Our Staff

Kate Danielson

Founder & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MS Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University

BA Education and English, North Park University

Kate's belief that “education is the great equalizer" has been the cornerstone of her life's work - first as a public school teacher, later running mentoring programs, and finally culminating in the founding of Foster Progress. She also loves her role as mom to four kids, two through foster care. 

See her alma mater’s profile of Foster Progress here: North Parker Article

Aminata Harley

Program Coordinator

BA Education and Government & Legal Studies, Minor in Africana Studies, Bowdoin College

Aminata is a graduate of our Mentoring & Scholarship Program and is passionate about youth advocacy. She firmly believes in the power of exposure to shape young minds. Beyond her advocacy work, Aminata is an avid reader and a skilled cook, constantly experimenting with new dishes to savor and share. 

Danielle Hoske

Communications & Development Manager

BA Nonprofit and NGO Studies, Northern Illinois University

Masters in Educational Research and Evaluation, Northern Illinois University

Danielle is a foster alum with a background in nonprofit management and a passion for social service. She is working towards a Masters in Educational Research and Evaluation. Danielle has expertise in fundraising, communications, development and project management. Prior to joining the Foster Progress team, she worked for a number of nonprofit organizations including Court Appointed Special Advocates where she had the opportunity to advocate for the best interest of children going through abuse and neglect court. She is grateful to have the opportunity to support teens in foster care.

Kate Kelly

Operations Manager

MPA, University of Southern California

BA History, American University

Kate enjoys maximizing day-to-day organizational operations to best support the success of the students, her colleagues, and Foster Progress’s future. She strives to ensure programs, policy work, and, most importantly, students, shine through her logistical, financial, and administrative management. Outside work, Kate loves traveling with her husband and daughter, baking bread, and reading about the British Monarchy.

LT Officer-McIntosh

Program Manager,
Y-CAP

MS Education, Johns Hopkins University
BA Film and Television Production, University of Southern California

LT frequently collaborates with BIPOC youth to find meaningful pathways toward self-determination and economic freedom. When she’s not working, she loves to travel and spend time with her two dogs and cat.

Rachel Pruess

Program manager,
Traverse

MSW, Loyola University Chicago

BA Psychology, Iowa State University

Rachel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 200 hour certified yoga teacher and the founder of Traverse. Most of her work has been with foster youth in residential treatment, community and home based settings, providing trauma based therapy and support to foster families in the home, schools, and court. 

As a foster/adoptive parent herself, Rachel loves taking her teenage boys to explore new places.

Learn more about joining our team and the board of directors.

Gabe Schendler

Program Manager,
Mentoring & Scholarship Program

MSW, The University of Chicago
BA Philosophy, Earlham College

Gabe is a lifelong community advocate, particularly in the areas of educational equity and access. His passion for the work is informed by his own navigation of educational landscapes as a low-income, Latino student. He has experience imagining, creating, and leading educational programs with trauma informed, culturally attuned, and restorative approaches. In his spare time, Gabe enjoys making ceramics, writing, playing music, and cooking.