18  full-time and 8 part-time staff members work diligently throughout the year to end and prevent homelessness.  Guided by a board adopted strategic plan, every staff action is directed by our core operating principals of respect, responsibility and results.

Below is a listing of our dedicated full-time staff and part-time case managers. We welcome hearing from you.

(Hover over ‘name’ for additional information)

Lissette S. Bishins, Executive Director::
On staff since: June 2010
Current role and responsibilities: Oversee the work of the organization – a big focus on raising the funds needed to deliver critical services as well as moving programs forward to meet the needs of the community.
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “The tangible difference in the lives of everyone that walks through our doors – clients, volunteers and staff alike. The 90 percent success rate is phenomenal and demonstrates our commitment to results.”
What are some of your accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “I’ve just arrived at the Shelter… can’t speak to many tangible accomplishments. At the moment the one that immediate comes to mind is that in very short timeframe I’ve developed wonderful relationships with staff, clients and volunteers.”
Higher education obtained at: Emerson College Boston, MA
LissetteSBishins@carpentersshelter.org

Mary Martin, Deputy Director:
On staff since: 1990
Current role and responsibilities: supervises the day-to-day operations of all programs and ensures quality service delivery; liaises with community partners
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “The difference that we make in people’s lives through a tough love approach, and at times gentle confrontation, assisting folks to look at their lifestyles and affect change for a better quality of life.”
What are some of your accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “I was a part of program development of all programs except the original mission shelter. Also, I have been a part of award-winning programs and service delivery as well as improvement of reputation and quality of service of the agency.”
Higher education obtained at: The Ohio State University and Virginia State College
MaryMartin@carpentersshelter.org

Jasmin Witcher, Director of Development and Strategic Alliances:
On staff since: 2005
Current role and responsibilities: raises funds for various aspects of Carpenter’s Shelter
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “Giving clients the knowledge they need to live independently and to become self-sufficient. Also, providing a safety net for shelter grads through the Aftercare program – sometimes just knowing you have a support system can give clients the confidence they need to be successful.”
What are some of your accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “I managed the volunteer program for 3 years.”
Higher education obtained at: Frostburg State University
JasminWitcher@carpentersshelter.org

Maureen Ford, Development Associate:
On staff since: June 2010
Current role and responsibilities: Assisting Jasmin with development tasks including grant writing and reporting, strategizing and planning fundraising events, coordinating Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon, helping to manage donor information, working on social media strategy, compiling the monthly newsletter.
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “Carpenter’s Shelter provides not only a temporary home for those who are homeless but also provides clients with the support they need to transition back into the community. The success rate of Carpenter’s clients is a testament to its value as an organization and the strength of Carpenter’s programs.”
What are some of your accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “Working on social media strategy”
Higher education obtained at: Washington and Lee University
MaureenFord@carpentersshelter.org

Christina Perkins, Finance Officer:
On staff since: 2007
Current role and responsibilities: maintains all financial transactions with the Shelter, David’s Place, Hypothermia and other programs within the Shelter
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “Servicing the community and sustaining the clients from repeating homelessness through programs offered at the Shelter.”
Higher education obtained at: Strayer University
ChristinaPerkins@carpentersshelter.org

Courtney D. Bishop, Volunteer Coordinator:
On staff since: June 2010
Current role and responsibilities: Recruit, screen and manage volunteers.
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “The volunteers! Volunteers serve over 700 meals to Shelter residents annually, operate the front desk from 7am-11pm and hold Children’s activities six days a week. The Shelter could not operate without the generous support of the Alexandria community.”
Higher education obtained at: St. Gregory’s University
CourtneyBishop@carpentersshelter.org

Kim Myers, Operations Manager:
On staff since: 2008
Current role and responsibilities: responsible for making sure the building is in tip-top shape; inputs and acknowledges donations; keeps contact with vendors, donors and IT volunteers
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “We give people the opportunity to breathe, allow them the time to examine their M.O.D., and make modifications where needed. We provide clean, safe housing and resources to assist people in their time of crisis, while preparing them to re-enter society.”
What are some of your accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “The new Carpenter’s Shelter Web site, Christmas party, transitioned Carpenter’s Shelter into updated donor system database.”
Higher education obtained at: University of Maryland
KimMyers@carpentersshelter.org

Mary-Parker Lamm, Director of Transitional Services:
On staff since: 2007
Current role and responsibilities: handles Aftercare program, transitional housing, shelter child and family services and assists with case management
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “The way in which we partner and coordinate services for our residents with city and local organizations and programs. It makes a huge impact on how effective we can be with our individuals and families.”
What are some of your accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “Increases in the Aftercare program; increased number of ABC workshops, MNO program; MNO book club program; working with the Kid’s Street Sense team (with the development and implementation of the program).”
Higher education obtained at: Roger Williams University
MaryParkerLamm@carpentersshelter.org

