Administration & Development Team

Executive Director

Godly Daniel

Godly’s years working in the business sector, church ministry and with another foster care ministry called 4KIDS of South Florida, have developed in him the practical knowledge and leadership needed as Executive Director at A Door of Hope. Formerly as Director of SafePlace in 2005, he oversaw the 24/7 Assessment Center for children about to be placed into foster care, and as former Director of Safe Families in 2009, he recruited and trained a network of Christian families who helped struggling families in the community. Since then, the Lord brought Godly and his family up from South Florida and called him in 2011 to help advocate for children and families in the Tampa Bay area. By God’s grace, he served with Pastor Tom Teel to begin a Christ-Centered child placing agency in Tampa Bay, A Door of Hope. He understands that the task before him is great but that our God is greater. His life verse is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He and his wife, Jincy, have three daughters and are members of Keystone Bible Church.

Director of Administration

Jenne Aguirre

Jenne comes to A Door of Hope as the Office Manager with 10 years in banking and 6 of those years in management. What is truly important in her life is knowing the Lord and serving Him, caring for her family while setting a godly example for them to follow, and helping others to know the hope and joy of the gospel…and this is what drew her to A Door of Hope. She’s known for many years that the Lord had a plan for her life filled with purpose (Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”) and she is watching that plan unfold with anticipation of what the Lord will do next! Jenne, her husband Anthony, and their two children attend Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg.

Director of Marketing & Communications

John LaRue

John brings more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit organizational development, marketing, communications, and fundraising to A Door of Hope. Most of that time was in management at Christianity Today (21 years) and at the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (5 years). At CT he led the launch and development of ChristianityToday.com and was publisher of the CT Media Group. At The Fellowship he was a vice president and worked on a team that saw donations grow from $85-$120 million in 5 years. Wheaton College is where he received an MA degree. He currently serves on the boards of several Christian organizations focused on the Great Commission: Partners International, MarriageTrac, and Lakeview Church in Tarpon Springs. He and his wife Carole have a heart for the widow and orphan having shared their home with Carole’s mom and disabled sister for 26 years. They moved to Tampa Bay in 2015 to explore opportunities to serve Christ in Gospel-focused ministry and to finish well. They have two sons. The youngest lives in New York and is launching his own business. The oldest son lives in LA with his wife and two (grand)children.

Technical and Administrative Operations Supervisor

Kissandra Collins

Kissandra has always had a passion to help others. At Trinity Christian College, she received her Bachelor’s Degree as a double major in Counseling and Biblical Studies and a minor in Theology. Currently, she leads a young women’s discipleship group at her church and will be pursuing a Master’s degree as a Mental Health Counselor at the University of South Florida. Her husband Scott is the Senior Pastor at Northwest Community Church where their 5 kids and 3 grandkids all attend. Kissandra’s bible verse that she loves is 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Intake and Office Support Specialist

Aja Larson

Aja has always had a heart and desire to serve and support others but never really knew what God had planned for her. Walking out in faith, she came to A Door of Hope through God’s perfect grace. After interning with A Door of Hope while obtaining her Associates in Social Service Degree at SPC the door opened to working as an Administrative Assistant. She is married to her homeschool – high school sweetheart, Kody Larson and in January 2018 they had their first son, Theodore. Her family calls Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg their home church. She finds confidence knowing that she can rest in God’s grace daily and He will outshine all imperfections. “My Grace is sufficient for you, for my Power is made perfect in Weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

HR and Financial Administrator

Elizabeth Cronin

Elizabeth is a Trinity College of Florida graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Bible and Theology and Psychology. Her desire to serve the Lord and families in the foster care system brought her to A Door of Hope. She loves to travel and photograph the world. 2 Timothy 1:7 is a Bible verse close to her heart, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Elizabeth and her husband Billy are newly married and both have a heart for ministry. They attend First Baptist Church New Port Richey where they are a part of a great church family and serve with the children and young adults.

