MEET THE
TEAM
REACH engages a solid pool of talented board members, staff, adult volunteers, and partner institutions in carrying out our mission. Our Peer Mentor Advisory Corps helps guide our vision through practical first-hand knowledge of their communities' needs and assets. This growing community has become a diverse social network of support for all REACH participants.
REACH BOARD.
Shana Wills
Executive Director / Board President / Founder
Shana has more than 25 years’ experience researching and addressing systemic policies that impact displacement across the globe. She first started employing experiential learning theory while implementing projects based on the Danish Folk School pedagogy in war-torn Africa. She has conducted field research and established projects affecting vulnerable populations, including child soldiers, displaced children, landmine victims, warehoused refugees, and marginalized communities in Angola, Colombia, Eritrea, Haiti, Mozambique, Kenya, South Africa, & Tanzania. READ MORE >
Founder / Board President
Shana Wills
Shana has more than 25 years’ experience researching and addressing systemic policies that impact displacement across the globe. She first started studying experiential learning theory while implementing projects based on the Danish Folk School pedagogy in war-torn Africa. She has conducted field research and established projects affecting vulnerable populations, including child soldiers, displaced children, landmine victims, warehoused refugees, and marginalized communities in Angola, Colombia, Eritrea, Haiti, Mozambique, Kenya, South Africa, & Tanzania. Shana has worked with refugee communities in Chicago since 1991. As director of Heartland Alliance’s refugee & immigrant community services and later as director of Chicago Public School’s international newcomer center, she focused on improving systems and empowering refugee youth and families in ways that could benefit all. Recognizing a systemic disconnect between American public school culture and refugee families, and a growing need to engage newcomer adolescents in a meaningful way, Shana launched REACH. Shana is also a faculty member at DePaul University and an independent consultant for grassroots refugee organizations. As an avid hiker, cyclist, paddler, and lifelong learner, Shana aspires to share her love for the human and non-human elements of the life-world with REACH participants.
Kristen Huffman-Gottschling
Board Vice President
Kristen has been a licensed social worker for 20+ years. She is also a Professor at UIC's Jane Addams College of Social Work, specializing in the integration of refugee youth ... READ MORE >
Kristen Huffman-Gottschling
Board Vice President
Kristen has been a licensed social worker for 20+ years. She is also a Professor at UIC's Jane Addams College of Social Work, specializing in the integration of refugee youth in high schools. Kristen is the former Director of Horizons Clinic-World Relief-Chicago, which provided mental health services to refugee families in Albany Park. She currently serves as the Executive Director of PACTT Learning Center.
Steve Key
Board
Secretary
Steve is an active REACH volunteer whose professional background is in the arts. He formerly served as the artistic director of Shattered Globe Theatre and he is presently an ensemble member of American Blues Theatre ... READ MORE >
Steve Key
Board Secretary
Steve is an active REACH volunteer whose professional background is in the arts. He formerly served as the artistic director of Shattered Globe Theatre and he is presently an ensemble member of American Blues Theatre. As an actor, Steve recently performed in Tracy Lett’s BUG at Steppenwolf Theatre, and in Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning SWEAT, both on Broadway and on its National Tour. Steve is an outdoor adventure enthusiast who has had a lifelong commitment to service.
Stephanie Thomas
Board
Treasurer
Stephanie is a mom who, with Shana, founded and coordinated a Refugee Welcome Project at Whittier Elementary School in Oak Park, raising ... READ MORE >
Stephanie Thomas
Board Treasurer
Stephanie is a mom who, with Shana, founded and coordinated a Refugee Welcome Project at Whittier Elementary School in Oak Park, raising money and awareness among the school community to address issues facing new refugee families in Chicago. She and her son first joined REACH as volunteers. She is now thrilled to be serving as a board member.
Rasha Al
Hasnawi
Board
Member
Rasha is a REACH parent who also volunteers at many adventure camp sessions and overnight trips. She and her family arrived as refugees from Iraq ... READ MORE >
Rasha Al Hasnawi
Board Member
Rasha is a REACH parent who also volunteers at many adventure camp sessions and overnight trips. She and her family arrived as refugees from Iraq in 2015. Rasha has a background in early childhood education and currently works full-time in her field. She is fondly referred to as "REACH den mom" by many youth participants.
