Our Team

At HER Shelter, We’re Better Together

Great employees are the foundation of any successful organization—especially in the nonprofit world. At HER Shelter, we’re proud to celebrate our incredible team without hesitation. With more than 25 dedicated staff members and growing each year, our organization continues to become more effective, more experienced, and more united in our mission.

At the core of our leadership is a dynamic four-person team—Olivia, Joy, Symone, and Joseph—who provide daily guidance while managing their many other responsibilities. Surrounding them is a passionate staff, each playing a vital role across a wide range of programs, all while supporting the organization as a whole.

We embrace an "all hands on deck" philosophy in everything we do. Whether facing challenges or celebrating successes, we work side by side as a true team. Because at the end of the day, our clients deserve nothing less than our very best—and we know we’re strongest when we stand together.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.


    757-485-1445 or ashley@hershelter.com

  • 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


  • Dominique rice- Volunteer Coordinator (She/HER)

    Dominique a proud graduate of Austin Peay State University and have been self-employed as an Accountant for the past 17 years. I’m a mom to five amazing children and a proud grandmother of two sweet boys.

    In everything I do, my goal is to make a positive impact on anyone whose path I cross. I love traveling, talking on the phone, and—most importantly—spending quality time with my family.  Dominque enjoys volunteering with organizations such as Girls on the Run Hampton Roads.  She is an outrgoing person who loves to laugh and genuinely enjoys life, no matter what it brings.

    Dominique brings the same energy and light to the H.E.R. Shelter and doing whatever she can to make someone’s day a little brighter.

  • Michelle - Court Advocate (she/her)

    Michelle has been with Help & Emergency Response since 2018 in various roles. She currently serves as the Court Advocate and Underserved Population Coordinator. Michelle has always been an advocate at heart and is thankful for the opportunity to work with victims of interpersonal violence.  Michelle is a graduate of Virginia Wesleyan college and enjoys spending time with her 3 adult children, reading a good book and traveling whenever possible. 


    757-485-1073 or michelle@hershelter.com


  • 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

  • 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

  • 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  or zion@hershelter.com

  • 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!

  • Joseph - Housing Program Manager

    More information coming soon.



    (757)485-1073 or joseph@hershelter.com