The Co-Directors provide leadership for the coalition as well as business management of the 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization. Part-time employees fulfill day-to-day business and tasks. In addition, there are approximately 50 partners who provide financial support and other resources for MCYAF.
Margaret Polovchak, Director of Operations - Programs
Margaret has served with the Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation since 2004. Her work experience includes over 19 years of managerial experience in both the for-profit and private business sectors. Nine of those years were focused on prevention coalition coordination. Margaret has a B.A. from Northwood University in Midland, Michigan and an master's degree in Community Development from North Park University in Chicago.
She is dedicated to helping organizations meet their goals by bringing together community stakeholders, parents, and elected leaders to ensure the continued relevance of their mission and providing efficient administration of programs and services. She has an impressive track record of launching new collaborative efforts.
Margaret serves with numerous local and state organizations, including the Des Plaines Community Foundation, State of Illinois Prevention Steering Committee, and State Advisory Council for the Strategic Prevention Framework Grant Project. She also volunteers on the Joint Response and Recovery team and the Medical Reserve team of Des Plaines. Read more about Margaret on Linked In.
Andrea Bateman, Director of Operations - Administration
Andrea joined the staff of MCYAF in October 2011 as the Director of Operations - Administration. She is responsible for the internal operations of MCYAF, new business ventures, and fund development. Andrea is a graduate of Roosevelt University and has spent 12 years in the non- profit sector. Her specialty is fundraising and project management.
In 2000, Andrea was appointed to the Park Ridge City Council and served until 2007. She believes her greatest contribution was as a member of the city’s Public Safety Committee. In 2007, Andrea was awarded the Community Star Award from the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce for funding a Park Ridge Fire Department education program on the safe use of fire extinguishers, in conjunction with her family’s insurance agency.
A life-long Park Ridge resident, Andrea is married and has two children. She is also active at her children’s school where she serves on the school board and is treasurer.
Kim Radoy, Grant Coordinator
Kim joined the MCYAF team in June 2008. As Grant Coordinator, she manages the day- to-day operations of the Partnership for Success Grant that MCYAF was awarded in 2010. Kim works with MCYAF members to achieve the activities outlined in the grant, as well as fulfill reporting requirements and communication with the State of Illinois.
Kim received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University with a general practice focus and has a double major in Spanish. She earned her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor with a concentration in Community Organizing.
Learn more about Kim on Linked In.
Jaime Hecker, Social Norms Marketing Coordinator
Jaime Hecker is a 2010 graduate of Illinois State University and joins the MCYAF team as the Social Norms Marketing Coordinator. She is responsible for planning and implementing the social norms campaign in order to reduce underage drinking and drug usage rates. As a proud Maine West alum, Jaime first encountered MCYAF while she was a member of the Des Plaines Youth Commission. Now on the other side of the educational system, she looks forward to positively affecting change by correcting the perception that all Maine Township teens drink and replacing it with the reality that most Maine Township teens consistently make healthy choices. Learn more about Jaime at LinkedIn.
Tricia Williams, Prevention Specialist
Tricia Williams is in charge of our social marketing campaign to inform and educate the community about the risks and harm of underage drinking. Tricia has worked with MCYAF since 2005 in various capacities, primarily as volunteer extraordinaire. Most notably, she coordinated the social norms marketing project with the three District 207 High Schools from November 2005 until February 2008.
Tricia has a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from SUNY at Buffalo. She previously worked as a nurse at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. She lives in Park Ridge with her husband, and is the parent of three adult children. Learn more about Tricia at Linked In.
Cheryll DeYoung, Communications Coordinator
Cheryll DeYoung is responsible for communication of prevention messages to the public and our partners. She issues news releases, maintains the MCYAF web site, creates the quarterly Maine Source newsletter and assists with the annual report, among other duties.
Cheryll has an Associate Degree from Northern Kentucky University. She joined MCYAF at its inception. Read more about Cheryll on Linked In.
