Leadership Team

Theresa joined the SamaraCare Board in 2020. She works at KeHE Distributors, a natural, specialty and organic food distributor in Naperville. Theresa has worked at KeHE for 18 years, holding various positions. She is now the Director of Partner Excellence. She has an extensive serving background with over a decade of experience partnering with and supporting non-profits. Theresa has served at non-profits mentoring young girls, as well as organizing and serving at soup kitchens. As co-chair of the KeHE Cares committee, Theresa worked with non-profits in countries including Haiti, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. She also co-chaired KeHEs Women Empowered Committee.

“I joined the SamaraCare Board because I believe in the importance of mental health and the need to reduce the stigma surrounding it. It’s critical that those in need are able to get help, and SamaraCare can provide just that.”

Awaiting More Information.

Although Wally joined the SamaraCare’s Board in 2024, his connection to the organization began years earlier. As the owner of Engage Creative, Wally played a pivotal role in SamaraCare’s 2017 rebrand, leading the development of a revised brand platform that included a new vision, mission, and values. His team’s work laid the foundation for a new name, website, and refreshed communications strategy that continues to impact how SamaraCare engages with the communities it serves.

Wally is passionate about helping SamaraCare grow. As a board member, he is committed to supporting its goal of ensuring that no one is ever turned away due to an inability to pay.

“SamaraCare’s mission spoke to me from the moment I was introduced to the organization. Their Mental Health Access Program touched me deeply. It provides reduced-cost care to those who would otherwise have to forgo mental health services.”

Elise joined the SamaraCare board in 2025. She is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst as well as the owner of Focus Consulting & Training, LLC. It provides behavioral and instructional supports to school districts in Chicagoland and all of Illinois. Elise brings 15 years of experience within the mental health and educational fields understanding what community resources are needed and necessary to support families and individuals with mental health needs.

“I joined the SamaraCare Board because their mission to provide affordable, accessible, and holistic mental health services aligns deeply with my professional values as a behavior analyst and my personal commitment to community wellness. I am excited for this opportunity to contribute my professional experience to help strengthen their programs and advocate for equitable mental health access.”
Elise is a member of Good Shepard Lutheran Church of Naperville.

Pamela joined the board in 2024. She is a freelance writer and pastor at Good Shepherd Church in Naperville where she oversees the church’s care and adult ministries. She was also a hospital chaplain for 10 years, specializing in pastoral care to those on trauma, oncology, and mental health units. She has also served in ministries to women, youth, elderly, and people experiencing homelessness.

“I serve on the board of SamaraCare because I fully believe in their mission and the incredible impact they make in the community. It is an honor to serve and support an organization that brings needed hope and light to those who are facing mental health challenges.”

William has served on the Samara Care board beginning in 2025. He is currently retired after working for KeHE Food Distributors for forty years. He supported the growth of KeHE in multiple leadership roles in Sales, Warehouse & Transportation Operations, including being on their Board of Directors for twenty years. He is currently and for fourteen years been a Management Trustee for Teamster Local 705 Pension / Health & Welfare Funds.

I joined the board because of two past co-workers who have been on the board and told me about the mission of Samara Care. Mental health issues are affecting so many people, and assisting Samara Care to continue to provide services that help is inspiring. I want to be part of supporting Samara Care and support them in expanding their services to additional communities.

Mike is the CEO & President of SamaraCare and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with a background in clinical leadership and parish ministry. He holds advanced degrees in social work, theology, and ministry, and has taught courses in pastoral care, counseling, and family systems theory. Mike specializes in treating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and relational issues, using approaches like Bowen family systems theory and Neuro Emotional Technique (NET). He works with adults, couples, families, and older adults. Mike is passionate about supporting healing and personal growth through therapy and coaching. He also serves on the Good Samaritan Hospital Community Health Council. Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with family and playing upright and electric bass.

Gary joined the SamaraCare Board in 2025. He is the CEO and Co-Founder of Castle Law, established in 2003. Castle Law specializes in Real Estate, Estate Planning, Corporate Law, and Civil Litigation. Gary frequently lectures at real estate investor seminars and represents thousands of property investors, businesses, and contractors—from closely held corporations to publicly traded companies. An Eagle Scout, Gary is deeply committed to service and giving back to the community.
“My decision to join the board is unfortunately rooted in my family’s own experiences. In 1991, we tragically lost my oldest brother to mental health struggles. By contributing to SamaraCare’s mission, I hope to play a small part in honoring Jerry’s legacy and help ensure others know they are not alone.”

Gris joined the SamaraCare board in February 2025. She is currently employed by Maker’s Pride. It is a leading company in contract food and packaging solutions with over 12,000 employees across the US and Canada. As Director of Compensation and Benefits, Gris brings over 20 years of experience as a veteran HR leader, known for building high-performing teams and optimizing business outcomes. Her expertise spans employee relations, benefits, compensation and strategic project management.

“I joined the board because I believe in our mission to provide affordable access to high-quality mental health services to those in need. Coming from a community which struggled for decades to obtain mental health care, I am especially passionate about advancing access for underserved populations.”