Administration
Crisis Nursery's Administrative team works behind-the-scenes on all things finance, human resources, grant management, and supporting the day-to-day operations of the organization. As part of the Nursery's Executive Team, Directors (listed with their prospective teams below) work alongside the Board and Executive Director to make crucial decisions. They work to build each team up by developing goals and communicating the Nursery's vision, mission, and values.
Stephanie RecordExecutive Director
"I really like to spend my spare time with my family. Most recently, I've spent a lot of time in a gym watching my senior daughter and her volleyball team reach their goal of becoming the State Champions! It's been an exciting few months and her final year of high school is going fast. I'm not sure how I'll be spending my time when she graduates since Rush and I will be empty nesters. I also cheered for the University of Illinois for 3 years as an undergrad and have been coaching the team for the past 27 years! I am passionate about all Illini sports, especially men's basketball. I-L-L..."
Stephanie has been with the Nursery for over 13 years! When asked about her favorite part of working here, Stephanie said, "Definitely, the mission and being surrounded by people who believe in the work we are doing here to keep children safe from harm and to strengthen families so they can stay together!"
Fun Facts About Stephanie:
What would you choose as your last meal?
"Mexican Food"
What is your favorite movie or tv show?
"Friends and Gilmore Girls are my fall back shows whenever I need to decompress and escape from reality. :)"
What was your dream job as a kid?
"Teacher"
Lauren ToExecutive Assistant
"I am a mom to an energetic 3 year old who is my biggest motivation. I spend a big part of my life with my daughter, family and friends. I have a big heart for all. I love to be outdoors, to travel, and be adventurous. I am in the process of achieving my bachelor's degree."
Lauren joined our team in September of 2021. "My job allows me to help each important role in Crisis Nursery and make everyone's work life a little easier. My favorite part about working here is knowing that I am part of an organization that is making a significant difference in lives of families in our community. I have always wanted to work for an organization that supports children and families when they need it the most."
Fun Facts About Lauren:
What would you choose as your last meal?
"Steak, baked potato, steamed veggies and a big slice of chocolate fudge cake."
What is your favorite movie or tv show?
"Friends, that is my comfort show."
What was your dream job as a kid?
"It was a tie between a veterinarian and a mommy."
What non-work-related subject would you consider yourself an expert in?
"Anything Disney related, especially after my internship at Walt Disney World."
Development Team
Lead by the Director of Development and Communications, the Development Team ensures all communications are aligned with fundraising and programmatic objectives established each year. They coordinate all Crisis Nursery fundraising events and all aspects of donor stewardship.
Jenna PhillipsMarketing & Events Coordinator
"I graduated from EIU with my Bachelors in Marketing & Advertising. I love being able to put those skills to good use with the Nursery. In my spare time, you can find me enjoying the outdoors, traveling, starting new hobbies, and relaxing at home with my husband and our 3 fur babies."
Jenna joined our team as a Marketing & Development Specialist over two years ago. When asked what her favorite part about working here is, she said, "Hearing the laughter from kiddos all the way across the building! I love working alongside others who are doing all that they can to make our community a better place."
Fun Facts About Jenna:
What would you choose as your last meal?
"My grandma's lasagna with pineapple upside down cake"
What is your favorite movie or tv show?
"I have always loved the Hobbit + LOTR series! I know way too much about The Bachelor franchise and my comfort shows are New Girl and the Office."
What was your dream job as a kid?
"A zoo vet"
What non-work-related subject would you consider yourself an expert in?
"I know a little bit about a lot of things. Ha! Probably astrology."
Any other fun facts?
"I jump between hobbies all the time because... hyperfixation. This includes: piloting, painting, video games, skydiving, bread baking, embroidery, house plants, photography, gardening, and weight lifting."
Naomi WhitmanDevelopment Specialist
"I love Disney, chocolate, French, and traveling! In my spare time, I enjoy watching movies with my husband and hanging out with friends."
Naomi joined our team as the Development Specialist in October 2022. When asked what her favorite part about working here is, she said, "Knowing that I am making a difference in the world/community! :)" The work she does involves helping with office administration, events, marketing, and fundraising as well as supporting the team wherever possible.
