CURRICULUM VITAE
EDUCATION
Master of Arts, Sociology
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, 2013
Master of Library and Information Studies
University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 2010
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, 2005
MINISTRY EXPERIENCE
Director of Ministry for Education & Congregational Engagement
Edgerton Congregational United Church of Christ, Edgerton, Wisconsin
September 2024–Present (Part-Time)
In collaboration with rotating guest clergy and congregational leadership, provide continuity in faith formation, worship planning, and congregational engagement during a period without a settled pastor.
- Develop monthly worship and faith formation themes in collaboration with guest pastors.
- Design and write curriculum for children’s faith formation programs.
- Coordinate volunteers and educational programming for children and families.
- Lead Sunday School and intergenerational learning opportunities.
- Facilitate a monthly community prayer group.
- Lead Spiritually Seeking, a monthly community discussion and book group focused on theology, spirituality, and faith exploration.
- Write liturgical resources including prayers, children’s messages, calls to worship, offertory invitations, and benedictions.
- Assist in worship planning, seasonal programming, and congregational events.
- Support the congregation’s mission of welcome, inclusion, lifelong faith formation, and community engagement.
Board of Education Member
First Congregational United Church of Christ, DeKalb, Illinois
August 2011–June 2015
- Participated in the planning and oversight of Christian education ministries.
- Supported faith formation opportunities for children, youth, and families.
- Collaborated with church leadership in educational programming and congregational life.
MINISTRY LEADERSHIP & CONGREGATIONAL SERVICE
Worship Leadership
- Collaborate with rotating clergy and guest preachers in planning and coordinating weekly worship services.
- Develop worship themes and educational programming that complement the liturgical calendar and sermon series.
- Write liturgical resources including prayers, responsive readings, children’s messages, offertory invitations, and benedictions.
- Assist with special seasonal worship services including Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, and Pentecost.
Christian Education & Faith Formation
- Design and lead faith formation opportunities for children, youth, and adults.
- Create original curriculum and educational materials rooted in scripture, theology, and progressive Christian values.
- Teach Sunday School and intergenerational educational programs.
- Coordinate volunteers and support leaders involved in educational ministry.
- Develop special programs, retreats, service projects, and seasonal learning experiences.
Spiritual Formation & Small Group Ministry
- Facilitate a monthly congregational prayer gathering.
- Lead Spiritually Seeking, an open community discussion group focused on spirituality, theology, scripture, and questions of faith.
- Foster inclusive spaces for conversation among people from diverse faith backgrounds and spiritual experiences.
- Incorporate contemplative practices, prayer, and spiritual reflection into congregational life.
Congregational Leadership
- Provide continuity and leadership in congregational ministry during a period without a settled pastor.
- Collaborate with church leadership, volunteers, and guest clergy to support the mission and ministry of the congregation.
- Assist with congregational events, outreach initiatives, and community-building activities.
- Support the congregation’s commitment to welcome, inclusion, lifelong learning, and spiritual growth.
THEOLOGICAL FORMATION & MINISTRY TRAINING
Damascus Project – Wisconsin Conference, United Church of Christ
Assessment Level Coursework
- Faith Foundations: God-Talk (Spring 2025)
- UCC History and Polity (Fall 2025)
- Faith Foundations: Christology (Fall 2025)
- Theological Anthropology (Winter 2026)
Additional Ministry Training
- Boundary Awareness Training (Winter 2025)
- Listening for God: Contemplative Practices in Ordinary Time (Summer 2024)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Owner & Property Manager
Joy Ellyn Property Management
2025–Present
- Founded and manage Joy Ellyn Property Management.
- Oversee approximately 40 residential and commercial units in DeKalb, Glen Ellyn, and Chicago, Illinois.
- Manage leasing, tenant relations, bookkeeping, budgeting, maintenance coordination, vendor relationships, and long-term property planning.
- Supervise contractors and service providers while maintaining compliance with local regulations.
- Direct financial management and operational oversight for a diverse real estate portfolio.
Substitute Teacher
Teachers On Call
August 2020–2022
Substitute Teacher
DeKalb School District 428
August 2018–2019
- Taught a 4th grade class during a teacher’s maternity leave.
Librarian
Gwendolyn Brooks Elementary School, DeKalb School District 428
August 2016–2018
- Supported student learning and literacy initiatives.
- Assisted students and staff with information resources and technology.
- Managed circulation and media center operations.
Administrative Assistant
Finnish Preservation Project
August 2015–2017
- Served as liaison between the DeKalb Area Women’s Center and Northern Illinois University Department of Sociology.
