The Children’s Place Association leadership team brings a wide range of experience and skills to help fulfill our mission.
CINAIYA STUBBS
President & CEO
Cinaiya Stubbs is a nonprofit leader dedicated to supporting Chicago’s youth and families. Her work is shaped by her experience growing up in the city and her belief that every child deserves the chance to succeed.
Since 2003, Cinaiya has worked in education and community-based programs, starting with before- and after-school programs at a CPS school in West Garfield Park. Over the past 18 years, she has focused on staff development, building a strong organizational culture, strategic planning, fundraising, and community partnerships. She believes in caring for the whole child and creating lasting opportunities to help families progress.
JOHN SWEENEY
Executive Director, Children’s Place International
John is dedicated to helping children in developing countries who are facing serious health challenges gain access to critical care and long-term support, enabling them to grow into healthy, independent adults. He brings more than 20 years of global management experience, having lived and worked in Kenya, Gabon, Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. He previously led AID Village Clinics and held global marketing roles at Baxter Healthcare. Earlier in his career, he served in the Peace Corps and is fluent in French. John has an MBA from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree from Villanova University.
SHANTAL ALONSO
Chief Philanthropy & Communications Officer
Shantal Alonso joined Children’s Place Association in 2021 and focuses on fundraising and communications that build visibility, grow partnerships, and support the organization’s long-term impact.
She brings over twenty years of experience in development, marketing, advocacy, and events, with past roles at the Arthroscopy Association of North America, CFA Society of Chicago, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Organization of American States. Her work has included domestic and international efforts, especially in Latin America.
Shantal is fluent in Spanish and speaks French and Italian. She holds a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School and a B.S. in French Literature.
She is passionate about helping youth and families create lasting change and often leads mindfulness workshops that teach emotional self-awareness and healthy coping strategies.
MAURICE FEARS, SR.
Chief Operating Officer
Maurice Fears, Sr., brings over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience focused on empowering youth and developing future leaders. He began his career with the YMCA and has held several executive roles over the past 13 years. At the Greater Joliet Area YMCA, he led initiatives to support teens and young adults, providing them with the tools and guidance they needed to thrive. Most recently, he directed community engagement and program strategy in West Humboldt Park.
Maurice serves on multiple local boards and committees, bringing a deep commitment to creating opportunities for young people to succeed. He views his work as a life assignment, driven by the belief that every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential.
IVAN HARRISON III, MA
Executive Director of Child Welfare
Ivan Harrison has been with the Children’s Place Association since 2004. He currently leads the Foster Care and Adoption Program. Before this, he managed the Substitute Care Services program.
His earlier work included many roles in foster care and child welfare at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois and hands-on experience as a childcare worker.
Ivan holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a master’s in psychology from Concordia University. He is active in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and veterans’ organizations.
JEROME ‘JAY’ MONEGAN
Executive Director of Human Resources
Jerome Monegan joined Children’s Place Association in 2022, bringing over a decade of experience in human resources. His expertise spans employee relations, recruitment, training, benefits administration, and compliance. Jerome is committed to fostering a positive and productive workplace environment. He holds a degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.v
PORSCHE SNOWDEN
Chief Program Officer
Porsche Snowden joined Children’s Place Association in fall 2017 as the Early Learning Center Program Manager. She oversees daily operations and programming for the Early Learning Center and Home-Based services, helping to ensure young children get a strong and supportive start.
