Our Team

Helen McAlinden (President & CEO) Since taking the helm in 2020, Helen has expanded the agency by 25 supportive housing apartments and transformed its focus—now serving over 80% prevention-based clients, compared to its previous near-exclusive focus on the chronically homeless. Under her leadership, Helen has secured over $10 million in funding from the Department of Housing to create new housing and renovate critical facilities like the Gillespie Center and Susie’s House. She has significantly increased grants and private donations and strategically repositioned Homes with Hope to quickly capitalize on any new housing opportunities across the region. Originally from a rural farming town in western Ireland, Helen immigrated to New York at age 17. Volunteering to feed the homeless in the Bronx ignited a lifelong commitment, leading her to leave a successful business career after 9/11 and pursue social work full-time. For over 25 years, she has been a respected leader in affordable and supportive housing, successfully advocating for thousands of Connecticut families to reunite in safe, stable homes.

Helen is a recognized leader in her field, having presented at top national and regional conferences, including the National Alliance to End Homelessness and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness. She also co-chairs Opening Doors Fairfield County and its Advocacy Committee, advancing housing-focused policies and initiatives. Helen is also a board member of the Westport Downtown Association and an active member of the Westport Rotary Club. Helen holds a Master of Social Work from Fordham University and a BS in Leadership Management from Manhattan College. A dual citizen of Ireland and the U.S., Helen brings a global perspective to her work and values time spent with family and friends.

Paris Looney, LMSW (Vice President & COO, Director of Emergency Shelter Services) joined Homes with Hope in December of 2004 as a Case Manager at the Gillespie Center & Hoskins Place, the agency’s shelter for single men and women, and was promoted to Program Director at the Bacharach Community in June of 2006. Paris was also the Case Manager at Saugatuck Apartments, one of HwH’s permanent supportive housing facilities from December 2004 until March 2012. In February 2012, Paris was promoted to Director of Emergency Shelter Services overseeing all of HwH’s emergency shelters including the Gillespie Center & Hoskins Place while she continued to serve as the Program Director of the Bacharach Community. In February 2018, Paris was promoted to Vice President & COO while remaining the Director of Emergency Shelter Services. Paris brings to the position a Bachelor’s in Human Services and a Masters in Social Work from Fordham University. She came to the job with very relevant experience, having worked with the homeless, with new mothers and children, as well as for the Bridgeport Health Department. Her experience working with the homeless population, specifically those with substance abuse and mental health issues, adds critical strength to this position.

Jacqueline Hogan (Chief Financial Officer) came to Homes with Hope after a career in financial administration, analysis and process improvement. Jacque’s responsibilities include oversight of all financial areas of Homes with Hope including reporting, controls, and analysis.

Alice Hurley (Development & Engagement Coordinator) Alice joined Homes with Hope in September 2026, bringing 6 years of nonprofit experience in donor relations, data management and reporting. She has also worked in the financial sector, focusing on data, analytics, and risk management. At Homes with Hope, she is responsible for providing administrative, fundraising, finance and event support.

Katharine Murray (Chief of Staff) is a marketing professional and has worked in the industry for 25 years for companies including IBM and Daymon Worldwide, where she worked as in marketing communication and strategy. Katharine oversees Marketing & Development, Grants, Community Relations, and the Food Pantry, while working in collaboration with our leadership team. She joined us in October 2022.

Katharine Weldy (Vice President of Affordable Housing Development and Supported Housing) joins Homes with Hope in May of 2024 after 12 years at Alpha Community Services YMCA in Bridgeport, CT. Her years at Alpha started with providing Permanent Supportive Housing Case Management and led her into her former role with that organization as the Senior Program Director of Permanent Supportive Housing for Individuals. Katharine climbed the ranks through dedication and a pure passion for the unhoused and formerly homeless population. Katharine has a background in overseeing a Permanent Supportive Housing case management portfolio of 250 units and a knowledge for mental health and substance treatment. Katharine also tackled a dual role at one of the many PSH sites she oversaw as the Property Manager. But one of Katharine’s favorite parts about her time with Alpha involves her supervision of staff and supervision of many interns where she was able to instill them with the tools and the passion to work with the most vulnerable in society. Katharine came from the sunny state of Florida and made her way to CT after working with at risk youth as a Contracted Juvenile Probation Case Manager and then Program Director.

