Co-Executive Director
A Sister of the Presentation for over 25 years, is an experienced nonprofit executive. Sister Mary Lou most recently served as the Executive Director of Café Reconcile. She has a decade of nonprofit leadership and administration and a career devoted to working for systemic change. Sister Mary Lou has experience in fundraising, strategic planning, nonprofit board development and fiscal reporting. Sister Mary Lou lives in Central City, New Orleans, and is committed to neighborhood revitalization. Sister Mary Lou believes in the mission of Hotel Hope and is committed to serving families with love and compassion. Email: mlspecha@hotelhope.org
Co-Executive Director
Dr. Amy Henley has dedicated more than a decade to serving New Orleans through education as a teacher, counselor, and school leader. Driven by a passion for educational equity and student success, she has made a lasting impact on the lives of students, educators, and families. After volunteering with Hotel Hope for five years, Dr. Amy became Co-Executive Director, where she combines her expertise in strategic planning, leadership, and systems improvement with a deep understanding of the impact of trauma. Committed to equipping individuals with the tools to build a better quality of life, she is helping advance Hotel Hope’s mission while fostering a more equitable, and resilient community.
Administrative Assistant
Ingrid was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. She went to Southern University at New Orleans where she got her Bachelors in General Studies and her Masters in Criminal Justice. Since high school, she has continuously volunteered whether it was feeding the homeless or helping low-income and first-generation children. She has a passion for helping people to achieve greatness. She has helped teach through education, cultural aspects, and interactive activities such as cheerleading and dance. Families, especially with children, set the path for the next to come. Ingrid feels if she can help them succeed, she essentially has a hand in helping our world be a better place for us all. We’ve got to take it one step at a time. Email: ifoy@hotelhope.org
Director of Operations
Sr. Julie is the Director of Hotel Operations. Sister Julie is a Sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary from Dubuque, IA. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and a Masters of Arts degree from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri with other graduate work from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. She has 20 years’ experience with families and young adults which included guidance, teaching and administrative experience. As Director of Hotel Operations, Sister Julie oversees the management of services and facilities as well as assists in developing programs, activities, policies and procedures for the guests of the hotel. She nurtures a spirit of hospitality to all guests, staff and visitors. Email: jmarsh@hotelhope.org
Hospitality Specialist
Jurrell Dandridge, a lifelong New Orleans resident, brings over 20 years of experience in nurturing environments through her work in early childhood education and daycare management. A graduate of John McDonough High School with a degree in early childhood education, Jurrell transitioned to Hotel Hope, where she now serves as a dedicated hospitality specialist. Her role goes beyond maintaining cleanliness—she is committed to creating a warm, safe, and supportive atmosphere for women and children. For Jurrell, Hotel Hope is not just a workplace; it’s a community where she can make a meaningful impact and contribute to a compassionate family focused on helping vulnerable families thrive. Email: jdandridge@hotelhope.org
Guest Services Coordinator
A Louisiana local, Amanda Byrne has always had a heart for service and community. Her passion for helping others began with the Ulster Project in high school and continued into college, where she volunteered as a mentor. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Film Arts from UNO and later worked as a content producer for one of the largest, non-profit pit bull rescues in the country. Amanda has a deep appreciation for mission-driven work, especially in spaces that support both people and animals. At Hotel Hope, she brings compassion, creativity, and organization to help women and children—believing in the power of people helping people and proud to be part of a team that lives that every day. Email: abyrne@hotelhope.org
Housing Services Coordinator
California native Aytoya Albert brings a unique background in Affordable Housing Development and Housing case management to the aftercare program. After serving as Cafe Coordinator part time, Aytoya transitioned to Coordinator of Housing Services where she follows families moving from shelter living to housing. Aftercare provides support such as help with budgeting, referrals to financial education, job search assistance, mental health providers and more, with a goal of reducing the instance of recidivism to homelessness. Email: aalbert@hotelhope.org
Case Manager
Rose Andrews, a Case Manager with Hotel Hope, is a License Master Social Worker with 36 years of experience working with Children, Youth and Families in the areas of child abuse, foster care, adoptions and developmental disabilities. Her skills in services have included, receptionist, Intensive case management in child sexual abuse, program management, and director of services.
