Why Trellus?

A trellis is a structure that gives plants access to light, air, and space to grow. Our organization serves as a support system for refugees and immigrants arriving in the United States. Our job is to remove barriers and allow people to choose their own path as they flourish. We’re not offering a transactional service — instead, our community is the backdrop that encourages progress. We changed the last two letters of the word “trellis” to highlight this unity…it’s all about US. When a garden thrives, the trellis isn’t the focus…instead, it’s all about the beauty of the blooms.

Our Vision

To live in a world where all immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities have equal access to opportunities and face no barriers to full participation in life. We strive to build a community where diversity is celebrated, and all people are treated with dignity and respect.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities to thrive by removing barriers and providing supports that create opportunities for life.

Our Values

Our core values are the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide our organization’s behavior, decision-making, and culture. They include:

  • Embrace Community
  • Advance Opportunity
  • Bolster Learning and Growth
  • Honor Diversity
  • Foster Collaboration
  • Champion People

History

We have deep roots in the refugee and immigrant communities. Forty-five years ago, a remarkable group of men from Cambodia responded to the plight of those escaping internment camps in Vietnam and arriving in Chicago. Their work established the foundation of what would become Asian Human Services and later Trellus. Since then, we’ve expanded our reach to support families arriving in the US from all over the world. We remain clear on our mission to remove barriers and provide supports that ensure opportunities for life.

Leadership Team

Rebecca Creighton

Co-CEO

Chris Shue

Co-CEO

Eric Lindstrom

COO

Anna Falcon

Director of People and Culture

Cat Savino

Director of Behavioral Health

Michael Stewart

Principal, Passages Elementary School

Jacquena Johnson

Early Childhood Site Manager

Ali Tarokh

Director of Policy and Advocacy

Wendy Neal

Controller

Rosario Signorile

Director of Facilities & Maintenance

Mandy Gearhart

Associate Director of Workforce Development

Justin Hochstetler

Associate Director of Community Health

Erica Hernandez

Assistant Principal of Multilingual Learners

Ashley McCall

Assistant Principal

Armend Sahatqija

Manager of Community Outreach and Relations

Marilyn Okoye

Employee Engagement Manager

Damira Jakupovic

Youth Workforce Development Program Manager

Mohammed Altinawi

Adult Workforce Development Program Manager

Hollis Rabin

Behavioral Health Lead Counselor

Marina Mason

Behavioral Health Lead Counselor

Paul Thomas

Adult Education & Literacy Manager

Board of Directors

Michelle T. Cronin

President

Charles Hempfling

Vice President

Manuj Lal

Secretary

John Hrisney

Treasurer

Steve Moy, CFA

Director

Jyoti Nigam

Director

Mark Hansen

Director

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