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 Stephanie - who provide day-to-day guidance while juggling the rest of their duties. The rest of the staff (listed after the leadership team - in alphabetical order), 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 - Executive Director*
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 *
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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Symone - Crisis Services and Shelter Manager*
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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Alaina -Aftercare Sustainability
"Alaina brings her smile and loving heart to the team at HER. She is passionate about seeing families find healing and new beginnings through community support. She is always willing to show up for people in need, and loves to create meaningful connections with her clients. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and camping. She is a lover of yoga and mindfulness practices, and enjoys curling up with a good book at the end of the day."
(757) 485-1073 or alaina@hershelter.com
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Antonette - Housing Advocate
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 - Housing Locator
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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De'Nae- Youth and Family Services Assistant
De'Nae is a recent graduate of Saint Leo University with a Bachelors in Human Services. She has a strong passion and desire to help children become successful no matter what they have experienced. She is goal oriented and always ready to lend a helping hand. As a new member of the HER Shelter team, she is ready to learn more ways to help the HER Shelter to grow. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their children, watching movies, coloring and planning more vacations.
(757-485-1073 or denae@hershelter.com
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Deborah - Community Development Manager
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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Marcela
A recent graduate from ODU with a Bachelors degree in Human Services and a certificate in addiction, prevention and treatment. Marcela has always wanted to work within the homeless community and truly has a passion for helping those around her. She has big dreams of creating her own nonprofits one day in large cities that really struggle with homelessness. She is very grateful and excited to be a part of the HER team. Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her family and friends and explore new places!
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MELOdy- ECM and Shelter Coordinator
Melody enjoys inspiring others to go beyond what they can see. She believes in the power of hope and storytelling and will use by training as a Peer Recovery Specialist to encourage others during their transformations process. She is currently persuing her Bachelors in Psychology at Regent University. My favorite motto is "Live, Laugh, and Love"
757-485-1073 or 757-392-2167 or melody@hershelter.com
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Ryanne - Mental Health Associate
Ryanne began her journey with the HER Shelter as an intern working on her undergrad degree. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Human Services, she joined the team as the Court Advocate. Although she found the role fulfilling, she left the shelter in order to continue her education. Ryanne obtained her M.S.Ed in Counseling from ODU in 2015 and is now a board certified counselor. With a smile on her face and a coffee in her hand, Ryanne helps our clients work through their traumas so that they can thrive and move forward in their lives.
757-485-1073 ryanne@hershelter.com
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Toni - Compliance Coordinator
Oh Toni. How to describe this one-of-a-kind soul. She graduated with a BS in Health & Physical Education from West Chester University. After that she did Outward Bound, Youth Conservation Corp, Catering, Food Service at the NJ State Capitol Building, Contract Management, Super Hero, and currently is our compliance specialist. And she thought we'd say nothing about her! Outrageous! :)
(757) 485-1445 or toni@hershelter.com
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Zion Bogges - Accountant
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!