- Coordinated communication with contractors and stakeholders involved in preservation efforts.
- Represented the project at academic and community events.
Extra Help
Founders Memorial Library, Northern Illinois University
November 2014–May 2015
- Processed Inter-Library Loan items.
Graduate Research Assistant
Department of Sociology, Northern Illinois University
2011–2013
- Conducted qualitative and quantitative research.
- Assisted with teaching, grading, and curriculum support.
- Coordinated workshops and outreach initiatives.
- Supported faculty research projects and departmental activities.
Graduate Research Assistant
Department of Educational Technology, Research & Assessment, Northern Illinois University
2010–2011
Fundraising and Awareness Raising Intern
Jane Adeny Memorial School for Girls (Kenya)
January–August 2013
- Developed and implemented fundraising campaigns.
- Organized community awareness events and benefit programs.
- Supported educational initiatives promoting opportunities for girls and women.
Intern
Sycamore Public Library
2009
- Completed practicum in youth, teen, and adult programming.
- Developed and secured grant funding for outreach to the Latino community.
- Conducted story times and community engagement programs.
Volunteer Coordinator
DeKalb Public Library
2004–2008
- Established the library’s volunteer program.
- Developed volunteer policies and procedures.
- Recruited, trained, and supervised volunteers.
Interlibrary Loan Processor
DeKalb Public Library
2004–2008
- Processed interlibrary loan requests using OCLC and SirsiDynix systems.
- Maintained records and supported resource-sharing services.
LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY SERVICE
Secretary
International Foundation of Microbiology
January 2022–Present
- Serve on the governing board of a nonprofit organization established to advance scientific education and research.
- Participated in strategic planning and organizational transition following the retirement and legacy planning of the founding generation.
- Assisted in the oversight of the sale of organizational assets and facilities.
- Coordinated efforts to distribute scientific and medical equipment and supplies to nonprofit organizations, schools, and humanitarian initiatives in the United States and abroad.
- Supported partnerships with organizations providing educational, scientific, and medical resources to underserved communities and conflict-affected regions.
- Collaborate with fellow board members in transitioning the organization from an operating nonprofit to a private foundation.
- Participate in developing the foundation’s philanthropic vision, with a focus on supporting initiatives in science, education, and the arts.
President
Friends of the Edgerton Public Library
2022–Present
- Provide organizational leadership and strategic direction.
- Support fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement efforts.
- Collaborate with library staff, board members, and community stakeholders.
Board Member
Friends of Jane Adeny Memorial School for Girls
May 2014–May 2020
- Support governance, fundraising, and advocacy efforts promoting educational opportunities for girls.
Executive Committee Member
Women’s Studies Program, Northern Illinois University
August–December 2013
HONORS & AWARDS
2012
- Outstanding Graduate Student, Division of Research and Graduate Studies, Northern Illinois University
- Third Place Outstanding Graduate Research Paper, Department of Sociology, Northern Illinois University
2011
- Frances Rowe Katz Award, Department of Sociology, Northern Illinois University
- Second Place Outstanding Graduate Research Paper, Department of Sociology, Northern Illinois University
PUBLICATIONS
Rodgers, Diane, Peterson, Jessica, and Sanderson, Jill. 2016. “Commemorating Alternative Organizations and Marginalized Spaces: The Case of Forgotten Finntowns.” Organization 23(1): 90–113.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Sanderson, Jill. (2013). Lesbian Identity and Censorship in Literature Throughout the 20th Century to the Present. Women’s History Month Program, Northern Illinois University.
Rodgers, Diane, Peterson, Jessica, and Sanderson, Jill. (2013). Red, White & Forgotten: Collective Memory, Social Movements and the Finns of DeKalb, Illinois. American Sociological Association Annual Conference, Denver, Colorado.
Sanderson, Jill. (2012). Managing Maternal Identity: Case Study of the Eco-Mama. Couch-Stone Symposium, Northwestern University.
Sanderson, Jill. (2012). Mothering in a Risk Society: Consuming the Proper Identity. Chicago Ethnography Conference, University of Illinois at Chicago.
Sanderson, Jill. (2012). Baby Steps: Reconstructing Motherhood and Removing the Stigma of the “Crunchy Mom.” Sociologists for Women in Society, St. Petersburg, Florida.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
- Faith Formation and Christian Education
- Curriculum Development
- Worship Planning and Liturgical Writing
- Small Group Facilitation
- Community Engagement and Volunteer Leadership
- Public Speaking and Teaching
- Research and Data Analysis
- Property Management
- Financial Management and Bookkeeping
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Library and Information Systems
- Database Navigation and Research Support