Our Staff

Stephanie Lieber
she/her
Executive Director

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Vanessa Broadway
she/her
Cancer Support Specialist – Program Team Lead

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Rick Garmon
he/him
Director of Programs

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Jackie Herigodt
she/her
Director of Partnerships & Engagement

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Imelda Hernandez
she/her
Cancer Support Specialist

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Christine Jonel
she/her
Cancer Support Specialist

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Josh Kaufmann
he/ him
Senior Operations Director

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Dave Louthan
he/ him
Senior Development Manager & Team Imerman Angels Director

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Athena Nagel
she/her
Cancer Support Specialist

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Suzanne Rothenberg
she/her
Cancer Support Specialist

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Norman Romero
he/him
Cancer Support Specialist

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Stacia Whitmore
she/her
Director of Development

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About our Founders

At 26 years old, living in Michigan, Jonny Imerman was diagnosed with testicular cancer. As he began his fight against the disease, love and support poured in from friends and family. But what was missing was the understanding and insight of someone who had been there before.

In the name of sharing his experience to help others, Imerman Angels was born. Jonny worked to create a community based in empathy and connection, free and available to anyone whose life had been affected by cancer, so no one faces cancer alone.

John May co-founded Imerman Angels with Jonny Imerman and formerly served as the Chairman of the Board. Inspired to make sure no one faces cancer alone, John’s primary role is supporting Imerman Angel’s strategic plan while making sure our program and operation support our mission on a daily basis.

Board of Directors

Dr. Caralynn Nowinski Collens
Chair

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Jonny Imerman
Co-Founder & Chief Mission Officer

John May
Co-Founder

Eric Atkinson

Chris Bagley

Annie Bao

Steven Crowe

Tai Duncan

Melanie Giglio

Bonnie Gordon

Jeffrey Imerman

Nimesh Jhaveri

Ian Mahoney

Uday Mehta

Joy Lyu Monahan

Sharbel Shamoon

Christiana Shoushtari, MD, MPH

Daryl Sneed

Julius Talley

Thad Wong

Dave Zimmer

Our Professionals Board

The Imerman Angels Professionals Board is a collection of passionate professionals that through volunteering want to make a difference in the lives of cancer fighters, survivors, previvors and caregivers. Professional Board members have the opportunity to grow awareness for the mission, provide vision and support for Imerman Angels events, recruit participants for Team Imerman Angels and raise critical dollars to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.

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Eric Atkinson

Chance Badertscher

Jaclyn Barreto

Natalie Barzyk

Robert Bean

Steven Donnewald

Omar Gonzalez

Alex Goodman

Rishi Gupta

Adam Kriticos

Liz Ladewig

Casey Lipton

Anna Lundberg

Emily Lundberg

Allison Mecher

Veronica Navarro

Samantha Sadoff

Chris Schaeffer

Katie Self

Claire Skowron

Hayley Tenhoopen

Tory Tesdal

Jackie Thunberg

Abby Williams

Eric Atkinson • Chance Badertscher • Jaclyn Barreto • Natalie Barzyk • Robert Bean • Steven Donnewald • Omar Gonzalez • Alex Goodman • Rishi Gupta • Adam Kriticos • Liz Ladewig • Casey Lipton • Anna Lundberg • Emily Lundberg • Allison Mecher • Veronica Navarro • Samantha Sadoff • Chris Schaeffer • Katie Self • Claire Skowron • Hayley Tenhoopen • Tory Tesdal • Jackie Thunberg • Abby Williams

Our Honorary Board

Stan Bowman

Brad Keywell

Jen Levin Gershon

Mark Graf

Stephen Lee

Ryan McCain

Dr. Greg Roslund

Andrew Sieja

Christoph Sitzer

Noel Smith

Sanjay Tolia

Vinay Tolia

Howard Tullman

Stephanie Lieber

she/her
Executive Director

Stephanie Lieber (she/her) started at IA in 2018 and brings a wealth of experience and acumen. With over 20 years working in the nonprofit world, she has a proven track record of leading large-scale development efforts and has worked extensively with executive Boards to form innovative strategic plans that have significantly advanced the missions of several prominent organizations in Chicagoland.

