Welcome to Be Strong Families
BSF Welcomes
Since our last Revitalizer on November 16, Be Strong Families welcomed two new members of our board of directors:
Andreé Long (She/Her/Hers)
- Board Member, Executive Pastor/Coach, BSF National Parent Café Leadership Team Representative
Andree Long is the founder and CEO of Women Have a Purpose OTM Inc. WHAP OTM is a women’s leadership development ministry that Andree established in 2004, but formally launched in 2021.
Andree is an Army veteran spouse of 25 years. A mother of 2 children. She also a co-founder and Executive Pastor of STRIVE, - Family Resource Center for military and faith-based community. She is a certified Christian life coach, license Ordained Minister, a Minister of Music, and a Certified Marriage Facilitator.
Stephanie Ceja (She/Her/They)
- Board Member, Home Based Child Care (HBCC) Coordinator for Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County (California), BSF National Parent Café Leadership Team Representative San Jose, CA
Being born and partially raised in the “magic town” of Tecate, BCN Mexico, Stephanie immigrated to the USA along with her mom and brother at age 13. Even though moving from another country was a significant cultural shock, Stephanie is grateful to her mom for giving her the opportunity of a better life. Through all the challenges in her life; from having to leave home at a young age, to being diagnosed with depression as a mom of two while also processing her daughter’s autism diagnosis; Stephanie is grateful to have found her tribe, her family and herself.
Christopher Thornton (He/Him/His) & Tecoria A. Jones (She/Her/Hers)
We are excited to share because of their exemplary service, they have joined the board for another term after stepping down as a representative of the National Parent Café Leadership Team.
We have also welcomed three new members to our staff:
Morgan Harvey (She/Her/Hers) Training Program Assistant
As of February 1st, 2024, Morgan has transitioned into the role of Training Program Assistant, where her primary focus lies in managing calendars, coordinating events, facilitating event communications and registrations, processing and auditing data, overseeing documentation and archives, and managing incentive programs and reporting. Her multifaceted role ensures the seamless execution of training programs and events, contributing significantly to the overall efficiency and success of Be Strong Families' initiatives.
Christina Wolken (She/Her/Hers) Illinois DCFS Youth Advisory Administrative Lead (Cook & Northern)
Christina is a lover of all things green and likes to think she also has a green thumb. As someone who is a self-proclaimed nerd, she is your go to for random factoids and miscellaneous research studies. With this skillset, Christina can connect with individuals from all walks of life and truly enjoys learning from differing perspectives.
As someone with experience in founding a non-profit, Christina has a wealth of knowledge in creating lasting communications systems, managing efficient workflows, and creating stakeholder relationships. Behind each of these systems and relationships beats the true heart of Christina’s passion - empowerment. As someone who knows first-hand the importance of empathy, Miss Wolken is an advocate for protective factors, believer in trauma-informed practices, and a voice for equity & accountability.
Amanda Ramirez (She/Her/Hers) Marketing Associate
Amanda has been at the intersection of art and marketing for over a decade. Having worked in several different industries, spanning from digital marketing, real estate, mortgage lending, interior design, non-profit and art organizations, Amanda has helped set the bar for cutting edge marketing strategies.
Amanda’s ability to think outside of the box stems from her decade-long freelance career of helping small businesses develop strategic brand identities and marketing plans. She worked with clients like small mom and pop shops to large music festivals, and helped all clients find their unique voice and a plan to share that ethos with the world.
Amanda holds a bachelor's degree in Advertising from Texas Tech University.
Today she brings her creativity, innovative thinking and leadership to Be Strong Families. Amanda lives in Chicago where she is also a dancer, movement director, and choreographer who creates genre-bending performance works centered around her Chicana culture.