Our Board

BOARD PRESIDENT

What is your professional experience?

I currently work as a Transaction Specialist at JP Morgan Chase, where my primary focus is on account reconciliation.

What drew you to CAT?

I was initially introduced to Chicago Adventure Therapy (CAT) in 2018 as a participant through joint programming with The Night Ministry. What intrigued me the most about CAT was its unique approach to providing traditional outdoor and adventure sports experiences while intentionally using nature as a tool for healing. I believe that this approach has immense potential and is very much needed in today's world.

What superpower do you bring to CAT’s Board of Directors?

As a former participant in CAT's programs, I possess the invaluable experience of having seen and felt firsthand the transformative impact of CAT's work on the lives of its participants. I think that CAT's mission to bring the benefits of outdoor sports and adventure to a wider and new group of young and passionate folks is a wonderful way to blend these interests and have a positive impact in the lives of others.

BOARD MEMBER

What is your professional experience?

I specialize in Executive and Business Coaching, as well as Human Resources. With a wealth of experience in these areas, I have honed my skills to support leaders in their growth and development.

What drew you to CAT?

I was initially first introduced to CAT by a colleague. CAT's mission of exposing youth from marginalized communities to outdoor adventure deeply resonated with me, and I was particularly drawn to the intentionality of the CEO in developing leaders of color, including former program participants.

What other organizations are you involved with?

In addition to my involvement with CAT, I proudly serve on the Board of Directors for TUCC Childcare.

What superpower do you bring to CAT’s Board of Directors?

As a member of CAT's Board of Directors, I bring my expertise in executive coaching and human resources. I have the ability to provide strategic guidance on organizational growth and executive leadership development.

BOARD MEMBER

What is your professional experience?

I bring over 15 years of strategic Human Resources experience across healthcare, logistics, media, and professional services. My career has centered on organizational development, leadership coaching, workforce planning, and helping executives build strong, inclusive, high-performing teams. As a trusted HR Business Leader, I have consistently aligned people strategy with business needs to strengthen culture, elevate talent, and drive sustainable organizational growth.

What drew you to CAT?

I was inspired by CAT’s mission to provide outdoor adventure, therapeutic support, and community-centered healing for marginalized youth in Chicago. Their commitment to blending clinically grounded models with joy, belonging, and equity deeply resonates with my own values. I joined the board because I believe CAT’s work is transformational—empowering young people to build confidence, resilience, and connection through experiences they often aren’t given access to.

What other organizations are you involved with?

In addition to CAT, I have volunteered with Think Outside Da Block, My Block My Hood My City, and Public Equity. Each of these organizations reflects my commitment to empowering underserved communities and expanding access to meaningful resources. Through this work, I’ve been able to support initiatives that promote safety, opportunity, and positive pathways for Chicago’s youth.

What superpower do you bring to CAT’s Board of Directors?

My superpower is my ability to combine strategic HR leadership with a deep passion for community development, helping organizations create programs that prepare young people for the future. I bring a talent for building relationships, aligning vision with action, and ensuring that mission-driven work is supported by strong structure, planning, and engagement. Most importantly, I am deeply committed to helping Chicago grow by expanding opportunities, resources, and experiences for the youth who need them most.

BOARD MEMBER

Chris von Briesen has a diverse paddlesport background that includes extended canoe-tripping in Canada’s NWT, whitewater kayaking in NE Wisconsin, and sea kayaking on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. His tripping experiences culminated with a Canuck (29 days/450mi) and later, an Expeditionary Canuck (50 days/750mi). Mr. von Briesen continues to coach at the Door County Sea Kayak Symposium and has been invited to coach at the Qajaq Training Camp.
Mr. von Briesen’s experience working with youth started as a counselor/trip leader at Camp Manito-wish YMCA. He has been a volunteer at the Urban Ecology Center (UEC) near his home in Milwaukee, WI. His UEC experiences include assisting with school programming, outdoor events at all three branches, and staff trainings.
Mr. von Briesen has been a volunteer with CAT for several years, participating at whitewater events, WMSKS, and two Apostle Island treks.
Mr. von Briesen was presented the “Tom Brady of Kayak Coaching” award at an Apostle event.
As a clinical research professional, Mr. von Briesen brings a diverse background to the board. His experience includes project management, data acquisition/management, QA/QI processes, Team leadership, and regulatory affairs. Mr. von Briesen has worked on multiple projects focused on cardiac resuscitation in both the academic setting and in private industry. He has co-authored papers on CPR. Mr. von Briesen was a FF/EMT for a service that provided 911 responses and critical care transports. Most recently, Mr. von Briesen led a team of ten COVID case investigators as a contracted Team lead for the Milwaukee Health Department.