Donor Relations Assistant

Brian Ohlson

Following a career in IT Corporate Sales, Brian and his wife made some changes in their lives, which included moving from North Carolina to Florida, and transitioning from a mega church to a smaller, more intimate structure.  They have two grown children, one of whom was adopted from Guatemala when he was an infant.  For 25 years, Brian has had an interest in Adoption and Foster Care, and joined forces with “A Door of Hope” in 2018 to participate in the ministry for the modern day orphan.  Brian was raised in a Christian household, and has been a Believer as long as he can remember.  He has traditionally been active in the local church, serving in many roles over the years.  One of his favorite scriptures is from Paul’s imprisoned letter to the Philippians when he wrote, “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord, and of one mind.”  He has lived in 7 different areas, enjoys travel, and visited all 50 states.  He attended college at University of Maryland and the University of Washington (Seattle), where he completed his Bachelor’s degree.  He enjoys Baseball, meeting people, and seeing his children as often as schedules allow.

Development Coordinator

Sarah Weaver

Sarah Weaver is a graduate of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia and earned a bachelors degree in family and consumer sciences with a minor in business management and biblical studies.  She has extensive experience in network marketing, brand innovation, multimedia communications and creative design.

Sarah married her college and hometown sweetheart, Joshua.  She has been serving at churches alongside her husband who has been a Student Pastor for over a decade. They have been foster parents since May 2015 and accredit their family’s development to A Door of Hope.  They adopted their three beautiful children, Harrison, James and Emmie May in August 2018 and continue to foster.

Some of her passions include consuming as much craft coffee and Korean food as possible, going to Disney World with her family, essential oils and all things enneagram (3w2).

Prayer Coordinator

Gayle Beaton

Gayle came to A Door of Hope initially as a volunteer and supporter through prayer. God lead her to organize a team of prayer warriors to meet together and pray over the ministry, the families, and the children. Since then she has become our Prayer Partner Coordinator connecting with many individuals by email weekly with prayer requests. She brings a sweetness and grace filled heart of serving to our team. One of her recent verses she clings to is Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” She attends Calvary Chapel St Petersburg with her husband Greg and sons.

Office Staff Assistant

Pattie Cleberg

Pattie Cleberg serves as a full-time volunteer for A Door of Hope. Her love for God and His children are evident in every aspect of her life. She comes to A Door of Hope with a wealth of experience and wisdom, serving as a Guardian Ad Litem, then for 9 years as the Executive Director of Foster Heart Link, a mentoring program ministering to children in the foster care system and for 2 years as a former foster parent. Through God’s leading, Foster Heart Link has joined with A Door of Hope to create Mentoring A Door of Hope, with the same vision and mission to provide hope for Children in Crisis. Pattie and her husband Barry have a blended family with three adult children and six beautiful grandchildren. She believes very strongly in Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Her heart is to see The Church come together and engage the community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Family and Staff Support Counselor

Jennifer Schanzenbach

Jennifer Graduated from Argosy University with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.  She also holds an A.A. degree in Pre-elementary education and a B.A. in Psychology.  Following the education requirements, Jennifer pursued her License in Mental Health from the State of Florida.  During the education process, Jennifer maintained the intentional study of biblical foundations of change and uses a biblical approach when working with children and families.  The scripture that carried Jennifer through the toils of education was Psalm 1 vs.1-3 “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”  She enjoys being creative with wood, metal, and yard work.  Jennifer is a mom of 5 and a grandmother to 5.  Her husband Lee and her two daughters attend Calvary Chapel St. Pete while her other children are active duty military and are stationed around the globe.

Executive Assistant- Godly Daniel

Lily Perlaza

Following her graduation from the University of Phoenix with a BA in Business Management, Lily has acquired a variety of experience in business and sales settings. She has attended Crossover Community Church since 2000, and eventually became a part of the church’s administration staff. You can find her planning and organizing events and projects of all sizes with faith based and secular organizations to better the lives of people in the community, help foster families and children, and bridge the gap between agencies and churches. The Lord brought Lily to a Door of Hope through her and her husband Martin’s desire to foster children. After becoming certified to foster through the organization, she eventually became the Executive Assistant to the programs Executive Director.

