ADMINISTRATION

Geraldine (Geri) Palmer, Executive Director

Geri holds a MS in Human Services Administration, a BA in Business Studies with a concentration in Marketing and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Community Psychology from National-Louis University. Geri comes to North Side with nearly sixteen years of experience in the nonprofit sector in senior and middle management: formerly serving as director of a women and children’s homeless transitional shelter and a consultant in board, program and resource development. She is an approved grant reviewer for Health Resources and Services Administration and a member of the HUD McKinney-Vento (HMV) Committee. Geri is passionate about working to help achieve social and economic justice domestically and globally.

Neal Mueller, Program Director

Neal has been employed as the Program Director of North Side Housing and Supportive Services since 2001. He believes that permanent housing is a right and that the indignity of homelessness is a problem that can be eradicated from our society. Mr Mueller’s prior work experience includes jobs in both the public and private sector and with other nonprofits such as Catholic Charities and Heartland Human Care Services.

Carol Perkins, Administrative Coordinator/Human Resources Assistant

Carol is a participant in Senior Service America, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides civic engagement and employment opportunities for adults over the age of 55 who wish to re-enter the workforce. Carol has prior experience in the banking industry working for LaSalle Bank and Northern Trust in securities and wires. In 2004, SCSEP participants across the nation contributed 46 million hours of service to their communities, and about 18,000 participants gained regular employment outside the program. For more information about the program, please visit: Senior Services America, Inc.

FINANCE

Paul Johnson, Accounting and Finance Manager

Paul has over fifteen years of accounting and financial management experience. He served ten-years with the American Neurological Association as principle bookkeeper, accounting manager of his own restaurant for three years, and financial consultant for LaQuinta Hotel chains. Paul holds certificates in Basic and Advanced Accounting, Quickbooks and other accounting software.

DEVELOPMENT

Lauren Moser, Development Associate

Lauren graduated from North Park University in 2007, double majoring with an B.A. in both Business & Economics and Communication Arts: Media Studies and is currently pursuing a Certificate in Fundraising Management through North Park University’s Graduate School of Business and Nonprofit Management. Before entering the non-profit sector, Lauren worked two years as an Account Manger for CareerBuilder.com.

SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROGRAM (SHP)

Peter S. Toepfer, Supportive Services Manager

Peter holds a BA in English with a minor in History. He has served in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and studied abroad in Ecuador. Peter’s prior professional history includes working as a Resident Advisor for La Casa Norte, case manager for an agency that provides single room occupancy housing in Los Angeles and a Moving Ahead Program Associate teaching life skills and job training. Peter also serves as a supportive housing case manager. Pete serves as an Alternate on the Service Providers Commission of the Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness.

Nanette Tucker, Employment Services/Senior Case Manager

Nanette is currently working to complete her BA degree from Chicago State University. Her professional history includes serving as a case manager for Thresholds, a Chicago Housing for Health Partnership (CHHPS) case manager and the Children’s Shelter Care Associate for the Department of Children and Family Services.

Celeste Young, Case Manager

Celeste Young has worked for a number of non-profits over the last 10 years including Heartland Human Care Services, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago and Hines VA Hospital in the areas of medical administration, customer service and property management. Celeste is a graduate of Senn Academy.

INTERIM HOUSING PROGRAM

Joi Bolton-Rodriguez, Director Interim Housing and ICM Program

In 1979 Joi received her BS in Education from Tennessee State University and in 2006 she received her MA in Human Resource Development from Northeastern Illinois University. Joi’s prior professional history includes employment at the Mayor’s Office of Employment and Training and the Chicago Board of Education. Joi has over 8 years experience providing case management, housing placement and retention services to adults who were homeless in Chicago area non-profit organizations that include Connections for the Homeless, Residents for Effective Shelter Transitions (REST), and Inspiration Corporation. Joi believes that all human beings are entitled to live a healthy, happy, and prosperous life.

Rosny Volney, Interim Housing Overnight Manager

Rosny received his high school diploma from St. Gregory High School and has training in basic electrical work and carpentry. He has served as a factory security guard overseeing employee arrival and departures and five years of experience in retail as a night manager handling finances, inventory and supervision of two employees and produce manager.

INTENSIVE CASE MANAGMENT (ICM) PROGRAM

Lynette Bonaparte, Intensive Case Manager

Ms Bonaparte is happy to join the team as an Intensive Case Manager at North Side. Lynette recently graduated from Governors State University, earning a B.A. in Criminal Justice and is currently working on a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology. Having performed duties as a youth counselor with The Future Foundation, she brings a unique perspective for helping those who are underserved in our society.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

Tom O’Brien, Technical Assistant

Tom is also a permanent supportive housing resident. Tom worked for thirty years as a cook for a number of restaurants and banquet halls in the Chicago land area. He currently uses his computer savvy for the staff at North Side helping to set-up hardware and software on computers, troubleshoot as a technician and help with other IT needs.

OTHER STAFF/CONTRACTUAL

Elizabeth Herzan-Taylor, M.S., APN-FNP

Elizabeth (Liz) is a licensed Advanced Practice Nurse and certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in family practice. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Illinois and a Masters in Community Health Nursing from St. Zavier University in Chicago. Liz has over twenty-five years of nursing experience, including medical/surgical, home health care and primary health care for populations ranging from low-income to men, women and children who are homeless. She is employed in the Faculty Practice Division of Rush University College of Nursing where she currently maintains clinical practices part-time and is contracted to provide services at North Side and Chicago Christian Industrial League (CCIL). Ms Herzan-Taylor is also an instructor for Rush nursing students in the clinical practicum in Community Health Nursing and integrates the students into her clinical practice.