Kris Zerfass
Project Lead, Prevention Department
Kris Zerfass is a Team Lead with OMNI and Director of the Link Together Coalition, serving Wheeling Township.
In her role, Kris leads community-based prevention efforts focused on reducing substance use and promoting healthy youth development. Her public health work is rooted in collaboration, advocacy, and data-driven strategies. She oversees the implementation of community-wide prevention initiatives using the Seven Strategies model, ensuring OMNI meets the goals of its Substance Use Prevention, Community Youth Services, and Drug-Free Communities grants. Kris also prioritizes staff development, fostering growth and empowering her team to bring innovative initiatives to the community.
Kris earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Iowa State University.
After taking a brief break from her public health career, Kris was drawn to OMNI’s mission and the opportunity to return to meaningful, community-centered work. She is passionate about building strong partnerships and expanding education and services that strengthen the community.
In her free time, Kris enjoys walking, practicing yoga, finger knitting, traveling, and entertaining family and friends.
Fun Facts:
She’s a proud Grandma.
She says “yes” to trying most new things.
Chicago Bears fan!
OMNI is a local, community-based nonprofit that partners with our community to save lives and change futures. OMNI impacts over 115,000 people annually primarily living in Lake and Cook Counties.
Since 1972 OMNI has been a leader in providing life-changing and life-saving counseling, case management and community-wide prevention services to youth, adults, and families. Our mission is to provide access to quality behavioral health and educational support services for children and adults that results in pathways to successful and healthy behaviors throughout life. OMNI Means “ALL” in Latin and we stand by accessible and inclusive services for all in the community who need us.
OMNI helps individuals overcome challenges, develop strengths and build skills they can use for a lifetime. We address both social determinants of health as well as provide critical mental health counseling and supportive case management services. OMNI provides Individual, Family and Group Counseling for children, adolescents and adults, 24 hour crisis Intervention, substance abuse prevention and treatment, child abuse prevention and intervention, juvenile justice services, youth leadership and healthy choice advocacy and family resource support.
Common issues OMNI battles with our clients include: depression/anxiety, peer and relationship issues, family conflicts/divorce, trauma past and ongoing (domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault), academic problems, criminal activity, substance abuse, school refusal and much more. OMNI creates positive change today for a better tomorrow.