Our Leadership Team

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.

Executive Director: Jeri Linas

Jeri joined Teen Living Programs in January 2010, continuing a long career in the social service and philanthropic communities. Previously, Jeri served as a founder and Executive Director of Rainbow House, a social service and shelter agency serving battered women and their families in Chicago, for 17 years; and then as the Assistant Director of the Chicago Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence for 10 years. Most recently, Jeri served as NCA Cares Program Director for the National Cosmetology Association, developing member activities and driving fundraising efforts in support of NCA’s three primary community service campaigns: CUT IT OUT/Salons Against Domestic Violence Fund; Look Good …Feel Better (supporting cancer patients); and the NCA Disaster Relief Fund. Born in Ireland, Ms. Linas completed her teaching certification in England, where she taught prior to moving to the United States. She completed her bachelor’s degree in political science at the University of Illinois in Chicago.

Clinical Director: Dr. Ozella R. Barnes

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.

Director of Operations: Betty A. Bogg

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.