Her most enjoyment in life is engaging with individuals about their life interests and desires. Email: randrews@hotelhope.org
Director of Program Services
Anita Marshall Jefferson comes to New Orleans, Louisiana from Columbus, Ohio. She has obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism with a minor in Communications from Southern University at New Orleans, and a Master’s in Social Work from Tulane University School of Social Work. She has attended the Rutgers University Training for Mid-Managers at the State University of New Jersey and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Boston Massachusetts. As a previous Hotel Hope Board Member, she now brings that passion, enthusiasm and excitement internally. She has worked in this career for over 22 years. She has previously worked at the Regional Transit Authority (RTA)/Veoila/Transdev as an Executive Assistant, Quality Assurance and Special Events Manager, and Director of Human Resources. The training and skills received have been the road map to the trajectory of her career to where she is presently. Anita has spent her entire career across the board sectors of service. Her dedication and passion resides with a gospel song by Mahalia Jackson, “If I can help somebody as I travel along, … then my living will not be in vain.” Email: ajefferson@hotelhope.org
Volunteer Coordinator
Case Manager
Rachea Robertson is a native New Orleanian with a strong background in education and social work. She earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Delgado Community College before continuing her education at Southern University at New Orleans, where she obtained both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work.
With over 15 years of professional experience, Rachea has dedicated 10 years to serving students and families in the Orleans and Jefferson Parish school systems and an additional five years working in mental health and addiction treatment. She recognizes the vital connection between education, mental health, and housing stability, and is passionate about supporting individuals and families on their journey toward self-sufficiency.
Rachea Robertson lives by the motto, “Destiny is Created,” believing that our choices and decisions shape the path to our future.
Hon. Nakisha Ervin-Knott (Chair)
Louisiana Court of Appeals Fourth Circuit
Fred Kirchgraber (Vice Chair)
Retired Insurance Executive
*Founding Board Member
Mary Jeandron (Vice Chair/Treasurer)
Certified Public Account
Karen Kirchgraber (Secretary)
Retired Corporate Trainer
*Founding Board Member
Clarence Adams
Ozanam Inn
Rev. Louis Arceneaux, C.M.
Spiritual Advisor, Ozanam Inn
Timothy Avegno
Retired Insurance Executive
Simone Bruni
Demo Diva
Byron Chambers
Crosby Energy Services
*Founding Board Member
Maggie Connick
Gene D’Amour
Retired Higher Ed Executive
Krystle Duplessis
Attorney at Law
Renee Gill Pratt
Goodwill Industries
Jennifer Guenard
Certified Public Accountant
Mike Hammer
Principal, Pontchartrain Capital, LLC
*Founding Board Member
Ashley R. Lusk
Gulf Coast Housing Partnership
Romney Kriedt Richard
Kriedt Enterprises
Sr. Judy Zynda, OP
Teacher / Director
Board Member Emerita
Denise Redmann Hoffman
Attorney at Law
Volunteers are the heart of Hotel Hope, where you have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Our mission is to provide shelter, support, and hope to those facing homelessness, and we believe that volunteers like you are essential in achieving this goal. Whether you’re an individual, a group, or a corporate team, your time, skills, and compassion can have a profound impact on our community. Join us in creating a brighter future for those we serve.
Volunteer Opportunities Description:
At Hotel Hope, we offer a range of volunteer opportunities that cater to various interests and skill sets. As a volunteer, you can engage in activities such as;
No matter your background or availability, there’s a volunteer role at Hotel Hope that will allow you to contribute positively to the lives of our residents. Join us in fostering hope and making a lasting impact on our community.
Our families need all the love and support we can give them as they work their way back to permanent housing. Please donate today to help them rebuild and recover
Hotel Hope is a nonprofit, interfaith organization that provides housing to women and their children in a safe and loving atmosphere while guiding them to self-sufficiency and self- empowerment through intensive case management.
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