OUR TEAM

SARAH GALVAN

Founder & Executive Director

Long before she panhandled her way to gather the $1200 needed to start her organization, Almost Home Founder and Executive Director Sarah Galvan knew she would spend her days ministering to the poor, the needy, the homeless, and the broken. Self-professed as shy, and not one for the limelight, Sarah is most comfortable bringing coffee and donuts to those on the streets, visiting with the residents of our bridge communities, and serving guests of our local shelters, bringing love to those who need it most. When not ministering to those in the streets under the bridges, Sarah keeps busy as a wife to her husband, Adrian, and as a mother to their (lucky) seven children.
If you ask Sarah why she does it – she will simply tell you that everyone needs help sometimes.
Everyone.

MEL TILLMAN

Pronouns: (they/them/theirs)

Board President

Mel lives in Worth with their wife Michelle, stepson-Matthew and 3 fur-babies. All Mel has ever wanted to do, is help people. Joining Almost Home in its mission to help those who need a little bit of help sometimes, is a perfect fit. Mel has dedicated many years to the service of others; previously volunteering with multiple animal rescues, Veteran support organizations, LGBTQ+ youth and suicide prevention initiatives. Mel is passionate about helping and healing. They believe, as Almost Home does, every person is worthy of love. Mel is looking forward to jumping in as Board President and making Almost Home their new home for spreading love, compassion, and visibility.

CHRISTIE COX

Board Secretary

A long-time employee of Marquette Bank, Christie Cox has headed the Marquette Bank Neighborhood Commitment program for the last 10 years. The program focuses on shelter, hunger, education, and health & wellness. Through her work with the Neighborhood Commitment, Christie met Sarah Galvan, and a friendship flourished. Drawn to the grassroots nature of Almost Home, Christie was driven to bring her extensive experience and resources to further their missions. In her leisure time, Christie can be found spending time with her family, relaxing with her husband, Ben, or watching her children, Allison and Evan, at their sporting events. More than likely, you will see Christie chauffeuring them around town.

PATTY ELLISON

Director of Overdose Prevention
& Addictions Outreach

Patty Ellison resides in Evergreen Park with her husband, Tom. Together they have 4 children and 2 grandchildren. Patty and Tom lost their son, Aidan, to an opioid overdose in December of 2017 at the age of 22. Patty’s goal is to offer stigma-free services to those who are struggling with addiction, along with families and loved ones of those in active addiction. Patty envisions Almost Home as a place where folks can come for support and guidance, as well as receive assistance in finding needed services. Patty’s first order of business is overdose prevention awareness and training community members in the use of Naloxone in the event of an opioid overdose emergency.

-In Loving Tribute to Aidan 

DONNA O’BRIEN

Director of Fundraising

Donna O’Brien resides in Evergreen Park with her husband, Bob, and their two sons. Approximately 20 years ago, Donna’s career transitioned to healthcare. This change allowed her passion for caring for her fellow humans to blossom. Inspired by her longtime friend, Patty Ellison’s, mission to prevent overdose and aid those struggling with addiction, Donna volunteered to provide refreshments for one of Patty’s Narcan certification sessions. And the rest is history…

ANNE-MARIE WILLIAMS

Director of Media Outreach

Anne-Marie is a full-time wife, full-time mother of two, and a full-time automotive engineer. In her spare time she writes for a number of different publications. She joined the Almost Home team in 2019, hoping to make a sustainable difference in the lives of the people that Almost Home serves. Anne-Marie will be focusing on marketing and creating a long-term sustainable financial growth plan for Almost Home. The addition of Anne-Marie is essential to our growth. She is brilliant, dedicated, and has a skill set that is nothing short of exceptional. 

JOI LAVERY

Stone Soup Kitchen Manager

Joi Lavery is a longtime resident of Evergreen Park and lives there with her two sweet rescue dogs, Holly and Fern. She has spent 30+ years working in refrigeration transportation and is also a licensed esthetician.

Joi grew up in Palos Park with a tight-knit family and many family friends. She's always loved hosting gatherings, cooking, and helping out. She makes sure everyone feels welcome and is well-fed.

Joi has been a devoted friend of Almost Home for a while by contributing donations. She got more involved with Church Under the Bridge, Shake the Can, and then with Stone Soup Kitchen on Christmas Day of 2021. Joi loves the population we serve, and she feels grateful for the connections being made.

You can find her at soup kitchen each and every Saturday night listening, laughing and sharing her smile.

SHARI HEDA

Website Designer

Thinking a lot about what her purpose in life is, Shari knows a few to be true. Create art. Make music. Serve her country. Be a good Mom and daughter; be a good caretaker. Be a helper. So when she saw Sarah post about Almost Home needing help, she was pulled to reach out and see if she was the right fit.  Shari hopes to help realize the visions of the great team put together here, and do more good.