Our Team
At The Chris Center Inc., we are all passionate individuals that believe strongly in our mission. We have our individual stories that brought us together. We are passionate about improving the lives of teenagers in central Indiana through nature and animal interactions. To learn more about the team please click on the pictures below to read their personal stories.
NANCY ELBERT
CEO, FOUNDER
Nancy set out to make a difference in the teenage mental health crisis when she walked the journey with family members. Understanding the complexities of the mental health industry, she was committed to forming an organization with integrity, compassion, and professionalism, surrounding herself with experts in the medical, mental health, and animal therapy fields. Her vision for The Chris Center, named in honor of her brother who unexpectedly passed away in 2019 at the age of 55, is a place where teens can come to take a break from the everyday challenges of life and find joy in the simplistic presence of animals and nature.
Nancy is an experienced entrepreneur with over 30 years of corporate and nonprofit recruiting, investment properties, and marketing development. A graduate of Ball State University, she also has 12 hours toward a master’s degree in counseling from Loyola College. She is a Board Member at University High School of Indiana. Nancy’s top 5 Gallup Clifton strengths are Positivity, Developer, Woo, Adaptability and Includer. A resident of Carmel, she is a mother of three amazing young adults in college who inspire her every day. Currently living with her is her English bulldog, a chinchilla and a frog.
Sandra Moreira MD, MBA
Chief Strategy Officer
Dr. Sandra Moreira is a board-certified pediatrician, innovative nonprofit strategist, and passionate child advocate. She is a Duke-trained pediatrician with 18 years of clinical experience in pediatric urgent and emergent care. Throughout her career as a pediatrician and her personal journey as a parent, Sandy has committed herself to advocating for the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of children. She recently went back to school to earn her MBA at the IU Kelley School of Business, and she is using the combination of her business skills and clinical expertise in her new role as Program Director at The Chris Center. She is honored and excited to be involved in the development of The Chris Center’s unique teen wellness programs!
Sandy lives in Carmel, IN with her wonderful husband, two children, and multiple four-legged family members. “we have a small zoo...a beautiful horse named Tito, 2 dogs (a Boxer named Moose and a chocolate lab named Mimi), 2 guinea pigs (Gizmo and Chachi), 2 goldfish, and a constantly growing collection of bugs/slugs/snails that live in my daughter's room!”
In her spare time, Sandy shares a love of long-distance running with my husband. So far they have run 28 marathons together and hope to keep running many more! “I also love walking and playing fetch with my sweet dogs, reading, and most of all, spending time with my wonderful husband and 2 children!”
Jenny is a writer, strategist, designer, and creative thinker who loves all things marketing. Upon being introduced to Nancy and learning all about The Chris Center—she was hooked. Hooked to the mission, the impact, and the messaging. With over 20 years of marketing experience, she is thrilled to be providing assistance in an effort to increase awareness, brand recognition, and grow the organization. Whether its newsletters, social media, printed goods, digital graphics, or email messaging… she helps create content and goods to broaden The Chris Center name and mission.
Outside of work, Jenny is a mom of three active young boys who loves the outdoors, trying out new recipes + cooking for others, being active, traveling, and spending time with her husband, kids and friends (and her pit/terrior mix, Josie)!