Meet the New Faces at RMHC-CNI
Allison Kipphut, Director, Family-Centered Care
Why RMHC-CNI: My background is in child welfare where my focus and passion was strengthening and supporting families. I love that I can continue doing what I love to do here. I’m very proud to work for an organization that is invested in furthering efforts in family-centered care. And the team here is amazing!
Fun Fact: I’ve hiked England’s highest mountain.
Shari Cacho, Human Resources Manager
Why RMHC-CNI: RMHC is for me because the mission and what it stands for is beyond selfless. RMHC touches the lives of those who need a helping hand.
Fun Fact: My two daughters and I all have the same middle name “Christine”.
Abby Milner, Volunteer Services Manager
Why RMHC-CNI: Having known multiple families who stayed at a Ronald McDonald House prior to my employment, it was a very clear and easy decision. The reach and impact of RMHC-CNI is vast and I am very happy and proud to have joined the team!
Fun Fact: I have a giant dog named Rubie. She is a rescue who is a mix of an English Mastiff and Cane Corso. She’s over 100lbs!
Jen Bakula, Executive Assistant to Holly Buckendahl, CEO
Why RMHC-CNI: I can’t imagine navigating one of my children being hospitalized and having to do that away from home. I’m grateful to be part of an organization that supports families being close to their sick children and providing a home away from home.
Fun Fact: Food is an event at my house. Cooking with my family is one of my favorite things to do.
Megan Kuehl, Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations
Why RMHC-CNI: I am inspired by the mission of RMHC and by the families we serve!
Fun Fact: I love all things sports
Sam Schmidt, Family Services Manager
Why RMHC-CNI: I love to interact with families from all over the country while ensuring they can be together and comfortable during difficult times and I really believe in the mission of RMHC.
Fun Fact: I love college basketball!
Melanie Keen, Manager of Community Engagement
Why RMHC-CNI: The work that RMHC-CNI does for families is truly phenomenal, and the work couldn’t be done without our amazing volunteers. Seeing the joy and passion that volunteers have for our mission is one of the very best parts of working here!
Fun Fact: I’ve been collecting baseball cards since I was 6 and it’s become a weird passion of mine since then.
Molly Gilbride, Director of Major Gifts
Why RMCH-CHI: Because I wanted to work with an organization where I was close to a mission that is near and dear to my heart, both personally and professionally.
Latosha Turner, Overnight Family Services Manager
Fun Fact: I am a fur baby mom. I have 2 chihuahuas, Maxx 11 and Suga Cane 10.
Ariana Berdin, Family Service Coordinator
You will see her at the Ronald McDonald House Family Room inside Comer Children’s.
Jozana Sithole, Coordinator, Volunteer Services
You will see him at the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s.
Meg Usher, Development Coordinator
Why RMCH-CHI: To be able to build relationships with partners that will help make a difference in the lives of others.
Jon Gonzalez, Family Services Manager
You will see him at both the Ronald McDonald House Family Room inside Lurie Children’s and the Ronald McDonald House inside Northwestern Prentice