Katie Keller Smith – Director of Volunteer Programs
Katie has worked at Mercy Home since 2002. She currently oversees the Friends First mentoring program, as well as the MercyWorks Volunteer Program and the Volunteer Resources Department. Katie received her undergraduate degree from Holy Cross College and holds master’s degrees in Social Work and Pastoral Ministry from Boston College.
Mary Quinn – Friends First Manager
Mary began working with the Friends First mentoring program in 2007. Her experience includes work in several community-based organizations, with 12 years directing an after-school program on Chicago’s West Side. Working with Friends First is a perfect fit for Mary’s two passions—youth development and volunteerism. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Diane Venzera – Volunteer Coordinator
Diane has been with Friends First since August 2009. She began working part time as a Match Support Representative (MSR) and then became the FF Volunteer Coordinator in November 2010. Her experience includes 15 years as a trainer for youth ministry volunteer teams. She is responsible for volunteer recruitment, conducting information sessions, interviews and trainings. She holds a BA from Kent State University.
Mary Ann Pilet – Administrative Assistant
Mary Ann joined the Friends First and Volunteer Resources team in 2004. She is responsible for contacting all new volunteer inquiries via e-mail and phone and providing tutoring and Friends First mentoring information.
Brother Paul McDonough—Family Services Coordinator
A member of the Christian Brothers, Br. Paul joined the Mercy Home staff in 1991. After working a number of years as an educator and Provincial of the order, he has continued his ministry as a Coordinator in the Friends First Program, specializing in family issues. He has completed several graduate-level programs at various universities.
Alberto Paguada - Friends First Coordinator
Alberto has been a part of the Friends First team since 2007. He began working part-time as a Match Support Representative and then became a Friends First Coordinator in 2008. He is responsible for recruiting mentees, organizing outings, conducting home visits with matches and their families and supervising three Match Support Representatives. He provides bilingual services in English and Spanish to clients and service providers, and received his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern Illinois University.
Yaresi Lopez – Friends First Coordinator
Yaresi joined Friends First in 2009. Her previous experience includes working for five years with youth at the Chicago Park District and two years as a substance abuse counselor at Pilsen Wellness Center. She is also bilingual in English and Spanish, and received her bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Amanda Sneed – Friends First Coordinator
Amanda joined Mercy Home in 2009 as a full-time MercyWorks volunteer. During her volunteer year sher worked in School Resources and coordinated tutoring on the boys’ campus. She joined Friends First in July 2010. As a coordinator, Amanda supports mentoring matches and families throughout their time together. Amanda has a BA in Sociology and Gender Studies from the College of Saint Scholastica.
