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LEADERSHIP TEAM
MONICA GELINAS
Executive Director
Monica Gelinas has been with CC4C since 2015 spanning roles across operations, volunteer management, and family services. As Cheyanna's aunt, she brings a deep passion for the mission that stems from her personal connection to CC4C's founding story.
Monica earned a B.S. in Elementary Education and an M.A. in Learning Disabilities from the University of New Mexico. She is a certified Mindful Self-Compassion Trained Teacher from the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion, Practitioner in Applied Positive Psychology from the Flourishing Center in NYC, and certified in Life Coaching from the Coach Training Alliance. Monica is also the founder of New Season New Vision Life Coaching and author of Savor the Day, an interactive journal to inspire gratitude.
She has experience working with people navigating life transitions and coaching them to move forward and embrace a flourishing life. Monica is a mother of quadruplets and this unique perspective and heart for children inspires her work every day.
DANELLE KEMP
Development Director
Danelle Kemp joined the CC4C team in 2022. Danelle was born in New Mexico, raised in West Texas, and proud to call Austin home for over 25 years. She served as an elementary educator for 7 years after graduating with a master's degree in Special Education from The University of Texas at Austin. Danelle is mission-driven and has 5 years of experience as a development professional in nonprofit healthcare. Joining CC4C has allowed her to combine her skills with her passion - to care for others. She is deeply connected to CC4C’s mission because she has walked alongside her sister and niece as they navigate the rare journey.
Danelle is a mother to two incredible girls and two incredibly sweet dogs. She and her husband love to enjoy the outdoors with friends and be of service to others.
alison havens
Director of Programs
Alison started volunteering with CC4C through National Charity League in 2020. The mission of CC4C spoke to her heart with her personal experiences with her oldest daughter and nephew who have rare and undiagnosed conditions. After a few years of volunteering, she joined CC4C as the Program and Volunteer Manager.
Alison graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Alison has almost 20 years of teaching experience and her love and working with children is evident. Her experience in education will help families with understanding how to navigate the school system.
Alison has lived in the Austin community for 16 years and has a passion for serving others in her church and with her family. Alison and her husband have 2 teenage daughters and enjoy hiking in the summer in Colorado, running, and volunteering with First United Methodist Church Round Rock.
RACHEL KOEN
Operations & Program Manager
Rachel Koen joined the CC4C team in 2022. Rachel was born and raised in Colorado and grew up constantly searching for opportunities to work with children, whether through babysitting neighborhood children or volunteering in Sunday School. She attended Wheaton College, where she volunteered with World Relief to tutor immigrant children while earning her bachelor’s degree in Biology. Rachel was admitted to graduate school to become a Pediatric Audiologist but decided to take her life in a different direction. Following undergrad she worked as the Children’s Ministry Operations Coordinator at her church, where she was able to serve children of all ages and abilities, spreading the name and hope of Jesus.
Rachel’s true passion lies with caring for children and their families. After moving to Austin with her husband, Rachel searched for a place where her passion, talents and experiences could be used for good. CC4C’s faith-based community and vision strongly align with her beliefs and desire to make a positive difference.
In her free time, Rachel enjoys staying active, making tasty recipes, and spending time with her husband and dog exploring their new home in Texas.
monina mercado
Executive Assistant/HR
Monina Mercado has rejoined CC4C as the Executive & Human Resources Assistant where she will help administrate and coordinate operations, policies, training, and web site design. Monina started with CC4C in 2017 as a volunteer then joined the team as the Director of Operations & Volunteers until September 2022.
Monina has over 30 years of Human Resources and operations experience in the hotel, apartment living and oil & gas industry, working with Marriott International, Camden and Southern Cross Properties.
Monina’s family is from Bolivia and speaks, reads, and writes in Spanish. Her favorite hobby is travel and then meeting new people from around the world.
Monina has recently moved back to the Houston area because she and her husband love to live near the water. She is very happy to be back working for CC4C too!