Meet Our Team
Executive Director
Gregg Ellenberg
“Collaborating with The Haven Project during its founding years inspired me and greatly influenced my decision to move my career more directly toward housing and homelessness. It is a full-circle moment coming back to Lynn to lead The Haven Project and help strengthen its impact for young adults at such a critical point in their lives.”
Gregg has more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience. Much of his career on the North Shore was spent with the Lynn YMCA and YMCA of Metro North, where he held progressively senior roles in youth development and organizational leadership. He later worked with the Mystic Valley YMCA, focusing on community partnerships, development, and food insecurity, while also serving on the executive board of the Malden Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, Gregg spent six years at Hildebrand Family Self-Help Center, serving as Chief Program Officer overseeing family emergency shelter and stabilization services and launching diversion and economic mobility programs. He also lived in Lynn and Salem for about a decade, making his return to Lynn especially meaningful.
Deputy Executive Director
Angelica Perez
“Working with The Haven Project has been deeply rewarding. It’s about more than just providing support; it’s about igniting hope and promoting resilience in young lives at crucial moments. Being able to contribute to their journey, helping them navigate challenges and celebrate successes, that is what drives my passion for this work.”
Angelica was born in the Dominican Republic and migrated to the U.S. to pursue her passion for social services. She earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Psychology and Legal Studies from Salem State University. Starting as a Case Manager with The Haven Project, Angelica quickly became an integral part of the team. Her background and bilingual abilities allow her to connect deeply with the communities we serve, bringing a valuable perspective to her work. Her unwavering dedication to uplifting homeless and vulnerable young adults drives her mission to empower and transform the lives of those she serves.
Development
Director of Mission Advancement & Strategic Partnerships
Meghan Collins
Meghan is a Lynn native with a deep commitment to strengthening her community through meaningful, measurable work. With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit, municipal, and education sectors, Meghan brings a collaborative, hands-on approach to everything she does—from writing successful grants to building programs that drive long-term impact. She has held leadership roles at organizations like Camp Fire North Shore and the NYC Department of Education, and has most recently been supporting mission-driven collectives through her consulting work in fundraising, strategic planning, and community partnerships. Meghan is dedicated to guiding The Haven Project’s growth with a focus on mission alignment and meaningful impact.
Administrative Assistant
Mara Sell
Mara first joined The Haven Project as an intern in Career Development and Job Coaching, while earning dual bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Social Welfare from Gordon College. Deeply passionate about transformative, community-led approaches to urban empowerment, she brings a background in community-based partnership development and collaboration to her work. She is inspired by The Haven Project’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities, building community, and empowering young people to shape their own futures.
Client Services
Case Manager & Job Coach
Abe Garcia
“Being a case manager at The Haven Project is not just a job; it’s a calling to be the bridge between hope and healing, guiding individuals towards brighter tomorrows with empathy, passion, and unwavering support. I am immensely proud to be part of an organization striving to positively impact the lives of young adults facing difficult challenges.”
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Abe moved to the North Shore 20 years ago. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Liberty University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in the same field. Abe has always known that his mission was to make a difference, but he wasn’t sure how to carry it out. This clarity came after completing his degree and joining The Haven Project team. A mentor once told Abe that “People need people,” a philosophy that has guided his life. With a deep passion for people, Abe is thrilled to finally use this passion to help those in need through his work at The Haven Project.
Case Manager
Luz Lantigua De La Cruz
“I believe The Haven Project is a place everybody should know about! The work and effort that is put into changing our youths’ lives for the better is one of the greatest things I’ve seen being done. I’ve always loved helping others. Being able to be here and help our clients is a great pathway and accomplishment for me.”
Luz is a long time Salem resident, who is currently pursuing her Associates Degree in Business Administration. With her Dominican roots, She brings to our team both her bilingual skills and her unique perspective, making her an invaluable asset in building trust with the young people we serve. Luz first engaged with The Haven Project as a client in 2022; that same year she graduated from our Job Training Program and was hired as a part-time barista for our social enterprise. In 2024 she was brought in as a full-time Client Services staff member for the role of Peer Navigator and transitioned to her current role as Case Manager.
