Debora Unruh, the founding Executive Director of Elizabeth House is the current Executive Director.  It was her passion and desire to work with a team of community volunteers to establish at a grass-roots level, a faith-based shelter program specifically for pregnant women and their children.  Her prior experience of working in the foster care system, first in the area of program development, and then in Fundraising and Development, lent itself to the strong leadership it took to get this program up and running. Upon opening its doors in 1994, Debbie stayed on with Elizabeth House for five years in that leadership capacity.  Having left to care for the needs of her growing family, she recently returned to lead the organization to the next level of growth.  Debbie has her Master’s of Divinity from Fuller Seminary and has served in areas of church pastoral positions, para-church organizations and also as missionary to the Philippines.

Terry Bright, our Director of Programs has been with Elizabeth House for fifteen years, nearly since its inception. Her expertise and experience in Case Management with clients has contributed greatly to the success and overall positive outcomes of our program.  Prior to joining our staff, Terry worked with low income women and at-risk children.  She is well-known among the non-profit community, specifically within the shelter program network as being a strong advocate for the health and well-being of children and their families.  Terry has also contributed greatly to other programs through consulting and advising, especially in the areas of program development and case management.

Rebecca Chavez has worked as full-time House Manager of Elizabeth House for fourteen years.  Her (80 years young!) life experience and its challenges contributed greatly to the expertise and passion she brings to this ministry.  In addition to the modeling and demonstration of life skills to our clients, Rebecca demonstrates richly the love of Christ to the women and children of Elizabeth House.

Kalista Britt (Kali) joined our staff as the Administrative Assistant in May 2011. Her passion to work with women in crises stems from life circumstances that left her and her daughter unemployed and homeless with nowhere to go and no place to turn. She lived most of her life in Memphis, TN and Fruita, CO and plans to now settle in California. Kali brings with her computer and organizational skills that will help Elizabeth House grow into the future. She has worked for churches and other non-profit organizations and has a real heart for missions and people in need.

Dr. Stacy Amano has been the Elizabeth House clinical Psychologist for five years. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Seminary and has been the Director of Assessment Programs at Fuller Psychological and Family Services since 2004.  Her professional expertise and her desire to impact the lives of our clients through this ministry are exceptional.  She provides individual psychotherapy for each resident on a weekly basis, performs the intake evaluations and assessments for mental or learning disabilities, leads a weekly psycho educational group, consults weekly in regards to case management with our Director of Programs.  Stacy is also available as needed for emergency consultations.

Kristen Mickelson, Alumni Case Manager joined our staff in September of 2010, has brought a wealth of skills, gifts, and experience to our program. Her desire and passion to be used by God to serve women and children is clearly seen in her tremendous ability to connect with our alumni. Kristen is married to David, her husband of 27 years. They have three grown children. Regarding this new position, Kristen says…”I’ve found myself in the perfect place at the perfect time to work with this amazing ministry! I look forward each day to working along side some inspiring and committed people. I’m blessed to be here at Elizabeth House!”