Meet our Team

Samantha

Assistant Program Manager

I have been in this field working in group homes and ICF homes for going on 7 years.  I have worked with all different types of individuals and have truly enjoyed each of them. I like that in this field every day is different and you never really have the same days. I love getting to know each individual and learning all there is to know about them. Helping each individual meet their goals and live their life to the best of their ability. It makes my heart happy to see our individuals thriving in their communities and in their own lives. I like doing things with individuals and helping them in every aspect of their life whether it is doctors' appointments or going out into the community or sitting at home watching TV. I have always loved helping people and the special needs community and with this kind of work I get to do both. Heart Havens always gives the opportunity for growth both in positions and in knowledge. The company is always offering extra trainings to better help the staff support the individuals we serve. Upper management is willing to listen and help in any way they can to make staff's lives easier.  I feel the company truly cares for their employees and the individuals living in the homes. Each of the homes are filled with great staff and wonderful individuals. I truly appreciate all this company has helped me achieve in my years here. ​

Wanda

Assistant Program Manager

Heart Havens provided me the opportunity to expand within this field of working with individuals with a developmental disability in a residential setting. I share a connection with parents who has a child with intellectual disabilities, based on being a parent myself, who had a daughter that had intellectual disabilities. I learned that theirs a deep love and desire of every parent to see that their child attains their maximum potential and, the hope that they will live as independent individuals. I was blessed to have the right support, guidance and preparation, in order to prevail. I am sad to say, my daughter passed on to glory in November 2008 at the age of 31. I feel that God’s love for me, put me here at Heart Havens in a situation for growth, responsibility, and being able to connect in a fulfilling way that would help the individuals that I serve to succeed and having a meaningful life. That’s what I love about working at Heart Havens!

Kristan

Program Manager

Hello! My name is Kristan and I have been serving the ID/DD population for over 13 years. I started out as a Direct Care worker in 2008 and moved into my first management roll after one year, overseeing 8 ID/DD group homes here in Virginia in 2009. Out of my 13 years in the filed I have supervised and managed programs for 12 years. I have a great deal of knowledge and passion to share with others. I enjoy making a positive change and impact in the lives of others.  Watching individuals grow into their full potential, it is extremely rewarding. The reward of succeeding after the hardest challenges makes me feel that I have made a difference in those we serve.  The fact that we all are from different backgrounds and cultures makes us all unique, always allowing room to teach others something new.  I have passion, patience and a lot of love to spread! Heart Havens is a place where all feel welcomed, unjudged and appreciated! Our team shares similar visions and dedication. To share empathy and compassion as one with my team here at Heart Havens gives me a great deal of satisfaction.

Lisa

Program Manager

I love working with the residents here at Heart Havens. Prior to Heart Havens, I worked at a Day Support Program for 13 years as a Lead DSP.  Before that I worked in the high school setting with teenagers with Multiple Disabilities for 3 years and before that I worked with children age 2 – teenager in a Speech, OT/PT Clinic. My youngest son also has Autistic Spectrum Disorder. I enjoy seeing the residents and having a chance to connect with them each day. I love helping the residents at Lynchburg to find ways to increase their quality of life by providing activities like paint night and offering them opportunities to go to local plays, whether at community, college or high school theater.

Renarta

Program Manager

Originally from New York, I have been in the field for 20+ years. I started my career providing services for an individual in her home, not really knowing what I was getting into. As years went on I knew that this was the field for me, but had a lot to learn. Over the years I have done Direct Support, Medication Trainer, Case Manager, Assistant Day Support Manager, Day Support Manager, Residential Manager, and Appointment Aide just to name a few. I started with Heart Havens in July of 2020, as a House Manager. As my time went on I was able to learn the core values of Heart Havens, and what it had to offer, myself, as well as the individuals I support. The best part of my job with Heart Havens is making a change in at least one life. Encouraging all my individuals to be all that they can be ensuring that they understand that sky's the limit if you put your mind to it. I have learned that every day there is something new to learn, and it all takes time. 

