Administration
Mario Berninzoni – Executive Director, Arundel House of Hope
mberninzoni@arundelhoh.org
Mario Berninzoni, a California native, has more than 20 years experience working with the poor and homeless populations in Maryland. As Executive Director of Arundel House of Hope, Mario oversees all aspects of the organization and its programs. Prior to being appointed Executive Director in 1999, he worked with Catholic Charities in Baltimore City with its emergency, transitional, and permanent housing programs for 7 years. Mario has his Masters Degree in Nonprofit Management from the College of Notre Dame.
Judy Pagliaro – Bookkeeper, Arundel House of Hope
Community Housing Programs
Kevin Murray House Manager, Safe Haven 2
Kevin Murray came to the House of Hope on 05, 2021 as a client at the Fouse Center Transitional Housing for Men. Kevin became the House Manager on 12/2022, he also assisted during Winter Relief Program by helping with the overnight stays and the Warming Centers. Kevin is dedicated to his duties, very reliable, and dependable. Kevin is currently the House Manager of Safe Haven 2.
Naveen Joshi House Manager, Seward Ave.
Naveen Joshi came to the House of Hope – seeking help and shelter on getting back on his feet. AHOH offered him employment including accommodation. Naveen is currently the house manager at Seward Ave.
Justin Pacek Case Manager
Justin came to Arundel House of Hope in 2017 as an intern from Anne Arundel Community College. Justin stayed on as a case manager for the men’s community housing program and works with those gentlemen on seeing to their needs and self-advancement.
Community Recovery Center (CRC) – Recovery Starts Here
CRC contact: crc@arundelhoh.org
Bob Starkey – Director
Bob began his career working in Human Services in 2008 as a Case Manager for the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation (Jobs Works Arundel Program) providing Case Management in Job Readiness for participants who were receiving TANF and SNAP benefits. While employed with AAWDC he received his certification to facilitate Job Readiness Training through the Workplace Excellence Program and later took on the position of Operations Manager for both the Annapolis and Glen Burnie Offices. He came to the Arundel House of Hope in 2017 and started out working in the Day Center as a Program Assistant and performing some Case Management duties. In 2019, he became the Director of the Community Recovery Center (CRC). Prior to working in Human Services, he performed an Active Duty Tour of four years in the United States Air Force and eight years combined in the Air Reserve and Air National Guard where he performed duties in the Human Relations/Drug Alcohol Field counseling field. He has also attained thirty years working in private industry in the Paper Packaging field where he worked as a Manufacturing Manager and Process Control Engineer. He is currently a Certified Lay Servant at Mt. Zion Magothy United Methodist Church in Pasadena, Maryland.
Don Johnson, – Program Assistant
U.S Army veteran
Over 20 years Federal Government: U.S Customs Dept Treas
Formal Studies: The legal Assistant University of Baltimore Coppin State
17 years Security Ministry; Amour Bearer, Bethel A.M.E
Michael Johnson, – Program Assistant
Oliver Sellman – Program Assistant
I came to the Arundel House of Hope seeking help through the Winter Relief Program in 2008. I was eventually offered the opportunity to work at the organization as a Program Assistant/ Food Manager for the Doughy Dog Social Enterprise. After six weeks training in Doughy Dog. I was given an opportunity to be House manager of one of the men houses that we have. I also assist in transporting our clients during Winter Relief season.
Day & Resource Center
Charity Cummings,– Director
ccummings@arundelhoh.org
Charity Cummings joined the Arundel House Of Hope in November 2017, after a successful completion of a Human Services internship. Charity stayed on as the Case Manager at the Fouse Center and is currently the program director at the Day Center and oversees the Winter Relief emergency shelter program. Charity is dedicated, and committed to treating others with dignity and respect. She is empathetic and very passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of the population that she serves. Charity possesses the ability to formulate a therapeutic working relationship with professional boundaries. She empowers her clients to become successful, and law-abiding citizens. Charity has a decade of experience in humanitarian work (advocacy for women’s rights) and 6 years of experience in counseling. Charity earned AS in Drug & Addiction Counseling, AS in Human Services, BA in Humanitarian, BA in Psychology, and a MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
TJ
I contacted Mrs. Charity Cummings in July 2022 about some volunteer opportunities with Arundel House of Hope. I came on board in August of 2022 as a volunteer and quickly by January 2023 I accumulated almost one thousand hours as a volunteer, helping with various daily operations to help the client with their needs. By the end of January 2023, I was impressed with what Arundel House of Hope stands for as helping the population with individual needs and getting back on their feet. I was then offered the opportunity to come on board as a Staff member.
Prior to that, I was a Restaurant Manager for Ruby Tuesday for 13 years, and a Manager with Hard Rock Café in Washington, DC for 4 years. My experience in the Hospitality sector has helped me in so many ways in dealing with people from all walks of life. Patience and Tolerance are one of my biggest assets and I was able to apply that in my day-to-day activities with AHOH. The Staff here at AHOH has been very supportive and that has allowed me to continue to work for the Organization and hope to contribute more in the future to AHOH.
Justin Robinson – Program Assistant
Justin Robinson came to the House of Hope in 2022 as a Winter Relief client. Justin successfully participated in the program and began volunteering by helping the AHOH team move from one church to another on a weekly basis. Justin was then offered to Transition into the Fouse Center “Transitional House for Men” in Jan. 2023. He continued volunteering with us and became the Assistant House Manager. Justin is currently a Program Assistant staff member at AHOH – the Day Center Program. Justin is always delighted to provide services for the clients and is resourceful in the duties of the job.
