Meet Our Team
Our brilliant team of staff and volunteers give their all to the mission and the community they serve—from our helpline heroes and peer support facilitators, to our marketing specialists and content editors, and so many others. We couldn’t do all that we do without our team of mental health advocates. They are passionate about the work they do on our teams: helpline support, peer support, administration, human resources and marketing communications. They are invaluable!
Board of Directors and Executive Team
Adrienne J. McCue has been passionate about mental health education since, as a young girl, she helped her mother cope with a serious mental health disorder. She is the Founder of Step Up For Mental Health.
Adrienne McCue (She/Her)
President & Executive DirectorLynne is a singer, writer, actress, and bandleader, and has fronted her own group, Lynne Jordan, and the Shivers, for more than 20 years, providing entertainment to audiences across the globe. [Bio Profile]
Lynne Jordan (She/Her)
Board of DirectorIvania Delgado has 15 years of experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups in both public and private sectors in Miami-Dade County providing mental health services. [Bio Profile]
Dr. Ivania Delgado (She/Ella)
Board of DirectorVolunteer Staff Teams
Sophia Ortega is a freelance writer, Yoga intern, and studied mental health treatment in accessibility, anxiety, and depression.
Sophia (She/Her)
Digital Content Writer + Admin SupportSabreet Dhatt is a past intern and a Loyola University Chicago alumni, holding a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. In the pursuit of reimagining communities where individuals are better equipped to lead healthier lives, Sabreet hopes to contribute to Step Up For Mental Health’s mission in diverse and important ways.
Sabreet (She/Her)
Administrative Support SpecialistMicaela holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and brings experience in both clinical psychology and educational settings. Her mission is to support others by sharing knowledge, teaching skills, and providing practical assistance.
Micaela Nogueira Palermo (She/Her)
Helpline (Spanish), Peer Support FacilitatorClayton is passionate about healthcare, mental health, and supporting people in their times of need. He lives and works in New York City.
Clayton (He/Him)
Helpline, Peer Support Chat SpecialistGrace is a Junior studying graphic design and marketing at Loyola University Chicago. She finds art as a necessary form of communication and wants to explore the possibilities of her artistic background with the reality of mental health.
Grace (She/Her)
Social Media Specialist & Graphic DesignerLisa Katende is a hard working actor with big dreams. She joined Step Up in hopes to help and encourage others, whether it’s through her articles or words in peer chats. In her free time she hangs out with friends, gets lost in a book or hangs at the roller rink.
Lisa (She/Her)
Digital Content Writer + Admin SupportIntern Team
Nell is a psychology student and researcher at Rowan University. Nell plans to pursue her doctorate in clinical psychology in order to continue her mission to help others. She joined Step Up For Mental Health to help others promote their voice and advocate for mental health.
Nell (She/Her)
Helpline, Peer Support FacilitatorAreeba is a graduate from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and minor in neuroscience. Pursuing clinical psychology, Areeba aims to connect individuals with mental health resources while facilitating peer support chats and groups. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and spending time with friends.
Areeba (She/Her)
Helpline, Peer Support FacilitatorRuhi is an undergraduate student studying at Loyola University Chicago. She is majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology. She is a third year student with plans to pursue an EdS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She wants to make a positive impact by forming connections with others and aims to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
Ruhi (She/Her)
Helpline, Peer Support FacilitatorHalyna is an undergraduate student at Loyola University Chicago studying Criminology & Criminal Justice with a minor in Nutrition. She is passionate about healthcare and advocating for the importance of mental and physical well-being. She joined the team in hopes of making an impact on struggling families with mental health.
Halyna (She/Her)
Intern, Outreach & Special Events Coordinator