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Anitra Austin
Housing Counseling and Education Manager at Habitat for Humanity of MichiganAnitra Austin has been employed with Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, Inc. since August 2016. She served as the Executive Assistant for the President/CEO before transitioning into the position of Housing Counseling and Education Manager April 2020. She earned her certification as a HUD Housing Counselor June 2020 and has since earned several NCHEC (NeighborWorks Center for Homeownership Education and Counseling) Certifications, Post Purchase Counseling, Homeownership Counseling, Foreclosure Counseling, Rental Housing Counseling. Anitra uses her education training and experience to provide financial literacy education and housing counseling and coaching to those who aspire to achieve financial freedom and/or housing stability. Anitra is also the proud owner of her Habitat home; she successfully paid off her home December 2019 and has resided in the home since August 2006. Her journey with the Habitat for Humanity Homeownership program and position with the State Support office comes full circle. Her dedication and commitment to the mission of Habitat for Humanity goes without saying.
Shannon Bonesteel
Homeownership and Education Manager at Habitat for Humanity DetroitShannon Bonesteel is the Homeownership and Education Manager at Habitat for Humanity Detroit. With over a decade of experience in the homeowner education and counseling space, she is a certified housing counselor through HUD. Shannon is driven by a passion for helping and educating families and is dedicated to making homeownership dreams come true for individuals and families in need. Shannon's expertise lies in guiding individuals and families through the complex process of buying a home. She understands the unique challenges faced by homebuyers, especially those who have limited financial resources or have limited knowledge about the home-buying process. Through her comprehensive training and education, Shannon is well-equipped to provide guidance and support throughout the entire homebuying journey.
Rachel DeCrane
Sr. Specialist at Resource Development Expertise Hub, Habitat for Humanity InternationalRachel joined Habitat in June 2022, bringing over a decade of experience in fundraising for nonprofit organizations and political campaigns. She is skilled in developing strategies to proactively build relationships and drive philanthropic success. Rachel's passion for affordable housing inspires her to work tirelessly to ensure everyone has a place to call home.
Sheila Everts
CEO of Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity
Terrance Gattis
Global Chaplain at Habitat for Humanity InternationalDr. Terrance Jerome Gattis is an author, educator, pastor, and speaker. A native of Jersey City, New Jersey, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Livingstone College, a Master of Divinity degree from the Emory University Candler School of Theology, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Morehouse School of Religion in Atlanta. Dr. Gattis joined Habitat in 2007 and was appointed Global Chaplain for Habitat for Humanity International in 2023. Prior to this role, he served as Associate Director of Corporate Partnership Operations within Habitat’s Resource Development division. As Global Chaplain, he serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team partnering with Habitat leaders globally to steward Habitat’s Christian intent and spiritual practices. Before joining Habitat, Dr. Gattis was the Global Director for Information Security and Data Privacy at The Coca Cola Company, and Chief Information Security Officer for S1 Corporation. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Religion at Ohio Christian University and the Senior Pastor of the Mt. Olive Church in Stockbridge, GA.
Rafael Gonzalez
Housing & Financial Counselor at Habitat for Humanity of MichiganRafael Gonzalez is an Accredited Financial Counselor®️ and HUD Certified Housing Counselor, currently serving at Habitat for Humanity of Michigan since December 2021. With over three years of experience in delivering tailored financial coaching and workshops, Rafael has successfully empowered diverse populations across the state to achieve financial stability. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Rafael specializes in key areas such as budgeting, savings, debt reduction, credit building, and homeownership education. Driven by a passion for education and empowerment, he is dedicated to helping clients navigate their financial journeys and make informed decisions that lead to sustainable economic well-being. Through a compassionate approach and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by many, Rafael strives to create a supportive environment where clients can thrive financially and realize their dreams of homeownership and stability.
