The Board of Directors
Tera McBlaine joined the board in 2023 and became President in 2026. She deepened her involvement with LCH after volunteering for the agency’s galas for many years. Tera is an aerial and circus arts studio owner and instructor and is passionate about wellness, fun, and community building. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and a Master’s in Exercise Science and has attended Circus School. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Kinesiology. Tera is committed to creating positive change in the world and enjoys volunteering at LCH, where she makes a direct impact on local women and children in need..
Mike Thompson joined the board in 2025 and became Vice President in 2026. He is a 30-year resident of Libertyville and has long been active in the community. His board service has included Libertyville Little League, Carmel Catholic High School, Rotary, and now Lake County Haven. Mike is a 19-year veteran of JLL, where he leads the Workplace Management business for the Americas. He and his wife, Kelly, enjoy spending time with their adult children—Patrick, Kevin, and Annie—as well as traveling and enjoying all that Libertyville, Lake County, and Chicago have to offer. They can often be seen walking their collies, Lincoln and Wilson, around town.
Laura Hoult joined the Board in 2022 and became Treasurer in 2024. She had been a Haven supporter for many years prior to joining the board. Known in Libertyville as Dr. Brown, she is the owner and veterinarian at Greentree Animal Hospital. She received her veterinary training at the University of Illinois and later pursued professional opportunities in California and Idaho before returning to Illinois. Laura has deep empathy for women and children experiencing homelessness and is passionate about helping them access opportunities to build the lives they deserve. She and her husband are empty nesters in Libertyville and enjoy spending time with their daughters, Sara and Clare.
David Styler joined the board in 2024 and became Secretary in 2026. He is originally from Westchester, Illinois, and attended Indiana University before earning his law degree at The John Marshall Law School. He worked for over thirteen years as a state and federal prosecutor, followed by more than twenty years in the pharmaceutical and biotech field, focusing on ethics and compliance. He and his wife, Peg, raised their four children in Libertyville. He enjoys spending time at their lake house with his grandchildren and has long been involved in efforts addressing homelessness. He believes strongly that all people deserve stable housing, food, and the opportunity to live a healthy and faith-filled life.
Angela Deputy joined the board in 2026 after many years of volunteering on the LCH event committee. She is a Human Resources executive with more than three decades of experience and a strong background in organizational development. Her career includes roles at Walgreens, Roche Diagnostics, Volkswagen, and Heartland Veterinary Partners. She holds an MBA from LaSalle University. Angela enjoys running, cooking, and spending time with her husband, Doug, and their two sons, Nicolas and David. She is committed to helping women and children transition from homelessness to independence.
Kelly Elliott joined the board in 2026. She has a professional background in Human Resources and Organizational Development including leadership roles at Walgreens, National Grid, Baxter International and CDW. She previously worked in social services and has since spent many years volunteering with a variety of charitable organizations. Kelly holds an M.S. degree in Human Resources and Organizational Development and served on the advisory board of Lake County Haven’s Corporate Partnership Program prior to joining the board. Kelly enjoys exercising, playing golf with her husband David, hiking, baking and traveling. She is committed to helping others and is dedicated to advancing the mission of Lake County Haven.
Angelo Franchi joined the Lake County Haven board in 2021. He was born in Chicago and raised in Bensenville and now lives in Spring Grove with his wife of more than thirty years. He holds an MBA from Olivet Nazarene University and has worked in various finance roles for over 20 years. Angelo is dedicated to serving others and has a special place in his heart for women and children who are struggling. He finds fulfillment in supporting others and contributing to their well-being.
Manny Gueli joined the board in 2025. He is a Director at Amgen with more than 25 years of experience in life science information technology. He holds a degree in Computer Science from Northern Illinois University. Originally from Arlington Heights, Illinois, Manny now lives in Lake Villa with his wife, Kristy, and their children, Sofia and Vincent. He is passionate about giving back to the community and supporting organizations that strengthen and protect families. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf.
Cindy Malin joined the Lake County Haven board in 2026. She has dedicated decades to volunteer service and is actively involved with a wide range of charitable organizations, with a focus on supporting children, addressing food insecurity, assisting individuals experiencing homelessness, promoting physical health for girls, and contributing to after-school programs. She has also served on boards and committees related to the arts, global issues, and school parent-teacher organizations. Cindy is currently employed at Lake Zurich High School as the theater department’s house manager and also works as a fitness instructor. She attends the Lutheran Church of the Atonement in Barrington, Illinois and believes strongly that everyone should do what they can to make the world a better place. She is committed to supporting the mission of Lake County Haven.
