Bernie Rupe
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – LCPC, NCC, CCTP, CCAT
With 30 years of experience working with at-risk teens, Bernie is the guiding star of Chicago Voyagers. Since taking over the Trips for Kids Fox Valley chapter in 2008, he continues to remain active in leading programs and is determined to ensure that all Chicago teens have an opportunity to explore the outdoors and themselves.
Bernie has a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling, is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a Certified Clinical Adventure Therapist. He is also an officer with the Association of Experiential Education.
Jesy Cordle
director of programs - PhD(c), LRT, CTRS, CCAT
Jesy Cordle has worked extensively in the fields of adventure-based programming, adventure therapy, and recreational therapy for the last fifteen years. She has a bachelor's degree in Outdoor Leadership and Education, a master's degree in PRTM concentrating in Recreational Therapy, and is currently a doctoral candidate at Clemson University. In addition to her work, research, and teaching in the field, Jesy is on the Leadership Council for the Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group as the Professional Development Coordinator and sits on the Association for Experiential Education's Certification Council.
Anna Hanson
director of Development
A self-described “explorer,” Anna grew up in Minnesota and spent time as a young adult traveling the world and experiencing different cultures. She has served as a nonprofit professional for 20 years and has extensive experience developing startup to mid-sized organizations. Anna holds BAs in International Studies and Political Science, an MS in Int’l Public Service Management from DePaul, and an MS in Digital Marketing from Rutgers Business School.
Liz Jansen
GRANTS MANAGER
Liz has more than 12 years of nonprofit experience, bringing a deep understanding of nonprofits and how to leverage resources to support mission-driven work. Prior to joining Chicago Voyagers, Liz served as Vice President of Development at Healthcare Alternative Systems, a nonprofit that provides behavioral health services.
Emma Herndon
PROGRAM LEADER
Emma is a Recreational Therapist from Western North Carolina. She is experienced as an adventure camp counselor for youth with varying chronic medical conditions. As a recent graduate, Emma is excited to use her passion for the outdoors to empower youth with opportunities for growth and success. Outside of the office, Emma enjoys hiking, hammocking, and spending time with friends.
Ryan McHale
Program Leader
Growing up in the Chain O’Lakes, Ryan was exposed early on to the growth that the outdoors can provide. Inspired by his work as an English teacher and Eco-Tourism strategist with the Peace Corps in rural Romania, Ryan has a strong desire to expand opportunities and perspectives in overlooked communities. He’s excited to return to Chicago Voyagers (Program Leader 2014-15), and can often be found biking and watching birds in Humboldt Park on his off days.
Nic Bellegarde
PROGRAM LEADER
Nic Bellegarde, MS, has worked in community mental health for the past eight years. He has worked with a variety of populations across the lifespan in psychiatric, college counseling, substance abuse recovery, private practice, juvenile detention, and community mental health clinics. A fluent Spanish speaker, Nic is passionate about the transformative effects of mindfulness and experiential education. He is a current doctoral candidate in counselor education and supervision at the University of Arkansas.
Jim Tibensky
Volunteer Program Leader
Jim has been leading kayak and canoe trips as a volunteer with youth organizations since 1998. Some of his earliest memories are of tent camping with his family and he still loves to be outdoors as much as possible. His philosophy of leading trips is simply to ‘share the joy.’.
Robin Berryman
Business office manager
Robin Berryman has worked with various small businesses and organizations streamlining and systematizing administrative and operational tasks for over a decade. She studied African American Studies at Northwestern University and has also spent time as a flight attendant, gardener, and dancer. She loves bringing tools and perspectives from seemingly disparate areas together to serve Chicago Voyagers' greater mission.