Katrina Tabb, Aftercare Child and Family Services Coordinator:
On staff since: 2006
Current role and responsibilities: provides case management to families who have moved out of shelter into the community
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “The ongoing support. We work with families and individuals where they are, so we celebrate success as well as encourage them in difficult times. I like that we have a program that doesn’t let go. We offer services that support our clients at many levels.”
What are some of your accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “I became an Aftercare team member after starting as a monitor in the Hypothermia program, then moving on to David’s Place as a case manager. I feel very fortunate to have gained experience and knowledge at several levels of case programming, which has allowed me to identify needs and effectively work with our clients to move toward success in their goals.”
Higher education obtained at: UNC-Charlotte, completing master’s degree at Johns Hopkins University
KatrinaTabb@carpentersshelter.org

Cherylle Pratt, Education Coordinator:
On staff since: 2009
Current role and responsibilities: supports and coordinates all programs for Carpenter’s Shelter; secures volunteers for various presentations as well as conducts presentations of her own
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “The work we do here is more about others and not just self. I like to be the giver as opposed to the receiver. This work is very gratifying and rewarding.”
What are some of your accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “The clients are more aware of education and employment opportunities as a result of my providing more information on positions and about how to get through an educational plan.”
Higher education obtained at: St. Frances de Sales
CheryllePratt@carpentersshelter.org

Senai Beyen, Child and Family Services Coordinator:
On staff since: 2009
Current role and responsibilities: Work with all the children who come into Carpenter’s Shelter and advocate for all the children and their well being.
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “How the shelter employee’s find and exhaust all resources and services for all clients in every situation.”
What are some of your accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “Continuously working with the children everyday to continue to provide them with the necessary services they will need to thrive in the community. ”
Higher education obtained at: Old Dominion University
SenaiBeyen@carpentersshelter.org

Monte Jones, Transitional Housing:
On staff since: 2002
Current role and responsibilities: seeks resources and connect consumers for that need; encourages consumers to work hard at rebuilding their lives as well as their family
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “That we offer a lot more than a roof over one’s head; that we offer other life-building skills. We continue to work with singles and families once they have left our program through our Aftercare program and education program as well.”
What are some of your accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “I have seen a number of our consumers move on and continue to rebuild their lives and families by placing them in suitable housing, whether it is independent living or Section 8 housing.”
MonteJones@carpentersshelter.org

Larry Roberts, Director of Winter Shelter:
On staff since: 1994
Current role and responsibilities: directs and oversees all aspects of Winter Shelter
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “The reduction of homelessness in our community.”
What are some of your accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “Development of the hypothermia program development and the coordination of the Emergency Winter Shelter for the City of Alexandria.”
Higher education obtained at: Virginia State College
LarryRoberts@carpentersshelter.org

Calvin Thompson, Night Supervisor and Case Manager:
On staff since: 1997
Current role and responsibilities: oversees safety of the residents and building security, directs and manages volunteer flow, serves as primary point of contact for administrative concerns as well as manages case loads
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “Assisting the clients we serve in problem identification, setting goals, providing life skills, developing budgets and supporting clients as they resolve issues and move from homelessness to self-sufficiency.”
What are some of your accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “I helped implement and build life skills workshops.”
Higher education obtained at: Northern Virginia Community College
CalvinThompson@carpentersshelter.org

Carmen Sarraga, Case Manager:
On staff since: 2005
Current role and responsibilities: helps those who feel unwanted or left behind; tries to show that there is a light at the end of the tunnel; refers to services needed; tries to become a helping hand
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “The caring and support to those who are going through difficult times.”
What are some of your accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “Coming up the ladder at Carpenter’s – working in Hypothermia, then weekend monitor and now, case manager. Thanks to those who took a chance on me and saw something that I didn’t see in myself.”
Higher education obtained at: George Washington University
CarmenSarraga@carpentersshelter.org

James Beckwith, Case Manager:
On staff since: 2001
Current role and responsibilities: assists clients in obtaining services needed in order to re-enter the community as a productive citizen
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “We look at clients’ from a holistic point of view. We meet individuals where they are. Also the drive [of the staff] and the ability to care and put the needs of our clients first.”
What are some of your accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “My accomplishments are through the success of my clients.”
Higher education obtained at: St. Augustine’s College
JamesBeckwith@carpentersshelter.org

Michael Shields, Case Manager:
On staff since: 2005
Current role and responsibilities: Case manager for David’s Place and the resident program
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “Our responsibility, care and support for our community members and residents to help them end their homelessness.”
What are some of your accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “Through the guidance of my superiors I have worked my way up from Hypothermia monitor to Case Management staff.”
MichaelShields@carpentersshelter.org

Michael Turner, Midnight Monitor:
On staff since: 1999
Current role and responsibilities: maintains safe environment and secures building overnight; makes up beds, distributes medications, sets up breakfast
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “I feel that the structure that Carpenter’s Shelter puts in place gives back to our clients and is very instrumental in their success in not returning to homelessness.”
What are some of your accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter?
  •  “My biggest accomplishment is initiating the substance abuse (N.A., A.A.) in-house meetings for our clients to become drug and alcohol free, along with educating clients.”
Higher education obtained at: Washington Technical Institute
MichaelTurner@carpentersshelter.org