History

 

HRDI was founded by Dr. C. Vincent Bakeman and Doris M. Lomax, partially in response to a lack of adequate and culturally appropriate treatment options on the south side of Chicago.

 

Recognizing the importance of treating the whole person, and the need to integrate behavioral and primary health care, to better serve communities’ health needs, Human Resources Development Institute, Inc. merged with Friend Family Health Center in December 2017, as a subsidiary. In May 2019 the merged entity rebranded as Friend Health, and HRDI, a subsidiary of Friend Health respectively.

Leadership Team:

 

 

 

Arshele Stevens

Interim Executive Director

 

Arshele Stevens is the Chief Transformation Officer for Friend Health and assumed the role of interim Executive Director for HRDI in March 2026. She brings a tireless spirit and a breadth of executive leadership experience well-tailored to the organization’s mission of improving community health by providing access to high-quality, whole-person care.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Stevens expanded into health care to enhance services provided after being awarded grants for COVID and vaccination education. This shift was motivated by her commitment to addressing the critical healthcare needs of families and young adults, particularly in Black and Brown communities that were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

Her dedication to social impact is represented by her impressive experience serving as the President of Kennedy-King College, Founding CEO of Girls, Inc. of Chicago, Assistant Executive Director of Mile Square Health Center, and Senior VP of Children, Youth, and Families at Catholic Charities of Chicago. She has over two decades of experience driving transformation and leveraging technology; she served as the Chief Information Officer for Chicago Public Schools and City Colleges of Chicago. Her most recent efforts were with CAWC, an anti-domestic violence organization, where she focused on human resource and financial operational improvements.

 

 

 

 

Deborah Parnell

Vice President, Clinical Strategies

 

Deborah Parnell currently serves as Vice President, Clinical Strategies. Deborah’s tenure with HRDI extends back to 2010, she has served in capacities that range from V.P. of Clinical Operation to Nursing Supervisor. Ms. Parnell previously served as the Clinical Leader at Reliable Health Care. Prior to joining Reliable Health Care Deborah was the RN First Assistant of Cardiac Surgery at St. Francis Hospital. Deborah received a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of St. Francis, and a nursing diploma from the legendary Michael Reese School of Nursing. Deborah is a licensed Registered Nurse and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

 

 

 

 

Antoine Marion

Director, Division Substance Use, Prevention & Recovery

 

Antoine Marion currently serves as Director, Division Substance Use, Prevention & Recovery programs and services. Antoine’s tenure with HRDI extends back to 2006, he has served in capacities that range from Counselor to Program Manager. Prior to joining HRDI, Mr. Marion served as Clinical Technician at Haymarket Center. Antoine received a Bachelor of Arts from Roosevelt University and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

 

 

 

 

LaToya Tanniehill

Director, Division Mental Health and Wellbeing

 

Latoya Tanniehill currently serves as Director, Division Mental Health and Wellbeing. Latoya’s tenure with HRDI extends back to 2014, she has served in capacities that range from Clinical Therapist to Program Supervisor. Prior to joining HRDI, Ms. Tanniehill served as Mental Health Therapist at the Sadie Waterford Center. Latoya received a Bachelor of Social Work from Governors State University, Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois’ Jane Addams College of Social Work and is a License Clinical Social Worker.

 

 

 

 

Terri Gandy

Director, Division of Prevention & Support Services

 

Terri’s tenure with HRDI extends back to 2003, she has served in the capacity of Divisional Director encompassing multiple programs and services. Prior to rejoining HRDI, Ms. Gandy served as Senior Director at Christian Community Health Centers. Terri received a Master Degree in Human Service from Chicago State University and a Master Degree from the Erickson Institute with a concentration in Infant Mental Health.

 

 

 

 

Monique Simmons, LCSW

Director, Division of Access, Care Coordination & Community Integration

 

Monique Simmons currently serves as the Director for Access, Care Coordination, and Community Integration at HRDI. Monique joined HRDI in 2025. Prior to joining HRDI, Monique held management roles in private practice and missioned based organizations focused on advancing behavioral health outcomes and leading successful compliance initiatives related to HEDIS measures.  Monique is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She received her bachelor's degree from Roosevelt University and her master's in social work from Governors State University.