Staff

Brighid O'Shaughnessy Executive Artistic Director

Contact regarding bookings, custom projects, residencies, and major collaborations.

Brighid O'Shaughnessy is the Founder and Executive Artistic Director of Erasing the Distance. Since 2005, she has reached over 30,000 people with theatrical performances about mental health issues that she has acted in, directed, devised and/or produced. A sought after speaker and workshop leader, she recently presented at the Active Minds National Conference, University of Illinois Chicago, and taught a 5-month workshop in the Erasing the Distance methodology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. The Chicago School residency culminated in a sold-out performance at the Chicago Cultural Center. Brighid was granted DePaul University's prestigious David O. Justice Award for her use of theatre to educate communities about mental illness in non-traditional and creative ways. Last year she was also chosen by Extra Mile America as one of 200 heroic leaders in the United States making a difference in their communities and received a 3Arts Vision Award to support her artistic work at Erasing the Distance. Her experience as a director, actor and teacher committed to social change has spanned 15 years, including time co-directing the Thresholds Theatre Arts Project and Redmoon's Dramagirls, and devising original productions with teens in Chicago Public Schools. She taught acting at Chicago's Acting Studio (formerly known as the Audition Studio) for 5 years and has acted at such places as Steppenwolf, Victory Gardens, and Profiles Theatre. She graduated with a Masters of Arts from DePaul University, a B.A. in Theatre from Santa Clara University, studied extensively with The American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, trained with internationally known activist and artist Michael Rohd, and has done her share of voice-over work and corporate training using theatre.
brighid@erasingthedistance.org

Diana Clegg Managing Director

Contact regarding charitable contributions, finances, contracts, human resources, and board relations.

Diana believes in the value and transformative power of the arts to inform our understanding of one another as individuals and as part of the social and emotional fabric of our culture. She has served on the boards of directors for a variety of Chicago-area and national nonprofit arts organizations, including as president of the board of directors for the Arts of Life (a non-profit art studio for developmentally disabled adults) and Playing Out Productions (a gay and lesbian community instrumental music organization) where she facilitated and implemented 3-year strategic plans. Since 1993, Diana has also been a board member and singer with Artemis Singers and has produced numerous choral concerts and other performing arts events, including the 10th Sister Singers National Choral Festival in 2010. Diana comes to Erasing the Distance with a BS in Sociology from Eastern Illinois University, an MS in Human Services Administration from Spertus College, and 20 years experience in nonprofit management. She also has 40+ hours of crisis intervention and anti-violence advocacy training. As Manager of the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago RISE Children’s Center, Diana planned and directed the center’s development and expansion, establishing a city-wide reputation as a high-quality provider of specialized child sexual abuse clinical services with a program budget of close to $1 million. More recently, Diana cofounded Third Side Consulting. Her consultation and technical assistance for nonprofit organizations has focused on grant writing, policies and procedures, staff supervision and board development. She has also done significant event coordination, including multi-day conferences, professional workshops, board retreats, fundraising events, weddings and other private parties. Diana is very excited to bring her organizational skills and experience to the operational management of Erasing the Distance.
diana@erasingthedistance.org

Jennifer Mathews Communications Director

Contact regarding public relations, promotions, online content, and marketing.

Jennifer Mathews has been working in arts communications for over 10 years. In addition to her ETD duties, she is also the Director of Communications for Adventure Stage Chicago, where she has been a staff member since 2005. Previously she worked as a Marketing Associate for Carol Fox & Associates and Director of Public Relations for Infamous Commonwealth Theatre. Jen received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Drama from Indiana University and has appeared onstage with numerous theaters in and around Chicago. She has also been a proud member of ETD's artistic ensemble for over five years. To find out more about Jen's stage and commercial work, click here. Jen currently lives on the northwest side of Chicago with her two adorable daughters and equally adorable husband.
jen@erasingthedistance.org

Chris Weise Production Manager

Contact for production details regarding our artistic season.

