1-on-1 Cancer Support Connecting Cancer Fighters, Survivors & Caregivers
1-on-1 Cancer Support Connecting Cancer Fighters, Survivors & Caregivers
Aaron Hadley is the Imerman Angels Director of Operations. He has been involved in non-profit management since realizing his childhood dream of directing a summer camp, which he compares to being the mayor of a small city, "except with song-sessions and s'mores." Additionally, Aaron worked in business consulting and commercial real estate. Trained in strategy, facilitation, and leadership, he enjoys applying lessons learned from his previous experiences to his work at Imerman Angels. Aaron is a proud graduate of The University of Arizona, serves on the boards of B'nai B'rith Beber Camp, Friends of Camp Wildcat, and the American Camp Association and is an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Laura Alexander is a 4 year breast cancer survivor who has served as an “angel” for over 10 cancer “fighters” since 2006. She has volunteered extensively for Imerman Angels before taking her position as Director of Events and PR.
Ms. Alexander was born and raised in Shaker Hts, OH. She received her BA in Journalism/Advertising from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She served as an ambassador for UW-Madison traveling all over the United States as a Wisconsin Singer. Prior to joining Imerman Angels full time, she worked as a freelance casting director and before that, a talent agent for 14 years at Arlene Wilson Management and Ford Models. She is recognized nationwide having booked hundreds of talent over the years on television, film, theater and commercials. Ms. Alexander has worked extensively with the media as well as several advertising agencies, production companies, television networks and film studios. Ms. Alexander is a proud single mom of an amazing 10 yr. old daughter who is one of Imerman Angels youngest volunteers!
Rynell Cook is a 13 -year Ewing's Sarcoma cancer survivor and has served as a volunteer and an "angel" since 2006. She was hired in October of 2007 as the Business Manager and is now a Connection Specialist, doing the 1-on-1 pair-ups fulltime.
Ms. Cook, was born and raised in Whitehall, Michigan. She received her BA in Advertising & Promotion at Western Michigan University. While attending college, Ms. Cook was involved with CAC, Colleges Against Cancer as President working closely with the American Cancer Society. She was also responsible for the WMU Chapter of Relay For Life on campus while serving her time volunteering for the Great American Smokeout and Strides Against Breast Cancer. Ms. Cook served on the executive board of WMU's Advertising Club, played four years of women’s lacrosse, and was a member of Delta Sigma Pi, a co-ed professional business fraternity. Prior to joining Imerman Angels, Ms. Cook worked as a Media Planner in advertising for Sears, Kmart, and Unilever at MindShare in Chicago.
Lisa Cristia is a 6 year tongue cancer survivor. She has served as an Angel with us for several years connecting with many other fighters of squamous cell carcinoma. She joins us as our newest full time Connection Specialist
Lisa is a true Chicagoan. Born and raised & still living in the same neighborhood that she grew up in, on the Northwest side of Chicago. Lisa has a varied background in the service industry, from dental assistant, waitress, bartender, trained and licensed massage therapist and recently as an Income Development Representative at The American Cancer Society. Lisa was the spokesperson and the face of the Smoke Free Illinois campaign. She has spoken on behalf of smoke free legislation and “Access to health care” issues with appearances on TV, radio and print. Most notably, two appearances on CNN.
Teri Ramirez is the Outreach Committee Chair. When she isn't volunteering, she works full time as a flight attendant for American Airlines. This Texas Tech University alum is from San Antonio, but has lived in Chicago since 1998. Since 2007, Teri has also been a family coordinator/mentor and charter coordinator for Snowball Express, a non-profit organization that takes hundreds of military families of fallen heroes, who have died since 9/11, on an all expense paid trip every December. Imerman Angels and Snowball Express have the same belief, being around others who know exactly what you're going through is very helpful when it comes to coping with difficult situations.
Michelle Molise has served as the media relations volunteer for Imerman Angels since its inception. She brings 10 years of experience to the public relations and marketing industry as owner of Michelle Molise PR. Her high profile client history in both Chicago and Detroit ../includes non-profits, celebrities, restaurants, hotels, major sports and entertainment venues, nationally renowned tour attractions, and media. A native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, she is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Communication/PR.
Brad Laney is the Imerman Angels Marketing/PR Committee Co-chair. As a brand strategist, Brad has enjoyed a successful 20 year career spanning general media advertising, promotional marketing, retail marketing and general branding. A graduate of the Chicago's DePaul University, Brad is a Chicago native and spends most of his summers along the city's lakefront.
Amy Rosko is the Imerman Active Chair. A native of Marshall, Michigan, she is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a degree in Interpersonal and Public Communication. Amy has a diverse background in sports, events, volunteer managment, sponsorships, marketing, and community outreach at the local, national and international level. Her career ../includes work with the Detroit Tigers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan and Chicago 2016, the non-profit organization in charge of Chicago's bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Amy is passionate about finding different ways to reach people – to inform them, move them, and provide opportunities for them to become active in making a difference in their life and the lives of others.
Katie Metzger is from Kansas City, Missouri. She is currently a senior at Loyola University Chicago where she is studying Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Sociology. Throughout college, Katie has been very involved both on and off campus. She was a member of the Loyola University Chicago Dance Team for three years, serving as captain for two of those years. Currently, Katie is an active member and Event Chairman of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Through her sorority she has been given the opportunity to participate in various philanthropies including literacy advocacy, AIDs awareness, and cancer relief. She has been active in Relay for Life and St. Jude’s Up ’Till Dawn for the past three years. On her off time Katie is a member of a Chicago Hip Hop Dance Company.
Elisve Chaidez was born and raised on the North side of Chicago, IL. She is a recent DePaul University graduate with a BA in Art and Art history & International Studies and a minor in Latin American studies. During her college years, Eli was a member of the Art and Art history club, and a volunteer at the Erie House as an ESL teacher for the adult minority community in the local neighborhood. As part of her community service she has volunteered for CPS as an after-school mentor, crafts teacher and homework help assistant, as well as lent her help to teachers to execute activities with children. On her time off Eli enjoys visiting Chicago's wonderful art museums, and galleries.
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