Our Staff
Staff
sjohnson@pulmonaryfibrosis.org | 312.224.9832
In her role as Manager for Prospect Management and Research, Sarah provides new data, contextual information, and data analysis services to help direct development activity for the PFF. She is involved in many aspects of fundraising, from preparing for donor meetings to offering strategy consultation for events.
Prior to joining the PFF, Sarah spent 11 years with the development office of the University of Chicago, first in administrative roles before becoming an analyst and then a senior analyst with Development Research.
She holds a BA in Theatre Studies from Willamette University and an MA in Performance Studies from the University of Arizona.
aathens@pulmonaryfibrosis.org | 312.224.8112
Alyssa is responsible for PFF’s community events program, Team PFF, and the PFF Tribute Program. Alyssa supports event management and is committed to building relationships with volunteers and donors.
Prior to joining the PFF, Alyssa was an intern with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She helped to ensure that each child’s wish moved forward in the wish pipeline
Alyssa graduated from Indiana University with a BFA in contemporary dance.
As the PFF Registry Project Manager, Misha Cadet works closely with the Vice President of the PFF Registry. Misha coordinates and manages projects related to the PFF Registry, a disease registry comprised of patients, families, caregivers, and lung transplant recipients impacted by pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease.
Misha has worked in health care since 2003 and has experience in database management, health education and technology for medical centers and health organizations in Illinois and
Connecticut.
Misha has a BS in Public Health Education and a MS in Public Health Policy from the University of Illinois in Chicago. She also received a certificate in Software Engineering from Northwestern University.
dderosa@pulmonaryfibrosis.org | 312.239.6626
Diana DeRosa works closely with the development database, adding new information and ensuring existing information is managed effectively. Diana has a special focus in supporting TeamPFF events, community walks, and the tribute program. She also assists with email mailing list generation as well as donation acknowledgements.
Diana was new to the non-profit sector when she joined the PFF after working over 10 years in onsite residential property management in administrative and accounts payable roles.
She graduated from Northern Illinois University with a BS in psychology.
ldevitt@pulmonaryfibrosis.org | 312.224.8619
Laura Devitt is primarily responsible for volunteer recruitment, training, support, and management as well as the development and production of education materials for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. She is also involved with planning and execution of the Annual Volunteer Meeting and PFF Summit.
Laura began her career as a geriatric case manager, providing homebound senior citizens with vital programs such as Meals on Wheels and the Community Care Program. She also previously worked with two nursing homes located in Chicago, overseeing admissions and discharges from each facility.
Laura graduated from St. Norbert College with a BA degree in Human Services. She earned a MSW from Dominican University. Laura holds an additional certificate in Grant Writing from San Diego State University.
nedwards@pulmonaryfibrosis.org | 312.239.6658
Naomi Edwards supports all efforts related to PFF marketing and communications. Along with managing email communications for the PFF, Naomi assists with content development for the PFF social media platforms. Her work promotes the initiatives, programs and events at the Foundation. She also helps maintain communications for brand integrity and consistency.
Prior to joining the PFF, Naomi worked in both nonprofit and business settings in fulfilling roles including Youth Development Specialist, Operations Manager, Social Media Manager, Content Creator and Brand Consultant.
Naomi graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Management and a Minor in Journalism
jhillner@pulmonaryfibrosis.org | 312.224.9802
Jamie Hillner is responsible for coordinating the PFF Ambassador Program and Support Group Leader Network. She facilitates trainings and teleconferences, promotes the programs, and cultivates relationships with PFF volunteers. She also manages the PFF Advocates by communicating advocacy alerts and coordinating the PFF’s Hill Day efforts.
Prior to joining the PFF’s Programs department, Jamie worked at the University of Chicago Law School where she supported the Law School’s annual giving, recent alumni, and law firm engagement programs in addition to frontline fundraising work. In her previous role, Jamie managed relationships with alumni volunteers, students, law firm recruiters, and campus partners.
Jamie received her BS in Nonprofit Management with minors in Fundraising & Resource Development, Public Human Resources, and Spanish from Indiana University.
skelly@pulmonaryfibrosis.org | 312.854.1943
Sheena Kelly is responsible for assisting the database team in data processing, maintaining the accuracy within the database, generating advanced reports to assist other departments, and other special projects.
Prior to joining the PFF, Sheena worked at several non-profits, performing roles such as media relations, development, and administrative support.
Sheena graduated with a BS in Business Management from DePaul University.
mkiener@pulmonaryfibrosis.org | 312.854.1945
Mary Kiener provides overall strategic and daily leadership and guidance to the HR department by overseeing talent acquisition, career development, succession planning, training, employee engagement, compliance, leadership development, compensation, and benefits.
With more than 20 years of HR experience, Mary has worked in a variety of sectors including non-profit, retail, manufacturing, and banking.
alavalle@pulmonaryfibrosis.org | 312.224.4667
Anna LaValle manages event production, logistics, and donor relationships for the PFF’s special events. She collaborates with the Vice President of Development and the Development Managers to oversee the event production and logistics for the PFF Walk program and Broadway Belts for PFF.
Prior to joining the PFF, Anna was a Marketing and Communications Associate at Smithbucklin where she provided a range of services to clients including branding, creative services, public relations, membership publications, and convention and event marketing. She also collaborated with association leaders and volunteers to create research-based marketing and communication strategies aligned with the organization's goals.
Anna has a BA in Communications with a focus in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing from the University of Dayton.
klynch@pulmonaryfibrosis.org | 312.273.4991
Kelly Lynch is responsible for supporting the PFF events team with a focus on donor development and event management of the PFF Walk program.
Prior to joining the PFF, Kelly worked for several healthcare-related nonprofit organizations including The Woman’s Board of RUSH University Medical Center, Vision Forward Association, and Prevent Blindness Wisconsin. She has been responsible for event planning, volunteer management, and providing other fundraising support.
