OUR TEAM…

Team HOPE is dedicated to making the mission of HOPE Ministries happen: “Prevent homelessness. Promote self-sufficiency and dignity.”

Read the bios below to find out more about who makes HOPE a loud voice for advocacy in the Baton Rouge area.

  • PRESIDENT EMERITUS

    Janet Simmons retired in December 2024 after 20 years of dedicated service to HOPE Ministries, including 12 years as President and CEO. Now serving as President Emeritus, Janet continues to support HOPE’s mission of preventing homelessness and promoting self-sufficiency and dignity.

    Born in post-World War II Japan, Janet developed a deep appreciation for diversity early in life. A graduate of Mississippi College with a degree in Marketing and Finance, she began her career in sales and marketing, holding leadership roles with Coca-Cola USA and Micro Computer Techniques. Janet’s belief that nonprofit management requires the same strategic focus as running a business was key to her success at HOPE.

    Janet brought 38 years of nonprofit experience to her leadership at HOPE, beginning in 2004 as Volunteer Coordinator and progressing through roles as Program Director and Director of Operations and Social Enterprise. Under her guidance, HOPE developed the Understanding the Dynamics of Poverty and Understanding Your Workforce professional development workshops, training over 3,100 professionals from 350 organizations.

    As President and CEO starting in 2012, Janet spearheaded transformative initiatives, including the launch of The Way to Work Sustainable Workforce SOLUTIONS©, which has helped clients achieve sustainable employment well above national averages. Her efforts in workforce development, professional training, and social enterprise established HOPE as a model for innovative nonprofit management.

    Janet has shared her expertise nationally, presenting at the Points of Light Foundation Conference and numerous other events. She is a graduate of Leadership Baton Rouge and a recipient of multiple honors, including the John W. Barton Sr. Excellence in Nonprofit Management Award and the Leadership Excellence Award from the Women’s Leadership Council of Capital Area United Way.

    A committed advocate for the impoverished, Janet credits her Christian faith and missionary upbringing as her inspiration. She remains active in her community and church, where she is a member of the music team. Married for 40 years, Janet is the proud mother of four children and grandmother of four grandchildren.

  • PRESIDENT & CEO

    Effective January 1, 2025, David assumed the role of President and CEO of HOPE Ministries, bringing over 30 years of combined ministry, business, and nonprofit leadership experience.

    A native of Baker, Louisiana, and a graduate of Baker High School, David holds degrees in Computer Programming and Bible/Ministry. Ordained as a minister in 1993, he has dedicated decades to full- and part-time ministry. His service includes leading the largest youth ministry in his denomination, serving on the statewide Youth and Christian Education Board, and holding both Interim and Senior Pastor positions. Through his leadership in international and local missions programs, David has witnessed the effects of poverty firsthand—an experience that fuels his passion for HOPE’s mission to Prevent Homelessness and Promote Self-Sufficiency and Dignity.

    David’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to the business world, where he successfully owned and operated a teacher’s supply store and distribution warehouse for 14 years. His firsthand experience managing people and balancing ethical business practices with bottom-line priorities informs his approach to working with corporate leaders and encouraging HOPE’s clients to achieve self-sufficiency.

    In 2013, David served as Community Resource Consultant for the State of Louisiana for the United Methodist Publishing House, leading a team of consultants and completing advanced training in consultative sales and coaching. His region earned “Market of the Year” honors for two consecutive years. David also directed the Christian Outreach Transitional Services (COTES) program, managing day-to-day operations for initiatives serving homeless, recovery, and prison reentry populations.

    David joined HOPE Ministries in 2017 as a Workforce Training and Development Consultant for The Way to Work (TWTW) program. His leadership as Director of TWTW drove significant growth in the program’s capacity and impact, including the launch of new initiatives like Reaching Individual Success through Education (RISE), offering certifications in high-demand fields. David’s focus on business development has also expanded TWTW’s social enterprise, creating sustainable income opportunities to support HOPE’s mission.

    David’s journey with HOPE continued as Chief Operating Officer for four years before stepping into the President and CEO role. His dedication to fostering dignity and self-sufficiency in others reflects his lifelong commitment to serving those in need.

    Outside of work, David is a teacher at heart and an avid gardener, camper, and cook. He serves on several advisory boards and remains active in his community. David and his wife are proud parents to three children and four grandchildren.

