Staff
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.
Donor Relations Manager
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.
Licensing Administrator
Kissandra Collins
Kissandra was born on the west coast at San Francisco, California and raised on the east coast at Tampa, Florida. She 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.”
Administrative Assistant
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
Administrative Assistant
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.
Mentoring Coordinator
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 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.
Donor Relations Manager
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.
Licensing Administrator
Kissandra Collins
Kissandra was born on the west coast at San Francisco, California and raised on the east coast at Tampa, Florida. She 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.”
Administrative Assistant
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
Administrative Assistant
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.
Mentoring Coordinator
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.
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, reading theology books with bigger words than he can usually understand, teaching the Bible, spending time with his family, helping families walk through the foster care journey and eating good food like the McRib. He tries to live by these words of John the Baptist, “He must become greater; I must become less.”- John 3:30. Billy and his wife, Katie, and their 3 daughters, Shea, Cara, and Laney, attend Pathway Christian Church in Port Richey, FL.
Licensing Supervisor- Hillsborough
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 and now a Licensing Supervisor. 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.
Licensing & Support Specialist- Pasco/Pinellas
Alicia Novell
Alicia began her journey with A Door of Hope by becoming a licensed foster parent through us in 2016. She quickly fell in love with the vision and ministry and knew God was calling her to join our team as a Licensing Specialist so that she could have a voice within churches and other platforms to advocate for vulnerable children and their family. Apart from her own experience in fostering, Alicia completed a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Liberty University where she graduated with Honors. Alicia has been married to her high school sweetheart, Andrew, since 2005 and through fostering their prayer for their family is that their children: Luke, Andi, Jackson, Levi, and Amelia, see the gospel lived out loud as their family enters into a child’s brokenness just as Christ has entered into ours to offer us hope. A verse Alicia clings to is Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful” Her family attends North Pointe Church in Lutz, FL.
Licensing & Support Specialist- Pasco/Pinellas
Blaise Care
Blaise’s major in Biblical Counseling and minor in Theology from Trinity College has prepared her to join the team at A Door of Hope as a Licensing Specialist. She also was a previous middle school teacher for 5 years. She is passionate about building healthy Christian communities and being involved in her church. She is an avid traveler and enjoys having a healthy lifestyle. A favorite quote from a book she’s reading is “You are a one-of-a-kind design, unable to be replicated or copied by another. You no longer have the right to see yourself as any less valuable than a priceless, unique work of art. This is our true label.”- Tailor-made by Alex Seeley. She loves spending time with family and attends Trinity New Life church.
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- 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 are welcoming their first child, Olivia, into their family soon. 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.”
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 & Support Specialist- Hillsborough
Alicia D’Altilio
Alicia received her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Johnson University in Knoxville, TN. She previously taught in Pinellas County schools. Alicia has been an advocate for children and families in schools and at her church which prepared her for the position to work with families as a Licensing Specialist with A Door of Hope. A favorite scripture of hers is 1 Peter 4:8, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.” Her and her husband Brent, who is the Worship Pastor at Crossroads Christian Church, have a bunch of kids, who all love swimming, climbing trees, and spending time together. Alicia and Brent are also foster parents in Pinellas County.
Licensing & Support Specialist- Hillsborough
Alyssa Hughley
Alyssa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies from the University of South Florida and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at Catholic University of America. She’s been engaged in social work since 2013, when she started as a child welfare case manager in Pinellas County. In 2017, after a brief hiatus, she was called by the Lord to return to social work as a Licensing Specialist. In her free time, Alyssa loves to travel and enjoys making jewelry. She has two brothers and two sisters and currently attends Underground Network as her home church. She finds comfort in her favorite verse, Isaiah 43:4, which Jesus showed to her during a mission trip to Haiti. Every time she reads this scripture, she is reminded of how Jesus forever changed her life there. Now, she uses her faith and strength in the Lord to help foster families and children in crisis.
Lead Licensing & Support Specialist- Hillsborough
Anna Phillips
Anna’s Master’s in social work, previous work at a pregnancy center and women and children’s center equipped her to come onboard as a Family Development Specialist and now a Lead Family Development Specialist with A Door of Hope’s Hillsborough Team. Her favorite verse is Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” She loves outdoor adventures, being an FSU fan, and spending time with family. Anna attends Grace Family South Tampa.
Licensing & Support Specialist- 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.”
Licensing & Support Specialist- Hillsborough
Julissa Ponce
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.”
Licensing & Support Specialist- Hillsborough
Kelly Rewald
A desire to help others brought Kelly to A Door of Hope as a Licensing Specialist. Kelly graduated Trinity College of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology-Counseling and Bible and Theology which has equipped her to serve in the foster care system. Kelly attends Trinity New Life Church and enjoys spending her free time outdoors and with loved ones. She loves photography, writing and reading. A favorite Bible verse that she finds comfort in is Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Licensing & Support Specialist- Hillsborough
Ray Suarez
Raynene, better known to us as “Ray”, received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from USF. She has 10 years of experience working in Social Services helping the veteran and homeless population and more recently within child welfare. With a passion for missions and travel, she has served on various mission trips both locally and abroad and in capacities outside of her scope-one being an optometric technician. Each experience eventually positioned her to serve in a greater role as mentor and big sister to teen orphans in West Africa, an opportunity that confirmed her love for children, especially those living a life void of love. Joining the A Door of Hope family in 2018 as a Licensing Specialist has offered Ray the ability to continue her passion in missions through serving families who in turn help fill a void of love in the lives of children within our own community through the greatest love of Jesus Christ. One of her treasured bible verses come from Proverbs 3:27, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Ray attends Open Arms Church in Ybor City.
