Michelle founded Compass to Care in honor of the emotional and financial struggles her parents faced while traveling to get her the best treatment when she battled cancer as a child.

“I realized that parents today still struggle the same way my parents did when we traveled over 200 miles to the hospital for my cancer treatment.  So I decided to create Compass to Care to offer compassionate relief for a financial challenges far too many parents face when helping their children fight cancer.”

Prior to launching Compass to Care, Michelle served as the vice president of marketing for IBA Molecular, a global manufacturer of radioactive pharmaceuticals used for the diagnosis of cancer and diseases of the heart.

During her 10-year tenure at IBA, Michelle led a cross-functional team in strategic market planning and implementation, product promotion, clinical education, public relations, and corporate communication. She was involved with leading the North America corporate re-branding of IBA into a global, pharmaceutical-focused brand.

Michelle served as a Faculty Member at the Society of Nuclear Medicine Learning Center and a member of the Education Working Group for the Academy of Molecular Imaging and Institute for Molecular Technologies during her time in the molecular industry.

Michelle received her Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Medicine from the Medical College of Georgia and her MBA from Northeastern Illinois University. She also completed executive continuing education at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business for strategic marketing management.

She has been recognized by News On Women as one of their Successful Women in Philanthropy and on WLIT-FM Chicago as the Woman of the Week, and recently joined the rank of prestigious speakers chosen to give a TED talk. In July 2014, Michelle was honored as one of the 100 Women of Inspiration in Today’s Chicago Woman Magazine. In January 2016, Michelle was named as one of The Chicago Business Journal’s 50 honorees for its 2016 class of Women of Influence. The program recognizes women business leaders in the Chicago area who innovate, succeed, and “pay it forward.”

She is excited for what the next ten years will bring to Compass to Care.

Marla Gamze joins our team as Development Director to focus on advancing the organization’s mission to help children and families navigate cancer treatment by removing barriers to care and mobilizing community support.

Drawing on a positive record of designing and delivering high-performing development programs, Gamze will lead donor engagement, grants strategy, and cross-sector partnerships. She has built sustainable revenue pipelines across major gifts, grants, and events; and strengthened community relationships through stewardship that prioritizes trust and transparency. That experience directly supports Compass to Care’s goals: clear storytelling, credible impact reporting, and enduring relationships that help more families receive transportation to treatments.

“Children and their loving families facing childhood cancers deserve support along their journey, clear information, and financial assistance when they are in peril,” said Gamze. “My focus is to connect generous people and giving partners to meaningful actions so more children can get to treatments and clinical trials … to live to their fullest potential.”

Danielle joins the Compass to Care team with training and experience in education, marketing, and event planning. Danielle received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and her Master’s Degree in Secondary Education– both from the University of Dayton.

After about 8 years teaching English Literature to middle school and high school students in the United States and abroad, Danielle began working for a non-profit in Chicago, gaining experience in fundraising and event planning.

After the birth of her second child, Danielle took some time off to focus on family and determine the next steps of her career, ultimately landing her at Compass to Care in the summer of 2022. What drew Danielle into Compass to Care was its incredible mission.

An educator at heart, Danielle’s priority and passion is supporting children and families in need. It’s a privilege to work with motivational, perseverant, and heroic children and their families, and Danielle is honored to have the job of planning events to help in their fight against cancer.

Mike and Sandy Ernsdorff are the namesakes after which Compass to Care was named.  They have been Members of the Compass to Care Board of Directors since its inception in 2009.

Mike and Sandy Ernsdorff are the namesakes after which Compass to Care was named.  They have been Members of the Compass to Care Board of Directors since its inception in 2009.

“Compass to Care provides me the opportunity to help families, like ours, by easing their journey through the tough days,” commented Sandy Ernsdorff

“I’m proud to serve on the Board because I know my daughter’s passion to help children with cancer can make a difference,” commented Mike Ernsdorff

Douglas Hong is currently the VP of Accounting at Echo Global Logistics. He was a Founding Member of the Compass to Care Associate Board and served in that role for six years.  He has been a Member of the Compass to Care Board of Directors since 2019.

“Compass to Care’s mission allows families to relieve themselves of some of the stresses that overwhelm them during difficult times. I’m honored to be able to assist our children recover for a healthy future.”

Dina Bright is a Principal at Flexic Financial. She has been a Member of the Compass to Care Board of Directors and the Board Treasurer since its inception in 2009.

“I serve on the Board of Directors so all children can get the best treatment necessary to beat cancer.”

Brian Greenblatt is currently the President of Middle Market Banking at CIBC. He has been a Member of the Compass to Care Board of Directors since 2017.

“There is no greater life endeavor than to be involved with an organization that helps struggling families access treatment for pediatric cancer.”

Kevin McInerney is currently the President at Global Insight Consulting, Inc.. He has been a Member of the Compass to Care Board of Directors since 2013 and currently sits as the Board President.

“There is nothing more devastating than learning your child has cancer; it is a privilege to be a part of an organization that helps these struggling families access life-saving treatment.”

Jimmy Topping is currently Vice President of Equity Research Advisors Asset Management, Inc. He has been a Member of the Compass to Care Associate Board since 2022.

Peter Moreno is currently a Commercial RM – Middle Market Banking at CIBC.  He has been a Member of the Compass to Care Associate Board since 2017 and currently serves as Associate Board Treasurer.

Adrian Abonce is currently a Managing Director at CIBC.  He has been a Member of the Compass to Care Associate Board since 2018 and currently serves as the President of the Associate Board.

Kerry Cusick currently serves as the Senior Manager of Talent & Development at Echo Global Logistics, where she gets to use her passion helping employees reach their fullest potential and perform at their best. Prior to joining the Associate Board, Kerry spent over a year attending Compass to Care events and supporting the organization through donations and outreach. She is inspired by Compass to Care’s mission to remove barriers for children with cancer and is excited to contribute her energy and creativity to the Associate Board.

Mitchell Forbes is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant specializing in psychiatry. Mitchell graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a background in Conservation Biology, Environmental Studies, and Leadership. He has a passion for helping others and improving the health of his community. Mitchell joined Compass to Care in 2025 and brings a unique and empathetic perspective with his background in healthcare.

Mike Silverman is currently a Senior Accounting Manager at Echo Global Logistics.  He has been a Member of the Compass to Care Associate Board since 2020 and currently serves as Associate Board Vice President.

We’re thrilled to welcome Alexa Torman-Ramirez to our Associate Board! Alexa brings nearly a decade of experience in the recruitment space and currently serves as the Senior Talent and Campus Recruitment Manager at Echo Global Logistics. Her professional expertise is matched by a deep passion for helping families and a creative spirit when it comes to making an impact. Alexa is driven to find innovative and meaningful ways to support our mission, and we’re excited to have her energy and insight on the board.

Stephanie Cadiz is a Senior Director at KPMG, where she serves as the Chief of Staff for the company’s digital transformation and technology division. She is passionate about leveraging her expertise in strategy and technology to support the fight against pediatric cancer.

“It takes a village to raise a child, but it takes an army to help one fight cancer. My daughter, Riley, is a leukemia survivor, and she is the bravest warrior I know. But even the strongest warriors need an army behind them to ensure they get to the fight. I joined the board of Compass to Care to be part of that army – clearing the path to treatment so every child has a fighting chance.”