Lena Irish
U.S. Support Model Manager, Affiliate Experience at Habitat for Humanity InternationalLena Irish, U.S. Support Model Manager for HFHI. Ensures the services that HFHI provides to the affiliate network are effectively meeting the needs of the Habitat network. Her current project is publishing and marketing the Affiliate Sustainability and Growth Guide, previously titled the Capacity Building Field Guide.
Kimberley Jansens
Restore Manager at Habitat for Humanity Barry CountyBarry County's Restore Manager since 2020, with over 30 years of retail management experience in both big box and small box stores. Holds a business management degree and has extensive management and merchandising expertise.
Britney Johnson
Programs Director of Habitat for Humanity DetroitBritney Johnson is the Housing and Community Programs Director at Habitat for Humanity Detroit. With a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit and housing sector for over a decade, Britney is well-versed in providing guidance and support to individuals and families in need of affordable housing options. Britney is a strong community and social services professional, committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others. She holds a Master of Social Work from Eastern Michigan University and is a certified HUD housing counselor. In her capacity as the Housing and Community Programs Director, Britney oversees various initiatives aimed at improving housing accessibility and fostering community development. She works closely with her team to develop and implement strategies that promote safe and affordable housing solutions for low-income individuals and families. Britney's unwavering dedication to improving housing accessibility and her commitment to serving the community is what motivates her to drive positive change and empower individuals to achieve housing stability and self-sufficiency.
Tom Kachadurian
Director of Marketing at Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse RegionThomas Kachadurian has been with Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region for five years as the Director of Marketing. In addition to all marketing and communications he is tasked with Annual giving and one-to-many fundraising. He has a lifetime of varied experience in communication, including non-profit work at Wayne State University and Walsh College where he worked in both development and marketing. Kachadurian was art director for Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine for six years. He helped launch Mackinac Living in 1998 was art director for every issue. Following that, he was the Art Director for Spirituality & Health for four years. He was also a contract designer, photographer and writer for Mackinac State Historic Parks for 11 years. He is the author and photographer of Views from the Sleeping Bear (1998), Views from Mackinac Island (2000), and Traverse City, from Farmstead to Lakeshore (2006). Kachadurian was Photographer for cookbooks; History from the Hearth (1997), The Cooks’ House (2009), and Kitchen Alchemy (2010). Kachadurian’s photographs have also been published in a number of books and periodicals. Kachadurian holds a Master of Arts Degree in English from Wayne State University.
Mary Ellen Kearney
Director of Philanthropy at Habitat for Humanity DetroitMary Ellen Kearney is a seasoned fundraising professional with nearly two decades of experience in the field whose comprehensive knowledge spans various fundraising techniques. With experience navigating successful fundraising without a clear blueprint, engaging with established strategic initiatives, and often developing her own plans from the ground up, Mary Ellen has effectively persuaded both herself and others of the importance of having a strategy. She aspires to provide valuable resources that will contribute to the success of fundraisers across all Michigan Habitat Affiliates.
Nick Lavery
Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW2)Nick, born and raised in Massachusetts, is an active-duty member of The United
States Army Special Forces. Commonly known as the Green Berets, the Special
Forces perform critical missions including direct action, counterinsurgency,
foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, and unconventional warfare.
In 2013, while deployed to Afghanistan, he and his Detachment fell victim to an
insider attack ultimately resulting in the loss of his leg. Following a year of
surgeries and initial recovery including the use of a prosthetic at Walter Reed
National Medical Military Center, he returned to his unit. Refusing a military
medical retirement, Nick set his sights on returning to operational status.
In 2015, at the conclusion of a challenging, comprehensive assessment designed
to evaluate Nick's abilities to operate, he returned to his Detachment and was
subsequently deployed once again to Afghanistan conducting full spectrum
combat operations. Nick is considered the first Special Forces operator to return
to combat as an above-the-knee amputee.
Nick is currently serving as a Special Forces Warrant Officer and is widely
recognized as an experienced subject matter expert in special operations,
intelligence fusion, mission planning and complex problem solving across all
operational continuums. He is also the first amputee in military history to
complete the Special Forces Warrant Officer Technical and Tactical Certification
course, the Special Operations Combatives Program Instructor course, and the
Special Forces Combat Diver Qualification course.