Thomas Samaranayake (Marketing Manager) manages marketing and social media for Homes with Hope, leading strategy, content development, and digital communications. With over five years of professional experience in social media marketing, design, analytics, and campaign strategy, Thomas works to expand awareness, strengthen community engagement, and support fundraising efforts across our different programs. He began working full time at Homes with Hope in October 2025.

Yolanda Xochitecatl Tlahuetl (Finance Assistant)

Jennifer Lyn Amon, BS - Program Director, HEAL Program

Carmen Ayala, MSW - Director of Diversion Services and Supported Housing

Jocelyn Boursiquot - Case Manager, Supportive Housing

Shon’tel Campbell, BA - YHDP/RRH Program Manager

Julia Carlozzi - Case Manager, Young Adult Rapid Rehousing

Sarah Carusone - Program Director, Food Pantry

Denise Dagesse - Diversion Specialist

Mary Ann Hendrick - Assistant Manager, Food Pantry

JoAnn Hughes, LMSW - Case Manager, Supportive Housing

Sarah Kochis, BSW - Case Manager, Supportive Housing

Rob Lockhart, LMSW - Program Director, Gillespie Center & Hoskins Place

Tykeisha Mendez - Case Manager, Rapid Rehousing

Karianna Montalvo, MSW - Program Director, ASAP (After School Academic Program)

Grayson Orr - Assistant, Food Pantry

Amy Saperstein, MBA - Program Director, Mentoring Program

Juliana Schwartz, MS - PSH Program Manager

Executive Committee

Rebecca (Becky) Martin (Chair) worked in the political and non-profit sectors, where she was engaged primarily in development and coalition-building on campaigns and within institutions, including the Democratic National Committee, the United Nations Foundation, and the Yale Law School. Since having three children, she has continued that work as a volunteer, as President of the Board of the Children’s Community Development Center for four years and as a leader in local political organizations, while establishing a freelance writing career. Her work has been published in the New York Times, BrainChild, and Literary Mama, among other publications. Rebecca attended Bryn Mawr College and earned a law degree at Georgetown University.

Lauren Schiller (Co-Vice Chair) A New York City native, Lauren Schiller holds a BA in Psychology from Marymount Manhattan College. Her passion for photography and the arts led her to work with galleries in New York, Boston, and London before transitioning into the nonprofit sector, where she gained experience in fundraising, event planning, and career consulting. Lauren has served on the boards of the Genetic Disease Foundation and Kayak for a Cause, as well as the steering committee of Planned Parenthood NYC. Since moving to Westport in 2011, she has been actively involved in the community, supporting organizations including Homes with Hope, Westport Farmers Market and Wakeman Town Farm. Lauren is passionate about philanthropy, fostering meaningful connections, and making a positive impact in her community. She lives in Weston with her husband, Brian, their two children and three dogs.

Natasha Lipcan (Co-Vice Chair) had a 25+ year career as an employment law attorney, primarily in the financial services industry. During that time, she held various legal positions, including senior level in-house employment counsel at a global bank, legal consultant at a premier asset management firm, and partner in a national virtual law firm. She has done a range of pro bono legal work and previously served on the board of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center. Natasha holds a BA from Vassar College and earned a JD from the University of Connecticut School of Law. Natasha lives in Westport with her husband David and their two teenage children. 

Ralph Yearwood (Treasurer) retired, moved to Westport with his spouse, Claire in 1984. They have three children, Katherine, Anne, and Steven who benefitted from the Westport public school system. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School, Ralph started his career in finance in investment banking; then ended his career in institutional asset management. Ralph is currently on the Finance Committee of the Episcopal Church in CT; on the board of the St. John Family Center located in Bridgeport which runs a food pantry and an after-school learning program; and a mentor in the Norwalk Public School system.

