Kate Garbarek (she/her) – Development Director
Kate joined Youth Services in 2025 with nearly 20 years of experience supporting community nonprofits in development and communications. As the Director of Development and Communications at Kenneth Young Center, she led a strategic modernization of fundraising, events, public relations, volunteer services, marketing, and branding to build upon the agency’s successful growth. Prior to that, she led the Friendship Senior Options Foundation, managing the foundation’s fundraising and grant management processes. She also served on the development team for Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago and interned with ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She graduated from Miami University with a BA in Strategic Communications and a BA in Comparative Religion with a minor in Anthropology. She earned her Fund Raising Management Certificate from the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University-Purdue University.
In her role at Youth Services, Kate oversees the philanthropic activities of the agency, including major gift development, grant management, events, community engagement, and communication strategies.
Erin Miller (she/her) – Development Manager – Special Events
Erin joined Youth Services in 2017 as Development Manager overseeing Special Events. She brings 26 years of fundraising and event management experience to Youth Services from her previous development roles in the non-profit sector. Prior to Youth Services, Erin spent more than 15 years in development and event management with JDRF, and began her career in event management at the Gateway Charitable Foundation.
Erin graduated from Marquette University with a BA in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing. While at Marquette, she interned with the Wisconsin Council on Children & Families.
In her role at Youth Services, Erin oversees the agency’s signature events—including the Spring Gala, Golf Outing, and Concert—as well as the stewardship of event participants and donors.
Jennifer Fitch (she/her) – Director – Operations and Volunteers
Jennifer joined Youth Services in 2017, bringing a background in operations, data management, and project coordination. While living in the Netherlands, she worked in IT leading data and reporting initiatives and earned her Marketing degree from Webster University in Leiden. Her analytical mindset and organizational skills support efficient systems and problem-solving across the agency.
As Director of Operations and Volunteers, Jennifer oversees facility operations, office and administrative support, and front-desk services to ensure the organization runs smoothly. She also leads volunteer engagement, developing meaningful opportunities and stewarding relationships with both individual and group volunteers. In addition, Jennifer coordinates the agency’s wish list and in-kind donations, helping connect community generosity with Youth Services’ mission.
Michelle Brody (she/her) – Development Manager – Marketing and Community Outreach
Michelle joined Youth Services in 2018. She is no stranger to the Glenview community, having helped successfully manage the launches of two small local businesses in the fitness industry. She had lived in Glenview since 2006 with her husband and two kids. She brings a wealth of event planning and business experience to Youth Services, with experience in both corporate event management and catering sales in the Chicago hospitality market. Michelle holds a degree in Recreation Management and Policy from the University of New Hampshire.
In her role at Youth Services, Michelle works with the Development Team and is responsible for community events coordination and management as well as the management of the FOYS Board and their events, and non-signature events, and Pride events. She oversees social Media and PR implementation, coordinates SHARE scheduling and invoicing, donor database entry and acknowledgement letter processing and handles sponsor management for annual Holiday Gift Program. She is the Liaison for professional groups which includes being a Glenview Chamber Ambassador, Glenview 4th of July Committee Member, and a member of the Chicago Women’s Leaders Association.
Whitney Madeen (she/her) – Development Manager – Grants and Individual Giving
Whitney Madeen graduated from Marquette University with a BA in International Affairs. She then served in Peace Corps Mozambique as a community health volunteer focused on the education and prevention of HIV and malaria. Whitney continued working in HIV prevention for two years as a Senior Care Coordinator at Chicago House and Social Service Agency.
She developed an interest in fundraising and development and began working as a consultant for non-profits. As a Director for CCS Fundraising, she managed 18 individual campaigns and raised over $11 million. Whitney is thrilled to join Youth Services as a Development Manager for Grants and Individual Giving. She is a certified grant writer and is eager to use her skills to diversify the agency’s funding portfolio. She is passionate about helping the agency provide essential mental health services for youth in need.