Lily and Martin continue to provide emergency care for kids coming into the system and have one child of their own named Joshua who is 3 years old. A bible verse that she holds close to her heart is Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Administrative Assistant

Miranda Smith

Miranda is a student at University of South Florida and is studying Psychology. She will be in the graduating class of 2022. The Lord led Miranda to A Door of Hope through her co-worker, and dear friend Elizabeth. Miranda enjoys working with children and figured taking the opportunity to work as an Administrative Assistant would be a way to help the kids behind the scenes. Miranda and her husband Michael are newly married and both have a heart for sharing the love of Jesus to those around them. A bible verse that means a lot to Miranda is Matthew 6:33 which says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Licensing & Support Team

Director of Licensing

Sherry Madray

God has blessed Sherry with a heart of servitude. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, at Saint Leo University, Sherry served as a case manager in Pinellas County. Sherry and her husband Kerwyn and has 3 handsome boys and 1 daughter who attend First Baptist of Riverview. Prior to having her first son, Sherry and her husband began fostering children in Pinellas County. As a stay at home mother, she was able to raise her 3 boys in a loving Christian environment and God provided for all their needs, on one income, for 15 years! Since then, Sherry has had a calling to return to the social work field and joined the A Door Of Hope family to serve the foster community first as a Licensing Specialist then as a Licensing Supervisor and now a Director of Licensing. Also, as a licensed foster parent in Hillsborough County, Sherry is able to equate with foster families and case managers alike. Sherry’s faith can be summed up by the poignant words of Catherine Marshall, “God is the only one who can make the valley of trouble A Door of Hope.”

Licensing Supervisor- Pasco/Pinellas

Billy Babbino

Billy’s degree in Youth and Family Ministry from Florida Christian College (now Johnson University) and experience in church ministry for 12 years, an adoption specialist for 2 years, and a Licensing Specialist with the Hillsborough team for almost 2 years, has lead him and prepared him as the Pasco/Pinellas Licensing Supervisor for A Door of Hope.  Some of his passions are following and rooting for the New York Mets to an almost obsessive degree, buying books, sometimes reading the books he buys, spending time with his wife and 3 daughters, helping families walk through the foster care journey, and eating good quality food like the McRib. Billy’s family attends Restoration Church in Trinity. He tries to live by these words of John the Baptist, “He must become greater; I must become less.”- John 3:30.

Licensing Supervisor- Hillsborough

Gretchen Leeper

Gretchen graduated from Capella University with a MS in Child and Adolescent Psychology in 2012 and came to A Door of Hope as a Licensing Specialist after working in Supervised Visitation for 2 years and in youth ministry for 8 years. Gretchen enjoys spending time with her family, theme parks, reading, and nature. Her, her husband, and their three children, Salyn, Kayla, and Trent, love traveling and discovering new places together. One of her favorite scripture versus is Isaiah 43:1 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine.”

Lead Licensing & Support Specialist- Hillsborough

Holly Seiler

Holly graduated from Saint Leo University with a BA in Elementary Education in 2002. She taught for 6 years, worked as a nanny for an amazing family for almost 10 years, and worked as a Case Manager in Hernando County. Holly has a heart to serve others and she her and her husband would someday love to foster children. A verse that has always encouraged her is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Holly has been married to her best friend for 15 years and has 2 Bichon Frise fur babies. She absolutely loves all things interior design/staging, real estate, travel, being outdoors, and ballet/barre.

Licensing & Support Specialist- Pasco & Pinellas

Ashley Banther

Ashley graduated from the University of South Florida in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. After serving on staff at Calvary Church for more than 4 years, she felt God calling her to join the Door of Hope team to minister to families and children in the foster care system. Ashley has a heart for this ministry and advocating for the most vulnerable of children. She has served abandoned and neglected children on mission in Cuba, as well as lived at a malnutrition center in Guatemala, where she cared for sick and hurting children who had been removed from their homes.

