Great employees make or break a company - particularly a nonprofit. Here at the HER Shelter, we are more than happy to showcase our amazing people without shame! With a staff of more than 25, the HER Shelter continues to grow annually into a more effective and experienced organization. Our core leadership is comprised of a four-person team - Olivia, Joy, Symone, and Joseph - who provide day-to-day guidance while juggling the rest of their duties. The rest of the staff are responsible for a variety of programs while supporting the mission of the organization as a whole. We take an "all hands on deck" approach to most things here at HER, and at the end of the day we're a team through and through. Our clients deserve the best we can offer - and we're better together.
Our Team
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Olivia - CEO & President (she/her)
Olivia Smithberger has served as the Executive Director of HER Shelter since July of 2019. Although her service as Executive Director is relatively new, her service to the shelter began in 2010. She is best known for her work as Crisis Services Director as well as founder of Sweet Haven Baked Goods workforce development program and a key leader in the opening of the RESTORE Shelter in 2018. Her enthusiasm and strategy brings a fresh perspective to victim services while preserving our successful current programs to save more lives and build safer, stronger communities!
(757) 485-1445 or olivia@hershelter.com
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joy - Program Director (She/HER)
Joy is described by everyone she knows as, "the most caring person you'll ever meet." Dedication is a key descriptor here - a long-time employee of the HER Shelter, she has already put in 11 years and plans on many more. A graduate of Norfolk State, Joy brings wisdom and light to her work on a daily basis.
(757) 485-1073 or joy@hershelter.com
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Kiera- Children's program coordinator (she/her
Kiera is the Children's Program Coordinator. She has her BA in Psychology and is going for her MA in Transpersonal Psychology. She believes, "Being an adult is like folding a fitted sheet. No one really knows how" (unknown) and she is dedicated to helping families figure out how to navigate these complexities at all levels.
(757) 485-1073 or kiera@hershelter.com
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Symone - Crisis Services and Shelter Manager ( She/her)
Symone is so cool! A recent ODU graduate, she plans on continuing to get her Masters in Social Work in the near future. Farther down the road she hopes to start her own nonprofit, and do great work for people! She loves the color red, shopping and eating. Her favorite saying (and sometimes life motto): "When life gave me lemons, I made lemonade."
(757) 392-2167 or symone@hershelter.com
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Antonette - Housing Advocate (she/her)
Antonette is widely regarded by many to be the secret queen of housing in Portsmouth, Virginia. A life-long advocate for the homeless and those in need, she brings years of experience to her position in our Housing Program. In 2013, she received the Virginia Rapid Rehousing Challenge award - because she's da-bomb DOT com.
(757) 485-1073 or antonette@hershelter.com
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Ashley - Data Systems Coordinator (she/her)
Ashley is a Hampton Roads native with a knack for politics and the passion to back it up! After being a part of the Mobile Crisis Team for bit, she stepped up to the challenge to lead it! We are proud to have her with us.
(757) 485-1073 or ashley@hershelter.com
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Deborah - Community Development Manager (she/her)
Deborah is a graduate from Old Dominion University with a degree in Special Education. Her career has been spent serving individuals with disabilities whether in the classroom or through community program development or fundraising. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family hanging out at home, camping or watching her daughter at the bowling alley.
757-485-1445 or Deborah@hershelter.com
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Samantha-Aftercare coordinator (she/her)
Samantha is a graduate of Indiana State University
"My shelter experience and love for people is what led me to this position. I hope to grow within the HER team and to make a positive impact on as many lives as I possibly can. My favorite quote is “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are”- JP Morgan
757-485-1073 or samantha@hershelter.com
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Suzanne -Administrative Assistant (she/HER)
Suzanne is a Portsmouth native who joined the HER shelter in March of 2019. I love being part of the HER team and supporting the mission of HER.
757-485-1445 or suzanne@hershelter.com
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Zion Boggess - Accountant (he/him)
Zion joined the HER Shelter in March 2021. Born and raised in North Carolina, he attended Western Carolina University's College of Business and graduated in 2020. Zion is an avid fan of photography, any outdoor activity, ballroom dance, and virtually all types of music with the exception of polka. He's excited to support the mission of the HER Shelter however he can!
(757) 485-1445 zion@hershelter.com
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Crisis Coordinators
Our Mobile Team requires special recognition! These amazing folks spend their nights and weekends managing our three shelters with everything from the hotline to the urgent needs of in-shelter clients. We couldn't operate half as smoothly on a daily basis without knowing there's an amazing team who picks up the mantle every day. They are troopers and we're so grateful!
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