Leadership

Danielle has more than 25 years of experience in the human services industry in addition to holding two master’s degrees: Master of Business Administration from Simmons School of Management and Master of Social Work from Boston University. Before joining the Heading Home team in July 2017, she was the Deputy Commissioner for Clinical Services & Program Operations at the Department of Children & Families. Danielle holds the highest level of independent licensure in social work (LICSW) and was a practicing clinical therapist for 15 years. Her training and primary practice are with “high-risk” children, youth, and families with a clinical specialty in trauma and attachment. Danielle’s programs at Rediscovery specialized primarily with “aging out youth,” and unaccompanied homeless youth. Additional areas of professional interest and expertise include early childhood development, dyspraxia, and autism. Prior to heading Home, Danielle developed an innovative program, YouthHarbors, which is based in high schools and designed to prevent unaccompanied high school students from becoming homeless or to rapidly house these youth when they are experiencing homeless. Danielle has served on many task forces designed to evaluate and address the issues facing homeless, unaccompanied youth, and youth involved in state care.

Danielle has taught at the Boston University School of Social Work in the Policy Department and provided expert consultation on cases related to the clinical impact of foster care and programs designed to work with young-parenting adults who have experienced trauma and substance abuse. She has trained nationally on topics related to homeless youth, education, and youth aging out of foster care.

Lisa brings more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and performance measurement to her role as Chief Operating Officer at Heading Home. Before joining Heading Home, she spent five years as the Director of Impact Assessment at the Bridgespan Group, a nonprofit advisor and resource for mission-driven organizations and philanthropists. Her extensive nonprofit experience also includes leadership positions at Pine Street Inn, City Year, and Project HEALTH (now Health Leads). Lisa received her MBA from Harvard Business School. As COO of Heading Home, Lisa oversees all internal operations, ensuring the implementation of our vision and goals throughout the organization.

Suzanne brings a unique combination of the private sector and non-profit experience to her position as Chief Development Officer at Heading Home. During her extensive tenure in financial services, predominantly at Putnam Investments, Suzanne honed her skills in branding, marketing, and relationship building. As the Executive Director of a small nonprofit at Babson College and later, in senior leadership at the Fidelity Foundations, Suzanne built a keen understanding of nonprofit fundraising and outcomes measurement. Suzanne received her BA in Economics from Boston College. At Heading Home, Suzanne leads the Development team in fundraising $3.75M annually.

Kris brings more than 25 years of experience to her position as Chief Financial Officer at Heading Home.  Her combination of experience in public accounting, Fortune 200 manufacturing, and nonprofit organizations provides a perspective of focusing on the bottom line, maximizing efficiencies, and collaborative management while achieving the mission.  Kris holds a BA in English and both an MS in Accounting and an MBA from Northeastern University.  As a CPA, she has served on the Institute of Internal Auditors Standards Board and currently serves as a Board Member for Dress for Success – Worcester chapter.

LeVerne oversees Heading Home’s 500+ unit portfolio across 18+ cities/towns throughout Greater Boston. Before joining Heading Home, LeVerne had 25+ years of experience managing 10+ person teams, $3.8m+ budgets, and facilitating adult-learning and resident service programs for various audiences, ranging from nonprofit boards/leadership teams to children, disabled, elderly, and low-income populations. LeVerne holds a Master of Science in Organizational Learning & Development from Suffolk University and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Massachusetts – Boston with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Julie has over 25 years of Human Resources experience with 15+ years in human services.  Prior to moving to Human Resources, Julie spent 5+ years as an internal auditor in both financial and retail organizations.  Julie has a Master’s of Business Administration from Fitchburg State College and a Juris Doctorate from Suffolk Law School.  Before joining Heading Home, Julie was the VP of HR at Making Opportunity Count and prior to that at Perkins School for the Blind and Vinfen.  Julie is an active member of the Employer Advisory Board for Suffolk University where she enjoys working with students through mock interviews, job shadowing, and mentor programs.  Julie is also an active member of Suffolk University’s Human Services and Social Impact career community through Career Services.