Jason
Brashares
Board
Member
Jason is an Art Director and Eco-Retreat Leader who has assisted REACH with branding, marketing, and volunteering since 2016. He has a wide range of outdoors guiding ... READ MORE >
Jason Brashares
Board Member
Jason is an Art Director and Eco-Retreat Leader who has assisted REACH with branding, marketing, and volunteering since 2016. He has a wide range of outdoors guiding experience from camping and backpacking trips in the US to large international retreat groups. Jason looks forward to doing all he can to advance the REACH mission.
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Jim Berg
Board
Member
Jim is an Account Manager with Exclaim, Inc., a creative services marketing company based in Illinois. He's a former ACA certified kayak instructor ... READ MORE >
Jim Berg
Board Member
Jim is an Account Manager with Exclaim, Inc., a creative services marketing company based in Illinois. He's a former ACA certified kayak instructor who, in addition to playing on his fleet of 12 boats (river and sea kayaks, solo and tandem canoes), enjoys cycling, and hiking during his free time. Jim volunteered with REACH for 2 years prior to joining the Board.
Sajjad Lafta
Board
Member
Sajjad is a former REACH Peer Mentor who arrived as a refugee from Iraq in 2013 when he was 11 years old. He is currently enrolled in college and studying to be a nurse. As a ... READ MORE >
Sajjad Lafta
Board Member
Sajjad is a former REACH Peer Mentor who arrived as a refugee from Iraq in 2013 when he was 11 years old. He is currently enrolled in college and studying to be a nurse. As a proud graduate of REACH programs, Sajjad understands the positive impact they can have on young people and he looks forward to furthering REACH's vision and scope.
REACH STAFF.
Abdul is refugee from Syria but spent 5 years in Jordan after fleeing the war. He resettled in Chicago with his mother and two siblings when he was 13 years old. Soon after arriving, Abdul became a REACH summer camp participant, then served as a Peer Mentor until he graduated in 2021. Abdul is currently studying at Oakton Community College and also works a seasonal shift at Chicago River Canoe & Kayak. He joined the REACH team in summer 2022. He enjoys storytelling around a campfire, taking impromptu road trips, and being open to experience.
Abdul Al Ibrahim
Adventure Sports Coach & Camp Counselor
Abdul Al Ibrahim
Adventure Sports Coach & Camp Counselor
Abdul is refugee from Syria but spent 5 years in Jordan after fleeing the war. He resettled in Chicago with his mother and two siblings when he was 13 years old. Soon after arriving . . . READ MORE >
Elena is finishing her undergraduate degree in Peace, Justice & Conflict Studies and Spanish Language at DePaul University. Prior to joining the team, Elena completed a busy summer internship with REACH and co-facilitated a teen summit with Nature's Farm Camp. She loves any opportunity to adventure, spend time outside, and try new things.
Elena Harcken
Adventure Sports Coach & Camp Counselor
Elena Harcken
Adventure Sports Coach & Camp Counselor
Elena is finishing her undergraduate degree in Peace, Justice & Conflict Studies and Spanish Language at DePaul University. Prior to joining the team, Elena completed . . . READ MORE >
PEER MENTOR ADVISORY CORPS.
My name is Lina. I am 14 years old and originally from Iraq. I arrived in Chicago when I was 8 years old. I started with REACH in 2018. I was one of the first girls to join REACH. One of my favorite memories with REACH was our girls’ camping trip. It was just the girls having fun and learning a lot of things. REACH is fun and teaches you a lot of things about different cultures. You meet new people and find out more about them than in normal friendships. There are a lot of adventures, like kayaking, hiking, camping, and you learn to build your own tents and cook meals over the fire. REACH requires a lot of teamwork. As a Peer Mentor, I want to learn to be more patient and be a better leader and try to listen to what the younger kids have to say. A little progress each day adds up to big results!
Lina
Joined 2018
Lina
Joined 2018
My name is Lina. I am 15 years old and originally from Iraq. I arrived in Chicago when I was 8 years old. I started with REACH in 2018. I was one of the first girls to join REACH ... READ MORE >
Kasper
Joined 2016
Kasper
Joined 2016
My name is Kasper. I'm 16 years old and I'm from Chicago. Bio coming soon ... READ MORE >
My name is Kasper. I'm 16 years old and I'm from Chicago. Bio coming soon!