Nick's awards include the Silver Star, three Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars,
Bronze Star with “V” for valor, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two
Meritorious Service Medals, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service
Achievement Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement
Medal, the OSS Society Peter Ortiz Award, the Bruce Price Leadership Award, and
the Special Operations Command Excalibur Award.
Nick is a warrior, leader, speaker, author and most importantly a husband and
father of two young boys.
Sonia Lee
Director, Homeowner and Mortgage Services of Habitat for Humanity InternationalDirector, Homeowner and Mortgage Services - US Office - HFHI. I joined HFHI in August 2012. My team’s focus is to provide support to affiliates in the areas of homeowner selection & support, and mortgage lending, including qualified loan originator. Our support and resources enables affiliates to operate effectively and comply with regulatory requirements in the areas of applicant recruitment, mortgage origination through servicing and post purchase support.
Kara Lepley
Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator at Lakeshore Habitat for HumanityKara Lepley serves as the Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator for Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity in Holland, MI. With a background in church ministry and nonprofit work, Kara finds joy in connecting people and groups to service opportunities that fit their passions and skills. Her favorite part of the ministry of Habitat is the practicality of impacting lives through the building of a home, and the stories that come along the way in getting to know homeowners and volunteers. When not working, Kara can be found reading, at a local sporting event (or watching whatever games are on TV!), or chasing her two young boys around. Kara and her family live in Zeeland, MI.
Stephanie Osterland
CEO of Habitat for Humanity DetroitStephanie Osterland is the CEO at Habitat for Humanity Detroit. Stephanie works alongside an amazing team and together they seek to improve quality of life through housing solutions focusing on homeownership, financial education and home repair services for seniors and military veterans. Stephanie has worked in the nonprofit sector for more than 20 years and has extensive professional experience in non-profit leadership, program development and social work. Stephanie holds a BS in Psychology and a MA in Counseling.
Sandy Pearson
Real Estate Program Manager, Past CEO HFHM of CEDAMAs the real estate program manager, Sandy oversees all aspects of CEDAM’s real estate development work, including Regional Housing Plan implementation support, delivery and expansion of our signature Real Estate Boot Camp, and supporting our affordable housing advocacy work, with a focus on convening our members around issues related to the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program and the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP). Sandy joins CEDAM bringing 30 years of experience in the affordable housing industry. Most recently, she spent 14 years as the CEO of Habitat for Humanity Michigan where she supported Michigan’s Habitat affiliates, launched innovative programs, and advocated for critical affordable housing and community development policies. Sandy and her husband, Rob, have three daughters, and all five of them are MSU alumni. Sandy enjoys spending time with her family, including her two grandchildren, and listening to her husband sing with the family band, We Three Strings, in their hometown of Portland and surrounding areas.
Branden Recker
Construction Director of Habitat for Humanity DetroitBranden Recker is the Construction Director at Habitat Detroit. With proven results through his successes as a home inspector and licensed builder, Branden is known in his community as the go-to because he is not afraid to think outside of the box and always puts his homeowners first.
Joshua Rogers
Equitable Community Engagement Manager at Habitat for Humanity InternationalOriginally from Memphis, TN, Josh Rodgers graduated from Morehouse College, Arkansas State University, and Georgia State University. His unwavering dedication to uplifting communities and effecting systematic societal change is a major part of what drives him. With a wealth of experience in community development and strategic planning, Josh is adept at creating programming that provides greater levels of access for those in historically underrepresented communities. Currently, he is making a significant impact as the Equitable Community Engagement Manager at Habitat for Humanity International, where he is instrumental in building cultural competencies tools and training and mobilizing diverse volunteers. Josh lives in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area with his wife, Asha Rodgers and their two sons, Joshua, II and Jayden Alexander.