Meet our staff:

Corey Buchanan, Founder and President of The Exodus Projects

Corey was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, he is a graduate from Moody Bible Institute, and he holds a B.A. in Biblical Exposition and Pastoral Studies. Corey serves as the Executive Director for Chicagoland Prison Outreach and sits on several community organizational boards providing leadership and direction. Corey loves his family, his community, and his church, but first and foremost he loves his God.

Nikki Nyhanna, Program Director

Nikki grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has lived in the Illinois/Indiana area for the last twenty years. After spending more than ten years in the workforce, Nikki made the decision to stay home to raise her two children with her husband. She joined The Exodus Projects in 2018, and works behind the scenes coordinating and planning many of our events. Outside of The Exodus Projects, Nikki enjoys serving her church, watching her children play sports, and enjoying her community.

Emily Bianchi, Interim Director of Advancement

Emily Bianchi currently teaches at The Learning Vine Homeschool Partnership. She has experience teaching children and adults, working in social services, and serving with nonprofit organizations.

Emily was a founding board member of Roots and Wings Christian Homeschool Cooperative, which grew to more than 200 students. During her time in leadership, she worked to organize classes, create policies and procedures, facilitate family orientation, and bridge communication between the teachers and board members.

Emily has organized and lead mission teams locally and abroad. She has worked to recognize different strengths and abilities of team members so that they can serve effectively in different cultural contexts. She has led small groups and coached small group leaders to create communities that provide accountability and personal growth.

Emily earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bradley University, a Master of Arts in Education from St. Xavier University, and have taken graduate level counseling classes at Governors State University.

Emily is happy to join Exodus Projects in working to bridge the gap between the community and the church and being a part of restoring, building, and sending Christ-followers to live out their God-given purpose. Emily is passionate about ministering to the whole person and walking with people as they grow to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. She has a heart for giving back to her community and desires to see people flourish despite limiting circumstances.

Kimberly Williams, After School Supervisor

Rich Van Til, Legacy Director