Maha, a dedicated advocate for children and families, brings extensive experience in youth advocacy, direct service, and program leadership to Beacon Place. Most recently, she served as Chief Program Officer at the Illinois Collaboration on Youth, overseeing prevention, intervention, and trauma initiatives. Previously, Worden worked at CASA Kane County, supporting volunteers advocating for children in the foster system. She began her career at Mooseheart Child City and School, mentoring at-risk youth and leading quality improvement efforts. Worden holds a B.S. from Judson University and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University. She resides in Batavia, IL, where she enjoys spending time with her family, running, cooking, and tackling DIY projects.

Robert joined Beacon Place in May 2022, bringing with him a wealth of financial and organizational expertise honed over years as a former financial executive and trader. His background in finance equips him with a unique perspective on how to effectively manage resources and drive impactful initiatives within the community. Armed with a degree in Finance and Economics from the University of Illinois, Robert is committed to leveraging his skills to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those served by Beacon Place. In his personal life, Robert is an enthusiastic outdoorsman who enjoys skiing, golfing, and hiking with his family and dog. He and his wife, Julie, a devoted Learning Behavior Specialist, are united in their commitment to education and community engagement. They reside in Lake Forest, Illinois, where they actively participate in various local initiatives and foster a love for outdoor activities.

Ernie is the Finance Manager at Beacon Place and the instructor behind Cooking with Ernie, a hands-on culinary program that brings families together through food. With over 25 years of experience as a derivatives trader in Chicago, Ernie has also been deeply involved in nonprofit work, serving on boards such as Chicago Voyagers—a Beacon Place partner organization that provides transformative outdoor experiences for low-income youth. His passion for mentorship and community engagement extends beyond finance, as he plays a key role in guiding Beacon Place’s financial sustainability while also leading initiatives that inspire and empower young people. A Virginia Tech graduate with a double major in Finance and Management, Ernie now calls Bozeman, Montana, home, where he enjoys the outdoors with his wife, Tara.

Nina joined Beacon Place in 2022 as the Marketing and Development Manager after being introduced by a friend. With over 20 years of nonprofit experience at the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation, Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, and the Foundation for Fighting Blindness, Nina brings a focus on community, the arts, higher education, and medical research and now she is ready to out her skills to work on communities closer to home. Her broad experience has included roles development, fundraising, marketing, and database management. She received her B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College where she majored in Art History and Sculpture. She also has a marketing certification from Northwestern University and currently serves as the Board President for the Virginia A. Groot Foundation. Nina resides in Lake Forest with her husband Adam and two children.

Christine is a passionate bilingual educator with a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin, along with endorsements in Bilingual Education and English as a Second Language Instruction. With over 25 years of experience, she has served as a bilingual public-school teacher and Educational Program Manager in Lake County, organizing enrichment programs for elementary and middle school students while fluently speaking both English and Spanish. In her spare time, Christine is a self-taught drummer who has played in a local band with her husband and musician community for over 30 years. She brings her creativity and enthusiasm for learning into the classroom, fostering positive relationships with students and staff while supporting diverse learners and making education enjoyable.

Maria joined Beacon Place in 2013 after relocating to Illinois from Atlanta and Columbus, Ohio, where she gained valuable experience in sportswear buying and community volunteering. Her diverse background allows her to connect with various community members and understand their needs. As a fluent Spanish speaker, Maria has made significant contributions to programs such as Summer Lunch and Homework Club, where she actively engaged with families and fostered an inclusive environment. Her dedication and leadership skills eventually led her to the role of Program Manager for the Moms group, where she continues to empower and support mothers in the community. Maria holds a Bachelor of Science in Management with a minor in American Literature from Georgia Tech, reflecting her strong academic foundation and passion for learning. She and her husband, Jeff, reside in Lake Bluff. Together, they enjoy exploring the vibrant local community and participating in various family activities.

Sharlett, a Waukegan native and graduate of Waukegan East High School, joined Beacon Place as Volunteer Manager in 2023. With extensive experience in volunteer coordination, community outreach, and youth engagement in the nonprofit sector, she aims to strengthen relationships with individuals, educational institutions, and businesses to enhance and grow volunteer-led programs. A dedicated professional and proud mother of two, Sharlett values family time, enjoying vacations and weekly Sunday dinners with her loved ones. Her favorite quote, “If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep pushing forward” (Martin Luther King, Jr.), reflects her commitment to progress and community betterment.

Wyatt earned his B.A. in History and Critical Theory from Northwestern University in June 2024. For his Senior Thesis, he researched American propaganda during the Russian Revolution, traveling from Columbia, Missouri, to the Library of Congress for primary sources. He has a keen interest in economic history, social theory, and Latin American history, aspiring to teach these subjects in the future. Wyatt's experience includes academic research at Northwestern, a consulting role in Barcelona, Spain, and working as a sports camp counselor for fourth and fifth graders in Lake Forest. As a Lake County native, he is passionate about community involvement, particularly in education, and plans to continue his engagement through direct service, graduate studies, or becoming a teacher.