The Salvation Army of Wake County Staff
We have a dynamic staff committed to making a difference in the lives of citizens in Wake County.
ADMINISTRATION
Major Charles Whiten, Area Commander of Wake and Lee Counties
Major Julie Whiten, Area Commander of Wake and Lee Counties
Lt. Jae Park, Corps Officer
Lt. Hey YUN Park, Corps Officer
Lt. Christine Towne, Corp Officer
LaToya Skinner, Office Coordinator
Kristi Tweed, Human Resources Administrator
Elizabeth Morgan, Chief Accountant
Vicki Lane, Receptionist
William Hunter, Warehouse Manager
Richard Temple, Warehouse Attendant/Receptionist
CENTER OF HOPE - Social Ministries
Katie Ward Gonzalez, Director of Social Ministries. Katie oversees program operations at the Center of Hope. These programs include an 81-bed emergency shelter for women with children, Project CATCH - Community Action Targeting Children who are Homeless, Project FIGHT - Freeing Individuals Gripped by Human Trafficking, and a number of crisis assistance programs open to the community. She has worked passionately for The Salvation Army of Wake County for seven years and began immediately after completion of her Master's in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, a joint program, in 2010. She grew up in Asheboro, NC, but has resided in Raleigh since attending North Carolina State University where she received her Bachelor's in Social Work in 2009.
Elizabeth Hunter, MAHS, is the Project FIGHT Coordinator. Elizabeth has over 14 years experience in the human services field. In 2003, Elizabeth began working with people experiencing homelessness to provide referrals to help this population attain goals associated with employment, housing, and mental health. The majority of her career has been spent assisting individuals with developmental disabilities through case management and employment placement/support. In April 2017, Elizabeth began as the Program Coordinator for Project FIGHT. In this role, she is responsible for coordinating case management services throughout North Carolina and raising awareness about human trafficking through presentations and trainings. She is a strong advocate who values a person-centered approach and is passionate about ending the war on slavery. She graduated from Liberty University with her Masters in Human Services in 2012.
Shakeda Muldrow, Project CATCH Coordinator. Shakeda has 10 years of valuable experience serving low-income and marginalized populations. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University in 2009. She also earned a master’s in social work with a focus on social innovation serving children, youth, and families from Boston College in 2013. She began service at a transitional housing program where she coordinated workshops, identified community resources and supported displaced young men who aged out of the foster care system, to become independent and self-sufficient. Shakeda also served with the AmeriCorps National Service Program as a tutor and as volunteer and program coordinator for the Black Child Development Institute of Greensboro, a United Way partner agency which targets youth deemed at-risk of academic failure. Upon receiving her master’s degree, she reconnected service with the homeless population, serving as case manager at Family Promise of Wake County. During much of her career, Shakeda has provided direct service to families and individuals who are low-income, experiencing homelessness, and/or living with behavioral or mental health challenges. Shakeda, whose work has been transcendent, uses a strengths-based approach and is driven to meet people where they are, helping them to reach their full potential. Her work is guided with the simple adage “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Stephen Gruver, Shelter Director. Stephen Gruver is the Shelter Program Director. Stephen has worked in various communities across the U.S. in e orts to help end homelessness. Stephen began volunteering with people experiencing homelessness in Chicago, helping them get connected to resources. When he moved to California, he was hired to lead an interdisciplinary team developed to work with the most vulnerable individuals in Santa Barbara. For the majority of his career, Stephen has worked directly with people experiencing homelessness in helping them to obtain their goals related to housing, employment, and supportive services. Stephen moved to Raleigh in 2015 and was hired to be a case manager with Family Promise of Wake County. Stephen has been passionately involved in the community ever since.
Jeanette Barner, Women's Shelter Manager
Lydia Corbitt, Crisis Case Manager
Frank Baldiga, Shelter Case Manager
Beth Tillett, Parent Group Facilitator for Circle of Parents
Jessica Barner, Child Group Facilitator for Circle of Parents
RED SHIELD CLUB STAFF
Sarah Smith-Ruiz, Red Shield Club Program Director, is a true advocate for children. She began working with The Salvation Army of Wake County in 2006 as a Child Case Manager. She continues to help guide and foster children in their growth and development as the Program Director of The Salvation Army of Wake County Red Shield Club. Sarah is an Army Veteran and received her degree in Early Childhood Education. She grew up in Garner, NC and now resides in Raleigh with her family. She spends her free time volunteering as a Troop Leader with Girls Scouts, King of Court Tennis Ministries and running in local 5k fun runs. Sarah is also a coach for Girls on the Run.
Jere Schramm is the Athletic Director at the Red Shield Club. He coordinates winter basketball, baseball, summer basketball, soccer, and flag football, where nearly 100 coaches volunteer to coach almost 1,200 kids per year - all within a safe and Christian environment. In addition, he coordinates outside gym rentals and Be ALL FOR CHRIST basketball clinics, as well as leads the Red Kettle Campaign efforts. Jere has been a member of The Salvation Army Corps (church) for over 50 years and plays in the brass band. Prior to working at the Army, Jere managed a car rental business for 30 years and did property management for 10 years. He previously lived in Ohio, New York City, Kentucky, Maryland, and Florida. He now resides in Raleigh with his wife and enjoys the company of his four adult children and one grandson.
Melissa Jordan, Office Manager
CORPS STAFF
Lt. Christine Towne, Assistant Corps Officer
Major Kay Navarro, Administrative Assistant/Statistician
Judith Kimbembe, Senior Citizens’ Programs Director
TBA, BFI
TBA, Missions Specialist
DEVELOPMENT AND RESOURCE TEAM
Thomas Harrison, Volunteer Coordinator
Donal Ware, Public Relations Director
FAMILY AND THRIFT STORES
Jean Temple, Director of Thrift Store Operations
TBA, Store Manager
Kayleigh Smith, Asst. Store Manager
Shanta Fort, Production Supervisor
We are happy to come speak to your school, group, church or business about The Salvation Army's Programs! Please contact us with questions or to schedule a speaker!