Staff

STAFF

Executive Director

Nicole earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois Springfield, with double minors in Visual Arts and Women & Gender Studies. A Rockford native and CAPA graduate from Auburn High School, she also spent two years as a Resident Artist at 317 Art Collaborative, Nicole is rooted in arts and community.

Blending her background in psychology, art, and women’s studies, Nicole brings both creativity and heart to her role as Executive Director of Womanspace. She is passionate about building community, sparking collaboration, and creating spaces where women and girls feel empowered to discover their own voices and leadership. Nicole thrives on connecting people and ideas in ways that inspire growth and possibility.

“The people are what make this place special and magical, and what inspires me to bring all of myself—my creativity, curiosity, and commitment—to advancing the mission of Womanspace.”

ELAINE HIRSCHENBERGER

Director Emerita

As Co-Founder of Womanspace, Elaine carries 50+ years of memory of the organization. Recently retired as Executive Director, Elaine provides consultation to the business of Womanspace. She continues to bring abundant dedication to Womanspace by volunteering her expertise. Elaine's conscientious and sensitive personality makes her a welcoming, hospitable and trusted presence. A certified Living Process Facilitator, Elaine works with groups and individuals, seeking creative solutions and healing life directions.

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.

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.

MELODY PEARSON

Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteering has been a part of Melody's personal and professional lives since she can remember. Professionally, she has been the paid staff person recruiting, training and supporting volunteers in organizations ranging from senior citizen services to hospice. She has volunteered at Womanspace for many years and loves the energy here, the people she has met, and the opportunities for personal growth she has received. She is proud to help others find similar experiences at Womanspace.

DENISE COLIN

Marketing Coordinator

Denise was raised in the Chicago suburbs and recently came to Rockford after many years in Colorado. With a professional background in training, content creation, and web development, she brings a strong foundation in communication, strategy, and creativity to her new role as Marketing Coordinator. Denise is also an artist who has both taken and taught classes at Womanspace and she’s passionate about using her skills to support spaces that foster connection, creativity, and personal growth. She looks forward to helping Womanspace grow its reach and deepen its impact in the community.

ALONDRA LAVARIEGA CASTELLANOS

Program Coordinator

Alondra was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois, and proudly carries the heritage of her immigrant parents from Oaxaca, Mexico. Her work as a Programs Coordinator in Madison, Wisconsin allowed her to co-create cultural workshops and curriculum that celebrated identity, creativity, and community for high school students. Guided by a deep belief in the power of collaboration, Alondra is passionate about creating spaces where people can connect, share stories, and let creativity flourish.