Meet the Staff & Board

Eliza has worked for Kindred Life since 2019, first as the Lake County Program Director before becoming Executive Director in 2021. Eliza is honored to lead the team and this ministry of walking with teen parents. All is not lost because of an unplanned pregnancy, there is hope. Eliza has a BA, Communications from University of Illinois, Chicago and an Executive Certificate in Transformational Non-Profit Leadership, Notre Dame. She is married to Greg has 3 young adult children. Their home church is The Chapel Libertyville.

Nikki has worked for Kindred Life since 2017. A former teacher, systems engineer and administrator, Nikki also holds a Ph.D. in Marine Biology from University of Liverpool, UK. She enjoys working with Kindred Life’s highly motivated and committed team who keeps our God and our mission foremost in everything we do. Seeing the fruits of her labor in the blossoming of the young families is rewarding to her. Nikki is married to Gary and is mom to Laurel. Her home church is Gurnee Community Church.

Emily received an MS in Counseling from National Louis University in 2019. She works as an academic advisor at College of Lake County. She is excited to work with Kindred Life because the ministry provides young parents with practical, Christ-centered support. She is encouraged working alongside staff who love God and long to see parents and their children thrive! Emily’s home church is Willow Creek Community Church.

Kim has worked for Kindred Life since 2018. She enjoys empowering young parents to grow and mature and the opportunity to see their young children during each weeks’ fun community dinner. Kim is married to Kent and is the mom of two young adults. She earned a BS from Wheaton College an MSW from UIC. Her home church is Lakeland Church in Gurnee.

Amanda joined the Kindred Life team in 2023. She is excited to be part of a team that believes in helping others through community and sharing God’s love. With a background in event planning and as a member of the MOPS steering committee at her church, Amanda is passionate about creating spaces for people to connect. Along with her husband, Richard, and their three children, Amanda attends The Chapel.

Beth has master’s degrees in divinity and in social work and loves combining the experience and knowledge when working in the community. She supports Kindred Life’s vision by building relationships and sharing client success stories with community leaders, pastors, and churches. Beth is married and the mom of 2 school-aged children. They attend The Chapel Grayslake.

Rebecca is a Director of Training & Talent Development. She earned a BA and MBA, both from UIC. Rebecca is proud to serve on the board of a Christian organization that helps young moms to be successful with the kinds of resources Kindred Life provides. Rebecca is married to Joel and is the mom of 1 daughter. Their home church is The Chapel Libertyville.

Mona has worked in the non-profit and ministry areas of adoption, teen pregnancy and parenting for 30 years. As a founding member of Kindred Life Ministries and the ministries’ former Executive Director, she has witnessed first hand God’s transformational power in the lives of the young families Kindred Life serves. Mona is married to Erik and is the mom of three young adult sons. They make their home in Southwest Michigan.

Candice has volunteered with Kindred Life since 2014, first as a teen mom mentor and then as board member. She achieved a MA degree in Management and is a recently retired Respiratory Care Practitioner. Candice has enjoyed the opportunity to learn new things as a board member and building relationships with parents, volunteers, staff, and board. She is married to Michael, is mom of three grown children, grandmother of 5, and great-grandmother of 3! Her home church is River Ridge Church in Spring Grove.

Hannah’s full time work is in fundraising and alumni relations. She is proud to serve on the board because Kindred Life provides abundant and practical care to young parents and their children. Hannah is married to Eli and they have an English Bulldog, Watson. Her home church is NorthBridge in Antioch.