My name is Maisam. I’m a high school senior and originally from Afghanistan. I came to the U.S. in the winter of 2019. My favorite aspect of REACH is the opportunities it provides for refugees, like learning about our abilities and our roles in this place we now call home. As a Peer Mentor, I realized my passion about advocating for my community and how community engagement enables people like me to foster leadership. I also learned how important it is to be open to engaging with others. I am excited that I’ve been accepted to study Political Science at Columbia University next year, but until then I hope to mentor and inspire more refugee kids like me. Leadership doesn't just happen, it's a continuation of engagement and growth!
Maisam
Joined 2021
Maisam
Joined 2021
My name is Maisam. I’m a high school senior and originally from Afghanistan. I came to the U.S. in the winter of 2019. My favorite aspect of REACH is the opportunities it ... READ MORE >
I’m Masooma. I’m 17 years old and I’m from Afghanistan. I joined REACH in the summer of 2021. My favorite REACH learning activity is kayaking because when I first started, I had no clue what I was doing, but another Peer Mentor taught me to pay attention and listen and watch what he was doing and then put those steps into action. And now I really like helping other kids the same way! I feel pretty lucky to be a Peer Mentor because I’ve gone on a lot of adventures, especially the 10-day trip out west to Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska. I loved being in Wyoming where we had to stop and set up camp before a thunderstorm came. The sky was really pretty and we made a quick dinner before it started raining really hard. Appreciate simplicity and just how much the world has to offer!
Masooma
Joined 2021
Masooma
Joined 2021
I’m Masooma. I’m 17 years old and I’m from Afghanistan. I joined REACH in the summer of 2021. My favorite REACH learning activity is kayaking because when I first started ... READ MORE >
I’m Muntadher. I’m 18-years-old and originally from Iraq. I came to the U.S. in 2015. I joined REACH when I was 13 years old, thinking at first that it was just a “summer camp.” I soon discovered that REACH would give me the opportunity to experience the outdoors in a way that was totally new to me. My first activity with REACH was kayaking at Montrose Beach. It was my first time in a kayak, and I loved this new challenge. My favorite experience with REACH was a 4-day camping trip during which I got to test my kayaking skills, sleep in a tent, take hikes, and shoot a BB-rifle. I loved the evenings gathered around the campfire, meeting new people, and sharing experiences. REACH allowed me to go places and do things I never would have otherwise done. Now I’m a senior in high school and a Chicago Summer Business Institute and Cubs scholar. Thanks to REACH I am a confident public speaker, and I’ve learned that networking is a great way to get involved with many cool organizations and people. Every day is a lesson, don’t be scared to fail!
Muntadher
Joined 2017
Muntadher
Joined 2017
I’m Muntadher. I’m 18-years-old and originally from Iraq. I came to the U.S. in 2015. I joined REACH when I was 13 years old, thinking at first that it was just a “summer camp.”... READ MORE >
Nur Aga's bio coming soon.
Nur Aga
Joined 2021
Nur Aga
Joined 2021
Nur Aga's bio is coming soon.
I’m Payman. I’m 15-years-old and originally from Afghanistan. I came to the U.S. in the winter of 2019. When I first joined REACH in the spring of 2021, my favorite experience was learning to kayak because you need to be in shape and skilled to go fast and not flip your boat. I have a lot of good memories of all the hikes I have done with REACH, especially the ones out West because they were so diverse with mountains, rivers, lakes, and boulders. As a Peer Mentor, I feel responsible and accountable for my actions. I am a role model to others – newer refugee kids, and while I’m learning my own leadership skills, I’m also teaching and showing others the core values of nature. Kindness flows!
Payman
Joined 2021
Payman
Joined 2021
I’m Payman. I’m 15-years-old and originally from Afghanistan. I came to the U.S. in the winter of 2019. When I first ... READ MORE >
PEER MENTORS-IN-TRAINING.
My name is Cing, and I’m 13 years old. I was born in Malaysia, but my family is from Burma. I arrived in Chicago with my mom and three younger siblings in the winter of 2020. I joined REACH in 2021. I like kayaking and mountain biking, but I also love REACH camping trips where I can hang out with friends and do night hikes. I learned a lot of things while camping like how to make a campfire and how to cook over a fire. Being a Peer Mentor-in-Training makes me a little bit nervous because it’s my first time being a leader, but I’m also excited.
Cing
Joined 2021
Cing
Joined 2021
My name is Cing, and I’m 13 years old. I was born in Malaysia, but my family is from Burma. I arrived in Chicago with my mom and... READ MORE >
I’m Mohammad and I’m 12 years old. I came to Chicago from Afghanistan in 2021. Since joining REACH in 2022, I’ve learned a lot of good things like you need to be brave, and not to be afraid of the dark or the water. I learned a lot of things about nature, leaves, and animals. I speak 3 languages so I try really hard to make sure others understand what is happening during REACH sessions. I am so proud of what I accomplished through REACH so far and of being selected as a future leader.
