Community Advisory Board

As ambassadors for Children's Hospital of Illinois, members of the Community Advisory Board lead, act and advocate for the hospital, sharing its role and mission with their respective communities. They also advise the hospital and make important contributions to its fundraising programs.

CHOI Community Council Nov 25 meeting2.jpg

Front row: Sarah Luthy, Dr. Kay Saving, Theresa Murphy, Meg Zakrzewski, Cindy Martin, Sue Portscheller, Megan Hutton, ShamRA Robinson

2nd row:Claire Cunningham, Dr. Pedro de Alarcon, Nick DeMoss, Jon Burklund, Kala Pierce, Christine Zak-Edmonds, Dr. Melissa Stigall, Melody Berry, Kalah Rapp, Cheryl Murin, Mitch Gilfillan

3rd row: Adam Garey, Dr. Mark Plunkett, Dr. Jay Harms, Bob Woolsey, Dr. Charles Aprahamian, Micki McCarthy, Andrea Bjorkman, Dr. Manu Sood

Not pictured: Tara Rossman, Jeff Ruskusky, Kathleen Ma, Andre Allen, Alex Crowley, Martha Kamp, Stacy Litersky, Heather Young, Vicki Bahr, Patti Bash, Dr. Stephen Bash, Jayme Bailey, Ashley Bradshaw, Rich Draeger, Paul Dubravec, Gennifer Jeffries, Linda Kepple, Scott Klaus, Jeff Kolbus, Karen Magers, Dan O’Brien, Tim Saurs, Jana Stevens, Jamie VanBuskirk, Michael Weber, Peter Wong, Dr. Aiyer Meenashky

Guiding Principles

alexis-bass-drawing.jpgOur caring team of nurses, doctors, therapists, social workers, support personnel and child life specialists address the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of the pediatric patient based on these three principles:

  • Children are unique and have special needs.
  • A child's illness impacts the entire family.
  • Childhood illness interferes with normal childhood growth and development.

These principles are guided by the OSF HealthCare Mission, "In the spirit of Christ and the example of Francis of Assisi, the Mission of OSF Healthcare is to serve persons with the greatest care and love in a community that celebrates the gift of life."

Board Representatives

Our thanks to these individuals who share their time and talents with us:

2025-2026 Officers

  • Mitch Gilfillan, Chair
  • Jon Burklund, Vice Chair

Honorary Board Members, Ex-Officio, & Staff Members

  • Dr. Aiyer Meenaskshy
  • Dr. Charles Aprahamian
  • Vicki Bahr
  • Patricia Bash
  • Dr. Stephen Bash
  • Jayme Bailey
  • Melody Berry
  • Terry Best
  • Andrea Bjorkman
  • Ashley Bradshaw
  • Claire Cunningham
  • Dr. Pedro de Alarcon
  • Rich Draeger
  • Paul Dubravec
  • Sister Judith Ann Duvall
  • Jay Harms
  • Gennifer Jeffries
  • Linda Kepple
  • Scott Klaus
  • Jeff Kolbus
  • Sarah Luthy
  • Karen Magers
  • Cheryl Murin
  • Theresa Murphy
  • Dan O’Brien
  • Kala Pierce
  • Sue Portscheller
  • Erin Price
  • Kalah Rapp
  • Tara Rossman
  • Tim Saurs
  • Dr. Kay Saving
  • Jana Stevens
  • Dr. Manu Sood
  • Dr. Melissa Stigall
  • Jamie Van Buskirk
  • Michael Weber
  • Peter Wong
  • Bob Woolsey
  • Christine Zak-Edmonds
  • Meg Zakrzewski

Board Members:

  • Dr. Jeff Ruskusky
  • Adam Garey
  • Kathleen Ma
  • Dr. Mark Plunkett
  • Andre Allen
  • Alex Crowley
  • Martha Kamp
  • Stacy Litersky
  • Micki McCarthy
  • ShamRA Robinson
  • Heather Young
  • Nick DeMoss
  • Sister Judith Ann