Board of Directors
Rev. Abby Holcombe (President) is a site pastor at Urban Village Church – West and Pastor at River Forest United Methodist Church. She primarily focuses on creating inclusive sacred spaces so that all people experience their belovedness as children of God. Abby’s ministry centers treating children as whole persons and advocating for them.
Deaconess Catherine Inserra (Kids Above All liaison and United Voices for Children Vice President) is the Manager of Faith and Community Relations with Kids Above All (formerly ChildServ). In her role, she develops partnerships with local churches, community groups, and schools to support Kids Above All’s services and programs for the kids in their care. Catherine was consecrated a Deaconess in 2018 by United Methodist Women and subsequently commissioned in Northern Illinois Conference.
Nick Werth, CPA (Treasurer) is a member of Skokie Central United Methodist Church and has served there since 2012. He integrates his professional financial expertise with a firm belief that advocating for the needs of children is critically important in today’s world.
Rosemary Taylor, Ph.D. is a member of Transformation Community United Methodist Church in Harvey IL. She is also an active member of her local unit of United Women In Faith. In addition, she is a licensed Clinical Psychologist working in private practice in the western suburbs of Chicago.
Lois Voss (United Women in Faith) is a member of Cary UMC and serves on the United Women in Faith Northern Illinois Conference (NIC) leadership team as UWFaith Prairie Central District President. Throughout her career as an educator in Colorado and Illinois, Lois has always had a heart for children and youth. She brings the purpose of United Women in Faith to United Voices for Children by helping put faith, hope, and love into action in support of women, youth, and children.
Rev. Esther Lee is the pastor of North Shore UMC in Glencoe, IL since July 2023. She has previously served at Deerfield: Christ UMC (2020-2023); UMC of Geneva (2015-2020); South Suburban Korean UMC (2013-2015); and Tampico and First Harmon UMC (2010-2013). Pastor Esther is passionate about the work of advocacy, care, and support of children, youth and migrants, and has served on the Board of Justice For Our Neighbors of the Northern Illinois Conference before joining the board of United Voices for Children.
Rev. Dr. Young Sun Lee serves as Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Dixon, Illinois. She holds a Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. With a deep commitment to justice and compassion, she is passionate about advocating for children. She is dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, nurturing environment.
Rev. Jacob Tipantasig-Wolverton serves as Senior Pastor of Community United Methodist Church in Naperville. He leads with a vision for vibrant, multigenerational worship and mission-driven discipleship. Jacob’s ministry focuses on equipping leaders, empowering spiritual gifts, and helping people live out the love of Christ in everyday life.
Tae Yoon Kim serves as a student pastor at Skokie Central United Methodist Church. And currently a M.Div. student at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. As an experienced Sunday school director, I hope to make the church and local community a safe and happy place for everyone, including children. And as a person who is preparing to be a pastor, I hope to advocate for children to make a better community.
LaTonia Booth-Johnson (MYSI liaison) is the Corporation Program Assistant for MYSI Corporation. She is an advocate for seniors and youth within MYSI. She joined the UVC board back in 2017 and is a pillar in the surrounding communities.
Shannon Kelly (Rosecrance rep) joined the Board in 2025. She is the Director of Development and leads philanthropic efforts for The Rosecrance Foundation across northern and central Illinois. She brings nearly a decade of experience in marketing, public relations, and community engagement, with a strong focus on expanding access to mental health and substance use treatment. She is passionate about building relationships with donors and community partners who share a vision of strengthening the places we live, work, and thrive.
Imani Pitman, PhD (Children’s Advocates for Change rep and United Voices for Children Policy Partner) serves as a Public Policy Impact Partner with Voices for Illinois Children, supporting policy analysis, advocacy initiatives, and impact storytelling to improve outcomes for children and families statewide. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership and public policy, with a focus on equity, education, and child well-being. Imani is also an adjunct lecturer at the University of Illinois Chicago and is committed to translating research and community voice into actionable policy change.
Nik Rana (Communications Coordinator) serves as a Lead for Communications and Marketing and works with GivingTuesday. He has a background in online ministry, Social Media platforms, nonprofit work, business communications and marketing, and global operations. Advocating for children, youth and families in marginalized communities through grace and faith is crucial to him.