Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain

Executive Director

Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. She is committed to the fight for social and economic justice by strengthening communities through radical theology. As the Founder and Executive Director of Live Free Chicago-Live Free Illinois, Ciera works with Black churches to create safe, economically viable, and self-sustained Black communities. Prior to Live Free Chicago, Ciera served as the senior organizer at a faith-based organization.

Ciera received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Lamar University, a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a Master's in Theological Studies from McCormick Theological Seminary. She has worked as an adjunct professor at Northeastern University, a mental health professional, and a strategy consultant. In 2013, Ciera was ordained as a minister through the Church of Jesus Christ House of Prayer Inc., where she served as the church administrator for the Chicago congregation. Ciera is a proud wife and mother of three daughters, one son, and a blended family of 9.

ciera@livefreeillinois.org

 

Artinese Myrick

Organizing & Policy Manager

Artinese leads LIVE FREE Illinois’s organizing and policy work.  Artinese has experience in police accountability and reimagining new systems that reduce the footprint of policing. Prior to LFI, Artinese was a justice diversion coordinator, serving individuals who had law enforcement interaction and identifying their needs.  Artinese has a master's degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois. Artinese is an adjunct professor at U of I Urbana. In addition to her professional experience, Artinese and her family have been directly impacted by police violence, incarceration, and gun violence. She is committed to building power to transform systems. 

artinese@livefreeillinois.org

 

Pastor Deric caples

Statewide organizer

Deric R Caples SR. is an Associate Pastor of Jesus Name Apostolic Church in Waukegan, Illinois. He has served in multi-levels of ministry leadership for the past 30 years. He is a manager in the chemical processing industry, in which he has 27 years of experience.

Along with his ministry service and chemical career, for the past 25 years, he has been dedicated to his community. He facilitated The Locker Room, a   community men’s support group. He held the position of Program Director for the Family First Support Center.

He is currently the Regional Fellow / Lead organizer of Lake County, for LIVE FREE Illinois. In this role, he works to unite Faith-based and community organizations to stand against social injustice. His true passion is preserving the family structure.

Deric married the love of his life Shantina in May of 1996. Together they have three sons, Andre, Deric Jr., and Kenneth. He and his wife have also been blessed with three grandchildren. With his family, he lives in Waukegan.

deric@livefreeillinois.org

 

Robert E. Biekman

CHRC NETWORK Program DIRECTOR

Robert E. Biekman (“Pastor B.”) is a native Chicagoan, public theologian, and life-long learner. He is the father of 3 adult children and a precocious 6-year-old. He is a Certified Life Purpose & Career Coach, Organizer, Circle Keeper, Management Consultant, Community Health Worker and former Church/Corporate Executive and Talk Show Producer. He is an Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, certified International Standards Organization (ISO), Certified Lead Assessor and certificated Community Health Worker. Pastor B has served as Senior Pastor of United Methodist faith communities, Urban Ministry Director for the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church, Director for Evangelical Mission & Assistant to the Bishop of the Metro Chicago Synod of the ELCA.

His work includes executive coaching and team building, developing the capacity of not-for profit faith-based organizations and strategy development and implementation. In partnership with other stakeholders, he led the creation of 11 Safe Haven sites throughout Chicago. Robert is a prophetic voice, gifted teacher and a Golding Institute Chicago Peace Fellow. He has received several leadership/organizing awards and serves on a number of state commissions and boards.

rbiekman@livefreeillinois.org

 

Dr. Rodney C. Walker

CHRC Network Program Manager

Dr. Rodney C. Walker has over 20 years of senior management experience serving social services, community health, community development, and justice-related nonprofits serving Chicago and statewide communities.

Dr. Walker has implemented several faith-based ministries within congregations within the City of Chicago. Dr. Walker holds a BA in Political Science from Chicago State University, M.DIV from Chicago Theological Seminary, and a D.MIN from Northern Seminary, Christian Community Development.

rodney@livefreeillinois.org

 

Lori Radder SpiceR

Director of operations

Lori Radder Spicer is proud to support the radical and restorative work of Live Free Illinois through her role as Director of Operations. Lori brings a passion for justice and liberation and over a decade of nonprofit administration and organizing experience.

Her past work has included organizing churches around issues of racial and economic justice, fundraising for nonprofits of various sizes, program management, strategic consulting, and organizational leadership development. In addition to her work with LFI, Lori serves on the Boards of two local nonprofits and is a Licensed Massage Therapist at Radical Wellness Chicago. Lori is drawn to and invested in all kinds of healing work - from healing our bodies and spirits to healing our world and its systems.

lori@livefreeillinois.org

 

Camille howard

operations ASSOCIATE

Camille is a Chicago native who grew up on the city's South Side. From a young age, Camille's parents taught her the importance of serving in the church as well as the community.

After high school, Camille moved to San Antonio, TX to participate in a gap year program with City Year. This experience deepened her passion for service, and upon moving back to Chicago, Camille took on the volunteer role of Stage Production Assistant at the House of Hope. Prior to joining Live Free Illinois, she worked as an Executive Assistant to Trez Pugh for 5 years at Sip & Savor Coffee House.

Camille brings a wealth of experience in administration, operations, and logistics to her role as Operations Associate.

admin@livefreeillinois.org

 

Dylan Lewis

Communications Associate

Dylan is a multi-media professional with a background in a variety of creative fields. These include graphic design, web design, photography, and video production.

Throughout his career, Dylan has worked with businesses of all sizes and types to create engaging content that resonates with their audience. As a professional in Adobe Creative Suite, he is proficient in using Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Lightroom. Whether you are starting from scratch or looking to update and manage existing content, his passion is to help develop a comprehensive strategy that takes brands or businesses to the next level.

dylan@livefreeillinois.org