Kate Weber (Secretary) spent her career in investment banking at S.G. Warburg and Lehman Brothers and is a founder and co-owner of Cambridge International Securities since 1995. She grew up in England and graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in Modern and Medieval Languages. She is passionate about health and wellness and taught Anatomy and Physiology for many years at CCMT in Westport. She returned to academia in 2018 to earn an MS in Clinical Nutrition from NYU. Kate and her husband Bill have lived in Westport since 1988 and have two children.

Dale Fredston (At-large) spent her career as a corporate lawyer in the financial services industry. After retiring as General Counsel of Sterling National Bank and Sterling Bancorp, Dale has served on the board of Metropolitan Commercial Bank in New York City, where she chairs the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and is a member of the Audit Committee. Dale has done volunteer legal work for the Pro Bono Partnership for many years, including assistance to nonprofits with governance, contracts, and transactions. She is a Past President of the Board of Trustees of the Westport Public Library and previously served on the board of The Child & Family Guidance Center in Bridgeport. Dale holds a BA from Wellesley College and a JD from the Columbia University School of Law. Dale and her husband, Jonathan Bullard, have lived in Westport since 1986.

Directors

Bob Arnold is a health and human service leader with 50 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including 43 years as CEO of Family Centers. During the past three decades Bob has orchestrated ten successful acquisitions and mergers. (These involved: Family Centers, The Hotline, Family and Children's Services, The Gateway School, Pathways Futures, The Den for Grieving Kids, Friendly Visitors, The Center for HOPE, The Healthcare Connection, Literacy Volunteers, and Greenwich Hospital/Yale New Haven Health Adult and Pediatric clinics).

In the community, Bob has participated in, initiated and guided numerous collaborations and partnerships. (These include chairing groups such as: the Regional Mental Health Board, Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies, Stamford Cradle to Career, Greenwich Kiwanis Club, Trinity Episcopal Church Southport Stewardship, as well as many other community boards and education focused activities.)

Bob received an AA degree from NCC, a BS from the University of Bridgeport and an MS in Social Work from Columbia University. Bob resides in Westport with his wife Andrea, a clinical social worker and they have one daughter, Sarah.

Brian Baxendale lives with his wife, Marjolijn in Westport and his sons, daughters, and grandkids are spread between Europe, the Caribbean, and America. Brian has worked for Ford, Mars, and ran a global Pitney Bowes business for the ten years prior to retirement. Since then he has worked with Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity, Homes with Hope, and SCORE as a volunteer. Brian enjoys traveling, pursuing business interests, his extended family, and helping people realize their potential. Brian graduated from Cambridge and Bradford Universities in the UK.

Craig Bergamo brings more than 20 years of law-enforcement experience and extensive community leadership to his board service. He has served with the Westport Police Department for over 20 years and currently holds the rank of Corporal.

He oversees the department’s Motorcycle Unit and Car Seat Unit and trains law-enforcement officers from across the state on motorcycle operations. Craig currently serves as a School Resource Officer at Long Lots Elementary School.

Craig has also dedicated many years to supporting local youth and families. He volunteered with LivFree, a pediatric cancer organization, for five years, served as Vice President of a girls’ youth travel softball organization for four years, and has been involved with Westport PAL for 18 years, including seven years as President. His professional and volunteer experience reflects a strong commitment to leadership and giving back to the community. Craig lives in Trumbull with his wife, Stephanie, and their two teenage daughters

Amanda Castellano currently serves as Principal and Investment Adviser at Full Court Strategies, LLC. She is committed to empowering her clients with the expert guidance and bespoke solutions of a comprehensive strategic consulting group. Amanda is dedicated to serving founders and executives from all sectors, but is especially versed at addressing the unique needs of professional athletes and diverse founders. Prior to the past six years practicing as a wealth advisor at Merrill Lynch and Bernstein Private Wealth,  Amanda founded and managed her concierge personal training company, Functional Fitness & Training, for nearly 15 years. Amanda believes in contributing to her community and currently serves on the boards of Fairfield County's Community Foundation and the Women’s Business Development Council, in addition to Homes with Hope, as well as being a committee member for the Westport Public Arts Collection. As a mother of three children attending Westport schools, Amanda enjoys teaching financial literacy and investment courses to students locally as well as in under-represented communities.

