Susan Reyna-Guerrero, LCSW

Executive Director

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Susan is a seasoned administrator and leader with more than 30 years of social service experience, all of which have been spent in the Chicago community. Prior to joining Covenant House Illinois, Susan worked as Director of Programs at Children's Place Association. In this role, Susan was responsible for the operations of the Organization's domestic programs, including the Early Learning Center, Family & Community Services, Foster & Adoptive Care and the Residential Center. She spent 16 years of her career at Beacon Therapeutic Diagnostic and Treatment Center where she served as Chief Executive Officer. Susan has dedicated her career to focusing on helping to systematically advance the issues surrounding homelessness, and its resulting impact on children's mental health, physical health and overall well-being.

Amy Laird, LCSW

Director of Programs & Program Implementation

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Amy is a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has been working with at-risk youth for the past fifteen years. She started her career as an Intensive Foster Care Social Worker, and has continued to work with at-risk youth throughout her career as a Psychiatric Social Worker, Residential Clinician and Clinical Director. Throughout her career, Amy has been instrumental in program design and implementation across multiple Organizations, and brings to Covenant House Illinois a depth of experience that is vital to running effective programming. 

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Mimi Alschuler

Director of Development

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Mimi has been working in the non-profit sector for two decades. She was previously the Development Director at the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago. During this time, she oversaw government and foundation grants, corporate giving, major gifts, large and small events, and planned giving and donor relations. Mimi has dedicated her life and career to working with the most vulnerable people in Chicago and Illinois. She has extensive knowledge of homeless services and will be a vital asset moving forward in the next phase of our growth here at Covenant House

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Chris Murphy

Director of Finance

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Chris has worked in the field of Finance for over 20 years and brings a great set of skills and experiences to Covenant House. His work stints include time in Banking, Financial Planning and Analysis, and Controllership roles. His most recent experience was at a non-profit, where he provided financial leadership to turn around the organization and put it in a sound financial position. Throughout his career, Chris has been known as a solid leader of financial processes, budgeting, and financial stewardship that helped organizations reach their goals. He looks forward to helping Covenant House Illinois as they move into their exciting growth phase to help more youth in the Chicago area!

Jennifer Nelson Seals, MSHRM

Director of Administration & Operations​

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Jennifer Nelson Seals comes to Covenant House with over 27 years of not-for-profit management and executive leadership experience. She has been nationally recognized by the National Health Care for the Homeless for her strong leadership and ability to manage high risk-populations, forging strong relationships with hospitals, managed care organizations and community partners. Prior to joining Covenant House, she helped establish The Boulevard of Chicago, a medical respite center for homeless individuals. Serving as CEO for 17 years, helping to bridge the gap for vulnerable homeless populations, advocating for services, and bringing awareness about homelessness Nationally. Jennifer has served on various boards, committees and task- force with All Chicago, National Health care for the Homeless, National Coalition for the Homeless, Service Provider Commission, Center for Health and House and more. Mrs. Nelson Seals has a certificate in Executive Management in Nonprofits, holds a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Roosevelt University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Robert Morris College.