Program Leadership Staff

Deana Spencer—Head of Schools

Mrs. Spencer is the Head of Schools of Holy Family Ministries. She holds a Master's degree in Early Childhood Development. Her purpose and passion lies in urban education and has been involved in early childhood educational policy round tables, to bring social change to the most underserved communities in Chicago. She has experience in educational administration and non-profit management and was selected as one of five of the 2013-15 Erikson Institute's Illinois Early Childhood Policy Fellows (a diversity-driven program that prepares young leaders to strengthen the field of early childhood policy and systems building in Illinois).

Adrienne Hunter—Director, Adventures in Learning 

Mrs. Hunter graduated with an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and a BS from Chicago State University. She worked for twenty years as a substitute teacher with the Chicago Board of Education. Prior to managing the Adventures in Learning program at Holy Family, she was an adjunct faculty member at Moraine Valley Community College for seven years, where she also served as a site facilitator providing instructional support and services for students and staff.

Henry Cervantes—Manager, The Peace Exchange

Henry Cervantes is a well-known community organizer and peace activist. As chief instructor for Holy Family Ministries’ Peace Exchange’s Speaking Peace program, he is a familiar face in elementary school classrooms across Chicago. Henry has worked for Marquette University Center for Peacemaking, developing curriculum as well as serving as adjunct faculty for North Park Theological Seminary School of Restorative Arts, teaching incarcerated individuals. He is one of 40 Human Rights Champions featured in the permanent exhibition “Take A Stand Center” at the Illinois Holocaust Museum. Visit The Peace Exchange website.

Rev. Ronald Martin—Enrollment Recruiter and 8th Grade Counselor

Rev. Ronald Martin attended Brother Rice High School, and went on to attend Northern Illinois University where he obtained a B.A. in General Sociology.  Rev. Martin went on to attend Northern Seminary, where he obtained a M.A. in Theology and Mission.  Rev. Martin is currently pursuing a M.A. in Educational Leadership and Administration-Higher Education Administration Concentration, at Chicago State University.  Rev. Martin joined Holy Family in 2017.  Prior to joining Holy Family, Rev. Martin worked for Westside Health Authority as the Director of the Youth Department.  Rev. Martin also served as the Youth Pastor and Senior Pastor of Trinity Community Baptist Church.