Ashley desired to be a missionary overseas, but when God closed that door, He began to work in her heart to help her see that she could serve modern day orphans right here in her city. He opened a door and she faithfully stepped through, ultimately becoming a Licensing Specialist at A Door of Hope. She believes that every child deserves to be loved, cared for and protected, and to know that they have a Heavenly father who knows them by name and loves them more than they could ever imagine. She is passionate about helping foster parents fulfill God’s commandment to care for these children, coming alongside them to bear the heavy burdens of these precious kids so they do not have to carry the weight alone.

Ashley strives to live her life on mission for Jesus so that others may see Christ in her through her words and actions. One of her favorite verses is Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” She believes that we should never take lightly the opportunities God gives us to be a witness for Him.

She and her husband, Eric, are members of Calvary Church in Clearwater. They have two young daughters, Onyx and Zoey. They love spending time together as a family doing anything outdoors.

Licensing & Support Specialist- Pasco & Pinellas

Jazmen Draper

Jazmen graduated from UWF with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science and received her Master’s degree in Global Development and Justice from Multnomah University. Jazmen joined A Door of Hope as a Licensing Specialist after working as a CPI in Okaloosa county, a case manager in Pinellas county, and as a licensing specialist with Eckerd. Her life scripture is James 1:27 “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” Her passions include spending time with friends and family. She loves photography, dancing, kayaking, and reading. Her and her husband, Matthew, and daughter, Kenzie, attend Central Christian Church.

Initial Licensing Specialist- Pasco & Pinellas

Katie Brandt

Katie was born in Dunedin, Florida and received her bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies and Community Leadership from St. Petersburg College. Before the Lord led her to A Door of Hope, she worked for a non-profit pregnancy center. She has a passion for life and children, for we are all image bearers and worthy of God’s great love. Her heart is for the fatherless, the orphan, and the defenseless. (Isaiah 1:17) She currently attends SonRise Community Church. In her spare time, she enjoys collecting records, fishing, playing ukulele, watching football, and spending time with her family. Her favorite verse in the Bible is, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

When she comes to visit your home, ask her about her favorite pet Danny Boy.

Licensing & Support Specialist- Pasco & Pinellas

Sarah Richards

Sarah graduated with a BA in Biblical Counseling from Maranatha Baptist University in 2017. She is passionate about foster care and loves working with foster families to provide the support they need to help the children in their homes. Sarah attends Holiday Bible Church. She and her husband Trevor have been married since 2017. Her favorite verse is Psalms 62:1-2 “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken”

Licensing & Support Specialist- Pasco/Pinellas

Vanessa Simmons

Vanessa graduated from Trinity College of Florida with a BA in counseling in 2011 and came to A Door of Hope as a Licensing Specialist after working as a case manager in Hillsborough County and Hernando county for 2 years combined. Her life scripture is Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Her passions include spending time with friends and family. She loves writing, scrapbooking, cooking, and photography. Her and her husband Chris and two sons, Isaiah and Nehemiah, attend Grace World Outreach Church.

Licensing & Support Specialist- Hillsborough

Hollins Carnes

Hollins grew up in North Carolina and moved to Tampa the summer before beginning college. She graduated from Liberty University in Spring of 2021 with a bachelor degree in Social Work. That summer, God provided an opportunity for her to begin an internship at A Door of Hope. During this internship, Hollins felt that the Lord was leading her to eventually go full time with A Door of Hope and to continue serving foster families and children as a licensing specialist. Hollins enjoys days at the beach, traveling to new places, cooking healthy meals, and going on coffee dates with friends. She and her husband Andrew attend Creekside Church in Lutz. A verse that means a lot to her is Psalm 73:26, “My heart and my flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and portion forever.”

