one day hopes to make it to Disney World. In her spare time, Jessica helps to run the Ruff Life Dog Rescue of Illowa as the organization's vice-president and listens to true crime podcasts while cleaning the house.

Sam Rhoades, Family Support Specialist Coordinator Sam grew up and still resides in the same small town in Henry County, IL. She has been married to her husband Jerry for 8 years and they have 2 daughters, ages 5 and 7. They also have two cats, Indy and Roxy. Sam was an Early Childhood Teacher for 12 years prior to joining the EveryChild team. When she isn’t busy with extra-curricular activities for her girls; her family enjoys camping, stock car racing, demolition derbies, and family game nights.

Tina Greer, Doula Coordinator Tina Greer is a health care and early childhood professional turned DONA-certified Doula. Her career serves to live out her favorite quote: “Be the adult you needed as a child.” Tina and her husband, Greg, have a forever 17-day old sweet boy, a spunky toddler and a strong “boss girl” 5-year-old. Tina’s genuine compassion, patience and empathy only wane when forced to listen to people eat. Or really make any “mouth” noises. Tina loves working in such a positive, empowering office and loves to channel that same support she feels to the parents she serves.

Amelia Hoogerwerf, Family Support Specialist Amelia joined the EveryChild team in 2022 as one of our Healthy Families Family Support Specialists. She currently lives in the Quad Cities area with her spouse and two children. In her free time, Amelia enjoys reading and baking.

Beth Schebler, Family Support Specialist Beth joined the EveryChild team in 2022. She is a Davenport native and graduate of Marquette University. Beth moved to NJ shortly after graduation and spent ten years as a nanny for three boys, who are still an important part of her world. Beth came back home to Davenport in 2009 to be closer to her parents and sisters...who are the most amazing people...and worked as an early childhood teacher at the Rock Island Arsenal before joining EveryChild.

Beth started her own family in 2015 and now has two girls and a boy. She is a licensed foster parent and feels blessed to be able to be part of such a supportive foster community. Beth and her children really enjoy going camping, reading, watching movies and traveling together.

Cassie Talbot, Family Support Specialist
Cassie grew up in a small town in Henry County, IL. She recently graduated from Augustana College with degrees in Psychology and Sociology and has experience with ABC AmeriCorps in a long-term care facility as a volunteer doing enrichment activities with the residents and experience with World Relief--QC as an intern helping with DHS applications, the food pantry, and home visits. Cassie’s most rewarding life experience so far was the opportunity to study abroad in Guatemala and work with local organizations focusing on child development in a setting where children are likely to be exposed to trauma, violence, child labor, and malnutrition. In her spare time, Cassie enjoys baking, cooking and crafting.

Stephanie Gryp, Family Support Specialist Stephanie joined the EveryChild team in 2023. She is a Quad Cities native and a 2020 graduate of St. Ambrose University. Stephanie’s undergrad degree is in Psychology and Women & Gender Studies with a minor in Sociology. When she isn’t working to build strong families, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her fiance, Josh, and their pets Luna and Bailey (dogs) and Harrison (cat). She is a proud supporter of the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs and enjoys watching All Elite Wrestling and discovering new TV shows to watch!

Kayla Ballantyne, Family Support Specialist Kayla joined the EveryChild team in 2023. She is a Quad Cities native and has a strong passion for helping others and providing families with support. In her free-time, she enjoys being with her family, playing in the snow, having game nights with friends, and thrift shopping for unique finds. One day she hopes to travel to Uganda, Portugal, and South America.

Delema Cowan, Family Support Specialist Delema joined the EveryChild team in 2024. She is a Quad Cities native and graduated from St. Ambrose University with a degree in Psychology. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Delema values being able to spend time with others and create lifelong memories. When not spending time with others, she enjoys reading and listening to music.

Shawna Lodge, Community Systems Navigator Shawna joined EveryChild in 2020. She lives in a small town outside of the Quad Cities with her husband Donovan, her two sons, and her two fur-babies Addy Mae (Mommy's Princess) and George Henry (the trouble maker). Shawna is a certified surgical technologist, however her passion has always leaned towards supporting families. To relax, Shawna enjoys blues music, making faux leather earrings, going for walks as a family, and supporting her husband's dirt track racing events on the weekends.

Charmaine Clark, Community Doula Charmaine joined the EveryChild team in 2022. She was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wi and has a Bachelors in Science-Biology. Charmaine has always enjoyed labor and delivery and has a passion for helping people. When Charmaine is not doula-ing, she enjoys music, playing tennis, dancing, traveling, and going on different adventures.

JoAnna Duffy, Community Doula
JoAnna joined EveryChild team in 2020. JoAnna earned her Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from Northern Illinois University. She is the mother of a very artsy little girl and loves to spend her time at festivals and camping in the woods. She is also a Middle Eastern dancer and a member of the Society of Creative Anachronism, a medieval recreation group.

