The Leadership Team
Leadership means a lot of things. Leadership does a whole lot of things. Gilead wouldn't be Gilead without the Grade-A team of who help us make it happen.
Jack Bandy hopes to help Gilead continue the ancient spiritual practices of breaking bread and telling true stories at tables where all are truly welcome. He resides in Rogers Park with his wife, Alexa Dava. On weekdays he attends Northwestern as a PhD student and studies questions like "can an algorithm be unethical?"
Tammy Besser is a social worker, archery coach, and avid community gardener. She is way too wordy to write a short bio.
Pedro Bortoto is a full-time househusband writing his PhD thesis, still trying to figure out the whole church thing. He believes in Gilead's mission of creating a welcoming place, and he hopes to help it flourish as a church and as a community. If you need Portuguese lessons for some weird reason, he can provide them.
Lizzy Brady Bortoto is a union organizer and recovering evangelical. A couple years ago, she spontaneously tattooed a large pineapple on her forearm, but it also symbolizes hospitality and welcome, so it all worked out in the end. Lizzy loves to share stories, and believes that Gilead is a place where you can share yours, too.
Alexa Dava thought she liked working with kids but now that she's been a children's pastor and a parenting educator, she's unsure. She finds rest in doing Yoga with Adriene, playing charades, and picnicking on Loyola Beach with her hunney, Jack. Alexa decided to stay at Gilead when Rebecca shouted, "Come and get it, y'all!" as the invitation to communion.
Susan Haarman has worked with college students for over ten years and can show you the gray streak in her hair to prove it. She’s also been a hospital chaplain, knife salesman, camp counselor, waitress, Jesuit Volunteer, and lifeguard. She tells stories, is an improvisor, and should really get back to the gym.
Sarah Pressly is Gilead's resident golden retriever - she will bounce up to visitors and greet them, talk to just about anybody, and be enthusiastic about all sorts of things. Sarah currently works as a fundraiser for Feed My Starving Children in their Libertyville volunteer site, and lives in Evanston. She has a car if you need to borrow it on weekends or evenings.
some Special Thanks:
Since we began working on Gilead, many talented folks have stepped forward to offer their help. We are honored to work with them. You should follow the links below and pay them money to do things for you!
Adam Frieberg, photography and technology. Find him at http://www.adamfrieberg.com/
Edyta Legiec, web design. Find her at http://www.littleworldphoto.com/
Lucas Ryan, photography. Find him at https://www.facebook.com/LRYANPhoto/
Mat Schramm, logo design and branding. Find him at http://www.matschramm.com/
Rachel Singer, art ("Give" page). Find her at http://www.theblindcartographer.com/