Deja Braxton

Quality Improvement Coordinator

I received my Master of Social Work at VCU in 2018. While at VCU, I Interned at Goochland-Powhatan Community services with their day support program. Following that internship, I knew that I would want to continue working with individuals with disabilities in some way. I interned with REACH and began working as a Quality Specialist for the program after graduating. After two years at REACH, I  began working as a Disability Rights Advocate at the Disability Law Center. Then, I found my home at Heart Havens. Over the years, I have truly grown to enjoy working with and for individuals with disabilities. Knowing that I can be a part of improving the quality of someone’s life through my work fuels me each day. I have always wanted to empower and uplift those most marginalized in society. By ensuring that we provide optimal services for our residents, that is what I am working toward each day. I love working at Heart Havens because of their commitment to their mission. Heart Havens makes it clear that they truly care about the residents they serve. Heart Havens works overtime to ensure that each resident is effectively cared for, empowered, and can live the lives they truly deserve to live.

Sara Becker

Development & Maintenance Coordinator

I have been on the Heart Havens team since 2013 when I started as a Development Assistant. Before Heart Havens, I worked for an engineering firm as a Regional Marketing Coordinator. I have a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. At Heart Havens, every day is a new challenge and I love working toward the mission of empowering adults with a developmental disability. 

Katrina Parker

Human Resources Coordinator

I graduated with my B.S. in Business Administration from Virginia Union University in 1991.  I decided to pursue my Master’s degree 17 years later, and graduated with my MBA from Averett University in 2014.  After several years of doing Customer Service, I began my career in Human Resources in 2010.  I served as the HR Coordinator for two years at Hillphoenix, and was promoted to Benefits Administrator and Payroll Assistant. I have also served as HR Supervisor with District 19 Community Services Board, a non-profit agency that serves the Crate Health District.  After leaving District 19, I served as the Housing Case Manager with a local non-profit Serenity where we assisted people who are living with and/or affected by HIV.  It was a very rewarding experience, and I enjoyed partnering with many other non-profit agencies that assisted the homeless.  During my employment I obtained my certification as a HUD Housing Counselor and began pursuing certification in Non-profit Management through Duke University.  I started working at Heart Havens in January 2022 where I am able to combine my HR expertise with my passion for serving with non-profit organizations.

Mary Harvey

Operations Director

I began my career serving the IDD/DD population in 2012 as a Direct Support Professional. My first experience as a DSP was through an Americorps program in Spokane, Washington where I supported 6 adults.  After completing my year of service, I returned to the Washington, D.C. area to be closer to family and continued supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities at L’Arche GWDC. During my six years at L’Arche I served as a House Manager and Program Director.  I started working at Heart Havens in May 2019 after relocating to Richmond with my husband. As a sibling of someone with an intellectual disability, providing excellent and individualized services is deeply important to me.  I enjoy supporting our employees engage and connect with Heart Havens mission and am constantly touched by the commitment that our staff has to providing the residents with the best life possible.

Rebecca Huff

Chief Operations Officer

I have had been in the disability field since 2011, working for a variety of non-profits as a referral coordinator and disability service system educator, grassroots advocate for the disability field, and provider of programs and services to individuals with disabilities. I received my Bachelor of Social work from James Madison University (Go Dukes!) and my Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University (Go Rams!).  I started with Heart Havens in 2016 as a House Manager at the Tate-Ashland location and most recently began serving as COO in February of 2020.  What I love most about Heart Havens is the people – from our individuals who truly are the heart and soul of Heart Havens - to our dedicated Direct Support Professionals and House Managers who are the best in the field.  Every day in residential comes with its challenges and triumphs, and I feel so fortunate to work in an environment that is always striving to be the provider and employer of choice! Everyday is a good day because I get to see our mission in action and our residents thriving. 

Jennifer Boyden

Chief Executive Officer

Prior to Heart Havens, I started SupportOne from grassroots and led them through growth for 10 years. Before that, I worked for Chesterfield County CSB in employment and residential (both group home and supported living settings). I am a member of Virginia CEOs (VACEO) and serve on the board and finance, DEI and advisory committees. I am a graduate of Emerging Nonprofit Leaders (ENLP) and Leadership Metro Richmond (LMR). To stay abreast of all the changes and challenges of our industry, I represent Heart Havens with the Virginia Network for Private Providers (VNPP). I 100% believe in the mission and love the people of Heart Havens. People are my motivator and giving to my community is very important to me.