TLP's youth are remarkably resilient, courageous, and talented. They are also still typical adolescents, though they often have suffered from neglect and abuse. To competently partner with our youth, TLP's staff members are talented professionals with exceptional commitment and dedication. TLP's team is fiercely steadfast and passionate about the agency's mission; they also bring the finest qualifications and experience to the organization while enriching the TLP community. This is a team that encourages and inspires confidence in our youth, mentoring them long after they graduate from TLP's programs.

The Agency Leadership Team, headed by the executive director, meets weekly, collaborating across departments to effect Teen Living Programs' mission and annual goals. The team seeks to embody the agency's core values of excellence, integrity, respect, innovation, and enthusiasm, believing the health of the TLP community begins with and depends upon the team's example.

As executive director since 1999, David is charged by the board of directors to lead and oversee the integrity and success of TLP's vision and mission. He is a member of the board of Youth Network Council and Illinois Collaboration for Youth. Prior to joining Teen Living Programs, David served in leadership positions for Connections for the Homeless, Rafael Center, and various church ministries. He holds the Master of Divinity from Goshen Biblical Seminary (Mennonite).

Since 2004, Ozella has overseen the integrity, effectiveness, and development of TLP's direct service programs. Prior to joining Teen Living Programs, Ozella had 15 years of leadership experience in various residential and child welfare organizations. She holds the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College.

As director of operations, Betty oversees the integrity and efficiencies of TLP's administrative operations. Betty began working for Teen Living Programs in 2001 and became its director of operations in June 2003. Prior to joining Teen Living Programs, she held various leadership positions in homeless agencies. Betty is active in the Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness, including membership on its Planning Council, Homeless Youth Providers Constituency Group, and HMIS Committee, of which she was the first chair. Betty holds the Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois.

Nia joined TLP as its director of development and communications in April 2006. She oversees the integrity and success of TLP's private-sector fundraising. Prior to joining Teen Living Programs, Nia held various development leadership positions, specializing in major gift programs, annual fund management, event production, and volunteer coordination. Nia holds the Bachelor of Arts from Southwestern University.