Staff

STAFF

Executive Director

Elaine brings abundant energy and dedication to Womanspace. Her conscientious and sensitive personality makes her a welcoming, hospitable and trusted presence. As Co-Founder of Womanspace, she carries the memory of the organization. Currently, Elaine administers the business of Womanspace and oversees the 7-acre campus with an artist’s eye. A certified Living Process Facilitator, Elaine works with groups and individuals, seeking creative solutions and healing life directions. She works closely with the Board of Directors as well as the Facilities, Grounds, Finance, Human Resources and Executive Committees of the Board.

She is a graduate of Alverno College and pursued further studies in art and design at College of DuPage, Rockford University and Northern Illinois University, as well as independently. Elaine is an active member of School Sisters of Saint Francis, an international religious community of women based in Milwaukee.

NICOLE LANDRETH

Co-Director & Director of Programs

Nicole earned her BA from University of IL Springfield in Psychology, double minoring in Visual Arts and Women/Gender Studies. She is a Rockford native, CAPA graduate from Auburn High School, and was a Resident Artist at 317 Art Collaborative for two years. Nicole is passionate about community engagement, creative collaboration, and fostering empowerment and agency among women and girls.

Nicole is inspired by the supportive, loving, and welcoming relationships that develop at Womanspace. "The people are what make this place special and magical, and what inspires me to throw everything in my eclectic skill set at continuing the mission of Womanspace."

PAT LAI

Office Manager/Graphic Designer

As Graphic Designer/Office Coordinator, Pat brings to Womanspace her humor and professional expertise. She has over 35 years of graphic design and project management experience in industrial, service and consumer marketing communications. Pat holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design and Printmaking from the University of Northern Iowa. She loves playing tennis, working out and biking…whenever Womanspace releases the chains!

CHERIE HECK

Bookkeeping/Creative Consultant

Besides crunching numbers and keeping the books straight, Cherie enjoys helping others discover their creativity and inner artist. She has been a long time staff member, volunteer, and teacher at Womanspace, and spends much of her time involved in fundraising events, coordinating art exhibits in the gallery and teaching classes. On her off days you may find her working on art projects, in the garden studying plants and herbs or just enjoying the outdoors. Cherie has a special talent for generating creative and innovative ways to empower women and to promote the mission of Womanspace in the community

LIZ HIEMSTRA

Marketing & Development Director

As Marketing & Development Director, Liz utilizes her creativity and communication skills to spread the word about Womanspace and its many offerings, while cultivating relationships in the community to further support this wonderful organization. In her down time, you can find her wrangling her children (human, furry and feathered!), tending her own gardens and grounds and supporting her hometown community of Oregon through several volunteer initiatives.

MELODY PEARSON