Before her time at Imerman Angels, Stephanie served as Vice President of Development at Chicago Children’s Museum where she provided leadership and management of fundraising operations for Chicago’s only museum focused exclusively on children and families. Working with the museum’s Board of Directors and senior leadership, Stephanie ran successful capital campaigns, annual funds, major-gift efforts and executed innovative strategic plans. Her fundraising career began at the Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School where Stephanie served as Associate Director and Director of Development.

In addition to her professional fundraising work, Stephanie has been an active volunteer and leader at both the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation (LSCRF) and Francis W. Parker School. Stephanie began her volunteer involvement with LSCRF in 2006 and has since served as Vice Chair, Chair of the Board, Chair of the Nominating Committee, and Co-Chair of LSCRF’s 30th anniversary celebration. Stephanie has also been a Board of Trustees member of Francis W. Parker School since 2009. In her role at Parker, Stephanie has served as a Secretary of the Board and Chair of the Trustee Committee.

Stephanie holds a BA from University of Michigan.

Vanessa Broadway

she/her
Cancer Support Specialist - Program Team Lead

Vanessa Broadway (she/her) initially joined Imerman Angels as Volunteer Coordinator in April 2018 after 16 years in Retail and Customer Service.

Vanessa was a caregiver for her mother who lost her battle with breast cancer. From that experience comes a passion for one of Imerman Angels core beliefs that no one should have to face cancer alone.

Vanessa studied French at Northeastern Illinois University. She is a native of Chicago’s Northwest side and loves to attend concerts.

Rick Garmon

he/him
Director of Programs

Rick Garmon (he/him) joined the Imerman Angels team in 2023 following two-years serving as a project consultant overseeing programmatic improvements and initiatives. Rick brings over 20 years of experience managing various programs and projects (from small-budget public performances to multi-million dollar construction projects), and teams of assorted sizes, makeups and missions. His diverse background has also included stints as an Art Director, Designer, Programmer and Journalist. His portfolio includes projects for the National Basketball Association, Marshall Fields (now Macy's), and several major motion pictures. Rick's writings have been published in National Geographic, USA Today, and the Chicago Tribune. Although he considers himself an alum of the University of Central Florida (go Knights!), Rick holds a degree in Visual Communication from the Illinois Institute of Art. In his free time he enjoys staying active, tinkering, history, comics, gaming and exploring the unique architecture and neighborhoods of Chicago.

Jackie Herigodt

she/her
Director of Partnerships & Engagement

Jackie Herigodt (she/her) started with IA in 2012 and has been a caregiver to several loved ones with cancer, including her mother, who lost her battle with lung cancer in 2004, which helps fuel her passion.

In her current role as Director of Partnerships and Engagement, Jackie oversees the Mentor Angel training process, the matches made between Mentor Angels and support seekers and the organization’s outreach efforts. Jackie was responsible for the creation of the outreach initiative and has helped strengthen partnerships with other cancer organizations and cancer centers to better serve more people who have been impacted by cancer.

Jackie graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She has worked in the fields of animal training, customer service and education, which has proven beneficial in her current role.

Imelda Hernandez

she/her
Cancer Support Specialist

Imelda Hernandez (she/her) joined Imerman Angels as an Intern in September 2021. Soon after completing her internship she discovered the love, passion and commitment she had for helping make someone's cancer journey a little less lonely. Losing her grandparents has also taught her the kindness, love and compassion to support others who need guidance and resources to move forward through sickness, health and grief.

Imelda is a graduate of Richard J. Daley College (Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Development) and National Louis University (Bachelor of Arts in Psychology). In her free time she enjoys crafting and baking.

Christine Jonel

she/her
Cancer Support Specialist

Christine Jonel (she/her) officially joined IA in 2002 and is a two-time cancer survivor.

