Meet Our Team

Jill Hammer, Executive Director

Jill Hammer was appointed Executive Director of Elizabeth House by the board of directors in May of 2023. She describes EH as “a place of healing and hope amidst critical life transitions.” With 30 years of service, EH has grown into an inspired, dynamic and wholehearted community embracing the lives of women and children in need.  Jill brings experience in community development, strategic planning, and fund raising with non-profit organizations and faith-based programs throughout the country. In her own words, “healthy communities are always supported by an engaged collaboration with others (women, children, staff, volunteers/donors, board members and community partners.”) Together we are better is Jill's motto for leadership and for her life of faith. Jill holds a B.A. in Sociology and Religion from Baylor University and an M.A. in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. She resides in Monrovia with her husband, Ron and dog, Bertie.

Brandy Mayer, Director of Development

Brandy Mayer is a seasoned Director of Development who joined the Elizabeth House staff in October 2022. Previously, she worked with churches, schools, and a Library Foundation. She understands the nonprofit landscape and has a passion for the Elizabeth House mission.  Brandy oversees all fund development, marketing and manages all strategies and activities for donor cultivation at Elizabeth House including grant management, connecting with individuals, local churches, civic groups, and businesses.  She plans activities and special events such as the annual benefit gala, donor appreciation events and enjoys giving presentations about the mission of Elizabeth House.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, sewing, traveling, and reading.  She is also an avid volunteer and is passionate about giving back to her community.

Julia Gamba, Executive Assistant

Julia joined Elizabeth House in November 2022, bringing with her 10+ years of experience in serving diverse communities. Her passion for families and youth, community, programming, and administration strengthens the mission of Elizabeth House. As the Executive Assistant, she is responsible for supporting the Executive Director and for the overall coordination of administration and operational functions at Elizabeth House.

Jessika Wang, Marketing Manager

Jessika joined Elizabeth House in November 2022, bringing her experience in marketing and communications in the nonprofit sector. Previously, she worked at a L.A. nonprofit promoting creative activism in schools. She is passionate about representing the important mission of Elizabeth House through authentic storytelling of the women in our community. Jessika manages all marketing strategies including advertising, copywriting, and public relations. She brings her eye for design to create marketing materials for both print and digital platforms.

Ashley Dennis, Health & Wellness Coordinator

Ashley joined Elizabeth House in January 2023, bringing with her a passion for maternal and infant health and 6+ years of experience in health promotion, education, curriculum development, and community engagement. Her holistic approach to health and wellness has emerged from her educational background in public health, extensive training in yoga and mindfulness, and experience as a doula. She is responsible for developing, coordinating, and co-facilitating health education courses and workshops for Elizabeth House’s residents, community clients, and alumni.

Terry Bright, Director of Programs

Terry Bright joined Elizabeth House in 1994 shortly after the doors officially opened. Her expertise and experience in program management has contributed greatly to the success and overall positive outcomes of our program.  Prior to joining our staff, Terry worked for a fortune 500 company and ran two of her own businesses. 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 women 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.

Kristen Mickelson, Director of Alumni Services & Special events

Kristen Mickelson joined Elizabeth House in September of 2010 bringing with her a wealth of skills, gifts, and experience to our program. Previously, she worked in the nonprofit sector teaching parent and child bonding classes to women and their children. 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 oversees every aspect of the Alumni Services Program including quarterly workshop events, in-kind donations, and special event coordination.

Kali Ratzlaff, Program Administrator

Kali has been with Elizabeth House since May 2011. Kali's passion to work with women in crises stems from her own life experiences. She and her daughter were once unemployed and homeless with nowhere to go and no place to turn. She knows firsthand the challenges that women in crisis face and is dedicated to helping them overcome those challenges. Kali is a highly organized and highly efficient program administrator who is skilled in managing projects, communication with clients and staff and brings with her expertise in areas technology managing all IT aspects for Elizabeth House. Working under the supervision of the Director of Programs, Kali maintains the client database, assists with case management, mentors and therapists. She is passionate about helping others and is always willing to go the extra mile.

Kelly Schumann, Development Associate

Kelly Schumann joined the Elizabeth House staff as Development Associate in October 2023. She supports all aspects of fundraising and uses her passion for data by managing the donor database and other platforms as needed as member of the Development Team. Assisting the Director of Development she aids in donor cultivation, grant related activities, and is the primary contact for the monthly program The Hearth. In addition, she supports all aspects of procurement for fundraising events and is a point of contact for the gala committee.  Kelly moved to Los Angeles 16 years ago to pursue a career as an actor and found non-profit to be a fulfilling way to be of service to her community. Previously, Kelly spent 12 years as a non-profit program manager at a children’s charity. She is grateful to be a part of such a great organization.

Gabriella Rosco, Volunteer Manager

Gabriella joined Elizabeth House in October 2022. She is responsible for all volunteer recruitment and training. Gabriella is a relational person who is passionate about advancing the mission of Elizabeth House by connecting the needs of both clients and staff with those who desire to volunteer their time and resources to them. She is the primary point of contact for all volunteers and acts as the liaison between staff and volunteers/volunteer groups.

Resident Care Supervisors