Gloria Gordon has been with The Children’s Place Association since 1994 when she joined the organization as a community health nurse. Her first position was supported by a grant from the United Way concentrating on children and families affected by HIV/AIDS.

Gloria has been in her current role since 2003 and is responsible for the daily operations and programming in the Residential Center and for integrating nursing services throughout other programs.  Prior to her work at The Children’s Place Association, Gloria held various home health positions at organizations, including Melmedical Nursing and Nursepower. She also cared for special needs children for the Department of Children and Family Services at Columbus Maryville and has many years of pediatric nursing experience.

Gloria completed a dual master’s degree in public health and business administration at Saint Xavier University in Chicago. She received her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Lewis University in Romeoville.

Contact Gloria at ggordon@childrens-place.org.

Ivan Harrison III, MA – Foster Care Manager

“Each day I’m reminded that the work I do is making a difference and impacting the lives of families in a positive way.”

Ivan Harrison began his career at The Children’s Place Association in November 2004. He previously served as the substitute care services program manager in from January 2007 to October 2009. In his current role Ivan is responsible for the strategic leadership and oversight of the Foster Care and Adoption Program.

Prior to joining The Children’s Place Association, Ivan held numerous positions at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), most recently senior supervisor of the foster care program. He also served as a child welfare specialist, child welfare supervisor and senior supervisor of LSSI’s Second Family program. In addition to his employment at LSSI, he worked as a child care worker at the Victor C. Neumann Association.

Ivan received a bachelor of arts degree in psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a master of arts degree in psychology at Concordia University. He is a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity as well as the 761st Tank Battalion and Allied Veterans Association. Ivan has been happily married for ten years and is the proud parent of two beautiful daughters.

Contact Ivan at iharrison@childrens-place.org.

Monica Lanum, MBA – Human Resources Manager

"Our staff understands that supporting our clients is not confined to the black-and-white of a job description – it means doing whatever needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and finding creative solutions that are helpful."

Monica Lanum has been leading The Children’s Place Association’s Human Resources department since joining the organization in 2008. In this role Monica is responsible for all aspects of human resources both for Chicago employees as well as those in Haiti.

Prior to joining The Children’s Place Association, Monica managed the human resources function for multiple districts of Factory Card & Party Outlet, based in Naperville, IL. She also worked for many years in the hospitality industry serving in the human resources departments of MOA Hospitality, Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Motel Association and La Quinta Inns, Inc. Additionally, Monica was employed as a hospitality recruiter for Executive Referral Services, Inc.

Monica holds a master’s of business administration from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Trinity University in San Antonio.

As a crew team leader for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, Monica works sun-up to sun-down throughout the walk weekend providing complete support to the walkers. She is also a member of the Society of Human Resources Professionals (SHRP) and a weekend volunteer at the Field Museum of Natural History.

Jennifer Miller, MPH – International Program Manager

“I place my hope in Children’s Place because we are doing our part to make a difference in the world.”

Jennifer Miller joined The Children’s Place Association in 2008. As international program manager, Jennifer is responsible for day-to-day operations of all international services.

Prior to joining The Children’s Place, Jennifer worked as an international affairs specialist with the American Academy of Dermatology. She brings a wealth of international experience as the Michigan population fellow and adolescent health coordinator for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Ministry of Health in Guyana, South America.

Jennifer has also worked with the Chicago Area Immunization Campaign, New Orleans/AIDS Task Force and was a volunteer in the U.S. Peace Corps in West Africa.

Jennifer received a master of public health degree in international health and development from Tulane University School of Public Health and a bachelor of arts degree from Ithaca College.

Contact Jennifer at jmiller@childrens-place.org.

Traci Ouimette, MEd, CAS, IDC – Early Learning Center Program Manager

“What excites me about working here is watching children form relationships with their teachers, watching parents learn more about the educational needs of their children, and watching the children as they transition out of the Center ready to enter kindergarten successfully.”

Traci Ouimette began her career at The Children’s Place Association in July of 2004 after relocating from Phoenix, AZ. As the program manager, Traci is responsible for the operations of the Early Learning Center including management of teachers, counselors and staff; working directly with parents to ensure appropriate educational needs are met; and assisting with each child’s transition to kindergarten.

Traci previously worked for Head Start for more than five years where she held multiple positions, most recently mental health and disabilities manager. Prior to her work at Head Start, Traci worked as a home-based child development specialist with teen parents.

She holds a master’s degree in special education, with a concentration in birth to age five, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a minor in child development, from Arizona State University. Additionally, Traci has a master’s certificate of advanced study in early childhood administration from National Louis University.

Traci is a member of NAEYC (National Association of the Education of Young Children) and its affiliates – Chicago Metro AEYC and Illinois AEYC. She is also a member of the Council for Exceptional Children.

Contact Traci at touimette@childrens-place.org.

Jessica Smith, MA – Family & Community Services Program Manager

“A hug from a formerly homeless parent, or a high-five from a little boy who is now thriving at school thanks to our services...this is why we are here.  Children's Place is making a lasting impact on the community and it is a joy to simply be part of it."

Jessica Smith joined The Children's Place Association as family and community services program manager in October 2011. In this role she is responsible for the leadership and growth of the organization’s case management and clinical therapy services, home-based Early Head Start and Lifelong Families programs. 

Prior to joining The Children’s Place Association Jessica managed the admissions department at The Cara Program, a nonprofit organization serving men and women who are homeless or at risk for homelessness.  Jessica has also served as a case manager for families in transitional housing with The Salvation Army in Lansing, MI and with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Jessica received her master of arts degree in human services and her bachelor of science degree in social relations from Michigan State University.  Her studies concentrated on family and child ecology, sociology and nonprofit leadership. She served as a chapter member of Alpha Phi Omega, a national service fraternity, and continues to enjoy volunteering. 

Contact Jessica at jsmith@childrens-place.org.