Susan Bartsch, MSN, ANP-BC

Board President and Founder

Mrs. Bartsch is a nurse practitioner who is devoted to providing medical care to underserved communities worldwide with limited access to healthcare. She has a strong desire to transform health outcomes in vulnerable communities, and is a highly motivated and experienced professional with a heart for serving others and bringing about positive changes in the health outcomes of individuals and communities.

Paula Franklin

Board Vice President and Secretary

Ms. Franklin is a dedicated Associate Minister and Commissioned Assistant Chaplain, as well as a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is deeply committed to serving parents, children, and families through various organizations such as “The Joshua Mission”, McHenry County Correctional Center, McHenry Country Angel Tree Program, and Phoebe’s Legacy, Inc. Ms. Franklin is currently employed at Medcor, Inc. where she serves as the Executive Director of Screening Services. She is a certified S-SAPA (Certified Substance Abuse Program Administrator) and brings her expertise in the field to her work every day.

Kenneth Wolven

Board Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Wolven's unwavering dedication as the CFO since the organization's inception is truly commendable. His remarkable career spanning over 50 years, starting from public accounting in the computer software industry, and then venturing into owning businesses in the recreation industry, is a testament to his passion and hard work. Furthermore, his active involvement in various professional, civic, and non-profit organization boards is inspiring and a true reflection of his commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

Mickey Broman

Board Financial Director

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Susan Swanson

Board Chief Medical Officer

Mrs. Swanson is a Family Nurse Practitioner who earned her Doctorate degree from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. She is currently practicing at the Family Health Partnership Clinic, which provides healthcare services for the underprivileged and uninsured population of McHenry County. In addition to her work at the clinic, Mrs. Swanson volunteers as a CASA (court-appointed special advocate) for children in the DCFS system.

Nancy A. Effert

Board Marketing Director

Ms. Effert offers independent fee-based investment management and financial advice to individuals and their businesses. Her company is honored to be a recipient of the Five Star Wealth Management Award for 10 consecutive years from 2014 through 2023. She is proactive in supporting and volunteering her time and talents to multiple non-profit organizations, including the Rotary Club of Fox Valley Sunset, the Marine Corp Scholarship Foundation – Chicago, and the YWCA of Lake County.  Ms. Effert is passionate about making others laugh, having fun, and doing good!

Gloria Dillard

Board Communications Director

Ms. Dillard is a Research Grant's Director in her current job, and she is also a mother of two adult children and seven grandchildren. Throughout her professional career, she has worked tirelessly to provide diet-specific meals to home-based seniors and has been instrumental in helping individuals obtain public assistance. In addition to her professional work, Ms. Dillard has volunteered her time with various organizations, such as the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Pheobe’s Legacy, Inc., and the National Council of Negro Women Rockford Section, among others. Her passion is to help those in need and always pay it forward.

Pete Arens

Public Relations Specialist

Mr. Arens joined the team in 2022. He documented the 2023 mission and immediately fell in love with the Jamaican people and the island. He combines his background in public health promotion and videography skills to help the mission increase its public presence and help the Negril community learn about the clinic. He loves the coco bread, scuba diving, and the beautiful 7-mile beach in Negril. But most of all, he loves the kindness of the Jamaican people!