Strategy That's Technically Sound and Deeply Human

Associate Consultant & Special Projects Coordinator
Chicago, IL

Focus Areas

• Youth Engagement & Evaluation

• Learning & Development Training Expert

• Community Engagement, Collective Impact & Strategy

Ashlee McGrown is an Associate Consultant & Special Projects Coordinator at TGEL Partners & Associates specializing in program design and evaluation. With over a decade of experience in youth development and mission-driven work, she partners with nonprofit organizations and community leaders to translate vision into clear, actionable strategy. She holds a Master’s in Leadership and integrates change management and adaptive leadership principles into her consulting practice to help organizations navigate growth and complexity with confidence.

Principal Consultant
New Jersey/ New York

Focus Areas

• Organizational Wellness & Leadership Development

• Community Health & Systems Transformation

• Strategic Planning & Program Evaluation

Dr. Delacruz is a program strategist and organizational development leader whose work sits at the intersection of mental health, equity, and community systems. With nearly a decade of experience designing and scaling mission-driven programs, building national networks, and coaching leaders through complex organizational change, Erlinda brings a combination of clinical knowledge, strategic thinking, and organizational leadership. Most recently a director at a national mental health nonprofit, she is committed to creating organizations where people can do meaningful work without sacrificing their well-being. She holds an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Boston College and a doctorate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Adler University.

Principal Consultant
Charlotte, NC & Chicago, IL

Focus Areas

• Educational Systems Consulting

• Leadership Development & Organizational Culture

• Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement

Jackie is an executive leader and organizational strategist with more than 20 years of experience leading schools and nonprofit organizations. She specializes in strengthening leadership, organizational culture, and the systems that enable people and organizations to thrive. Drawing on her experience as a teacher, principal, executive director, and chief executive officer, Jackie brings both strategic perspective and practical leadership experience to help leaders navigate complexity, growth, and transformation. She joined TGEL because of a shared belief that lasting change begins with strong relationships, thoughtful leadership, and a commitment to people and purpose.

Principal Consultant
San Antonio, TX & Austin, TX

Focus Areas

• Leadership Development & Workplace Culture

• Mental Health, Wellness & Facilitation

• Workforce Development & Regional Expansion

Rico is an experienced training and development professional, certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and social work practitioner. With a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Loyola University Chicago and a strong background in nonprofit leadership, Rico brings expertise in evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), crisis intervention, group and family therapy, and youth engagement. He delivers impactful training that supports diverse communities, strengthens organizations, and drives meaningful outcomes.

Principal Consultant
Chicago, IL

Focus Areas

• Strategic Planning, Organizational Systems & Operations

• Partnerships, Fundraising & Stakeholder Engagement

• Program Design, Evaluation & Implementation

Brandon is a social impact leader, strategist, and administrator whose work sits at the intersection of education, policy, research, and the arts. With more than 14 years across education, nonprofit, and government sectors, he brings a strategic, analytical, and human-centered approach to advancing equity. At Chicago Public Schools, he managed advanced academic programs that helped students earn approximately 700 college credits and saved families more than $105,000 in tuition. Brandon holds a BA in Studio Art from Northeastern Illinois University, an MFA from the University of Chicago, and an MBA from DePaul University.

Associate Consultant
Chicago, IL

Focus Areas

• Community & Youth Engagement

• Community Organizing

• Collective Impact

Jarvis Burks is a Licensed Social Worker and community-centered practitioner born and raised in Chicago’s East Garfield Park neighborhood. With more than 10 years of experience, he specializes in supporting teens and young men as they navigate life’s challenges, build resilience, and create balance, using a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach. Jarvis also provides community-driven consulting focused on strengthening programs, developing resources, supporting staff development, and helping organizations connect with the communities they serve, grounded in the belief that sustainable solutions should be shaped by the people they are designed to support.

Operations + Communications Lead & Project Manager

Juppy “JJ” Hechanova is an Executive Project Manager and Operations Strategist supporting a range of organizations and leaders, including TGEL Partners & Associates. He specializes in optimizing workflows, streamlining operations, and ensuring seamless coordination across projects and teams. With expertise in executive support, strategic planning, and operational efficiency, JJ helps clients maximize impact, anticipate challenges, and achieve meaningful results while continuously honing his own professional skills.

Finance & Accounting Lead

Chester Gray II, is the Accountant for TGEL Partner and Associates. He brings many years of accounting expertise in both the Public and Non-For-Profit business sectors. He manages all the transactions for the organization, from financial reporting & analysis to tax strategy & preparation. He has a deep desire to help businesses and individuals become financially literate. He is an active Trustee member of his Church and loves community impact work.