Meet our people

Our human connections make NewRoot who and what we are today. Get to know more about our incredible, dedicated team.

Team

Our team is committed to community, curiosity, dignity and radical love. Learn more about what makes each individual tick.
Andréa García Sheridan
Operations and Development Coordinator

Life long learner passionate about equity, the outdoors, and radically loving the world around me. Endlessly seeking joy and growth through music, cooking, relationship building and running around outside with my trusty sidekick.

Cindy Degand
Impact Coach

DePaul alum and former CPS teacher with a passion for the power of social-emotional learning. Mystery novels, travel and fun with family are my pastimes.

Chris Clements
Partnership Development Manager

Writer, historian, lifelong learner. Passionate communicator, inspired by historic and current liberation movements. Joy is playing bass, cooking, pick-up basketball, (re)reading James Baldwin, the wind in the trees, loving the ones I love.

Clem Fox
Impact Manager

Rural transplant with 15 years of experience in education, RJ, & youth work in Chicago. Queer abolitionist with a passion for mutual aid, cats, and messy art projects

Elizabeth Kesner
Chief, People + Operations

Pouring into humans and systems that make social impact organizations run is my jam. Also, I love trees, baby animal videos, and hanging with all of the kiddos in my life.

Jackie Lemon
Chief Executive Officer

Leading with love, authenticity, and humor while relentlessly pursuing measurable impact. Sunshine, yoga, golf, and dining alfresco replenish my soul.

Jas Cornell
Impact Coach

Active learner committed to vulnerability, healing, and joy. Consumer of basketball, books, and baked goods.

JoAnn Lulla
Evaluation Specialist

University of Illinois grad & CPS parent with an affinity toward data, databases & streamlining processes. Loves hanging with family & friends, checking out new restaurants & volunteering.

Kathryn Rayford
Impact Manager

University of Illinois alum devoted to learning, growing, family and friends. Loves growing food, nature and cats.

Kelly Yacono
Associate Director, People + Operations

UIC alum who thrives on cultivating relationships. Avid supporter of the arts, especially theatre.

Kristin Moore
Chief, Program + Impact

Roots in Englewood, South Side of Chicago, sprouted in Arkansas, home of the Razorbacks. Endless Love for basketball, traveling, my son, Karter, and genuine, down to earth people.

Paula Bolander
Impact Manager

Monja Johnson
Impact Coach + Curriculum Designer

A self-described “forever student” who utilizes education as a tool to explore diversity, inclusion, and equity, inside and outside of the classroom. When I’m not facilitating, you can find me at a concert or binge-watching a tv show.

Rosa Zamora
Chief, Partnership Development

Social change champion with a passion for educational equity. Loves nature, concerts, and multi-faceted growth.

Ryan Nishimoto
Associate Director, Partnership Development

Northern Illinois alum with a love for education, his nieces, and his son. Photography, jiu-jitsu, and travel enthusiast.

Sid Townsend
Data Technician

BA Journalism, The Ohio State University. Chicago native and expatriate. 10+ years Information Technology.

Simon Applyrs
Impact Coach

Tray George
Impact Coach

Yolibeth Sandoval
Impact Coach

DePaul alum dedicated to voice Indigenous knowledge in restorative justice environments. Softball, designs stickers and is passionate about beadwork.

James Wright
Impact Coach

Program Consultants

Everett Daily
Impact Coach

Our Internal Breakdown

Partnership Development

Nurtures our partnerships with stakeholders of all kinds

Program + Impact

Provides support to and builds impact with our learning partners

People + Operations

Sustains our internal team and infrastructure to help us deliver on our mission

Swim Team

Collaborates on strategy to help us move in alignment toward our shared vision

Board of Directors

With the leadership of our Board of Directors, NewRoot continues to grow while remaining focused on serving youth and communities.

LINDSAY CHIM

SVP Product and Advisory Solutions

Right Management

JOHN HEIBERGER

President

NAI Hiffman

SHARON LINDSTROM

Managing Director

Protiviti Consulting

HAROLD MAYS

Director

Illinois Department of the Lottery

RACHEL POWERS

Partner

The Opportunity Trust

RODNEY THOMAS

Founder and President

Center Forward