Common Threads staffers come from varying backgrounds, but share a concern for children, a commitment to positive social change, and a love of good food and the communities food can create and sustain.
Mimi Chacin
Bill Finn
Stephanie Folkens
Rose Lawrence
Eleanor Leichenko
Alexander Martin
Linda Novick O'Keefe
Susan Reilly
Justin Smith
Courtenay Strickland
Courtney Turner
Mary Ann Weprin
Marnie Hamel
Amy Schabold
April Wiencek
Dawn Woollen
Joe Zarrow
April graduated from North Park University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management and Leadership. Prior to starting her career with Common Threads, April worked as a playground supervisor for the Chicago Park District implementing and instructing various cooking classes for young children and parents. Her love of cooking was fostered by spending time cooking with her family, especially her Mom. Before working for Common Threads in a professional capacity, April became a dedicated volunteer at Common Threads because of her belief that food brings people together and that children can break the chain of non-cookers and become a generation of healthy and cultured individuals through making discoveries in the kitchen. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and exploring Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods.