Chicago Staff
Updated: February 1, 2012
Terri Rivera, Shoe Size: 9.5
Executive Director
When Terri learned about Back on My Feet, she knew it was the perfect marriage of her passion and experience. Terri is responsible for the strategic direction and fundraising for the Chicago chapter. Prior to joining Back on My Feet, Terri was a Director of Development for a free health clinic where she excelled in relationship management, sponsorships and special events including producing two races and working closely with the running community. She was also the former board president of Girls on the Run, a running organization that empowers girls with self-esteem and life skills through running. She received her Masters of Non Profit Administration from North Park University in May 2010.
"I know what the power of running has done for my life, and the friendships it has brought, and I want to share that with others. It is my passion to connect people who care, with a cause that matters and Back on My Feet is the perfect vehicle. Partnering with Back on My Feet-whether as a sponsor,
volunteer or FundRacer-can change someone's life and literally get them back on their feet. And it just might change your life in the process too!"
Terri has completed 14 sprint triathlons, the Chicago marathon and countless 5k races. Terri can often be found running and exploring in Bemis Woods with her triathlete friends and her family.
Meredith Weber, Shoe Size: 5.5
Director of Communications and Corporate Relations
Before joining Back on My Feet Chicago, Meredith was the development manager at Starlight Children's Foundation Midwest for six years. In her current role at Back on My Feet, she manages fundraising efforts, sponsorship fulfillment and external communications.
Homelessness is a cause that Meredith has been connected to since she was a child, donating the money from her yard sales to a local shelter in New York. A relatively new runner in the last three years, running has become an important part of her life. “Running motivated me to return to school for a Masters degree. I have experienced the power and motivation gained through running and I am thrilled to work for an organization that shares this gift with individuals experiencing homelessness.”
Meredith attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison and graduated with a double major in Theatre and Psychology. In December of 2010 Meredith received her Master's in Sports Administration with a specialization in Marketing and PR from Northwestern University.
Josh Serlin, Shoe Size: 9.5
Program Director
Josh joined Back on My Feet in Fall 2010 prior to the Chicago Chapter launch. As the Program Director for Back on My Feet Chicago, Josh oversees the growth and development of the Back on My Feet program and its residential and non-residential members. Josh helps organize and coordinate programming events and facilitates new partnerships and opportunities for residential members.
Josh has experience in marketing and business development, and has consulted on legal and business issues. He previously developed and coordinated mentorship programs in both educational and corporate settings. Prior to joining Back on My Feet, Josh volunteered as a Group Leader with the CARA Road Scholars, a Chicago area running program that trains underprivileged high school students to run the Rock N Roll Half Marathon.
“Exercise and running have played an important role in my life, and it’s a privilege to help others discover the same benefits. I’ve seen firsthand the confidence and self-esteem that running can provide. There is no better feeling then watching someone learn to believe in themselves and their abilities.”
Josh graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Organizational Theory and French.
Kate Thinglum, Shoe Size: 9.5
Program Coordinator
Kate Thinglum is the program coordinator of Back on My Feet Chicago, focusing on outreach by coordinating new membership for Residential Members and Members as well as retaining membership. Prior to joining Back on My Feet as a full-time staff member, Kate was one of Back on My Feet Chicago’s first volunteers and served as the Team Leader at St. Leonard’s House. An avid runner, Kate was excited to find an organization that understands how running and the friendships made through running can improve one’s life.
“I feel so proud to be a part of a great organization like Back on My Feet. I love seeing first-hand how running can bring people together, change lives and offer second chances.”
Kate graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor’s in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a Master’s in Molecular Weed Science.
