Carrie Gowans and Barrie Dekker

Chicago - established May 14th, 2008

Carrie Gowans was named co-Chapter Director of Chicago in May of 2008. She has had over 14 years of experience working with various non-profits including Starlight Starbright Childrens Foundation, Unlocking Brain Tumors, American Cancer Society and City of Hope. Prior to working in fundraising, Carrie worked in higher education administration and recently finished her Masters degree. A Chicago native and Northern Illinois University graduate, Carrie is currently raising her two young sons and is in the process of moving back to the Chicagoland area from Cleveland, which is home for Flashes of Hope.

Barrie Dekker has been a bereavement counselor for the past 13 years with her emphasis in working with grieving children. She began grief work at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago and is currently on the board of directors and a group facilitator at Willow House which serves children and their families in the Chicago area.
Now a stay-at-home mother of three children, Barrie had a 26 year career in sales management and marketing in the ceramic tile industry.