Meet the Office
Jack Thorndyke - Chief of Staff
Having started as a social worker working with migrants and refugees in Chicago and a human rights investigator in Chiapas, Mexico, Jack’s role as Chief of Staff is rooted in a human rights lens for community advocacy and his heritage as a Mexican-American. Jack brings that passion for all of our neighbors in the northwest side of Chicago and a dedication to ensuring government works for the people.
Jack attended Michigan State University for his Bachelors degree in Social Work and the University of Chicago where he graduated with his Masters Degree in Social Work.
Claire McNicholas - Outreach Director
Originally from the South Suburbs of Chicago, Claire’s role as Outreach Director is rooted in her dedication to connection and inclusivity. She is passionate about increasing access to mental health services, specifically for children, young adults and the LGBTQIA+ community. Claire is excited to continue her work in fostering community connection and providing support to all of our constituents.
She attended Lake Forest College and graduated with a B.S. in Political Science and B.A. in Digital Media Design.
MSW Interns
Jillian is currently one of Rep. LaPointe’s MSW interns and her work is rooted in a commitment to social justice and improving the systems that shape people’s everyday lives. She is particularly passionate about issues surrounding housing and homelessness, mental health policy, and ensuring that people with disabilities and other underserved communities have equitable access to resources and opportunities.
Originally from the Cleveland area, Jillian now proudly calls Chicago home and is pursuing her Master’s Degree of Social Work at the University of Chicago’s Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice.
Charles Henderson is a Master of Social Work (MSW) intern whose commitment to social justice is rooted in his family history and lived experiences growing up on the South Side of Chicago.
The son of a Mexican-born mother and an African American father, Charles comes from a family whose parents migrated to Chicago as children. Growing up in Brighton Park and Back of the Yards, he witnessed firsthand the systemic barriers affecting marginalized communities. These experiences shaped his commitment to equity, advocacy, and community empowerment.
Charles is an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan and South Korea. He remains engaged in the veteran community as a member of Harold Washington American Legion Post #1987 and Veterans for Peace, Jane Addams Chapter 26 in Chicago.
Ishmeet is a high school senior with a strong interest in public policy and advocacy. Through her experience as a student, she is passionate about about amplifying underrepresented voices, addressing educational inequalities, and making government more accessible and responsive to the community it serves. She hopes to pursue a career in law and government, where she can continue advocating for meaningful policy change and ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented in the decisions that shape lives.
