People

Jeff Berry Director of Publications; Editor, Positively Aware

Preferred pronouns: He, him, his

As Director of Publications, Jeff has served as Editor-in-Chief of Positively Aware, the leading not-for-profit HIV/AIDS magazine in the country, since 2005, overseeing production, advertising, and distribution of the publication. Jeff is also a member of a small national working group which leads The Reunion Project, a program for HIV long-term survivors that is sponsored by TPAN.

Jeff was a successful Chicago club DJ during the 80s and 90s at a number of popular gay nightclubs including Dugan's Bistro, Paradise, Bistro Too, and Circuit, and was awarded Gay Chicago's 1990 DJ of the Year.

Email: j.berry@tpan.com
Phone: 773-989-9400 x260

Merrill C Kenna, MSW Director of Development

Preferred pronouns: He, him, his

As Director of Development, Merrill drives funding strategy for the agency, securing the funds necessary to continue the impact that TPAN has made on people’s lives and to help insure the future of the organization through a comprehensive philanthropic model for success.

Prior to joining TPAN in 2017, Merrill provided leadership to many non-profit organizations across the United States including Chicago, Tucson, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Indianapolis. His primary focus has been in the area of HIV/AIDS, housing, mental health, substance abuse, and end-of-life care. Merrill has lived and worked internationally focusing on the prevention of human trafficking in S.E. Asia, fundraising consulting, and NGO infrastructure development.

Merrill is a double graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago having earned a B.A. in Psychology and an MSW from Jane Adams College of Social Work. He also holds a degree in Accounting/Marketing from Johnson & Wales University.

Email: m.kenna@tpan.com
Phone: 773-989-9400 x243

Aquea Wynn, MA Prevention Manager

Preferred pronouns: She, her, hers

As TPAN's Prevention Program, Aquea oversees HIV and HCV testing, outreach, condom distribution, and syringe exchange services. Aquea brings years of experience working with people and volunteering with other non-profit service organizations. She enjoys that her current role allows her to encourage, motivate, and empower clients to become their best selves. In the near future, she plans to obtain her licensure to be a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Aquea joined TPAN in 2012 as a Behavioral Counselor II/Group Facilitator in the P.O.W.E.R. Program and later transitioned to Outreach Coordinator for TPAN’s first youth program, OVAH!, in October 2013. Prior to TPAN, Aquea held positions of Child/Adolescent Respite Worker, Youth Prevention Specialist, Youth Project Manager, and Youth Prevention Manager at other Chicagoland social service organizations for nearly six years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Dillard University in and earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Governors State University.

Email: a.wynn@tpan.com
Phone:773-989-9400 x269

Breon Rose, MA, LPC Lead Project Specialist, HOTTER

Preferred pronouns: He, him, his

As the Lead Project Specialist on the HOTTER program, Breon plans and implements marketing strategies to promote the HOTTER program and recruit clients; conducts HIV/HCV testing, counseling, and referral services; develops and implements outreach initiatives; and curates community events with other community-based organizations. Breon also facilitates psycho-educational and process oriented groups in addition to providing psychosocial life skills guidance and support for clients.

Prior to joining at TPAN in 2015, Breon completed his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. During this time he worked as a therapist for a residential center for traumatized adolescents, where he conducted group and individual therapy for vulnerable youth in the Chicago area. In addition to his work at TPAN, Breon serves as a consultant for the Second Genesis Foundation, where he conducts groups with BMSM to analyze the impact of intersectionality on the psyche and HIV contraction.

Email: b.rose@tpan.com
Phone: 773-989-9400 x293

Dayna Flores, MA, LCPC Mental Health Therapist

Preferred pronouns: She, her, hers

As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Dayna provides individual, couples, and group therapy for TPAN's clients. She specializes in working with multi-culturally diverse gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, transgender, and gender non-conforming individuals, as well as HIV/AIDS impacted clients. Her areas of interest include trauma informed care, identity formation, substance use, and sexual health and wellness.

