Meet our
Leaders

Nate is a family man with a deep drive to serve others. “My faith and my ethos are aligned with the mission of Outreach." The calling I have pursued has been focused on justice: “Learn to do right. Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17)

Nate has a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Social Work and a Masters in Business Administration from Cornell University. He joined Outreach in 2021 and brings over 14 years of nonprofit and development experience to our team. “Many of the folks we work with face obstacles that challenge their opportunity to be all they can be. It’s incredible to serve at an organization focused on building relationships and removing those obstacles. I’m inspired by our team daily, and it’s an honor to serve at Outreach.”

Nate and his wife have four children. Nate loves anything to do with the outdoors, including hunting and camping. He’s also an avid sports fan, especially for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Vanessa has been part of the Outreach mission since interning with us in 1989. Why? “I’m passionate about offering new and impactful experiences to people who haven’t had the same opportunities many of us have had. And I’m passionate about serving people. All people are made in God’s image with the dignity that only God gives. Outreach believes all people are worth serving and all have the capacity to learn and grow. I love presenting the opportunity people have to find a relationship with Jesus.”

Vanessa has a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, and a Master’s Degree in social work, and has put those skills to work across all of our locations over the years. She’s a key part of strategizing how best to serve clients, finding creative ways to love our neighbors and help transform lives.

When she’s not working, Vanessa loves spending time with friends and family, traveling, reading, and perfecting her putt.

David has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting, a Doctorate Degree in Ethical Leadership, and professional certifications as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). David brings a wealth of experience and a unique blend of industry and academic expertise to the role.

Throughout his thirty-year career, David has held key positions, including Chief Financial Officer and Controller. His professional journey has equipped him with the skills to implement and enhance internal controls, deliver timely and transparent financial reports, and foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees.

Beyond his impressive professional accomplishments, David embodies a commitment to Servant Leadership. In a landscape where financial success often takes precedence, David's perspective underscores the belief that both people and profits can be prioritized for the benefit of the organization. This philosophy aligns seamlessly with Outreach's mission and values.

Matthew is a bilingual non-profit leader motivated by faith to express excellence, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to program service delivery. In his 20+ years with Outreach, Matthew has been a case manager, Case Management Program Coordinator, Executive Director of Puente De Pueblo in West Chicago (Outreach’s service site in collaboration with Wheaton Bible Church) and the Senior Program Officer. In his current position, Matthew oversees all Neighborhood Resource Centers, Volunteer Services, and Government Grants. He is known for leadership acumen, cultural intelligence, being a developer of people, staying relationally engaged, and driving successful external collaborations among program teams.

Matthew’s distinctive style of relational leadership supports and exhorts staff, resulting in true accountability, a positive organizational culture, and program impact. Matthew has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies with an emphasis in Community Development, both from Wheaton College.

Matthew was selected for participation in The Allstate Foundation’s “Greater Good Nonprofit Leaders Cohort” from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management's Center for Nonprofit Management, Chicago, IL and is a 2018 Aspen Ideas Festival Scholar.

Joe brings 17 years of fundraising experience, including over nine years with the organization. Joe has a proven track record in developing and executing comprehensive fundraising plans for nonprofits and academic institutions. Joe has successfully driven many fundraising initiatives to the finish line with impressive outcomes. Joe excels in communication and relationship-building, engaging donors and corporate partners effectively.

Joe's skills include nonprofit management sports management, and relationship-oriented fundraising. Inspired by Outreach's mission to empower people to become all the people should be, Joe has spearheaded major fundraising efforts, modernized fundraising standards, expanded the leadership partner donors, and deepened relationships with younger donors.

Joe holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Oregon (2008) and a master’s degree from Drexel University (2011). He loves sports, the outdoors, his dogs, and spending time with family and friends.

Eric has over 15 years of experience in marketing and communications, specializing in non-profits and local government sectors. His professional journey is deeply influenced by his personal commitment as a devoted foster, adoptive, and biological father, which has given him a profound compassion for supporting vulnerable populations and understanding of the transformative power of community outreach.

Eric holds a Master's in Public Administration from Aurora University, a Graduate Certificate in Organizational Communication from Liberty University, and a Bachelor's in Communications from Judson University. Throughout his career, he has spearheaded award-winning communications and community impact initiatives, demonstrating his expertise and dedication to making a meaningful difference.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Eric enjoys the outdoors and is passionate about the communities we serve.

Dr. Griswold is a licensed clinical psychologist (LCP) and has sixteen years of clinical experience in a variety of settings including community mental health, inpatient settings, college counseling, and group practice. Dr. Griswold is especially passionate about leadership, inspiring others to step courageously into their vocation.

Dr. Griswold earned her Doctor of Psychology at Wheaton College (where she also teaches graduate programs) and completed her fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital. Other areas of clinical interest include issues of faith and spirituality, multicultural identity, attachment, complex trauma, and life transitions.

Additionally, she is pursuing a certification through Postpartum Support International, supporting women’s perinatal mental health. Stephanie is married to Brandon with 3 children.

Alejandro Estrada has a bachelor’s degree from Aurora University and is the Social Enterprise Director. Alejandro joined Outreach in 2024 and shares a special connection with many of our staff as a fellow alum of the institution.

Alejandro is an operations manager with a proven record of success in multi-location management and leadership. He is fluent in Spanish and has exceptional skills in employee relations, training program design, and stakeholder collaboration.

Alejandro brings demonstrated experience in operations management, leadership, and team development. He has succeeded in optimizing processes, fostering a motivated workforce, and driving growth initiatives.

Alejandro's leadership and vision will help scale our social enterprise initiatives and advance our Kingdom mission.

Emanuel (Manny) Ortiz has joined Outreach as the Senior Human Resources Officer, bringing extensive experience in compliance, policy development, and organizational management. He began his career at Northwestern Medicine and eventually became the Director of Compliance and Training at a partnership lab. Manny's professional journey also includes roles with several esteemed non-profits in Chicago, where he served as the Director of Human Resources and Workforce Development. Most recently, he held the position of Interim Director of People and Culture at The Night Ministry.

Manny holds a bachelor's degree in business management and organizational leadership and is currently pursuing his MBA. Outside of work, he and his wife enjoy spending time with their son and dog. They are committed to ministry and love uplifting others. Manny hopes that his work reflects Christ's light, in alignment with Matthew 5:16: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven".

Shalina Ferrera, MA serves as Outreach’s Senior Data Officer, providing strategic oversight of the organization’s data systems, governance, and analytics infrastructure. In this role, she leads a team of specialists across multiple databases, establishes data standards and values, and coaches staff in using data effectively to support informed decision-making.

Shalina brings eight years of institutional knowledge and progressive leadership experience at Outreach. She has previously served as a Human Resources Assistant, Human Resources Recruiter, Resource Development Database Manager, and Director of Data. During her tenure, she has played a key role in selecting and optimizing databases that support organizational growth and operational excellence.

Shalina earned her bachelor’s degree from Judson University, majoring in Communications with minors in Graphic Design and Mathematics, and holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She approaches leadership with a confident, kind, and clear posture, bringing warmth, humor, and high expectations to her work. Guided by Colossians 3:23, Shalina strives to work wholeheartedly for the Lord. Outside of work, she enjoys puzzles, reading, cooking, baking, and early-morning workouts.