Janine DiVita-Del Bello is a strategic partnerships and communications executive with experience spanning the nonprofit, arts, entertainment, and technology sectors. She specializes in building partnerships, developing programs, and connecting organizations with the communities they serve.

Janine spent more than seven years with the United Service Organizations (USO), leading global entertainment and community engagement programs for military members and families worldwide. She currently serves as Director of Global Partnerships at TVEyes, working at the intersection of media, technology, and AI.

A University of Michigan graduate with degrees in Musical Theatre and Communications, Janine is a lyric soprano who began her career on Broadway, making her Broadway debut as Rizzo in Grease and then appearing in Jagged Little Pill, Finding Neverland, If/Then, Anything Goes, and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. She headlined as a vocalist with national and international symphony orchestras such as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and has appeared on television shows such as Elementary (CBS) , The Americans (HBO), and American Sports Story (FX).

Janine is also a private vocal coach, creative consultant, and advocate for arts education and community engagement. Her experience as an artist, educator, and leader shapes her commitment to storytelling, connection, and opportunity for all. She recently moved to Westport with her husband, Richard Del Bello, two children, Ava and RJ, and rescue dog, Hagan.

Dale Fredston (At-large) spent her career as a corporate lawyer in the financial services industry. Since retiring as General Counsel of Sterling National Bank and Sterling Bancorp, Dale has served on the board of Metropolitan Commercial Bank and its public holding company, based in New York City, where she chairs the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and is a member of the Audit Committee. Dale did volunteer legal work for the Pro Bono Partnership for many years, including assistance to nonprofits with governance, contracts, and transactions. She is a Past President of the Board of Trustees of the Westport Public Library and previously served on the board of The Child & Family Guidance Center in Bridgeport. Dale holds a BA from Wellesley College and a JD from the Columbia University School of Law. In 1986, Dale and her husband, Jonathan Bullard, moved to Westport where their daughter and son attended the Westport Public Schools.

Allyson Gottlieb is a member of the board of Temple Israel in Westport, where she has chaired the institution's Social Action Committee for the past six years. In that capacity, she has developed an annual community service day and worked closely with Homes with Hope. Allyson also serves as the Art Smart Chair at Coleytown Elementary and has volunteered with the Bridgeport School system for the past six years. She was previously an executive to the sales and business units of various media companies, including The New York Times, Condé Nast, AOL, and NetZero. Allyson is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. She moved to Westport with her husband Scott in 2012. They have three young daughters who attend Coleytown Elementary School.

Jeffrey Gurren, retired, has lived in Weston since 1995 with his wife, Georgia, and their two children, Amanda and Matthew. A graduate of Syracuse University and New York Law School, Jeff practiced real estate law in New York with the national law firms of Weil Gotchal & Manges, Morgan Lewis & Bockius, and Finely, Kimble, Wagner. In 1987, he co-founded a title insurance agency, which handled commercial real estate transactions in New York and nationally. For many years, he served on the executive committee of the New York State Land Title Association. He has lectured frequently on various real estate and title insurance topics and for several years was a faculty member in connection with continuing legal education courses presented by the American Law Institute-American Bar Association. Jeff is a member of the Weston Kiwanis Club's board of directors and serves as co-chair of its youth and community services committee.

Bruce Hennemuth and his wife, Roxie moved to Westport in 1987.  Bruce worked in the financial world for his entire career and retired in January 2019 from Morgan Stanley. Bruce and Roxie have a son who lives and works in Los Angeles and a daughter who lives and works in New York City.

