THE JOURNEY FORWARD - Key Persons


Alan Castro - President

Job Titles:
  • President
  • Sales Manager

Annemarie Fitzpatrick

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director
Annemarie is an experienced social service professional with a Master's degree in Human Services & Counseling. She is dedicated to advancing equitable services to ensure families are recognized as the leaders in their own lives and celebrated as what truly enriches a community and causes it to thrive. In her role, Annemarie has worked to develop a Board that is dedicated to the mission and committed to the growth of The Journey Forward. Annemarie builds community partnerships to enhance the service delivery system and raise awareness of services available through The Journey Forward. Annemarie is a proven leader in times of substantial agency growth and transition.

Carmen Jimenez

Job Titles:
  • Senior Accountant

Courtney Madden

Job Titles:
  • Financial and Housing Counseling
  • HUD Certified Housing Counselor
Courtney Madden is a HUD Certified Housing Counselor and a Certified Financial Counselor. Courtney has many years' experience working in Will and DuPage County in social services, financial literacy and housing counseling. Courtney assists our clients in pre-purchase, foreclosure prevention, rental issues homelessness prevention and post purchase education and financial counseling.

Darinka Lora-Stepan - Founder

Job Titles:
  • Founder
  • Principal

Karen Walsh

Job Titles:
  • Development Director
Karen has worked in fundraising and development for nearly 20 years. She works to develop program and community partners, sharing the work of The Journey Forward and to develop partnerships that advance our mission and help our communities thrive.

Lesly Flores - VP

Job Titles:
  • Community Development Manager
  • Vice President

Matt Newman

Job Titles:
  • Treasurer / Sales and Service Support Manager