  • VICE PRESIDENT OF VOLUNTEERS AND FOOD PROGRAMS

    Cristy Davidson grew up in Lafayette, LA and graduated from LSU with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Cristy worked as a loan officer and processor of mortgages for many years, and decided to remain at home with her daughter, Zoe, for six years. As Zoe started school, Cristy began working in the nonprofit field as a development manager. She worked for a new local charter school establishing an annual gala and organizing various school related community events including White Light Night in Mid-City and the Grand Opening for the Dyslexia Resource Center. Cristy’s organizational skills and experience working with volunteers made her a perfect fit for HOPE. She began in May 2017 as the Volunteer and Program Supervisor overseeing all the operations of the Client Choice Food Pantry, holiday events and volunteers. Not only does she love working with all the volunteers and clients at HOPE but she is thrilled to work with such a talented and compassionate group of colleagues. Cristy, her husband, Craig, and Zoe are members of First United Methodist Church where Cristy served on the Children’s Council and was involved with Vacation Bible School. She is currently a member of the Brock UMC Women's Circle and she and her daughter are members of National Charity League.

  • DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

    Born and raised in a small town just south of Atlanta, Georgia, Julie met Seth, her future husband, while serving on a summer mission trip in Louisiana. Upon graduating with honors from the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor's of Business Administration Degree in Management with a concentration in Human Resources, she married Seth and relocated to Louisiana with her husband. Julie spent the next five years working in the Human Resources and Administration sectors, primarily in the areas of recruiting, training and policy writing. She then left corporate America when her son was born and spent the next 16 years raising and homeschooling her three children, Mason, Hannah Kate and Ellie.

    Julie began taking piano lessons at the age of eight and has played the piano at her church for over 30 years. She currently serves as the Pianist at Jefferson Baptist Church, where she and her family are active members. She has also taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years and led Women's Ministry and Children's Ministry. Julie leads and teaches a weekly in-depth Bible study for women in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas.

    Julie is Jesus-focused, service-driven, detailed and task-oriented with proven administrative, instruction and managerial skills developed through her professional, ministerial and homeschooling experiences. Having returned to work after 16 years of being a stay-at-home mom and serving in ministry, working at HOPE is a dream job for Julie. She is able to utilize her professional skills and talents in an organization that is making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals, families and the Baton Rouge community. She believes strongly in the mission of HOPE and is thrilled to be a part of the important and meaningful work HOPE is doing across the region.

    Julie enjoys playing the piano, reading, cooking, writing and traveling. She is a passionate Georgia Bulldog fan, and Saturdays in the fall are her favorite. She is a Georgia girl at heart, but her home is with her husband and children, and her best days are spent with them.

  • MANAGER OF GRANTS ADMINISTRATION

    Greg earned a bachelor's of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of New Orleans. Greg's continued post-graduate work at UNO provided him with data management and statistical analysis skills that opened new doors. As a consultant with Scott Ray & Associates in New Orleans, he first served as Database Manager for a Federally funded project. He later worked on numerous projects involving grant seeking, grant administration, quality assurance, research, and evaluation for nonprofit organizations and collaboratives in New Orleans. Greg helped to establish several major collaborative organizations providing services for substance abuse, family services, and homelessness. He also guided a small faith-based substance abuse treatment center to become licensed by the State of Louisiana, helping them obtain numerous grants and State contract funding support as a Social Setting Detox Facility and as an Orleans Parish Drug Court Treatment Center. From there, Greg worked in the Research Office at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he was heavily involved with pre- and post-award administration of grants and contracts. He was later promoted to Technical Services Coordinator for the Vice President for Research, and eventually as Data and Technology Coordinator to help establish a new research center at UL Lafayette, the Cecil J. Picard Center for Child Development and Lifelong Learning. Greg spent six years in New Jersey as Information Technology Specialist at a boy's prep school before returning to serve as Grants and Contracts Administrator at Aristotle's Alexander, a Lafayette, LA technology company involved with systems integration, software development, and digital business transformation.

    Greg will tell you that his strong faith has guided him through the years, and that God has led him on a long winding road, in a great circle that eventually brought him back to an opportunity to serve others at HOPE Ministries. Greg is a member of Zachary United Methodist Church. In his spare time, Greg enjoys cooking, performing music, and volunteer service opportunities.

  • DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENT

    A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a proud graduate of University High School, Melanie Henderson earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Sociology from Louisiana State University in 2010. Her career journey began in Louisiana Medicaid, where she helped connect individuals with vital resources—a role that sparked her deep commitment to making a positive impact in people’s lives.

