The experienced staff at IABH, in coordination with the Board of Directors, advocates at the state and federal levels in both Springfield, IL and Washington, DC.
By working with and educating legislators, policy makers, and key stakeholders, we assist in the development and implementation of sound public policy that creates and supports healthier families and safer communities. IABH also shares its extensive experience by providing conference and training opportunities on the cutting edge of behavioral healthcare.
IABH Staff Members
Jud DeLoss, CEO
Email: jud@ilabh.org
Gerald (Jud) DeLoss practiced health law for 25 years before accepting the position of Chief Executive Officer of IABH in 2020.
In 2012, Jud began as the Deputy General Counsel and in 2015 he became General Counsel of IABH, and has touched all facets of the organization, including helping to navigate the Association’s successful, two-year transition from the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association to IABH in June 2016.
While with IABH, Jud drafted State legislation that eliminated prior-authorization for medication-assisted treatment, mental health parity, anti-deceptive treatment marketing, and more. Jud has special expertise in Medicaid, grant funding, commercial insurance, and managed care. Jud also drafted proposed State legislation that would establish Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) to support his clients’ positions. Jud has developed a unique understanding and experience with the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act as well as Illinois Parity Law.
During his legal career, Jud represented behavioral health care providers, health information technology (HIT) solution providers, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), physicians, hospitals and research organizations, as well as industry trade and professional associations.
Jud has testified before the United States House of Representatives, Energy and Commerce Committee as a subject matter expert on 42 C.F.R. Part 2, the federal regulations governing the confidentiality of substance use disorder information. Jud has also testified before legislative committees to support the bills prepared for clients. He has also served as an expert witness in court proceedings. Jud has written articles and presented on health law issues nationally and internationally, including on health information privacy and security and other compliance matters. His peers at the American Health Law Association (AHLA) have recognized him nationally as a leading behavioral healthcare attorney.
Ashley Webb, COO + VP of Programs
Email: ashley@ilabh.org
With over a decade of experience in the behavioral health sector, Ashley serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Programs at the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health (IABH). In this role, she oversees the organization's daily operations, ensuring that our programming is effective, efficient, and aligned with our mission to promote mental well-being and support those in need.
Ashley holds a bachelor's degree is psychology with a concentration in human development from DePaul University. Her career began as a Prevention Specialist where she developed a passion for providing youth prevention education and enhancing the quality of care for individuals facing behavioral challenges.
Under Ashley's leadership, IABH has implemented innovative prevention programs that focus on substance use prevention and mental well-being education. She is dedicated to fostering collaboration and advocating for policies that benefit the behavioral health community.
As an avid believer in continuous improvement, Ashley champions data-drive decision-making and the expansion of our statewide prevention programs.
Pel Thomas Kelley, VP of Finance
Email: pel@ilabh.org
Pel is the Vice President of Finance at IABH, where she has been an integral part of the Association for over 35 years. Starting as an Administrative Assistance, Pel has risen through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional leadership, financial accountability, and dedication to the Association's mission.
Throughout her career, Pel has played a pivotal role in shaping the Association's financial strategy, overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and long-term fiscal health. In her current role, she is responsible for managing the Association's financial operations, optimizing resources, and ensuring that financial decision align with the Association's goals and objectives.
Pel's deep knowledge of the Association's history and operation, paired with her extensive experience has been key in guiding IABH through period of growth, change, and financial innovation. She is recognized for her ability to balance financial integrity with a strategic vision, while fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration across departments.
Meredith O’Brien, VP of Public Policy & Training
Email: meredith@ilabh.org
As the Vice President of Public Policy & Training where she will oversee and lead the Association’s State and Federal legislative advocacy efforts and will be overseeing the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Training.
Meredith joins us from the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus office where she served for over four years as a policy and budget analyst. Meredith graduated from McKendree University with a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and a minor in Leadership. Meredith has extensive experience in public policy, budget, legislation, and engagement with key legislators and staff. During her tenure with Senate leadership, she has gained a comprehensive understanding of behavioral health policy.
Riley Cleary, Director of Program Initiatives
Email: riley@ilabh.org
As Director of Program Initiatives, Riley develops, implements and evaluates the Association’s prevention, wellness, and leadership program – Operation Snowball (OS). She supports OS Action Teams and CGTI Action Teams through training, technical assistance, outreach, and fundraising, and works with community members to increase prevention programming throughout Illinois.
As an alumnus of Homewood-Flossmoor High School, Riley was first introduced to the prevention field in 2010 through her local Operation Snowball Team and has been volunteering in various leadership roles since. She quickly became involved in CGTI where she continued to elevate her skills. Prior to joining IABH in 2018, Riley worked with individuals in recovery from substance use disorders, members of the HIV community, and provided individual and group therapy to at-risk youth in the greater Chicago area. Riley holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a specialization in Children and Family from Loyola University Chicago. Riley is a certified instructor in Youth Mental Health First Aid and Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA).