Robert (Bob) Karmen is a retired legal executive with over four decades of experience. He earned his B.A. in Literature from Cornell University in 1980 and his J.D. from George Washington University in 1983. He spent 20 years in private practice as a commercial litigator. In 2003, Bob joined New York Life Insurance Company’s Office of General Counsel. At the time of his retirement in December 2022, he was Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Head of Litigation. He also supervised other practice areas and collaborated with the Corporate Secretary and Risk and Compliance Departments on a variety of issues. Bob and his wife Diane have lived in Westport since 1998, where they raised two sons. In retirement, he finds deep fulfillment in volunteering regularly at Homes with Hope’s Food Pantry.

Naeema Livingston was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. Naeema moved to New York after completing undergraduate studies at South Carolina State University. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. Naeema enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. She earned numerous awards including the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Naeema later earned her law degree from Pace University School of Law and currently practices family law in New York City where she specializes in cases involving special needs children. She serves on the Board of Trustees for the New York City Autism Charter School and is a member of the operations committee. Naeema is most proud of her role as a mother to three wonderful school-aged children, who are all enrolled in Westport Public Schools. Naeema spends her time watching them explore their talents through their extra-curricular activities and running out of coffee.

Elizabeth (Beth) Massoud joined the Homes with Hope board in February 2019. She is currently the VP of Business Development and e-Commerce at Mitchells Family of Stores. Prior to Mitchells, she worked as an investment banker with Volpe Welty & Company, Daiwa Securities, and Bear Stearns. She specialized in the healthcare, technology, and media sectors. Beth spent many years involved with Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County, serving in capacities that included Chair and Vice Chair of the Board, Finance Committee, Development Committee, and Women Build. She attended Harvard College and Harvard Business School. Beth lives in Westport with her husband Joe, where they raised their three sons.

Samantha Owades joined the Board in 2026. She is a Westport native who returned to the community to raise her two children after 15 years in New York. A graduate of Cornell University’s College of Engineering, she has built her career in finance and currently works in investment banking. Samantha is deeply committed to her community, leading a number of local initiatives including as President of the Board for her children’s preschool and the 2025 Compo Beach Playground renovation. 

Norman Trepner retired in June 2026 after a long career in the financial services industry. For the last 15 years, he specialized in affordable and supportive housing finance and community development, first at Bank of America and later with the nonprofit Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). Norman served on the Westport Public Library Board of Trustees, he has been a member of Homes with Hope's Affordable Housing Advisory Council for the past several years, and he also volunteers at a Bridgeport public school. Norman earned an MBA from New York University's Stern School of Business and a BA from Rutgers University. He and his wife, Susan Thomsen, have been Westport residents for more than 30 years, and they have one son.

John Walsh (Chair Emeritus) retired from Pfizer where he worked for the Warner-Lambert Company for 30 years in a variety of management positions. Most recently, he was President of the Schick Wilkinson Sword Group in Milford, CT. John is a director of the Global Foundation for Eating Disorders and has also served as a trustee of Fairleigh Dickinson University and the National Childhood Cancer Foundation. John holds a BS from Boston College and an MBA from Seton Hall University. John and his wife Sara live in Westport and have three daughters: Connie, Elizabeth, and Alexandra.

Chan Wheeler has 30 years in senior executive roles with Maxicare, CIGNA Healthcare, and finally spent 10 years with UnitedHealth Group as CEO of the Uniprise Division, responsible for claims, service, technology, and web development as well as serving a customer base of corporations with 5,000 or more employees. He has a BA and BS from Stanford University, a Master in Health Communications Research from Stanford University, and an MBA from UCLA. He retired from UnitedHealth Group in 2005 and most recently spent a year in England working for the UK Department of Health as its Commercial Director-General. He is an investor and past board member for HealthPlanOne, a healthcare technology firm. He lives in Westport with his wife Leslie.

Advisory

Will Haskell (Special Advisor) spent two terms in the Connecticut State Senate representing the 26th District, which includes his hometown of Westport. He is a graduate of the Westport Public Schools, Georgetown University, and New York University School of Law. During his time in the legislature, Will was the only renter in the State Senate and proudly advocated for housing affordability. He previously worked on the staff of Congressman Jim Himes and is currently a public defender in New York City.