who we are

Violence is never justified.
Founded in 1980, Sarah’s Inn has grown to be one of the most comprehensive domestic violence agencies serving the City of Chicago and the Western Suburbs. Our mission is to improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence and to break the cycle of violence for future generations. Sarah’s Inn has three core program areas: The Intervention Program provides supportive services for families affected by domestic violence in order to safely navigate crises, effectively process trauma and establish self-sufficiency. The Together Strong Project provides school-based violence prevention education programming for youth. The Training and Education Program maximizes reach by creating a network of skilled bystanders to appropriately intervene as first responders and community advocates. Sarah’s Inn engages over 23,000 individuals annually across our three program areas.
Mission
The mission of Sarah's Inn is to improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence and to break the cycle of violence for future generations.
Vision
- Together, we will create communities free of relationship violence.
values & beliefs
values:
value #1:We value innovation, holistic approaches, and partnerships that result in meaningful outcomes.
value #2:Teamwork, trust, and respect are essential parts of a supportive and healthy work environment.
value #3:We foster a fair and just work environment that promotes professional growth, leadership, and ingenuity.
value #4:We value transparency in leadership and decision-making.
Beliefs
belief #1:Everyone deserves safe, respectful, and supportive relationships that are free from abuse.
belief #2:Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence.
belief #3:The purpose of violence is to establish and maintain power and control.
belief #4:Violence is a learned behavior and choice for which one must be held accountable.
belief #5:Anyone who has experienced violence has the right to assistance and protection.
belief #6:We all have a responsibility to end violence.
Leadership
-
Executive director
Carol Gall, MA, ICDVP
carolg@sarahsinn.org -
associate director
Meg Hefty, ICDVP, CPAIP
megh@sarahsinn.org -
finance and
operations directorPeg Heslinga
pegh@sarahsinn.org -
development director
Marilyn Tamayo
marilynt@sarahsinn.org
Questions or inquiries about the Board of Directors?
Contact Carol Gall, Executive Director, carolg@sarahsinn.org
Questions or inquiries about the Associate Board?
Contact Kelly Mitchell, Development and Communications Associate, development@sarahsinn.org
our board
board of directors
Jessica Rogers
President
Pembroke Court Home Styling
Kim Wojack, MBA
Vice President, Fund Development
Baird and Warner
Gregory Wolski, CPA
Treasurer
Floyd Advisory LLC
Shirley Moore, CNM
Secretary
Elmhurst Clinic
Jennifer Ricks
Immediate Past President
HR Consultant
Natalie Beckett, JD
Member
Prosperum Fintech Holding
Jennifer Biehler
Member
JDRF
Stephen DePooter
Member
Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL
Samantha Dockery
Member
LOVELUVV Champagne
Melanie Dykstra
Member
Dominican University
Frank Flosman
Member
AmeriHealth Caritas
Oliver Gunanto
Member
Brookfield Properties
Camille Hoover
Member
@ Properties
Julie Mehta, JD
Member
Ecolab
Angela Morris, MPH, MSW
Member
Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital
Marian Sassetti, MD, FAAFP
Member
Retired Family Physician
Sarah Fransene Spelman
Member
Cook County Public Defender
Maura Zinni
Member
Retired School Superintendent
associate board
Madeline Strand
President
Gladiator Tennis
Guadalupe Rodriguez
Vice-President
Endeavor Health
Bianca Verheecke
Secretary
River Forest Public Schools
Emily Brouilette
Member
U3 Coffee
Kathryn Conway, JD
Member
Power Rogers
Susan Fruth
Member
University of Chicago
Brooke Kelly
Member
Mortenson
Karen Kitto
Member
Pro Musica Youth Chorus
Amelia Love
Member
CG Life
Elizabeth Newhart
Member
Shaker Recruitment Marketing
Kathleen O'Neill
Member
Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
Kait Heard Putignano
Member
Welty Energy
Nicky Rompza
Member
ReNew Studio
Lizbeth Saucedo
Member
CIBC
Megan Wholey
Member
The Wholey Poitras Group Family Wealth Advisors
Lorin Wuerth
Member
Cook County State's Attorney