Dayna joined TPAN in 2009 and helped to design, implement, and manage Our Voices Advocating Health (OVAH!), TPAN's first federally funded youth program. OVAH! was an integrated pyscho-educational HIV/STI and substance abuse prevention program that combined the delivery of group-level intervention, community outreach and education, HIV testing, and monthly events geared towards creating a safe, empowering and supportive space for black MSM and trans youth between the ages of 18-24. Dayna holds a Bachelor of Science in Cultural Anthropology from Loyola University Chicago and an Master's in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Counseling from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Email: d.flores@tpan.com
Phone: 773-989-9400 x283

Enid Vazquez Associate Editor, Positively Aware

Preferred pronouns: She, her, hers

As associate editor of TPAN’s national HIV treatment magazine, Positively Aware, Enid Vázquez writes primarily about drug development and medical care. She also covers other aspects of the epidemic, such as psychosocial needs, legal issues, and personal profiles.

Before joining TPAN in 1995, Enid worked as a freelance or staff writer for a variety of publications, including The Hartford Courant.

Email: e.vazquez@tpan.com
Phone: 773-989-9400 x261

Gary Nelson Events & Communication Manager

Preferred pronouns: He, him, his

As TPAN's Events & Communication Manager, Gary splits his time between directing the agency's fundraising and community-facing events, including the Ride for AIDS Chicago, and overseeing TPAN's marketing efforts. With a background in event planning and writing, Gary enjoys being a part of the development team, working closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to raise funds and the agency's public profile. Gary is dedicated to the agency's ability to create community, and delights in learning how staff, clients, and supporters found TPAN.

Prior to joining TPAN in 2015, Gary spent 6 years overseeing conference events and educational programming for a New York-based education association, with past positions in market research and academic tutoring.

Email: g.nelson@tpan.com
Phone: 773-989-9400 x264

James Craig Special Events Coordinator

Preferred pronouns: He, him, his

As TPAN's Special Events Coordinator, part of the development staff, James creates unique events to engage the agency's supporters. He is responsible for the strip-a-thon Barlesque, and assists in the production of TPAN's largest fundraiser, the Ride for AIDS Chicago.

James works to coordinate TPAN events throughout the calendar year, develop new connections with Chicago's diverse communities, and is a big part of TPAN's social media presence, working to engage our community and provide information on the organization's events.

Prior to joining TPAN in 2016, James was a Financial Aid Officer for Argosy University's Chicago campus and Pittsburgh's online division. James came to know and believe in TPAN's mission back in 2015 in his first year cycling with Team TPAN in Ride for AIDS Chicago. James was a co-captain for the team, helping to plan fundraising events, team social events, and fundraising efforts. As a member of one of Ride for AIDS Chicago's top fundraising teams, James is excited to bring his same energy and excitement to the agency's events.

Email: j.craig@tpan.com
Phone: 773-989-9400 x230

John Werning Prevention Specialist

Preferred pronouns: He, him, his

As a Prevention Specialist, John primarily works on the Prevention Team providing HIV testing and counseling services. John also oversees TPAN’s needle exchange program, the Health Access Resources Team (HART), which distributes new syringes, safer injection materials, and the lifesaving drug naloxone. When outside of the office, John is busy conducting outreach throughout the Northside of Chicago and can often be seen passing out safer sex supplies at local bars.

Prior to TPAN in 2014, John completed an AmeriCorps service year in Washington D.C., where he was trained in Harm Reduction-based outreach and community engagement. The skill set he learned in AmeriCorps has become an invaluable part of his approach to public health, which John hopes to continuously expand and develop indefinitely.

Email: j.werning@tpan.com
Phone: 773-989-9400 x244

Juan José López, LCSW Manager of Case Management

Preferred pronouns: All pronouns used respectfully

As TPAN's Manager of Case Management, Juan José oversees the agency's case management, retention, and housing programs. Working with his team of case managers, Juan José ensures that all clients receive access to the healthcare, housing, and human service programs available to them. TPAN is lucky to benefit from Juan José breadth of experience with the agency, and his dedicated involvement in Chicago's LGBTQ communities.