First diagnosed in 1995 at the age of two with stage 3 rhabdomyosarcoma, resulting in the loss of her right leg. She spent her childhood and youth understanding the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. In 2015, she was diagnosed with stage 2 triple negative IDC breast cancer, as well as the Li-Fraumeni gene mutation at the age of 23, which explained her multiple diagnosis.

Christine has volunteered with IA beginning in 2016 after learning about the mission. Since this time, she’s represented the organization at numerous community events and has been a captain for multiple IA social events; sharing the mission to help ensure no one faces cancer alone. She also spent time working on a CDC grant dedicated to supporting young women diagnosed with breast cancer.

She is also the team’s first International staff member, working from Ghana, West Africa, helping the mission reach further across the globe!

Josh Kaufmann

he/him
Senior Operations Director

Josh Kaufmann (he/him) started with IA in 2019 and brings more than 20 years of nonprofit experience to the team. As the son of a breast cancer survivor and a colon cancer survivor, he was drawn to the organization’s mission and the opportunity to support those affected by the disease.

Previously, Josh worked as Director of Development and Donor Engagement for Stanislaus Community Foundation in Modesto, Cal., helping to oversee a period of exponential growth in both assets under management, as well as new charitable funds. Prior to his time in California, Josh was Director of Development Operations for Chicago Children’s Museum, overseeing special events and the Annual Fund. He has an extensive background in communication, fundraising and branding with a particular focus on database management and analytics.

Josh is a graduate of UW Wisconsin-Whitewater and holds a MA in Journalism from Columbia College Chicago.

Dave Louthan

he/him
Senior Development Manager & Team Imerman Angels Director

Dave Louthan (he/him) started at IA in 2014 after heading the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Charity Program, where he worked with over 150 not-for-profit organizations each year.

He has been involved in the event-planning arena through his work at the Chicago Marathon and through consulting on other Chicago-area events, including numerous 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons. As an endurance athlete himself and a proud “middle of the packer,” Dave works with the many Team Imerman Angels athletes as they look to reach their goals and help Imerman Angels in connecting more and more individuals.

Dave graduated from Marquette University with a B.A. in History and Political Science and is an avid college basketball fan cheering on his Golden Eagles each winter (and, hopefully, into the spring). Dave also received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and an LL.M. in healthcare law from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

Athena Nagel

she/her
Cancer Support Specialist

Athena Nagel (she/her) joined Imerman Angels during May of 2022 as a rotation student through Northwestern University’s Genetic Counseling program. After completing her graduate degree, she joined IA as an official staff member in October of 2023. She had previously watched her aunt experience stage 4 breast cancer and became passionate about providing support and resources to all cancer fighters, survivors, previvors, and caregivers.

Prior to her time at Imerman Angels, Athena attended Indiana University, where she completed her degree in molecular genetics and cellular biology. She also spent one year studying biochemistry and medical sciences at Oxford University. After working as a genetic counseling assistant for a year, she then attended Northwestern University’s genetic counseling program, where she was trained in both medical genetics and psychosocial counseling. Athena is passionate about providing support and care for all individuals through their cancer journey and believes in the importance of cultural humbleness and diversity in healthcare.

Athena has been involved in organizations such as Music and Memory, the American Medical Woman’s Society, and various environmental and conservation organizations. In her free time, she enjoys playing board games, playing the piano, and spending time with her two cats.

Suzanne Rothenberg

she/her
Cancer Support Specialist

Suzanne Rothenberg (she/her) started with Imerman Angels in 2023.

Over the past two decades she has worked as a community organizer and social worker for several non-profits in the Chicagoland area including The Admiral By The Lake Senior Living, The Hillels of Illinois and the Les Turner ALS Foundation.

She is proud to be continuing her work in non-profit as part of the Imerman Angel’s Team.

Upon graduation from the University of Wisconsin with a BA in Social Work, she received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois- Chicago.

Some of her favorite things are walks outside, baking, gardening, stacks of pancakes and watching Impractical Jokers with her family.