    Melanie's career continued to evolve when she joined Capital Area United Way as Senior Director of Community Development. There, she managed grant-making, worked closely with nonprofits, and organized events and fundraising campaigns—all while building valuable relationships within the community. These experiences further sharpened her skills in partnership development, event management, and making a difference through strategic initiatives.

    In her current role as Director of Marketing and Development at HOPE Ministries, Melanie is proud to showcase the inspiring work of career coaches and clients who are gaining essential job skills and building brighter futures. She finds great joy in connecting with donors, sharing success stories, serving HOPE’s clients, and supporting her colleagues as they work together to make a meaningful impact.

  • MANAGER OF THE WAY TO WORK

    Denise Hursey grew up in Central, LA and graduated from Parkview Baptist High School. She graduated from LSU with a dual major in psychology and sociology, and went to work for the Louisiana Hospital Association for 11 years. Denise worked her way up from administrative assistant to quality analyst. While there, she received her Master's in Business Administration and is an alumnus of the Greater Baton Rouge Leadership class of 2008. After leaving the hospital association, Denise worked at Our Lady of the Lake RMC as a quality analyst. After working at OLOL, she completed the LANO Community Leaders program. She then worked for Capital Area United Way, where she found her passion for non-profit work.

    Denise has always had a desire to help others. At Hope, Denise has found a way to put her skills to work as a program specialist for The Way to Work team.

    A member of First United Methodist Church, Denise has served on the Children’s Council and taught first grade Sunday School, and has volunteered for many other events. She and her husband of 11 years, Andy, and children Sammy and Amelia are active members in their church, Sunday school and Bible Study classes. She enjoys reading, baking, volunteer work, and road trips with her family.

  • PANTRY COORDINATOR

    Rose was born, raised and educated in East Baton Rouge. She was one of ten children in a family who served others. She is from a long line of pastors. Her father was a construction worker and her mother was an educator.

    Rose and her husband have been together for over 20 years. They have four children between them, but her seven grandchildren are truly the light of her life!

    Rose is a people person and she loves doing crafts. But, if you really want to pull on her heart strings, she has an especially soft spot for children and the elderly. This love serves her well as she encourages and serves the clients in HOPE's Client Choice Food Pantry.

    Rose worships at International Faith Assembly.

  • EDUCATION SPECIALIST

    James Oliver served Honorably in the US Navy as a fire fighter and rescue responder. After his military discharge, he returned to school to obtain his license as an ordained minister. Eventually, he earned his degree in Christian Counseling at Jacksonville Theology Seminary where he graduated with honors as Salutatorian. Drawing on his passion for all God’s people and his experiences in the military, James worked with the Louisiana Workforce Commission as a Disabled Veteran Outreach Program specialist. He assisted veterans in becoming employment ready by helping them set and achieve goals for the workforce. James saw the opportunity to assist the larger community and joined The Salvation Army where he served as a “Pathway of Hope“ Case Management specialist. He regularly assisted clients with social service needs such as “Power to care”, disaster relief, and food boxes. James brings to HOPE his extensive experience in Case Management and his deep desire to help people set and achieve their goals. He has 4 children, 10 grandchildren, and his awesome dog Maxx.

  • CAREER COACH AND TRAINER

    Lisa grew up in Lettsworth, LA, and graduated from Avoyelles High School. After high school, she attended Louisiana Technical College and earned a degree in Office Systems Technology. Her career began at a therapy facility as a regional coordinator. She was passionate about seeing residents improve to the point of returning home to their families. Her position required a lot of travel that led to time away from her family. After ten years, Lisa chose to take a step back to be there for her two active children. This led to more travel, but to ballparks and cheer practice. During this time, Lisa was a part-time office manager for a company, improving their efficiency and handling much of their human resource and financial logistics.

    Lisa began her career at HOPE ministries to spread kindness by giving back to the community and serving those in need. She believes that kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.

    Lisa and her two children are active members of Christ the King Catholic Church. In her spare time, She enjoys being outside, chasing sunsets, listening to music, and being with family and friends.

  • INTAKE COORDINATOR

    Elizabeth Parrish is a military “brat” that grew up in Kentucky and Tennessee. She has an Associate Degree in Medical Office and a Certificate of Pharmacology. With these accomplishments, she was given the opportunity to work in many areas.

    She began her career as a secretary in the construction industry. Moving to Virginia in 1983, she became the Administrative Assistant to the Commander of the Navy Exchange where she also managed the sporting goods department and was Lead Cashier. After 10 years she moved back to Tennessee where she worked at The Parrish Care Home.

