Staff Bios
At Marillac House, we place a strong emphasis on staff professionalism and encourage on-going education in order to maintain our quality employee standards.
Gwen Horton is the Director of Project Hope. Gwen graduated Northeastern University. She started at Marillac in 1979 as a preschool teacher/coordinator. Gwen was program coordinator for 8 years for Marillac’s Rockwell garden recreation program. She has worked in Project hope for 12 years.
ghorton@marillachouse.org 773-722-7440 Ext. 3211
Mary Smith is a Group Coordinator/Doula Supervisor. Mary is a graduate of National Lewis University. She received a M.S. with a concentration in counseling. Mary has worked as a teacher at Marillac since 1996. She joined Project Hope in January 2010.
msmith@marillachouse.org 773-722-7440 Ext. 3237
Mary Cossom is a Home Visitor. Mary promotes bonding and attachment between teen parents and their children. She is a certified PAT Educator and received extensive home visiting training through the Ounce of Prevention Fund over her 13 years at Marillac. Mary also is the data entry specialist for Project Hope.
mcossom@marillachouse.org or 773-722-7440 Ext. 3238
Peggy Brewer is a Home Visitor/Doula. Peggy is a home visitor/Doula. She is a certified Parent Educator and has received extensive training from the Ounce of Prevention Fund and Health Connect. Peggy is also a Doula who advocates for the teens and coaches through labor and delivery. She has been at Marillac for over 10 years.
pbrewer@marillachouse.org 773-722-7440 Ext…3239
Vanessa Nash-Smith is a Home Visitor. Vanessa is a Home visitor with a certification in PAT as a Parent Educator. Vanessa received and Associate Degree in Early Childhood from Harold Washington College. She started at Marillac in January 2010.
vsmith@marillachouse.org 773-722-7440 Ext… 3236
Loretha Weisinger is a Doula. Loretha has participated in extensive training given by Health Connect One, the Ounce of Prevention Fund and the National Dona Organization. She is a certified Doula who has presented at many workshops and participates in training new Doulas. Loretha is a certified Doula with 14 years experience. She is featured in the Documentary The Doula Story.
lweisinger@marillachouse.org 773-722-7440 Ext. 3235
Chante Lewis is a Doula. Chante received her associate degree in art from Wright College. She received Doula training through the Ounce of Prevention Fund. Chante joined Project hope in January 2010.
clewis@marillachouse.org 773-722-7440