Norman Romero

he/him
Cancer Support Specialist

Norman Romero (he/him) joined Imerman Angels in February of 2022 as a volunteer after discovering that his mom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He became an official staff member in January of 2023. Not being able to care for his mother, because they were both in different countries, he wanted to help the cancer community in some capacity. This drives his dedication to fulfill our mission of providing comfort to all cancer fighters, survivors, previvors and caregivers.

Prior to joining Imerman Angels, Norman was extensively involved with “Jovenes Voluntarios por la Paz” in Honduras, an organization for young college students that shapes them into promoters of peace with practical knowledge they can use to develop actions plans for their communities. This experience helped him become an inclusive, careful and compassionate listener who is non-judgemental and open to the mutual sharing of ideas and opinions.

In addition to helping the cancer community, Norman enjoys spending time out in nature, reading books, and cooking.

Stacia Whitmore

she/her
Director of Development

Stacia Whitmore (she/her) joined IA in 2022 and was drawn to the organization by the free one-on-one cancer support that IA provides – “someone who truly understands what you are going through and is there to listen and support you.”

Prior to joining Imerman Angels, Stacia worked at Chicago Children’s Museum for 20 years, most recently as the Vice President of Institutional Giving and Development Operations. In that role, she raised funds from foundations, corporations and government agencies for the museum’s operations, programs, capital and endowment needs. Before Chicago Children’s Museum, she worked in fundraising at Advocate Health Care.

Stacia has a Certificate of Professional Achievement in Nonprofit Management from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Indiana University. In her free time, Stacia enjoys walking by the lake, listening to podcasts, cooking and traveling.

Caralynn Nowinski Collens

Chairman

Dr. Caralynn Nowinski Collens is the CEO of Dimension Inx, a next-generation biomaterials and biofabrication company developing 3D-printed therapeutic products that direct cells to rebuild healthy tissues. She is passionate about building teams and organizations that harness technology to drive transformational change and improve the quality of people’s lives.

Previously as the co-founder and CEO of UI LABS, a first-of-its-kind technology organization focused on the digital future of industries, Caralynn built the organization from concept in late 2011 through launch in 2014, raising $200M+ in investment and ultimately spinning out MxD (national digital manufacturing institute) and City Tech Collaborative as independent businesses in 2019. After starting her first company while a joint medical/business student at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Caralynn spent her early career in venture capital and corporate finance, primarily focused on technology-based university spin-outs.

Caralynn is an Independent Director of Fathom Digital Manufacturing [NYSE:FATH] and serves on the Executive Council of Granite Creek Capital Partners. She is proud to have been a member of the Chicago Chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and recognized as one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ “Forty Under Forty”, “Notable Women in Manufacturing”, and “Tech 50”. In 2020, SME recognized Caralynn as one of “30 Leaders Transforming Manufacturing”.

Our Staff

About our Founders

Board of Directors

Our Professionals Board

Apply to be part of the board

Our Honorary Board

Stephanie Lieber

she/herExecutive Director

Vanessa Broadway

she/herCancer Support Specialist - Program Team Lead

Rick Garmon

he/himDirector of Programs

Jackie Herigodt

she/herDirector of Partnerships & Engagement

Imelda Hernandez

she/herCancer Support Specialist

Christine Jonel

she/herCancer Support Specialist

Josh Kaufmann

he/himSenior Operations Director

Dave Louthan

he/himSenior Development Manager & Team Imerman Angels Director

Athena Nagel

she/herCancer Support Specialist

Suzanne Rothenberg

she/herCancer Support Specialist

Norman Romero

he/himCancer Support Specialist

Stacia Whitmore

she/herDirector of Development

Caralynn Nowinski Collens

Chairman

she/her
Executive Director

she/her
Cancer Support Specialist - Program Team Lead

he/him
Director of Programs

she/her
Director of Partnerships & Engagement

she/her
Cancer Support Specialist

she/her
Cancer Support Specialist

he/him
Senior Operations Director

he/him
Senior Development Manager & Team Imerman Angels Director

she/her
Cancer Support Specialist

she/her
Cancer Support Specialist

he/him
Cancer Support Specialist

she/her
Director of Development