Board President: Dr. Luis E. Lopez, Ph.D.
Dr. Lopez is a mixed-method researcher in Leadership and Educational Psychology Foundations with knowledge and expertise in method design and implementation. Dr. Lopez’s research focuses on factors contributing to non-Ethno-European students' educational outcomes. Dr. Lopez is a licensed clinical psychotherapist and founder of Journey’s Community Center, a not-for-profit organization that supports the mental health and academic outcomes of underrepresented communities in the Chicagoland area. If you like to learn more about Dr. Lopez’s background and research, please visit:
Board Vice Chair: Martha Franco, M.Ed.
Ms. Franco works in the Strategic Operations Department for a charter school system in Chicago focused on re-engaging disconnected students who were underserved by the traditional educational system. She has fifteen years of experience in the education sector and holds a master’s degree in education.
Board Treasurer: Juanita Cook, MSA
Juanita Cook is a graduate of the University of Phoenix, where she received a MSA in Accountancy. After graduation, Juanita launched her career in North Carolina, where she began as an Accounts Payable Supervisor with a Premium Retailer for Verizon Wireless. That eventually led to a Project Billing Manager position with a fully integrated engineering, fabrication, and construction company. Juanita specializes in streamlining internal processes to improve tracking and reporting which provides visibility to management regarding financial reporting.
Board Member: Dr. Anne Gottlieb, Ed.D
Dr. Gottlieb holds an M.Ed. from DePaul University and a Doctor of Education Leadership and Administration from National Louis University. As an educator and curriculum specialist, Dr. Gottlieb supports the advancement of education as an adjunct professor at Dominican University. Additionally, she has over 20 years of experience serving several Chicago Public Schools as a principal. As principal, Dr. Gottlieb worked to improve students’ academic outcomes by forming interventions and skills-building through the Chicago Public School Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Dr. Gottlieb has also presented at several education symposiums regarding factors that can mitigate High School Dropout rates.
Executive Director: Kate M. Harbert, LCSW
Kate Harbert is the co-founder of Journey’s Community Center. As a specialist in mental health and inter-professional practice with adolescents and young adults, her clinical expertise and knowledge also include advocacy and support for families.
In addition to her experience in the social sector, her analytical skill set was honed in the business world as an entrepreneur and in various leadership capacities for over a decade within several organizations, including a Fortune 500 company. Drawing from experiences as an administrator overseeing operations and fiduciary duties, her management style reflects a proven track record of success and measurable results.
Programs Director, Oak Park: Sarah Wurster, LCPC
Sarah Wurster holds a Master's of Education in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and is a licensed School Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She spent the first two decades of her career working as a School Counselor and Post-Secondary Pathways Coordinator before leaving education to pursue her private practice full-time, where she specialized in Adolescent and Women's Health.
In additional to her clinical experience, Sarah has an effective track record of team leadership, grant management and strategic development.
Clinical Administrator: Alexander Lopez, LCPC
Alexander Lopez is a Licensed Clinical Professional Psychotherapist who has been providing supportive services to adolescents and young adults for over two decades.
Alexander believes in providing a safe and supportive space that is tailored to meet individual needs. Given the appropriate care, every individual can reach their therapeutic goals. Alexander's approaches are Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.