Candice joined GSH in September 2015 as the Director of Development. She started her career at Penn, Schoen and Berland conducting polling and marketing research. As a small business owner she consulted for companies like Microsoft, Heaven Hill, and the Consumer Technology Association. She is a past President of the Junior League of Northern Virginia, and a current Sustainer Member of the Junior League of Washington, DC. Candice served on the Virginia Fair Housing Board between 2017 and 2023.. In 2020, she was appointed to the Fairfax County Planning Commission.

Candice currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Lorton Station Community Association. Candice received her M.A. in Security Policy Studies and B.A. in International Affairs from The George Washington University. Candice resides in Lorton with her husband Tom, and enjoys quilting and fiber arts in her spare time.

Nobiana Dodi joined GSH as the Career Counselor in November 2024, bringing nearly 10 years of experience in the workforce development field. She is dedicated to helping youth achieve their educational and employment goals.

Nobiana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational & Technical Studies from Old Dominion University and a Master’s degree in Adult Education and Human Resources Development from Florida International University. Over the course of her career, she has held a variety of roles, including Job Coach for individuals with disabilities, Career Services Specialist, Admissions Representative, and most recently, Workforce Development Manager at Cornerstones.

Outside of work, Nobiana enjoys spending quality time with her family, especially her two sons, and has a passion for baking and traveling.

Kevin U. Gonzalez is the career counselor for our Career Power program. Kevin has over 18 years experience working in public service. Before joining GSH, Kevin worked in the DC and Virginia public schools as a high school and college counselor.  Kevin has a graduate degree from Northeastern University in Education, focusing on school and community counseling. Kevin is passionate about helping others succeed and improve their quality of life. He believes in the human power of collaboration, compassion, and being able to join forces to make a better tomorrow for everyone.

Kevin enjoys playing and coaching soccer, mountain biking, and spending time in El Salvador.

Genee Hayes, a resilient and dedicated leader with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and over 14 years of experience, she has carved a niche in public service, marked by her thoughtful and energetic approach. Her expertise in city management and operational excellence, combined with her innovative policy-making skills, have significantly shaped community development. Prior to joining Good Shepherd, Genee led the multi-family affordable housing portfolio at the DC Department of Housing and Community Development and established the Homeowner Assistance Fund program, aiding 2,000 low-income households avoid foreclosure.

Beyond her professional achievements, Genee’s personal narrative, growing up in affordable housing with a newly widowed mother, fuels her passion for meaningful change. In her new role, she combines professional acumen with profound empathy, emphasizing the power of community support. Outside of her community-building endeavors, Genee enjoys gardening, her loyal dog Penny, and rallies her family of five to cheer on the Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs.

Brian first joined Good Shepherd Housing in October of 2019. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History from George Mason University. He helps support the mission of GSH by assisting with the Development database, and supporting the planning and execution of our numerous fundraising events throughout the year.

Brian grew up locally in Fairfax County. In his free time he enjoys watching old Star Trek episodes, reading sci-fi and fantasy novels, and keeping current with international news.

Cecilia is a Case Manager at Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services since July 2023. She was born in Peru and has been working in Northern Virginia with the nonprofit sector for 15 years. She has experience as a Financial Literacy Coordinator and a daily Money Manager for Seniors, which gave her a passion for serving a diverse population in need.

She obtained an accreditation from the American Association of Daily Money Managers as well as a Certificate in Aging from, Institute for Geriatric Social Work (IGSW), affiliated to Boston University School of Social Work.

In 2018, Cecilia received a Community Partner Award from The Arlington County Community Services Board (CSB) for her support serving the people in the city of Arlington.

Cecilia participates in opportunities that give back to the community. She was a member of the Mental Health Committee of the Arlington County Community Services Board from 2019 – 2023.

In her spare time, she engages in meetings and forum discussions in the mental health field as well as growing African violets and playing jigsaw puzzles!

Sara is a long-time resident of Northern Virginia and joined GSH in December 2024 as a Case Manager. She is a former US Army commissioned officer and has worked 8 years for a social services contractor with the Veterans Administration serving homeless veterans in the DC Metro area. As a veteran herself, she has a strong commitment for helping those who have served their country.

She has also worked for nonprofit social services organizations in Virginia for 20 years working with homeless individuals and families in positions ranging from medical outreach, workforce development, adult education and senior management positions in outreach services and homeless shelter directorships.

Sara is also a strong supporter of the LGBTQ community in Virginia and has received commendation from community-based organizations for those efforts.

She is a fitness enthusiast who has run multiple road races up to the marathon and is passionate about physical fitness and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

Debi Sutton is the Resident Services Director at Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services. She joined the GSH team in September 2022 and oversees the programming and supportive services to the clients in GSH’s affordable housing program, as well as clients served in other GSH programs. Debi is a masters-level social worker and has spent her career working with vulnerable children and families. She spent the first 10 years of her career working in foster care and child welfare. Prior to coming to GSH, she was the Executive Director of a small nonprofit focused on serving families at risk of homelessness. Debi’s personal mission is to help create opportunities for children and families to thrive in their homes and in their communities.

Debi has volunteered with several organizations including Girl Scouts, PTA, and Little League. She presently serves as a board member on her neighborhood’s homeowners association. Debi is also a founding board member of the Pinewood Lake Porpoises Swim Team, formed as a nonprofit in 2017. She is passionate about supporting opportunities for children to learn the lifelong skill of swimming, and helping to create equitable access to the experience of summer swimming to under-privileged families.

Debi earned a Bachelors in Psychology from Virginia Tech, and a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan. Debi lives in Alexandria with her husband, two kids, and dog Tommy.

A Native of Northern Virginia Charkenia comes to GSH with 20 years of experience working in Non- profit sector. From her humble beginning in HIV/STI advocacy and education, to affordable housing where she obtained her Tax Credit Specialist Certification to Case Management for individuals experiencing homelessness and behavioral health crisis where she obtained certificates in Mental Health First AID, Moral injury and Motivational Interviewing.

Charkenia joined GSH in June 2020, as the Emergency Services Coordinator, processing over 4 million dollars in financial aid. A year later she became the Interim Property Administrator and soon after transitioned into her role as an Operations Administrator. Mirroring the motto “It takes a village” Charkenia enjoys helping families within the community, understands the importance stable support offers, she encouraging self sufficiency and self advocacy.

In her spare time Charkenia enjoys traveling, spending time with loved ones and nurturing her plants.