Board of Directors
(In Formation)
Kathy Chuckas - President
Kathy has devoted her life and professional career to supporting children in being the best they can possibly be, and achieving their goals and dreams. As a coach, educator, and non-profit leader, Kathy has spent the past 35 plus years pursuing her passion—healthy and happy kids.
Her career has included leadership positions with organizations like Children’s Place Association, YWCA, National Runaway and
the Starlight Foundation and founder of A Sporting Chance Foundation (Girls in the Game).
In 2001 she created Kids Playing Camp to create an affordable space where children can have fun, while learning the values of respect, diversity, acceptance and kindness serving over 5,000 youth since inception.
And now she turns her commitment to seniors as she is passionate about helping older adults age with dignity, purpose, and joy, She is committed to building a stronger, more compassionate community for seniors as they age.
Dan Dever - Treasurer
Dan Dever is a retired nonprofit professional with four decades of experience. During his career he served as chief fundraising officer at several Chicago-area organizations, including Howard Brown Health, the Family Institute at Northwestern University, and Children’s Place Association. His volunteer activities include board service at Equality Illinois and the Chicago Reader.
In 2024, Dan was inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame in recognition of his efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS and the battle for equal rights for LGBTQ people.
Dan lives in Chicago with his husband, artist Tom Bachtell.
Rhona Frazin - Secretary
Rhona Frazin retired in 2020 following a 40 year career in non-profit leadership of organizations that focused on promoting higher education, conservation, human services and literacy. Since 2010 she served as President and CEO of the Chicago Public Library Foundation. Prior to that position, she provided leadership to fundraising and marketing efforts for Metropolitan Family Services, the oldest and largest human services agency in the Chicago Area, UIC Law School and the Illlinois Chapter of The Nature Conservancy.
She has shared her time and talents as a Director of a number of organizations, including Porchlight Music Theatre and A Sporting Chance Foundation.
As an active senior she remains committed to keeping older adults productive and fulfilled as they age.
Nancy Koritz
Nancy brings nonprofit leadership and volunteer experience to the Board of Pay It Back: Wishes for Seniors. She previously served on the boards of the Pet Project Foundation, the volunteer organization supporting the San Clemente–Dana Point, CA Animal Shelter, and I Have The Right To, a Washington, D.C.–based nonprofit that provides education and support for students and survivors of sexual assault. She has also volunteers with Angel Flight alongside her husband, Terry, helping transport patients for critical medical care.
Nancy believes that, especially in today’s world, it is important to help seniors feel valued, remembered, and celebrated. She and Terry have been married for more than 30 years, have three daughters, and divide their time between Southern California and New Orleans. A lifelong music lover, Nancy has played the drums for over 50 years, and her travels have taken her to all seven continents.
Amy Moncher
Amy Moncher is the Director of Donor Relations in the Office of Advancement and External Relations at DePaul University, where she brings together philanthropy, student success, and the University’s Vincentian mission to advance institutional priorities and strengthen relationships with donors and the broader DePaul community.
With a career spanning more than two decades in higher education, Amy has held leadership roles in enrollment management, scholarship administration, and advancement. Her work has focused on expanding access to education, student funding and aid, and strengthening the impact of philanthropy. She has served on state and national financial aid committees focused on funding and access for vulnerable student populations and currently serves as a Mission Ambassador at DePaul, supporting the vitality and sustainability of the University’s Vincentian mission.
Amy previously served as Vice President of the Board of Pride Films and Plays, a Chicago-based theater company dedicated to amplifying LGBTQ+ voices through the performing arts.
Lauren Richie
Lauren Richie is a healthcare policy leader at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with fifteen years of experience advancing national Health IT strategy, clinician engagement and education, and federal–community collaboration. She has directed major federal initiatives focused on electronic health records, health data exchange, and clinician‑focused technology policy, and has led high‑impact partnerships across government, industry, and the clinical community. Her work has earned multiple distinctions, including the HHS Service to America. Lauren previously served as an independent consultant with the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education, supporting enrichment programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Lauren’s service as a board member is strictly in her personal capacity. Her participation is entirely separate from, and does not represent or reflect, her position within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or the federal government.
Marianna is the Social Media & Communications Specialist for the Wilmette Park District, where she leads social media, digital communications, content creation and marketing efforts. She has several years of experience in parks and recreation, with a background in communications, social media, graphic design and community engagement.
Marianna enjoys using creative storytelling and communications to help organizations connect with their communities. She is excited to be involved with Pay It Back Wishes for Seniors and looks forward to getting to know the board and contributing to the foundation’s mission.
Marianna Uriostegui
I currently work in Operations for the Wilmette Park District the past four years, where I enjoy being part of an organization that serves and connects the community. Prior to joining the Park District, I spent more than 10 years working in Operations for a medical-based wellness center, giving me a strong background in working with people, coordinating services, and helping create positive experiences for the organization.
I am interested in serving on the board because I believe that everyone deserves to feel connected, supported, and valued within their community—especially as they get older. Through my experiences, I have seen firsthand that some seniors have limited resources or may not have family nearby to turn to for help. I see an opportunity to help connect seniors with resources, services, and people who can make everyday life a little easier and help them remain active and engaged in their community. I would be excited to bring my operations experience, compassion for others, and practical, community-minded approach to the board.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our four adult children, and two grandchildren—with another grandchild on the way. Our family also includes two dogs, who keep things busy and entertaining!
Christine Vaughn