Emma Spencer – Program Aide
espencer@arundelhoh.org
Emma Spencer joined the Arundel House of Hope organization in 2012. Stared out in the Medical Center as Medical Coordinator then moved to the Community Recovery Center (CRC) / Day Center as Program Assistant soon after that to Program Manager/ Case Worker. Doing the pandemic operating the hotel for the homeless 24/7 362 days out the year. Assistant in various programs RAP Housing Program, Winter Relief Program also works closely with the HMIS System. Working closely with various organization.
Ronnie Vaughn – Program Assistant,
Ronnie came to the Arundel House of Hope in 2001 initially as a resident of the Fouse Center. After 18 months in the Transitional Housing Program, he received the invitation to utilize his skills in a full-time staff position as Program Aide, first at the Fouse Center and later at the Arundel House of Hope Day and Resource Center. He is also a Veteran of the United States Army and enjoys helping others.
Family Program
Asia Wood –Family Project Director
awood@arundelhoh.org
Asia Wood joined the Arundel House of Hope in December of 2008, after successfully completing a Human Services internship with, Anne Arundel Community College. She has worked in many capacities since joining the dedicated AHOH team, including Case Manager and Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Coordinator. Currently, she manages the WISH Program. She also works closely with the HMIS System and RAP Housing Program. Regardless of which hat she is wearing, her main focus is to empower the people who are in need. Her favorite quote by Maya Angelou is, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Lauren Shirlen, – Case Manager
Micah 6 Program
Niki O’Herlihy Program Manager
noherlihy@arundelhoh.org
Niki coordinates the Micah 6 Project for Arundel House of Hope, an outreach that serves our newly housed clients as they transition out of homelessness. Niki first came on board at Arundel House of Hope in 2016 to work with the Winter Relief emergency shelter program, having volunteered with Winter Relief as a site coordinator with her church for several years prior to that.
Niki is an Annapolis native who graduated from Randolph Macon Woman’s College and the University of Baltimore School of Law. She started work at Arundel House of Hope after retiring from a nearly 25-year career as an attorney, including several years in Baltimore City coordinating the Legal Services to the Elderly, a program that provided pro bono legal services to older, low-income resident city residents.
She lives in Annapolis with her husband. They have 2 daughters.
Safe Haven and WISH Programs
Iffat Rehman Case Manager, Safe Haven Programs
Iffat Rehman is a dedicated advocate for social change and a passionate individual committed to positively impacting the community. Currently working with a non-profit organization, Iffat is actively involved in various initiatives aimed at addressing social issues and uplifting marginalized populations. Driven by a strong desire to create a more equitable society, Iffat is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Her academic journey has provided her with a deep understanding of social justice, human rights, and the complexities of social issues. Through her coursework and field experiences, Iffat has developed a comprehensive skill set that enables her to effectively engage with diverse communities and empower individuals to overcome challenges. Iffat works as a case manager at a nonprofit organization. Her empathetic nature, coupled with her excellent communication and interpersonal skills, allows her to build strong relationships and create meaningful connections with individuals and groups. Iffat’s commitment to making a difference extends beyond her professional endeavors. She actively participates in volunteer work, dedicating her time and energy to causes that align with her values. Whether it’s organizing fundraisers, participating in community service projects, or raising awareness through advocacy campaigns, Iffat consistently strives to create positive change and foster a more inclusive society. She firmly believes that by working collectively, society can achieve lasting positive change. With her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and her unwavering dedication, Iffat aims to continue her journey of service and impact, making a difference in the lives of those who need it the most.
Debrah Dilworth Case Manager, WISH Programs
Debra Dilworth is a dedicated Case Manager at Arundel House of Hope, a homeless day center. Currently pursuing an associate degree in Human Services and Addiction Counseling at Anne Arundel Community College, Debra combines her education with practical experience to provide compassionate and effective case management. She develops individualized plans, connects clients with resources, and advocates for their rights. Debra’s commitment to empowering clients and making a positive impact is invaluable to the Arundel House of Hope team.
Sylvia Meisenberg Adult Literacy Program
The Fouse Center
Darren Money House Manager, Fouse Center
Darren Money came to the House of Hope – the Fouse Center in 2018 seeking help and guidance on getting back on his feet. Upon admission, he began volunteering. In 2021 Darren worked with the Winter Relief team by doing overnights at the churches on a weekly basis. In 2022 Darren became the house manager of Fouse Center “Transitional House for Men” Darren is delighted to provide services for the clients and is resourceful in his duties the responsibilities. Darren said, “My daughter and (2) sons saved my life, but Charity, Mario, and Arundel House of Hope changed my life,” and the opportunity for a second chance on a new path in Life.” “I am now working AHOH and giving back,” this is a calling that “I truly embrace.”
The Patriot House
Ray Kyler – Resident Manager, Patriot House
rkyler@arundelhoh.org
Ray Kyler joined Arundel House of Hope with the opening of The Fouse Center Transitional Housing Program in 2000. Previously, Ray was with Sarah’s House in Maryland where he worked with homeless women and children. Ray worked at Christopher’s Place, a Catholic Charity’s Men’s Employment and Addiction Program in Baltimore. Ray has also worked with the Women’s Detention Center managing addiction education groups. Ray obtained his professional licensure in Counseling & Therapy for Alcohol & Drug Addicts through Baltimore City Community. His future career aspirations include expanding his training and certification to conduct Drug and Alcohol Addiction Counseling with the HIV/AIDS community in Maryland.
Charles Robinson – Case Manager
crobinson@arundelhoh.org
Charles’s journey with the Arundel House of Hope began in 2001, as a Loyola College student intern at the Fouse Center. In 2012, on opportunity presented itself, and he was given an opportunity to be the Case Manager for the new Transitional Housing Program for Veterans, “The Patriot House.” Charles is a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force and earned his Masters Degree in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola College.