Initial Licensing Specialist- Hillsborough

Julissa Craft

Julissa received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences with a Social/Behavior concentration from USF. She has previously worked as a case manager for refugees, provided educational needs for lower income families and is now working as a Licensing Specialist with A Door of Hope. She has a heart to serve and loves being with children as she has many nieces and nephews. She enjoys eating Spanish food, traveling to new places and attending church with her family. Julissa’s favorite verse is found in Isaiah 40:31, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Julissa attends Courageous Church.

Licensing & Support Specialist- Hillsborough

Emily Curtis

Emily graduated from Southeastern University in April 2020 with a BA in Ministerial Leadership. Prior to working at A Door of Hope, she worked for an engineering firm as a Project Coordinator for 3 years, an Instructional Assistant at an elementary school, and for about a year was the Secretary at her church. Emily is very passionate about youth and worship. She loves to serve others and making people feel loved and valued. Emily and her Fiancé, Anthony, attend Freedom Church. She is the Family Night Worship leader. Emily’s life verse is Philippians 4:4-9, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Licensing & Support Specialist- Hillsborough

Madison Good

Madison grew up in West Virginia and moved to Florida after finishing high school in 2016. She recently graduated with her Children Youth and Family Ministries degree from Southeastern University. During her college experience, she was able to travel to Israel twice and remembers moments that changed her life forever. It was also in college that she meet her husband, Max. After getting married in 2020, they moved to Bradenton, Florida and started attending Bayside Community Church. Madison enjoys a good beach day, finding new places to explore, and reading. A verse that means a lot to her is Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Licensing & Support Specialist- Hillsborough

Sarah Pardue

Sarah graduated from Trinity College of Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology- Counseling and Bible and Theology. She has experience in a variety of administrative roles and child care before the Lord led her to A Door of Hope. Sarah has a heart for ministry and is passionate about serving children and families. Sarah enjoys doing Bible studies, spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, and eating good food. A verse near to her heart is Psalm 73: 28, “But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.”

Licensing & Support Specialist

Shannon Jones

Shannon graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences. Upon graduating from college Shannon spent 5 years as a missionary in Australia and has since joined the A Door of Hope team as a Licensing Specialist. Shannon has a passion for family ministry and she enjoys spending time with friends and family, being outside, dancing, traveling and learning about new cultures. One of Shannon’s favorite verses is 1 John 4:18-19 “there is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.”  

Licensing & Support Specialist- Hillsborough

Abby Southwick

God has given Abby a passion to serve foster children and foster families. Her and her husband Matt are foster parents themselves and she has helped start a foster closet in Lithia. Abby is continuing to serve foster children and families in joining the A Door of Hope team as a Licensing Specialist. Abby is a Kaplan University graduate with her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Abby and Matt have been married 14 years and have 2 children Mattison and Alex. She enjoys boating, going to the beach and spending time with family. Abby and her family attend The Chapel Church in Lithia. A verse that is close to Abby’s heart is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me.”

Licensing Specialist- Pasco/Pinellas

Victoria Asencio

Victoria graduated from Trinity College of Florida in May 2017 with a BA in psychology and theology. She has two years of previous case management experience with dependency court in Pasco County, which prepared her for the licensing position with A Door of Hope. Victoria is very passionate about foster care and working with families in need. Victoria married her husband, Joe’l, in April 2018. They recently welcomed their first child, Olivia, into their family. Victoria attends Trinity New Life Church. Her passions include traveling, working out, reading, and spending time with her family. Victoria’s life verse is Matthew 25:40, “The King will reply, truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Foster Parent Liaison

Dawn Zitko

Dawn’s Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Kansas State University and previous Case Management experience in Kansas and Colorado equipped her as the Lord made a way for her to join the A Door of Hope family as a Licensing Specialist, Licensing Supervisor, and now a Foster Parent Liasion. A favorite scripture of hers currently is 2 Corinthians 4:18, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” She loves competing in Iron Man races and has earned the title of All World Athlete. She and her husband Derek have “a zillion kids and counting” and have been a foster family since 2015. Their whole, big, huge, adorable family attend The Chapel at Fishhawk.