Kelly graduated with a BA in Psychology and a double minor in Community Service Studies and Professional Writing from DePaul University.
jmeding@pulmonaryfibrosis.org | 312.854.2627
Jake is responsible for the PFF’s Annual Giving Program with a focus on tributes and memorials. Jake is committed to helping family members who are looking to create a lasting memory through the PFF’s programs. He oversees direct donations, recurring giving, and workplace giving.
Jake has over eight years of experience in nonprofit work and general fundraising. He has experience in both academic and healthcare related fundraising.
Jake earned an MBA from Elmhurst College where he also holds a BA in political science.
Ingrid is the primary point of contact for communications related to the PFF Care Center Network (CCN), a group of medical centers across the country that specialize in interstitial lung disease to improve the care delivered to patients living with pulmonary fibrosis. Ingrid collaborates with the PFF VP of Clinical Affairs and Quality to support and develop the CCN.
Prior to joining the PFF, Ingrid worked in a number of capacities at Rotary International. She was involved with partnership development, educational programming, grants, and corporate relations.
Ingrid received her BA in French from Xavier University and her MA in French Literature from Vanderbilt University.
ssimmons@pulmonaryfibrosis.org | 312.224.9836
Samantha Simmons is responsible for social media management, graphic design, and overseeing PFF communications to maintain brand integrity. She leads the creation and distribution of digital and print marketing materials. Her work involves developing visual identities for the PFF’s programs and events.
Samantha began her career in nonprofit marketing and development at Mental Health America of Illinois (MHAI). There, she focused on social media marketing, graphic design, event planning, and donor outreach. She continued to work with MHAI as a volunteer graphic designer and event planner on its Junior Board for several years.
She previously worked with Chicago-based Heartland Health Outreach (HHO) as the communications coordinator, where she oversaw all of HHO’s communications. She led the creation of new communications outlets, including a new website and social media accounts.
Samantha graduated from Ball State University with a BA in Public Relations and a minor in Japanese.jsimokaitis@pulmonaryfibrosis.org | 312.224.1600
As Senior Coordinator of the PFF Help Center, Jennifer Simokaitis responds to all telephone and email inquiries received by phone at 844.825.5733 and email at help@pulmonaryfibrosis.org. She provides reliable information about pulmonary fibrosis and assists members of the PF community in connecting with the range of programs, resources, and educational opportunities available through the PFF. Jennifer also facilitates the PFF Voices and PFF Caring Conversations telephone-based support groups.
Prior to joining the PFF, Jennifer worked on special projects for community-based and patient advocacy not-for-profit organizations.
Jennifer graduated from Miami University with a BA in English. She is also a Certified Professional Coach.
lsorini@pulmonaryfibrosis.org | 312.477.0750
Leah Sorini supports corporate partnerships at the PFF to advance mission-driven activities that serve the PF community through the execution and management of sponsorship agreements and grants.
Prior to joining the PFF, Leah worked for the market research firm, CB Insights, managing marketing initiatives to build relationships with technology vendors. Previously, Leah worked as a communication specialist for a federal benefits program, USAC’s Lifeline, which helps participants get access to more affordable phone and internet services.
Leah has a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and a Minor in Literature from American University in D.C.
mtaylor@pulmonaryfibrosis.org | 312.239.6628
Meredith manages and maintains all aspects of the Development database. She works across departments to ensure data accuracy and integrity. She also oversees registration for events such as the PFF Summit and PFF Walks; the generation of large mailing and email lists; and any Development revenue reporting at the PFF.
Before joining the PFF, Meredith worked at the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago managing their donor database and data processes, in addition to working as a social worker. Prior to that, she was employed in information technology at CNA Insurance.
Meredith graduated from Augustana College with a BS in Computer Science. She holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Illinois, Chicago.
sthinnes@pulmonaryfibrosis.org | 312.818.5730
Sean is the assistant to the PFF President & CEO and the Chief Operating Officer. He also manages the IT department and special projects of the Foundation. Sean interacts with and coordinates among all departments at the Foundation, with a focus on operations, facilities, and support for HR.
He began his career in Cleveland in account relations/inventory management in the logistics field, then moved to Chicago and worked in the Strategies and Planning department at Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Chicago. He later joined the PFF as Executive Assistant/Project Manager.
Sean graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in Marketing.
atrecek@pulmonaryfibrosis.org | 312.818.5731
Aubrey Trecek works with the PFF Care Center Network (CCN) to facilitate the improvement of care delivered to patients living with pulmonary fibrosis. She collaborates with the PFF VP of Clinical Affairs and Quality and the Manager of the Network to support and develop the CCN.
Prior to joining the PFF, Aubrey provided assistance to five anesthesia-related societies as a Senior Coordinator at Association Resource Center in Milwaukee. She was involved with membership, meeting planning, publication coordination, and email and social media marketing campaigns.
Aubrey graduated from the University of Minnesota with a double major in Communications Studies and Theater Arts
ayoung@pulmonaryfibrosis.org | 312.818.5732
Andrea Young is responsible for supporting the PFF events team with a focus on donor development and event management of the PFF Walk program.
Prior to joining the PFF, Andrea was part of the Special Events team at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, coordinating over 30 annual fundraising events. She then worked as a Development Manager at WTTW and WFMT, focusing on fundraising for special projects, stewarding major donors, and helping to plan their annual gala. Most recently she was a Gift Officer on the Annual Fund team at Catholic Charities, helping to grow their recurring donor program, roll out their new Giving Societies, and worked closely with their major gifts team to develop a pipeline of donors.
Andrea graduated with a BA in Communications from DePaul University and a Master of Arts Management from Columbia College Chicago.