by givebackdv | Oct 14, 2022 | Staff
Shannon Labus is a Student Coach with Give Something Back. She currently coaches’ students in both Illinois and Kansas. Shannon makes it her mission to truly know and understand our students. She strives to make sure she knows what the student needs and is that guiding force for them toward a great career. She is constantly looking for new ways to help improve the curriculum and events for our students. Shannon graduated from Illinois State University and has been a dance teacher in the Chicago suburbs for 28 years, which has given her another opportunity to work with teens. Shannon lives in Lockport with her 3 children.
by givebackdv | Oct 14, 2022 | Staff
Anne Gordon is the Give Back Program Director for Kentucky and Indiana. She plays a critical role in helping GiveBack achieve its mission of providing scholarships and academic mentoring to disadvantaged students and expanding the program’s model nationally. She partners with foundation leadership to create and ensure consistent and effective internal processes and communication across GiveBack programs to help position for continued success.
Prior to her employment at GiveBack, she was a founding member and Vice President of Operations at Beyond and Heartland Payment Systems. Companies that provide a comprehensive suite of business tools and services, including payment processing to small and mid-size businesses. Robert Carr was the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the aforementioned companies. She has had the opportunity to work with Mr. Carr for over twenty-five years in a leadership position. She served on several committees during her tenure in the payments industry such as a Board Member, Discover ISO Committee, Committee Member, ETA Best Practice Committee. She currently is a CASA Volunteer for CASA River Region in Jefferson County KY.
by givebackdv | Feb 3, 2021 | Staff
Katie Latta started with Give Back in September 2018 and currently serves as the Assistant Program Director for the state of Kansas. In 2004, Katie graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from Missouri State University and shortly thereafter began a career working in the insurance field where she was a claims adjuster, communications specialist, corporate trainer, and supervisor.
Katie transitioned to working in higher education in August 2012 when she started a job at Ottawa University. There, she worked in enrollment, recruitment, and academic advising. Katie earned her Masters Degree in Human Resources in 2016 from Ottawa University. During her time there, she developed a passion for guiding students through their degree programs and their overall college experience.
Give Back is a great fit for Katie because she is able to use all of her previous experiences in her current role. Katie loves getting to know the students, building relationships with mentors, and developing resources for both students and mentors. When Katie isn’t working, she loves to spend time with her two children. Katie also enjoys reading, being outdoors, and watching sports.
by givebackdv | Apr 3, 2020 | Staff
Hello, my name is Kelsey Novak and I just joined the Give Something Back location in Lockport Illinois as the Manager of Mentor/Student Services. Prior to me starting with GSB, I worked as a financial aid counselor for the last 8 years at the University of St Francis in Joliet IL. My husband and I currently live just outside of Joliet, and 7 months ago we brought our first baby home! We are enjoying spending A LOT of family time together these last few weeks, and watching our son grow and learn new things every day.
My husband and I are huge sports fans, and we’re finding ourselves scanning YouTube for made up sports to watch. Sunday football (Bear Down) is a big production in our house, as well as hockey, and we’re a house divided between the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox. (Go Cubs Go!)
I’m very excited to start this new career with GSB, and I cannot wait to get into the office after April 30th and really hit the ground running with the Lockport team. I appreciate all the warm welcomes I have received thus far, and I know that this is the place I need to be to make a difference.
Be Well,
Kelsey Novak