Case Manager
Sarah Itacy
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to connect with youths and young adults in the community and support them through such trying times in their lives. The Haven Project is not an ordinary organization. Our team will go the extra mile to help and form the connection needed for the client’s wellbeing. We are a listening ear, a resource, an escape, the catalyst.
Sarah brings several years of experience in public health education, outreach, and program development. She has worked with clients, medical providers, and community partners to build holistic approaches to care, while also leading prevention initiatives and facilitating community events. Fluent in Haitian Creole, Sarah is passionate about bridging gaps in access and ensuring underserved communities feel seen and supported. She holds a B.A. in Sociology with a focus on Health Disparities from the University of Florida and is currently pursuing her M.S. in Population Health Research at Boston University. With her dedication to advocacy and her strong background in public health, Sarah is a powerful addition to our mission of supporting young adults experiencing homelessness.
Case Manager
Josué Herrera Santos
Josué is dedicated to helping young people build confidence, stability, and purpose through mentorship and support. He brings experience in youth development, education, and community engagement, with a strong background in coaching and program coordination. Before joining The Haven Project, Josué worked as a Youth Life Coach at New England Community Services and as a teacher at Lawrence High School, where he focused on building positive relationships and helping students reach their goals. Josué is also fluent in Spanish.
Peer Navigator
Marissa Butts
Originally from Long Island, Marissa brings a steady, compassionate presence to The Haven Project. With a background in both healthcare and customer-focused roles, she has a natural instinct for supporting others through stressful moments and making them feel seen. Marissa’s approach is grounded in patience, kindness, and a genuine desire to help young adults navigate the challenges they face. Whether she’s connecting someone to resources, offering a listening ear, or simply making the Drop-In Center feel welcoming, Marissa shows up with warmth and reliability every single day.
Peer Navigator
Marta Rosado
Marta supports young people navigating housing instability with empathy, insight, and lived experience. As a former program participant, she brings a unique ability to connect with youth and build trust rooted in understanding and shared experience. Marta attended North Shore Community College and is a graduate of the Gloucester Biotechnology Academy. Her path reflects resilience, determination, and a commitment to growth. In her role as Peer Navigator, Marta works alongside participants to help them access resources, set goals, and move forward with confidence. She is passionate about creating a supportive environment where every young person feels seen, heard, and capable of building a future they’re proud of.
Career Development
Café Manager
Rick Ford
Rick is an experienced manager with over two decades of leadership in the food and beverage industry, including store and general management roles with Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Caffè Nero, and Nordstrom Ebar. Known for his ability to build strong, high-performing teams, Rick has overseen daily operations, trained and coached staff, managed budgets, and consistently driven both sales and customer satisfaction. He brings expertise in financial reporting, labor management, and talent development, paired with a ServSafe certification and a proven record of operational excellence. Rick’s leadership style emphasizes respect, integrity, and professional growth—qualities that have made him a trusted and effective manager across diverse settings.
Barista
Bridgette Barr
Bridgette has experience in nonprofit administration and customer service. She spent five years working at Centerboard, another local organization supporting families experiencing homelessness, where she managed front desk operations, assisted with billing and HR tasks, and helped connect clients to vital services. In addition, she brings hospitality experience from her time working at a family-owned coffee shop, where she trained staff, managed orders, and kept operations running smoothly. Bridgette is known for her calm presence and dedication to helping others. She is currently continuing her education at North Shore Community College where she is studying to become a nurse.
Barista
Marisol Roy
Before joining Land of a Thousand Hills, Marisol spent her career working in animal care, including roles at both Ipswich and Northeast Animal Shelters. Through her work, she has always found joy in creating welcoming spaces that foster connection and community. As a barista, Marisol loves that her role is about more than making a great cup of coffee, it’s about getting to know the people who walk through the door and helping each person feel at home. She especially enjoys working alongside her coworkers, and you can often find her laughing and joking with the team behind the counter. Marisol is proud to know that the work she does each day helps contribute to a mission that makes a difference in the lives of people in her community.
