16  full-time and 10 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 Parker Lamm, Deputy Director
maryparkerlamm@carpentersshelter.org

Kelly Andreae, Director of Development and Strategic Alliances:
KellyAndreae@carpentersshelter.org

Alex Stevens, Development Associate:
AlexStevens@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

Ashley Speaks, Education Coordinator
ashleyspeaks@carpentersshelter.org

Katrina Tabb, Senior Case Manager:
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, Part Time Case Manager:
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

Deanna Villanueva, Housing Resource Locator:

DeannaVillanueva@carpentersshelter.org

Joie Boddie, David’s Place Director:

JoieBoddie@carpentersshelter.org

Zenobia Russ, Director of Winter Shelter:
ZenobiaRuss@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