Chris was introduced to Erasing the Distance in 2009 when he attended the Spring Showcase. He has since been the volunteer project manager for a three-part violence awareness initiative ETD co-sponsored in the later half of 2010. He is delighted to now serve as Erasing the Distance's Production Manager. Over the years he has directed plays throughout the Chicago area, choreographed theatrical fights, served on the board for the Illinois Theatre Association, assistant directed a high school drama program for district 211, managed the floor at the Kohl Children's Museum, and performed from time to time. Chris has a BFA in Acting from Illinois State University with a concentration in directing and stage combat. He is an advocate for mental health awareness, and is honored to be a member of the Erasing the Distance family.
chris@erasingthedistance.org

Board

David Strauss President

David Strauss is thrilled to be involved with such a vital and innovative organization, dedicated to vividly changing the way society views those affected by mental illness. David was drawn to ETD based, not just upon the criticality of its mission, but also the strength of its leadership and artistic teams. ETD also resonates deeply with David. He is personally familiar with the impact of mental illness within families and is also a professional theater fan and latent thespian himself, having acted sporadically since high school. David is a senior legal executive with Experian, based in the Chicago area. He is a member of various professional organizations, including the Association of Corporate Counsel and the North Shore Compliance Officers’ Roundtable. David has a B.A. from Duke University in Psychology and Political Science and a law degree from the University of Wisconsin. He is also the proud husband of a social worker and father of three beautiful (and “spirited”) girls.

Jamie Pekarek Krohn Vice President

Jamie Pekarek Krohn has been associated with ETD for the past year and is honored to become a board member. She graduated from Indiana University with a B.A. in Political Science and concentrated her internship on social advocacy regarding child abuse. She later received her Master's from DePaul University in Counseling and Human Services. She worked as a therapist at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital and is currently in private practice. Jamie has been a volunteer counselor at CommunityHealth, and has led workshops for teachers, chaplains, and the general public regarding eating disorders and depression. Additionally, she is adjunct faculty at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, mentors DePaul University students, and recently received a certification in Adult Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy from the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis. Jamie is inspired by ETD's goal of creating compassionate dialogue about mental health issues in our schools and communities.

Kelly Luchtman Secretary

Kelly Luchtman is a producer and director in Chicago whose production company, Lightfellow, focuses on real people. Kelly’s clients are mostly non-profits, including the YWCA of Metro Chicago, the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and NW Indiana, the Women’s Treatment Center, and others. Previously, as senior producer at See 3 Communications, Kelly developed campaign messaging and communications for clients such as the Sierra Club, NARAL Pro-Choice America, Refugees International and others. Kelly has also directed her first feature length documentary entitled Artists in Residence, about an artists’ community in Chicago. As a documentarian, Kelly’s passion lies in finding and telling people’s stories in hopes of making an impact on the viewer. As such, ETD’s mission fits directly into her interests. As a board member, she is determined to put ETD’s exceptional productions and residencies in front of more and more people. Kelly has a Masters from Northwestern University in Film Theory and Criticism, and a BA from the University of Colorado in Economics.

Lisa Liebman Treasurer

Lisa Liebman became interested in Erasing the Distance upon seeing a show in spring of 2009. The ETD performances were beautiful, poignant and very powerful in their ability to convey the stories and struggles of individuals living with and affected by mental health issues. ETD’s mission of using theater and dialogue to increase understanding and reduce the stigma of mental illness resonates deeply with Lisa, as she has always been a champion of causes that create a more tolerant and compassionate community. Lisa is thrilled to be part of the ETD team and greatly admires the energy, creativity and dedication of the staff and board. Lisa was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and graduated with honors. She started her career as an accountant with Arthur Andersen LLP. Lisa then moved to Sirius Partners LP, an investment management firm and hedge fund of funds, where she has been a finance executive for the past 15 years.

