Our
Leadership

As President and CEO of The Up Center, I lead the organization’s strategy and operations and work across programs and partnerships to advance our mission. My role focuses on strengthening services and enhancing The Up Center’s ability to provide holistic, integrated care.

With more than two decades of leadership experience, I bring a strong foundation in organizational stewardship to this work. I hold a B.A. in Psychology from The College of William & Mary. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family hiking, enjoying outdoor activities, and being on the water.

As Chief Financial Officer, I oversee the financial health of The Up Center, managing budgets, accounting, and revenue cycle operations to ensure the organization can deliver on its mission. A licensed CPA since 1999, I earned my B.A. in Accounting and have spent my career providing financial leadership in both nonprofit and corporate settings.

What motivates me most is being able to contribute to an organization that changes lives every day. I’m proud to use my expertise to help strengthen The Up Center’s long-term sustainability so we can keep serving our community for years to come.

As Chief Program and Strategy Officer, I direct agency-wide program strategy, design, and evaluation to ensure our services are effective, sustainable, and responsive to community needs. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 25 years of experience, and I hold certifications including Trauma Counseling and Counseling Supervision.

What motivates me most is being part of an organization that serves as a lifeline for individuals and families in need. I am especially proud of securing and guiding major grants that drive lasting impact. Outside of work, I enjoy personal growth and new challenges—I even learned to swim last year after being uncomfortable in water for much of my life.

As Human Resources Officer, I lead all aspects of HR for The Up Center, ensuring that our staff feel supported and empowered as they serve the community. I bring over 20 years of experience, including my time at Hope House Foundation, and hold a degree in Psychology from UVA along with SHRM-SCP certification.

I’m motivated by the incredible team we have at The Up Center and the transformation our HR department has undergone in recent years. I’m especially proud of creating a people-first culture that helps our staff thrive. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and pups, gardening, and traveling whenever I can.

As Director of Program Operations, I serve as a key member of the Administrative Leadership Team, overseeing program efficiency, compliance, and operational excellence across The Up Center. Previously, I served as Director of our Foster Care, Adoption, and Independent Living programs, giving me a strong foundation in program leadership and client-centered service delivery. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Christopher Newport University.

I am deeply motivated by The Up Center’s mission to strengthen communities and help families thrive. I’m especially proud of fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation that helps our team deliver high-quality services to those who need them most. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and supporting initiatives that give back to the community.

As Chief Development Officer, I lead The Up Center’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts, connecting community members with the programs and initiatives that make a lasting impact. What I love most about my role is building relationships with donors and helping them see how their passions align with our mission to support families and strengthen communities.

What motivates me most is the people—my colleagues at The Up Center are not only deeply invested in serving our community but also bring expertise and dedication to everything they do. Outside of work, you can usually find me cheering on (or occasionally coaching) one of my three daughters at a youth sporting event, diving into a home improvement project, or planning our next family adventure.

As Major Gifts Manager, I am responsible for inspiring philanthropy and building relationships with donors to advance The Up Center’s mission. My background includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and certification in PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education), reflecting my commitment to both health and human services. 
I am motivated by the chance to meet people at some of the most challenging points in their lives and help them find hope and support. Growing up, I was blessed to be raised by a large and loving family, which shaped my passion for giving back. Outside of work, I enjoy a very active lifestyle including running, swimming, and traveling.

As Marketing Manager, I lead the development and implementation of strategic campaigns to promote The Up Center’s programs, services, and mission. Before joining The Up Center, I led marketing and communications efforts for several nonprofits and hold a B.A. in Studio Art with a minor in Professional Education from Mary Baldwin University.

I’m motivated by the chance to use my marketing skills to amplify the life-changing work we do. One of my proudest accomplishments has been building campaigns that show the real impact of our services and inspire others to support our mission. Outside of work, I share my home with 12 cats—each with a unique personality!

As Executive Assistant, I provide high-level administrative support to ensure smooth operations across The Up Center. With over 25 years of experience in administrative and executive roles, I bring strong organizational skills and a focus on efficiency to every task. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Norfolk State University.

I’m most motivated by the people I work with and the impact we make together. I value my ability to adapt quickly and help the organization stay on track in a fast-moving environment. Outside of work, I absolutely love documentaries—especially those on history, travel, and true crime!