Mohammad
Joined 2022
Esa
Joined 2022
I’m Mohammad Esa and I’m 12 years old. I came to Chicago from Afghanistan in 2021. Since joining REACH in 2022, I’ve learned a lot of good things, like you need to .. READ MORE >
My name is Mohamed. I'm 12 years old and I'm from Sudan. My brother and I joined REACH 3 months after arriving in Chicago. My first experiences kayaking and ice skating were very challenging, but I am getting better each time I practice. I like helping people so I want to do my best to make other kids feel safe and happy as a Peer Mentor.
Mohamed
Joined 2022
Mohamed
Joined 2022
My name is Mohamed. I'm 12 years old and I'm from Sudan. My brother and I joined REACH 3 months after arriving in Chicago. My first experiences kayaking and ice skating were very ... READ MORE >
My name is Stephano or “Steven” and I am 11 years old. I am originally from Rwanda. I arrived in the U.S. in June 2019 and I joined REACH three years later. My favorite REACH activity so far has been mountain biking in the woods. It was so much fun and so fast. I didn’t fall once. It’s nice to be a Peer Mentor-in-Training because I like helping people. It feels good.
Stephano
Since 2022
Stephano
Joined 2022
My name is Stephano or “Steven” and I am 11 years old. I am originally from Rwanda. I arrived in the U.S. in June 2019 and... READ MORE >
I'm Wagdi and I'm almost 14 years old. My family and I lived in Jordan before coming to Chicago in 2022 as refugees from Sudan. When I joined REACH that summer, I made new friends and learned a lot of interesting things like archery, kayaking, and camping. My favorite experience was getting lost while mountain biking because it taught me how to stay calm like a leader. I really care about helping other people and making them feel safe and calm, while also having fun.
Wagdi
Joined 2022
Wagdi
Joined 2022
I'm Wagdi and I'm almost 14 years old. My family and I lived in Jordan before coming to Chicago in 2022 as refugees from Sudan. When I joined REACH that summer, I made new friends ... READ MORE >
PARTNERS.
Illinois Refugee Social Service Consortium
REACH BOARD.
Shana Wills
Founder / Board President
Shana first became involved with Chicago's refugee community in 1991 as a volunteer tutor in preparation for her work with displaced young people in war-torn Africa. After several years developing accelerated academic curricula and vocational training for Angola’s war orphans and researching the demobilization and reintegration of former child soldiers in places like Mozambique and Eritrea, Shana returned to her work with refugees here in the U.S. As director of Heartland Alliance’s refugee & immigrant community services and later as director of Chicago Public School’s international newcomer center, she focused on improving systems and empowering refugee youth and families in ways that could benefit all. Recognizing a systemic disconnect between American public school culture and refugee families, and a growing need to engage newcomer adolescents in a meaningful way, Shana launched REACH. Shana is also a faculty member at DePaul University and an independent consultant for grassroots refugee organizations. As an avid hiker, cyclist, paddler, and lifelong learner, Shana aspires to share her love for the human and non-human elements of the life-world with REACH participants.
Kristen Huffman-Gottschling
Board Vice President
Kristen has been a licensed social worker for 20+ years. She is also a Professor at UIC's Jane Addams College of Social Work, specializing in the integration of refugee youth in high schools. Kristen is the former Director of Horizons Clinic-World Relief-Chicago, which provided mental health services to refugee families in Albany Park. She currently serves as the Executive Director of PACTT Learning Center.
Steve Key
Board Secretary
Steve is an active REACH volunteer whose professional background is in the arts. He served as the artistic director of Shattered Globe Theatre and he is an ensemble member of American Blues Theatre. Steve recently performed in Tracy Lett’s BUG at Steppenwolf Theatre, and in Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning SWEAT, both on Broadway and on its National Tour. Steve is an outdoor adventure enthusiast who has had a lifelong commitment to service.
Stephanie Thomas
Board Treasurer
Stephanie is a mom who, with Shana, founded and coordinated a Refugee Welcome Project at Whittier Elementary School in Oak Park, raising money and awareness among the school community to address issues facing new refugee families in Chicago. She and her son first joined REACH as volunteers. She is now thrilled to be serving as a board member.