Fun Facts About Naomi:
What would you choose as your last meal?
"My college roommate's chicken and dumplings recipe."
What is your favorite movie or tv show?
"This is a hard question! I've thoroughly enjoyed a lot of tv shows but one of my top favorites is Psych. As far as movies, I would have to say Tangled since my entire wedding was Tangled themed."
What was your dream job as a kid?
"Probably veterinarian because I love animals."
What non-work-related subject would you consider yourself an expert in?
"Alpacas"
One more fun fact!
"I am technically bilingual in English & French. I earned my Seal of Biliteracy in high school and also majored in French in college."
Strong Families
Our Strong Families team are the home visitors, playgroup organizers, and child development specialists. They work closely with the Director of Programming and Strong Families Coordinator. When working with families, they help to assess a child's development with the ASQ, are trained in BabyTALK, and promote the parent-child bond.
Alayia Forsyth, MSW LCSWDirector of Programming: Quality Improvement & Integrity
"In my spare time, I am either at home snuggling my 3 dogs and husband, watching movies or hanging outside/cooking out. Or, enjoying time with my friends or family. (Oh, and maybe a little shopping here and there!).
I received my MSW from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2019. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received that licensure in September of 2021. I have a background in early childhood education and development, serving as a preschool teacher for 6 years and I worked for the Nursery as an Intern, Lead Children's Specialist and Crisis Support Specialist from 2018 to the end of 2019. I transitioned into clinical work within the inpatient mental health setting doing case management primarily for adults and then to outpatient therapy. I love working with individuals and families and being able to bring my outgoing personality into every interaction I have. "
Alayia started her relationship with the Nursery over 4 years ago. She joined our team once again in late October of 2022! Director of Programming: Quality Improvement and Integrity, a true mouthful of a title, means working with our interns, program management and evaluation, statistical analysis and supervisory duties.
Her favorite part about working here is, "Being part of an agency that supports the children and families of this community and building those relationships with them while providing a safe space to do so. Knowing that we are making a difference with our mission is so rewarding. Also hearing the laughter and playfulness from the kiddos down the hall puts such a big smile on my face! "
Fun Facts About Alayia:
What would you choose as your last meal?
"As a foodie- this is hard to answer! I would definitely have to include some of my favorites so a large Dr. Pepper from McDonalds, buffalo wings with plenty of ranch, caesar salad with two lemon wedges and a basket of rolls from Texas Roadhouse with a million cinnamon butters."
What is your favorite movie or tv show?
"No way I can name only one but my favorite genre is typically horror. My all-time favorite horror franchises are Halloween and Scream."
What was your dream job as a kid?
"To be a teacher!"
What non-work-related subject would you consider yourself an expert in?
"Organizing and interior design/decor."
Bonus Fun Fact: Alayia played the violin for 6 years of her life and recently started playing again during the pandemic!
Destiny GidronFamily Specialist
"I went to UIUC and majored in social work. I previously worked in Urbana Middle School as a tutor my entire 4 years of college. While having other jobs such as working in the dining hall, coffee shop, and the university's calling center. My birthday is 7/11, a lucky number."
Destiny has been with the Nursery for almost 2 years now. Her favorite part about working here is, "Being able to listen to moms who are not always given a voice, and understand their perspective. The work that I do is supportive to the wholistic wellbeing of a child and mental health of the mother."
Fun Facts About Destiny:
What would you choose as your last meal?
"Birria Tacos"
What is your favorite movie or tv show?
"The Butterfly Effect"
What was your dream job as a kid?
"Chef"
What non-work-related subject would you consider yourself an expert in?
"Astrology"
Safe Children
Lead by the Director of Programming, the Safe Children Coordinator and Safe Children Team manage our 24/7 crisis line. They schedule crisis care, greet families as they arrive, and make referrals when needed. This team also works alongside volunteers on the child care floor. They ensure that we provide a positive and nurturing environment for the kiddos.
*For the safety of our crisis care staff, we do not list their names on our website.