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, reading theology books with bigger words than he can usually understand, teaching the Bible, spending time with his family, helping families walk through the foster care journey and eating good food like the McRib. He tries to live by these words of John the Baptist, “He must become greater; I must become less.”- John 3:30. Billy and his wife, Katie, and their 3 daughters, Shea, Cara, and Laney, attend Pathway Christian Church in Port Richey, FL.
Licensing Supervisor- Hillsborough
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 and now a Licensing Supervisor. 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.
Licensing & Support Specialist- Pasco/Pinellas
Alicia Novell
Alicia began her journey with A Door of Hope by becoming a licensed foster parent through us in 2016. She quickly fell in love with the vision and ministry and knew God was calling her to join our team as a Licensing Specialist so that she could have a voice within churches and other platforms to advocate for vulnerable children and their family. Apart from her own experience in fostering, Alicia completed a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Liberty University where she graduated with Honors. Alicia has been married to her high school sweetheart, Andrew, since 2005 and through fostering their prayer for their family is that their children: Luke, Andi, Jackson, Levi, and Amelia, see the gospel lived out loud as their family enters into a child’s brokenness just as Christ has entered into ours to offer us hope. A verse Alicia clings to is Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful” Her family attends North Pointe Church in Lutz, FL.
Licensing & Support Specialist- Pasco/Pinellas
Blaise Care
Blaise’s major in Biblical Counseling and minor in Theology from Trinity College has prepared her to join the team at A Door of Hope as a Licensing Specialist. She also was a previous middle school teacher for 5 years. She is passionate about building healthy Christian communities and being involved in her church. She is an avid traveler and enjoys having a healthy lifestyle. A favorite quote from a book she’s reading is “You are a one-of-a-kind design, unable to be replicated or copied by another. You no longer have the right to see yourself as any less valuable than a priceless, unique work of art. This is our true label.”- Tailor-made by Alex Seeley. She loves spending time with family and attends Trinity New Life church.
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- 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 are welcoming their first child, Olivia, into their family soon. 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.”
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 & Support Specialist- Hillsborough
Alicia D’Altilio
Alicia received her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Johnson University in Knoxville, TN. She previously taught in Pinellas County schools. Alicia has been an advocate for children and families in schools and at her church which prepared her for the position to work with families as a Licensing Specialist with A Door of Hope. A favorite scripture of hers is 1 Peter 4:8, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.” Her and her husband Brent, who is the Worship Pastor at Crossroads Christian Church, have a bunch of kids, who all love swimming, climbing trees, and spending time together. Alicia and Brent are also foster parents in Pinellas County.
Licensing & Support Specialist- Hillsborough
Alyssa Hughley
Alyssa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies from the University of South Florida and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at Catholic University of America. She’s been engaged in social work since 2013, when she started as a child welfare case manager in Pinellas County. In 2017, after a brief hiatus, she was called by the Lord to return to social work as a Licensing Specialist. In her free time, Alyssa loves to travel and enjoys making jewelry. She has two brothers and two sisters and currently attends Underground Network as her home church. She finds comfort in her favorite verse, Isaiah 43:4, which Jesus showed to her during a mission trip to Haiti. Every time she reads this scripture, she is reminded of how Jesus forever changed her life there. Now, she uses her faith and strength in the Lord to help foster families and children in crisis.
Lead Licensing & Support Specialist- Hillsborough
Anna Phillips
Anna’s Master’s in social work, previous work at a pregnancy center and women and children’s center equipped her to come onboard as a Family Development Specialist and now a Lead Family Development Specialist with A Door of Hope’s Hillsborough Team. Her favorite verse is Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” She loves outdoor adventures, being an FSU fan, and spending time with family. Anna attends Grace Family South Tampa.
Licensing & Support Specialist- 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.”
Licensing & Support Specialist- Hillsborough
Julissa Ponce
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.”
Licensing & Support Specialist- Hillsborough
Kelly Rewald
A desire to help others brought Kelly to A Door of Hope as a Licensing Specialist. Kelly graduated Trinity College of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology-Counseling and Bible and Theology which has equipped her to serve in the foster care system. Kelly attends Trinity New Life Church and enjoys spending her free time outdoors and with loved ones. She loves photography, writing and reading. A favorite Bible verse that she finds comfort in is Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Licensing & Support Specialist- Hillsborough
Ray Suarez
Raynene, better known to us as “Ray”, received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from USF. She has 10 years of experience working in Social Services helping the veteran and homeless population and more recently within child welfare. With a passion for missions and travel, she has served on various mission trips both locally and abroad and in capacities outside of her scope-one being an optometric technician. Each experience eventually positioned her to serve in a greater role as mentor and big sister to teen orphans in West Africa, an opportunity that confirmed her love for children, especially those living a life void of love. Joining the A Door of Hope family in 2018 as a Licensing Specialist has offered Ray the ability to continue her passion in missions through serving families who in turn help fill a void of love in the lives of children within our own community through the greatest love of Jesus Christ. One of her treasured bible verses come from Proverbs 3:27, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Ray attends Open Arms Church in Ybor City.
Board of Directors
NIKKI tROJANOWSKI
Program Manager
Humana
Dr. Bruce Crawford
Implant Dentistry &
Laser Periodontics
Tessa Dault
Foster Parent
Ron Cooney
Clearwater Campus Pastor
Calvary Church
Godly Daniel
Executive Director
A Door of Hope
(Non-Voting)
Jason M. Ellison
Partner – Ellison | Lazenby
Kate Sawa
National Executive Lead
American Heart Association
Cynthia Lake Farrell
Executive Director
Children’s Dream Fund
Michael Robin
Healthcare IT Leaders
Marisa Johns
Stay At Home Mom