Iliana Mora joined the Lake County Haven Board in 2026. She is President of Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and a recognized healthcare executive with 25 years of leadership experience. In addition to her work in the healthcare system, she previously served as President and CEO of Women Employed in Chicago, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the economic status of women. Ileana has served on a number of boards, including the Ravinia Music Festival and the Economic Club of Chicago. She holds a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois and has received numerous awards for her leadership and community service. She is committed to supporting the mission of Lake County Haven.
Erin Sykes joined the Board in 2026. She is employed at Exelixis, Inc., where she brings experience in sales, marketing, and medical affairs, with a focus on healthcare insights and translating complex scientific and clinical information into meaningful strategy. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Erin has spent her career working with physicians, researchers, and healthcare leaders in oncology and other therapeutic areas to help improve patient outcomes. She has lived in Lake County for over 30 years with her husband and dogs, where they raised their three children. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and attending concerts. Erin previously volunteered at Lake County Haven’s annual galas and remains committed to building strong communities through compassion, service, and advocacy.
The Staff
Laura Sabino is the Executive Director of the Lake County Haven and has served in that capacity for over 25 years. Laura earned her BA from the University of Colorado/Boulder and her MA at Ohio State. Laura’s career in women’s services began in 1985 when she began counseling women on a crisis-line. She has since worked as a program director, volunteer coordinator, case manager, counselor, and workshop leader. She has worked as a nonprofit manager since 1994, most of that time being an executive director. Her work has concentrated in the areas of mental health, addiction, domestic violence, sexual assault, and homelessness. Laura has earned certificates in financial management, fundraising, and conflict resolution. Laura will tell anyone who will listen that there is no place like the Haven. She sees every day that the residents work from dawn to dusk to try to become independent again. She considers it an honor to work on their behalf. Laura enjoys reading, making music and enjoying nature.
Kate Ceithaml is the Philanthropy Coordinator at the Lake County Haven. For the first four years of her tenure at the Haven, Kate served as a Case Manager. Kate had a tremendous positive impact on our residents. So we were very sorry to see her leave after the birth of her son, Aidan. But we couldn’t be happier that she has re-joined us, in 2012, this time working on community outreach and fundraising. Kate is from Lake County and was drawn to the Haven due to its mission of helping women to become independent. She earned her BA from Purdue University with a major in Psychology. Kate spends her free time with her husband and their son. She enjoys reading and being outdoors.
Kalie Schultz is the Development Coordinator at Lake County Haven. Kalie grew up in the suburbs of Minneapolis, MInnesota and has lived in Seattle, Washington and Montpellier, France. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, Kalie pursued a career in events; planning weddings and large parties and then moved on to the corporate event sphere. Kalie knew she had a different calling which led her to the non-profit realm and ultimately, Lake County Haven. Kalie lives in Lake Zurich with her husband and two sons. She enjoys biking, gardening, healthy cooking, and traveling.
Jeff Lyall is our Volunteer & Resource Coordinator. Jeff graduated with a B.A. in Economics and French from the State University New York and a Degré Supérieur from the Sorbonne University in Paris. Jeff began full time work at the Haven in 2020. Jeff enjoys his job, connecting people in the community with ways they can help homeless women and children. Jeff is passionate about improving the planet, the human condition, and animal rights. He currently shares his life with a black and white cat named Augie which he rescued, abandoned, from a forest preserve.
Jeff Keske is our Property Manager.
Rachel Ruksakiati is our Accountant. Rachel grew up in New Jersey and then went to Indiana University to get a degree in accounting. She is a CPA and worked in public accounting and as a controller. Rachel’s first professional job was in Chicago, and that is how she came to live in the area. Rachel is married, lives in Buffalo Grove, and has three adult children. She loves exercising, hiking, traveling, visiting with friends, and making delicious chocolate desserts. Rachel also loves working at the Haven. She likes knowing that together we are helping women succeed and have a fulfilling life.
Elin Davies is our Administrative Assistant. Elin hails from Elmhurst, but currently resides in Grayslake with her husband and Labradoodle. She has three children who are now independent adults. Elin has many years of experience working in office settings. She also has a floral design certificate and has worked in several floral shops where she designed arrangements for many different occasions. Elin is drawn to work where she can help people, either directly or indirectly. She especially loves to hear about our clients’ success stories. In her free time, Elin enjoys gardening, painting furniture, and visiting family in sunny Florida.