Rasha Al Hasnawi
Board Member
Rasha is a REACH parent who also volunteers at many adventure camp sessions and overnight trips. She and her family arrived as refugees from Iraq in 2015. Rasha has a background in early childhood education and currently works full-time in her field. She is fondly referred to as "REACH den mom" by many youth participants.
Jason Brashares
Board Member
Jason is an Art Director and Eco-Retreat Leader who has assisted REACH with branding, marketing, and volunteering since 2016. He has a wide range of outdoors guiding experience from camping and backpacking trips in the US to large international retreat groups. Jason looks forward to doing all he can to advance the REACH mission.
Sajjad Lafta
Board Member
Sajjad is a former REACH Peer Mentor who arrived as a refugee from Iraq in 2013 when he was 11 years old. He is currently enrolled in college and studying to be a nurse. As a proud graduate of REACH programs, Sajjad understands the positive impact they can have on young people and he looks forward to furthering REACH's vision and scope.
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Jim Berg
Board Member
Jim is an Account Manager with Exclaim, Inc., a creative services marketing company based in Illinois. He's a former ACA certified kayak instructor who, in addition to playing on his fleet of 12 boats (river and sea kayaks, solo and tandem canoes), enjoys cycling, and hiking during his free time. Jim volunteered with REACH for 2 years prior to joining the Board.
REACH STAFF.
Abdul Al Ibrahim
Adventure Sports Coach & Camp Counselor
Abdul is refugee from Syria but spent 5 years in Jordan after fleeing the war. He resettled in Chicago with his mother and two siblings when he was 13 years old. Soon after arriving, Abdul became a REACH summer camp participant, then served as a Peer Mentor until he graduated in 2021. He's currently studying at Oakton Community College and also works a seasonal shift at Chicago River Canoe & Kayak. He joined the REACH team in summer 2022. He enjoys storytelling around a campfire, taking impromptu road trips, and being open to experience.
Elena Harcken
Adventure Sports Coach & Camp Counselor
Elena is finishing her undergraduate degree in Peace, Justice & Conflict Studies and Spanish Language at DePaul University. Prior to joining the team, Elena completed a busy summer internship with REACH and co-facilitated a teen summit with Nature's Farm Camp. She loves any opportunity to adventure, spend time outside, and try new things.
PEER MENTOR ADVISORY CORPS.
Lina
Joined 2018
My name is Lina. I am 15 years old and originally from Iraq. I arrived in Chicago when I was 8 years old. I started with REACH in 2018. I was one of the first girls to join REACH. One of my favorite memories with REACH was our girls’ camping trip. It was just the girls having fun and learning a lot of things. REACH is fun and teaches you a lot of things about different cultures. You meet new people and find out more about them than in normal friendships. There are a lot of adventures, like kayaking, hiking, camping, and you learn to build your own tents and cook meals over the fire. REACH requires a lot of teamwork. As a Peer Mentor, I want to learn to be more patient and be a better leader and try to listen to what the younger kids have to say. A little progress each day adds up to big results!
Kasper
Joined 2016
My name is Kasper. I'm 16 years old and I'm from Chicago. Bio coming soon!
Maisam
Joined 2021
My name is Maisam. I’m a high school senior and originally from Afghanistan. I came to the U.S. in the winter of 2019. My favorite aspect of REACH is the opportunities it provides for refugees, like learning about our abilities and our roles in this place we now call home. As a Peer Mentor, I realized my passion about advocating for my community and how community engagement enables people like me to foster leadership. I also learned how important it is to be open to engaging with others. I am excited that I’ve been accepted to study Political Science at Columbia University next year, but until then I hope to mentor and inspire more refugee kids like me. Leadership doesn't just happen, it's a continuation of engagement and growth!
Masooma
Joined 2021
I’m Masooma. I’m 17 years old and I’m from Afghanistan. I joined REACH in the summer of 2021. My favorite REACH learning activity is kayaking because when I first started, I had no clue what I was doing, but another Peer Mentor taught me to pay attention and listen and watch what he was doing and then put those steps into action. And now I really like helping other kids the same way! I feel pretty lucky to be a Peer Mentor because I’ve gone on a lot of adventures, especially the 10-day trip out west to Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska. I loved being in Wyoming where we had to stop and set up camp before a thunderstorm came. The sky was really pretty and we made a quick dinner before it started raining really hard. Appreciate simplicity and just how much the world has to offer!
