Meet Our Panelists!

Our panel discussion will be January 23.

We are excited to introduce our four amazing panelists for the upcoming webinar New Arrivals to Chicago: Social Services in Context. Hosted in partnership with AIA Chicago and the Illinois Housing Council, this webinar will feature the perspectives of four social service providers Chicagoland.

Lore Baker

President & CEO, the Association for Individual Development (AID)

AID provides social services in the greater Fox Valley area and other western Chicagoland suburban counties. People served: individuals with developmental, intellectual, physical and/or mental health challenges, those in crisis situations, and those at risk. Vital, life-enriching services that promote the highest level of independence and community immersion include: autism programs; permanent supportive housing; in-home support; developmental and vocational training; job placement and on-the-job coaching services; crisis intervention; victims services; mental health treatment; behavioral intervention; health and wellness; community education; and advocacy.

Michael Banghart

Executive Director, Renaissance Social Services

Working in the social service field since 1989, Michael became Executive Director of Renaissance Social Services in 2001. Prior to that, he was a mental health provider with Thresholds and a researcher studying homelessness and mental illness at The University of Illinois in Chicago. He has a Master's degree in Counseling from the Adler School of Professional Psychology.

Michael has led the growth of Renaissance from serving 26 individuals to becoming a licensed and accredited agency providing innovative solutions to homelessness through behavioral health, street outreach, prevention, diversion, short- and long-term supportive housing, and senior services. He has published multiple articles about homelessness and mental illness in peer-reviewed journals, has two published book chapters about mental illness and homelessness and has done presentations on homelessness and behavioral health at conferences across the country.

Tramaine Martin

Senior Director of Community Engagement and Education, Marillac St. Vincent Family Services

Tramaine is a passionate leader dedicated to fostering community well-being through her role as the Senior Director of Community Engagement and Education at Marillac St. Vincent Family Services. She oversees several key initiatives, including the Food Security Program, Support Services, Workforce Development, Community Education, and Senior Services. In this role, she ensures that each program effectively addresses the needs of the community, fostering sustainable solutions and empowering individuals through education and support. Her leadership helps create a cohesive strategy that enhances food access, workforce opportunities, and resources for seniors and families alike.

With over 20 years of experience in social work, she has devoted her career to enhancing programs and services for individuals across all stages of life, from prenatal care to support for older adults.

Tramaine is deeply committed to bridging the equity gap and advocating for underrepresented communities. In recent years, she has focused on implementing a Trauma-Informed approach to better serve new arrivals, ensuring they receive compassionate and comprehensive support. Through her tireless efforts, Tramaine continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of those she serves.

Tina Rounds

CEO, BEDS+

Tina has served as BEDS+ Chief Executive Officer since 2012. She is responsible for implementing the agency’s strategic plan and directing its day-to-day operations, and she has established BEDS as a leading, fiscally sound provider of HUD programming including evidence-based Emergency, Interim Housing, Transitional Housing, and Supportive Housing services. During her tenure, BEDS service area has doubled; its annual clients have grown from 150 to 5000; and its operating budget has expanded from $250,000 to more than $10 million. Tina and dedicated local supporters have prevailed in zoning battles to build and preserve affordable housing in Southwest Suburban communities. In response to COVID-19, she was the first Cook County homeless services leader to leverage new capital to establish a Medical Respite program. Now Tina spearheads BEDS conversion of a roadside motel into the innovative fixed-site Cicero Avenue Transitional Shelter.

Tina previously served as the Director of Community Development at the Gift of Adoption Fund, where she led national growth initiatives including the establishment of state-wide chapters across the country. She has also worked as the Director of Leadership Involvement and Director of Volunteer Resources Department at the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago and the Human Resources and Volunteer Manager of Make A Wish Foundation of Northern Illinois. Tina holds a Master of Science in Public Management from DePaul University with an Urban Planning Certificate and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology from the University of Illinois.