Rachel Decosola, Prevention Project Manager
Email: rachel@ilabh.org
As the Prevention Project Manager, Rachel will be working day to day with our new grant, Public Awareness Campaigns on Substance Use and Supports (PACSS). Rachel will help manage the Campaign, ensuring the focus groups and campaign is executed in a timely manner and providing support to the PACSS Prevention Specialists and Graphic Designer. Prior to joining the PACSS Team, Rachel was a Prevention Specialist for our program, Operation Snowball. Prior to joining IABH, Rachel worked with teens and adults in recovery from substance use disorder. Rachel is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, she graduated from National Louis University with a Bachelors in Human Services. Rachel is trained in Teen Mental Health First Aid and is a certified instructor for Teen Mental Health First Aid.
Natalie Maggiore, Program Marketing Manager
Email: natalie@ilabh.org
As Program Marketing Manager, Natalie works with the COO/VP of Programs to develop, implement and evaluate the Association’s youth leadership conference - the Cebrin Goodman Teen Institute, as well as lead marketing and promotional iniatives. Natalie works with the Prevention Team to assist CGTI and Operation Snowball Action Teams throughout the year as they create and implement action plans to better their schools and communities.
Natalie first attended Snowball and CGTI in the 2006-2007 school year and has since grown through both programs. She has held a number of positions on the CGTI Leadership Team. She also served as a member of the Operation Snowball Board of Directors from 2019-2020. Prior to joining IABH, Natalie worked as a Special Education instructor for high school students and a freelance journalist. Natalie holds a Master’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and continues to pursue expanding mental health education and awareness through that avenue. She is also a certified instructor for Youth Mental Health First Aid and Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA).
Katie Kubica, Senior Graphic Designer
Email: katie@ilabh.org
Katie Kubica is a graphic designer with a BFA in Graphic Design from Elmhurst University, where she graduated summa cum laude in May 2024. Her academic journey began at Harper College, where she earned her associate's degree before transferring to Elmhurst in 2021.
Katie is dedicated to using design as a tool for meaningful communication, especially in roles that emphasize wellness, prevention, and social impact. She is excited to apply her passion and skills toward the PACSS grant at the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health, developing impactful visuals and campaigns to support substance use prevention and awareness.
Ryan Aten, Prevention Specialist
Email: ryan@ilabh.org
Prior to joining IABH, Ryan served as an emergency crisis interventionist specializing in management of suicidal and homicidal patients in emergency room and community settings for McLean County. Ryan has earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and sociology from Illinois Wesleyan University. Ryan has also earned a master of public health from Benedictine University alongside a graduate certification in epidemiology and data analytics. He has completed a master's thesis and extensive research focusing on mental health and preventative measures, alongside community engagement. He has additionally specialized in policy development and intervention at the Illinois Public Health Association, targeting individuals that are at higher risk of HIV. Ryan is also a certified mental health provider (MHP).
Jasmyn Kloster, Prevention Specialist
Email: jasmyn@ilabh.org
As a Prevention Specialist for the Public Awareness Campaigns on Substance Use and Supports (PACSS) program, Jasmyn develops and implements statewide campaigns paying special attention to individuals who are at highest risk of substance use. With a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Jasmyn has a passion for facilitating conversations around health and wellness, specifically with youth. Currently pursuing a Master of Professional Studies in Sexual Health, she brings a strong foundation in health education and advocacy to her work.
With extensive experience working with diverse youth, Jasmyn is passionate about empowering individuals through education and fostering healthy choices. She believes in the transformative power of knowledge and is committed to creating inclusive, supportive environments that promote well-being and resilience among young people.
Michaela Price, Prevention Specialist
Email: michaela@ilabh.org
Before joining Illinois Association for Behavioral Health (IABH), Michaela worked as a Family Support Specialist, where she provided essential services to individuals and families navigating challenging situations, with a focus on mental health and well-being. In this role, Michaela developed a deep understanding of the unique needs and barriers faced by vulnerable populations, while advocating for support and resources that foster resilience and recovery. In her role as Prevention Specialist, she will work with accredited Operation Snowball Teams and individuals to continue implementing positive change in their school and community.
Michaela holds a bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Criminal Justice from Midway University. Her academic journey is complemented by specialized sub-certifications in Drug and Alcohol Counseling and Education, allowing her to approach her work with a well-rounded understanding of mental health and substance abuse.
Her passion for helping others, particularly those impacted by trauma, addiction, and the justice system, drives her work. Michaela is committed to using her expertise to create positive change within her community, providing services that promote healing, empowerment, and long-term success for individuals and families in need.