Shannon Evans, Community Doula Shannon joined the EveryChild team in 2022. She has a passion for doula work and helping others. Shannon has learned as part of a close-knit family that with the right support, anything is possible! Shannon enjoys spending time with her family - including her two cats, Gizmo and Noelle - and loves listening to live music, traveling, and cleaning to destress.

Alyssa Macias, Community Doula Alyssa joined the EveryChild team in 2024. She recently graduated from Augustana College with a BA in Public Health. Alyssa’s education along with her experiences inspired her to help others. She is excited to embark on this new journey! In her down time, she enjoys being outside, whether that be walking her dogs or going on a full-blown hike! She also loves to read and try new things.

Brittany Littrel, Program Director Brittany Littrel, M.S.Ed LCMHC/LMHC, recently returned to the Quad Cities after living several years in Western North Carolina. Brittany Littrel is trained in Adlerian play therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Attachment Bio behavior Catch Up Intervention and is a Circle of Security facilitator. She has facilitated Child Teacher Relationship Training, Early Childhood Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences Study for Educators. Brittany has worked as a child therapist focusing on attachment and trauma and a childcare consultant since graduating with her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2016 from Western Illinois University.

Brittany is an avid reader, hiker, painter, and gardener. Her ideal weekend would be waking up early for a hike, then returning home to read and drink coffee while watching her kids and dogs play outside. In the summer, Brittany loves to spend time boating on the river with her spouse and two girls. In the winter, you will find her avoiding the cold at all cost.

Charlene Brants, Administrative Assistant
Charlene Brants is the Administrative Assistant for Safe from the Start and a jack of all trades. Around the office she is the one everyone goes to for everything from highlighters to Advil; she takes care of us all. She loves her hometown of Atkinson where you can find her crocheting, riding bikes or boating on the Mississippi. In the fall and winter you can usually find her watching the Denver Broncos (she reminds everyone that Peyton Manning is NOT a Bronco). If she could have any animal skill, it would be the ability to forgive like a dog. Charlene has been at EveryChild since 2006 and her favorite thing about it is seeing the difference we make in families lives!

Paula Jaeger, Lead Therapist
Paula Jaeger, LCPC, LMHC, is a child therapist and is trained in EMDR, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Adlerian Play Therapy and Theraplay. This girl is Michigan’s biggest fan! She grew up in upper Michigan and wants to spend every summer there when she retires. She is also the Green Bay Packers' biggest fan. If she isn’t watching a game or visiting the UP, she loves to be sitting around a fire with her family and friends. When people ask what Paula does, she tells them she gets to play all day. Around the office, we all know her as the crazy cat lady with a heart of gold. She has worked with children exposed to trauma and sexual abuse for most of her career and is a positive, compassionate therapist helping children to heal. If you ever need a morning pick me up, Paula’s right up front greeting people every morning – which happens to be her favorite time of day!

Miryam Andrews-Ohlman, Child Therapist Miryam Andrews-Ohlman, LMSW grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, has lived in Vermont, Paris, Florida, and Chicago, and has made her home in the Quad Cities since 2013. Miryam is trained in Adlerian Play Therapy, School-Based Trauma Informed Practice, Domestic Violence Counseling, the Illinois and Iowa models of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation, Mindfulness / Meditation, and Healthy Marriage and Relationship Education. She has facilitated Child Teacher Relationship Training and Early Childhood Trauma for Educators, and recently completed the INCCRRA Equity Leaders Series. She has worked with children and families for over 20 years, including as a swim teacher, nanny, camp counselor, drama coach, domestic violence advocate, homeless youth counselor, family support worker, and language instructor/tutor.

Despite her many divergent interests, Miryam grew up to be the one thing she always knew she wanted to be - a mom. She has two daughters who bring out her silly side and inspire her to stay curious and amazed by the fascinating world we live in. Miryam finds joy in singing, dancing, practicing yoga, reading, cooking, hiking, backpacking, and napping in her hammock.

Lauren Lamourt, Child Therapist Lauren Lamourt, MA, ATR-P, was raised in the Quad Cities. She attended St. Ambrose University; graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Painting and Psychology. While at St. Ambrose, she was a member of the track and field team and qualified for Nationals 3 times during her 4 years at Ambrose for Long Jump, Triple Jump, and the 4x1.

Lauren continued her education at Adler University where she received her Masters of Arts Degree in Counseling: Art Therapy. She is an ATR-P (Registered Provisional Art therapist) and is very proud to be so! In her free time. she loves to create all sorts of art - including murals! She also enjoys running and working out at the gym as well as having weekly coffee with her grandpa on Saturday mornings.