Juan José first came to TPAN in August of 2007 as a social work intern while he completed his bachelor's in Social Work from Northeastern Illinois University. In 2008 Juan José was hired as a Prevention Specialist, and became a member of Chicago’s HIV Prevention Planning Group, a Board Member of Orgullo Èn Acciòn, and a community member of United Latino/a Pride.

In 2010, Juan José completed his Master of Social Work degree program from the University of Illinois at Chicago, with a concentration in Mental Health, and moved to TPAN's medical case management staff. He began overseeing the program in 2016. During this time Juan José joined the Illinois Department of Public Health's Medical Case Management Advisory Board.

In January, 2017, Juan José became a member of the Chicago Area HIV Integrated Services Council CAHISC), a 42-member steering committee for the City of Chicago, which provides guidance on the allocation of funding to deliver HIV prevention, care and housing services throughout Chicago.

Email: j.lopez@tpan.org
Phone: 773-989-9400 x238

Kimberly Rogers, LCSW Mental Health Therapist

Preferred pronouns: She, her, hers

As a Mental Health Therapist, Kimberly works one-on-one with individual clients, and serves as a key resource for those who take part in TPAN's groups, including as a member of the HOTTER program team. With a Master’s of Clinical Social Work from the University of Chicago, Kimberly enjoys integrating her passion for social justice with cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and meditation for clients. Kimberly brings to TPAN her focused study on complex post-traumatic stress, process addictions, and mindfulness in order to support clients’ own resiliencies as they navigate through the ever-changing landscape of living and loving.

Kimberly joined TPAN in 2015. Her dedication to HIV-positive communities started with 7 years of practice on the South Side of Chicago for Access Community Health Clinics.

Email: k.rogers@tpan.com
Phone: 773-989-9400 x241

Mario Heags HIV Testing and Prevention Specialist

Preferred pronouns: He, him, his

As HIV testing and prevention specialist, Mario provides confidential test counseling to TPAN clients who come into the office for testing and during outreach events.

Prior to joining TPAN in 2017, Mario worked as a prevention specialist at Austin Health Center for HIV+ Men, recruiting men between the ages of 18-59 from the West Side community. Mario received his HIV testing and counseling certification in 2017. He is well connected to the LGBT and Ballroom community, and was a former member of "Balenciaga."

Email: m.heags@tpan.com
Phone: 773-989-9400 x272

Meghan O'Malley Ryan White Part A Case Manager

Preferred pronouns: She, her, hers

As a Ryan White Part A Case Manager at TPAN, Meghan is responsible for connecting clients to much needed services such as primary medical care, mental health services, and housing resources, helping clients to improve health outcomes along the way.

Meghan joined the TPAN team in August of 2012 as an intern and then returned to TPAN in June of 2016 as a staff member. After her internship at TPAN, Meghan taught English as a foreign language to pre-school aged children in Shenyang, China and also taught independent living skills to adults with developmental disabilities.

Email: m.omalley@tpan.com
Phone: 773-989-9400 x274

Paul Konz, M.Ed, LPC Behavioral Counselor & Retention Specialist

Preferred pronouns: He, him, his

As a behavioral counselor at TPAN, Paul facilitates group and individual therapy for clients, both through the HOTTER program and from the wider community. Paul leads groups on substance abuse and addiction, healthy relationships, stress and anger management, and trauma. As retention specialist for the HOTTER program, Paul regularly follows up with program graduates to collect information for grant outcomes, and co-leads a monthly graduate support group for clients to continue their meaningful connections made with both TPAN and their peers. Paul is also a certified tester for HIV and hepatitis C, and tests both walk-in and HOTTER clients weekly, providing information and short-term counseling on sexual health, risk management and harm reduction.

Prior to joining TPAN in 2015, Paul worked as a counselor and case manager for residential rehab and detox programs at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, and as a phone counselor for a crisis and Employee Assistance Program hotline. While finishing his graduate studies, Paul completed his clinical practicum and internship at Chicago Lakeshore Hospital, where he worked with chemically dependent patients in the facility’s LGBT-specific track, Valeo. Paul holds an masters of education in Community Counseling from DePaul University.

Email: p.konz@tpan.com
Phone: 773-989-9400 x282