    In 1995, while working at UT, she went into business for herself creating ETC., a secretarial service for small businesses that did not have a support staff. She and her husband became volunteers for St. Jude. It became a passion and the nonprofit world became a new vision. She went to work for Mid-South Food Bank, a nonprofit, and it was there she found her calling. She enjoyed working with the volunteers, attending fundraisers and food drives. Being able to help someone with basic needs, whether it be food, clothing or shelter, she is committed to the cause.

    Widowed, she moved to Zachary in 2014. She spent the next 4 years settling into her new homestead. She is a member of Redwood Baptist Church where she sits on the Deaconess Board as the Secretary, and is the Treasurer of the Sunday School. In July 2018 she was hired to work at HOPE. She truly enjoys her job and it’s mission. Her co-workers are compassionate, God fearing people. Working with them is truly a joy.

  • COMMUNITY PROGRAM MANAGER

    Bernell Smith Is from Brusly, LA where he graduated from Brusly high school. He received a degree in Ministry from Louisiana College. Bernell is an ordained minister and has served in both associate and youth pastor positions. He has over sixteen years of experience in the trucking industry, including running his own small business as an owner-operator. Bernell has experience in many outreach ministries including homeless outreach and as part of the Baptist Retreat Center advisory board. He loves counseling and teaching the Bible as well as life and career development skills. Bernell and his wife have been married since 2004. They have three boys who are very active in sports and a dog, Trinity, who is active in getting everything she wants.

  • FINANCIAL COACH & PROGRAM SUPPORT ADMINISTRATOR

    Jonquil is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana where she graduated from Bonnabel High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans. She grew up as a member of the Living Faith Christian Fellowship in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her journey to HOPE Ministries began after an almost eight-year stint in the retail industry as an operations manager, cashier, store manager, and pharmacy technician. This experience in the “real world” gives Jonquil additional perspective as she helps clients improve their employment opportunities. Jonquil’s deep desire to help others succeed brought her to HOPE Ministries. Her role as a Career Coach allows her to follow her calling. She loves to motivate her clients and keep them inspired by teaching them to fight through life’s challenges. When not at work, Jonquil likes to travel and go on walks with her newly adopted rescue dog, Kash. She also likes cooking, spending time with family, and visiting history and art museums.

  • CAREER COACH AND TRAINER

    Chandra Thomas is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She attended Southern University A&M College and University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. Upon graduating, she accepted a position as a middle school teacher in Garland, TX, where she taught Social Studies, Texas History, and Theatre Arts. During this time, she also chaired the school’s multicultural program and oversaw the yearbook class.

    After six years in education, Chandra decided to come home to Louisiana and enter the Master’s degree program at her beloved Southern University. She completed the MPA (Masters of Public Administration) program and accepted a position with the Department of Health and Hospitals' Tobacco Control Program. As a program monitor, her role included working with community partners to educate youth on the dangers of tobacco and smoking. After being employed with the DHH for a number of years, she was offered a position with the Louisiana Workforce Commission as Program Manager for the LaJET(Louisiana Job Employment and Training) program. While being employed at LWC, she obtained her second Master’s degree in Organizational Management with a Specialization in Leadership.

    In 2013 she checked off a bucket list item by relocating to Washington, D.C. Having a love for the east coast, she felt that she had found her new home. However, she soon made the bittersweet move home to attend to her Louisiana family.

    Chandra never meets a stranger and has a true passion for helping others. Her hobbies include cooking, reading, writing, and collecting journals/kitchen gadgets. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Chandra recently joined The Way to Work Team as a Success Coach. Growing up in North Baton Rouge, she has a true desire to make a difference while helping those in need.

  • PROGRAM SUPPORT SPECIALIST

    Sam Wagner was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He received a degree in General Business from LSU. Before LSU, he attended Catholic High School where he sang in the choir and played on the Ultimate Frisbee Team. While at Catholic High, Sam won two state championships in Ultimate Frisbee that led to National Tournament visits. Sam started as a volunteer and, after working the Test Kitchen grand opening in May of 2021, he fell in love with HOPE. Sam always wanted to work for a non-profit and hopes to one day run one. Sam enjoys listening to different kinds of music and he likes collecting Vinyls. When not at work, Sam likes to hang out with friends, go fishing, and build wristwatches. He attributes his passion for serving others to his strong faith and the many life lessons he has learned. Sam believes that having a great attitude is the first step to being happy and successful.