Sharon Jones is the Program Coordinator at the Lake County Haven. She has an Applied Sciences degree in social work with a specialization in substance abuse counseling (CADC). Having once been a resident in our shelter, Sharon knows the Haven program inside and out. Sharon had become homeless due to an addiction, but she has now been in recovery since 2004. Originally from the western suburbs, Sharon now lives in Lake County. She is the proud mother of 3 beautiful children. Sharon loves helping the women and children of the Haven transcend their current struggles to enjoy the life that lies ahead.
Julia Dimitriou is a Counselor/Case Manager at LCH. Julia is a successful graduate of Lake County Haven and has been sober since February 2016. Julia attributes the wonderful life she has now to the Haven. Her experience in homelessness and addiction inspired her to become a counselor so she may help others as she had been helped. Julia lives in Grayslake with her husband, two boys and their dog, Duncan. Julia loves to sing and dance, so much so that she is a member of the CLC Chamber Chorus and she can frequently be found doing Zumba and Werq classes at the gym. She even teaches LCH residents Zumba twice per week!
Crystal Fox is a Counselor/Case Manager at LCH. Crystal came to LCH as an intern in 2021. At the time she was earning a dual masters in forensic mental health and counseling at Adler University. She has since completed that degree and earned her LPC credential. Crystal was hired as a full-time C/CM in 2023. Crystal feels compelled to do this work… finding great satisfaction in being that nonjudgemental, fully-present, trusted person that each of our residents can count on. In her spare time, Crystal enjoys gymnastics, baking, and exploring new places.
Lisamarie Keskar is a Counselor. Lisamarie came to LCH as an intern, and, as she likes to say it, ‘won’t leave.’ Well, we don’t want her to! Lisamarie brings a wealth of experience and education to the table. She has many years of experience working in the field of homelessness. She earned an Associates degree in addiction counseling as well as a Masters degree in divinity. She also has a certificate in trauma counseling. Lisamarie is passionate about helping women identify their challenges and find creative ways to transcend them. She lives with two adorable cats. She enjoys reading, cooking, singing, drumming, and gardening. And she plays in the CLC concert band.
Wendy Mabbett is a Counselor and Group Facilitator. Wendy was born and raised in Waukegan. She has worked as a counselor for more than eighteen years. She has an Associates degree and a CADC. Wendy is passionate about helping others in the way that she was helped herself. She has over nineteen years of sobriety. In 2020 Wendy and her husband moved to Tennessee to live on a beautiful lake, and they have never looked back. Wendy still provides services at LCH via the internet and phone. In her free time Wendy likes to volunteer, practice yoga, go boating, fish, and generally be in nature.
Bruce LeBlanc is a Group Facilitator. A committed learner, Bruce holds an array of masters degrees and a PhD. He is also an ordained member of the clergy. Bruce facilitates groups for the Haven residents… usually focusing on recovery and spirituality. He strives to create content that is positive and affirming while also being challenging. Bruce relocated to Portland with his husband. They like to enjoy all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer, especially the local jazz scene.
Meghan Chamberlain is a Project Manager. Meghan grew up in Lake County but currently lives in McHenry with her partner and two children. She earned a BA in Counseling Psychology at North Park University, and she is currently working toward her Masters in Social Work from Aurora University. Meghan’s professional history includes working with adults and children experiencing mental health issues, domestic violence, and homelessness. It is a great passion of hers to continue this work, which is why she loves working at the Haven. Meghan also loves to spend time with family and friends, enjoys being outside and feeling the sun on her back, and loves visiting her mom in the Montana wilderness.
Missy Ivarone is a Group Facilitator at the Haven. Missy earned her Masters of Social Work from Loyola University and is currently working toward obtaining her CADC. Missy is known for her excellent clinical skills which she puts to use every day that she spends at LCH. Missy is well known for her warmth, pragmatism, and sense of humor. Missy has always been passionate about helping others and truly believes that anyone can create a meaningful life with support, guidance, and compassion. Missy is the proud mother of two children and adores animals. Missy enjoys camping, walks, beaches, lakes, hiking and dancing in the rain.
Barbara McCarty is a Site Supervisor II at the Haven, and has been for 25 years. Barbara makes sure that the shelter environment is orderly and calm during her shifts. Having once been a resident of our program, Barbara can assure our current residents that there is a way out of homelessness. Having survived domestic violence, and being in recovery from addiction since 1997, Barbara has ‘walked a mile’ in the footsteps of our clients. She is a constant source of guidance and inspiration for them.
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