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.
AJ Johnson-Garrett
Impact CoachUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign alum enjoys running and roller skating, trying to convince her three little girls to eat veggies.
Benjamin Young
Impact CoachBenjamin was born and raised in Chicago and has always had a heart for serving and supporting empowered youth. He now helps educators integrate culturally responsive teaching, social emotional learning theory, and restorative practices to create holistic learning environments for those youth.
Cindy Degand
Impact CoachDePaul 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.
Clem Fox
Senior Impact CoachRural 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 + OperationsPouring 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.
Jas Cornell
Impact CoachActive learner committed to vulnerability, healing, and joy. Consumer of basketball, books, and baked goods.
JoAnn Lulla
Evaluation SpecialistUniversity 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 ManagerUniversity of Illinois alum devoted to learning, growing, family and friends. Loves growing food, nature and cats.
Kelly Yacono
Operations ManagerUIC alum who thrives on cultivating relationships. Avid supporter of the arts, especially theatre.
Kristin Moore
Chief, Program + ImpactRoots 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.
Mason McVeigh
Impact CoordinatorRecent Northwestern alum with a passion for social equity and nonprofit work. Avid reader, cat person, and coffee enthusiast.
Rachel Parnell
Impact ManagerChicago Native, Howard Graduate, Mother, Friend, Sister, Reader, Home Chef, revolutionary SEL Champion
Reyna Smith
Impact CoachPassionate licensed School Social Worker and lifelong learner. Nature loving, adventure-seeking, hype-woman.
Rosa Zamora
Chief, Partnership DevelopmentSocial change champion with a passion for educational equity. Loves nature, concerts, and multi-faceted growth.
Ryan Nishimoto
Associate Director, Impact GrowthNorthern Illinois alum with a love for education and his nieces. Photography, jiu-jitsu, and travel enthusiast.
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.
SHARON LINDSTROM
President, Business Partner Representative Protiviti Consulting
ANGELA COBB
Vice President, Business Partner Representative First Gen Partners LLC
JOHN HEIBERGER
Treasurer, Business Partner Representative, CIBC
MARIA TEAL
Secretary, Business Partner Representative Origin
LINDSAY CHIM
Business Partner Representative, Boston Consulting Group
CHARISSE FORD HUGHES
Business Partner Representative, PANDORA AMERICAS
KAMEELAH SHAHEED-DIALLO
Business Partner Representative, The City Fund
RODNEY THOMAS
Business Partner Representative, Surge Institute