Evelyn Coker Director

Evelyn Joy Coker is excited to join the Erasing the Distance (ETD) family. Due to personal and professional experiences, Evelyn was immediately drawn to the organization’s mission and believes that ETD is the perfect blend of theatre and mental health advocacy. She has used music, dance, and drama as healthy forms of expression her entire life, which allowed her to quickly fall in love with ETD. Evelyn also has a wide range of clinical, project management, and organizational leadership skills that she is eager to utilize. Evelyn attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she acquired a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Masters in Social Work. In May 2011, she obtained her Illinois licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Evelyn currently works as the Director of Clinical and Social Services at Proviso-Leyden Council for Community Action in Maywood, IL. Evelyn is an aspiring author and life coach, a dynamic leader, a relevant public speaker, and is committed to helping individuals restore their level of functioning. She lives in her hometown, Chicago, with her husband Emanuel, cousin O’Laundra, and children Evan and Elise.

Jeff Hagedorn Director

Jeff Hagedorn is honored to be part of a dynamic organization like Erasing The Distance that helps educate and reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues. Jeff was inspired to get involved with ETD after experiencing one of their performances and after-show discussions. Having firsthand experience with how mental illness can take its toll on families, Jeff was captivated by how the performance impacted not only those audience members who are afflicted but their parents and siblings as well. In addition, Erasing The Distance is perfectly aligned with Jeff’s core values of loyalty, integrity and compassion. A former broadcaster and current voice actor, Jeff also has a passion for the arts and believes strongly in their healing powers. A graduate of Loyola University of Chicago, Jeff is currently Manager of Business Development at Toll Global Forwarding. He is single and resides in downtown Chicago.

Terence O’Shaughnessy Director

Terence O’Shaughnessy was born and raised in the Chicago-land area. He attended and graduated from Loyola Academy, University of Notre Dame (with a B.A. in Architecture) and from Loyola University (with an M.B.A.). He has two children, Brighid (Founder and Director of Erasing the Distance) and Devin who is with the National Democratic Institute in Kabul, Afghanistan. In 1973, he became a member of the Chicago Board of Trade (now the CME Group) and has been a commodities trader working for himself to this date. He was one of the co-founders of DeWindt Corporation, a construction management and general contractor, and is still involved presently. His other entrepreneurial efforts include the creation of Joss Development (real estate), Lowell Mining (limestone and sand quarry) and S & O Inc. (convenience store operator and franchsier). He has served on the boards of Lincoln Park Federal Savings and Loan, Ronald Knox Montessori, Regina Dominican H.S., & the I.A. O’Shaughnessy Foundation. He is truly blessed to have Brighid as his daughter and to have the opportunity to help and share in the important work that Erasing the Distance is doing in bringing awareness about mental illness to students and to the general public.

Mental Health Advisory Board

Scott Conklin, LPC

Scott returned home to Chicago in 2010. In his time away he earned bachelors’ degrees in English and Secondary Education (Miami University and University of Idaho), an MFA in Fiction Writing from Columbia University (New York), and an MA in Counseling from the University of Georgia. Scott is an advocate for the truth and power of our individual and collective narratives and believes that important change occurs in the telling, honoring and “re-visioning” of these stories. He has spent much of his professional life writing, collecting, editing, loaning, and teaching stories in his work with organizations such as The PEN/O’Henry Prize Stories, The Paris Review, The Lyons Press, the Madison, Wisconsin Public Library, and The Rhode Island School of Design. In his most recent professional role as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Scott has utilized mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to assist clients from a person-centered, narrative perspective. While counseling in two Athens, Georgia mental health clinics, Scott had the privilege to witness the strength and resilience of his clients there. He now continues this work as a volunteer counselor for CommunityHealth in Chicago while also serving as school counselor for Alphonsus Academy and Center for the Arts.

