Our mission is to enhance service systems and practices by offering comprehensive training and ongoing support. We’re committed to promoting mental health and wellness for young people and families in Chicago and beyond, giving them the tools and resources they need to thrive.
What We Do
At the Chicago Youth Innovation Hub, we prioritize curiosity and respect in everything we do. Our team brings years of experience in training and supporting community providers and leaders to adopt youth development and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) best practices.
- Balance data with lived and living experience perspectives
- Conduct mixed-methods and participatory research and program evaluation
- Facilitate and teach CQI processes
- Share tools with systems, agencies, programs, and individual staff
Our Expertise
- Training & Professional Development
- Technical Assistance & Consultation
- Mentoring & Coaching
- Mixed Methods Program Evaluation & Research
Meet Our Team
Why are you passionate about working with Chicago youth and families?
Vanessa Klodnick, PhD, LCSW, Director
“I’m committed to changing how our community sees and supports young people in navigating our increasingly complex world. Together we can build youth resilience through strong systems of care, valuing lived experience and data.”
Rebecca Johnson, LCPC, MA, People Manager
“I’m committed to creating sustainable change in youth mental health by supporting community engagement and workforce development. I love connecting with youth, families, and providers to make sense of data and uplift lived experience perspectives to improve service quality.”
Kristina Slacum Jones, MA, CQI SME
“I’m passionate about helping develop systems and practice tools to improve service quality among Chicago’s youth and families. I believe in putting youth and family expertise first in all CQI efforts and co-developing feasible, empowering QI processes that work.”
Brianne LaPelusa, MFA, CRSS, Community Engagement & Training Manager
“My experience navigating care systems and supporting young people in community mental health settings drives my commitment to enhancing and strengthening systems of care for youth and families.”
Abby Mayhue, BA, Youth Lived Experience & Data Specialist
“Working with youth and families inspires me to never stop learning and be brave enough to play. I love supporting a community that uplifts, embraces new perspectives, and challenges society to build a better world for future generations.”
Jennifer Beckham, LCPC, Youth & Family SME
“This work is my passion because I believe that when provided with the right support, education, opportunities and resources, youth can overcome any obstacles in their path and emerge as some of the strongest, most effective leaders of tomorrow.”
Justine Ogbevire, Youth Lived Experience SME
“What continues to motivate me in support of youth and families is creating real change in our communities that provides not only a promise or a vision of hope—but the ability to exist in that change and transform it for the better.”
Brian Bean, BA, Youth Dev. SME
“I’m energized to work with youth because their adaptability and resilience inspires me. Facilitating the building of broad supportive structures to help youth carry the weight imposed on them and support in their journey of self-discovery.”
Shay Hawthorne, LMSW, Survey Design & Analysis
“I’m passionate about working with families and youth because they are the foundation of strong and thriving communities. Through data-driven approaches I aim to amplify people’s voices and contribute to solutions that truly meet the needs of those we serve.”
Our Partners