Grady L. Garner, Jr., PhD

Dr. Grady L. Garner Jr. is a native son of Chicago who completed both his Masters in Community Counseling and Doctorate in Counseling Psychology at Loyola University Chicago. Dr. Garner is currently a tenure-track Assistant Professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (The Chicago School), a clinical psychology doctoral program. At The Chicago School, Dr. Garner specializes in research, evaluation, statistical analysis, group psychotherapy, multicultural psychology and the psychodynamic therapeutic approach. Dr. Garner has provided program evaluation consultation and was the principal investigator and co-grantee of a $75,000 Illinois Department of Public Health grant addressing the public health needs of a marginalized community. Dr. Garner enjoys psychotherapy as well, having provided individual, couples, family, and group counseling over the years. Dr. Garner’s professional work centers on solutions to impoverished mental and physical health problems at the primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention levels. Dr. Garner is currently authoring and co-authoring, respectively, two book chapters for Routledge Publications: (1) Diversity across the LGBT Community and (2) Counseling LGBT Students K-12. With regard to Multicultural Counseling, Dr. Garner has also taught a number of undergraduate courses centered on the Psychology of African Americans. As a result, he provides educational seminars and seminar series to community service agencies and university counseling centers (including the University of Chicago, DePaul University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago). Topics range from African American/Africentric Identity, Breaking the Cycle of Mental Slavery, Overcoming Oppression, LGBT Identity Development, to Positive Mental Health Development. In his spare time, Dr. Garner is a fan of science, science fiction, detective novels, and his acoustic guitar. His family of four includes his partner in life and their adopted feline siblings Baxter and Mimi (both brothers….long story).

Jamie Pekarek Krohn, LCPC

(see Board bios above)

Erin Mason, PhD

Erin Mason earned her PhD in Counselor Education from Georgia State University as well as her Masters and Specialist degrees in School Counseling. As a Professional School Counselor for 13 years, Erin has a strong practitioner focus. Erin’s primary teaching and research interests are in the areas of school counselor leadership and advocacy, school counseling programs, and technology. Presently Erin works at DePaul University in the Counseling Program, which is in the School of Education. The Counseling Program at DePaul prepares graduate level students in the areas of Community Counseling, School Counseling and College Student Development. Current projects for Erin include working with the Illinois School Counseling Association to revise the current state model for school counseling programs, partnering with various Chicago public schools to improve school counseling program delivery, state level advocacy for student and mental health legislation and committee work with national counseling organizations.

Lawrence Nash, MD

Larry is a board certified psychiatrist, holding certifications in adult, child and adolescent psychiatry as well as certification in adult psychoanalytic psychotherapy. He received his BA in biological anthropology from Harvard University and doctor of medicine at Stanford University. After completing four years of adult psychiatry residency at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute, he spent two years at the NYU/Bellevue Hospital child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship. Larry moved to Chicago in 2010 after 8 years in Madison, WI, where he worked at the Family Therapy Center of Madison in private practice. He served on the clinical faculty for the University of Wisconsin Department of Psychiatry, supervising and teaching residents. In 2010 he completed the adult psychoanalytic psychotherapy program at the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis, and in Fall 2011 will enroll as a full candidate in the CORE program of that institute, training to become a certified psychoanalyst. Larry has a private practice in Chicago, where he sees adults, adolescents and children in psychiatric consultation, performing insight oriented psychotherapy and medication management. His patients present with a variety of concerns including mood and anxiety disorders, learning and attention deficit disorders, relationship and sexual orientation concerns, and professional and personal identity issues. He has been a member of the Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists and the American Psychiatric Association.

Jamie Pasquale, PsyD

Jamie Pasquale is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and graduated with her Psy.D. from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2000. She received her Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana in 1995, where she majored in Psychology and Spanish. Jamie is currently enrolled at the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis, where she is studying in the Adult Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program. It is a two year certification course for working professionals seeking to incorporate analytic technique in outpatient psychotherapy. Jamie provides outpatient psychotherapy for adults, adolescents and families in an outpatient private practice setting. Her patients present with a wide spectrum of concerns, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, transitional life issues, substance abuse, sexuality concerns, identity struggles, and relational difficulties. Jamie is a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Board of the Medical Research Institute Council (MRIC) at Children's Memorial Hospital. She is also a member of the Diversity Support Council at Francis W. Parker School.