our team

Chief Executive Officer

After 25 years of Vocational Ministry, Management, Leadership and Coaching Heather found herself searching for her dream job. When the position of CEO-Executive Director became available at Mission Hope, she read the job description and knew it was the perfect fit. It was as if what they had spelled out was tailor made just for her. She brings a wealth of experience, energy, wisdom, passion and a vast network to her new role. Those that know Heather best describe her as a pioneer, visionary, bondage breaker, justice-slinger, bold leader, radically authentic, joy carrier who loves Jesus and ALL people with fierce loyalty. She is detail oriented, financially savvy, extremely relational with WOO and Strategy at the top of her strengthsfinder gifts. Heather has a heart for those in the wilderness, a passion to bring freedom to those who are bound, a bent toward fighting for the marginalized to bring justice and a zeal for living life to the fullest! In her free time you may find Heather traveling with soul friends, singing karaoke, playing poker or listening to a true crime podcast. She also loves speaking engagements, the beach, writing, reading and spending as much time as she can with her incredibly talented, vivacious, full of adventure son and daughter (even if it’s just playing taxi mom during these years!). She has lived in Murrieta since 2012 and is honored to fight against food and housing insecurity alongside the incredible support of her Staff, Volunteers, Donors and this amazing community she calls home.

Director of Programs

Allison is passionate about protecting human rights and dignity for all people. She has been advocating for our neighbors without homes and those who face food insecurity for over a decade through her work at Mission Hope and is excited about the future of the MH organization. As an advisor for the Women in Leadership program at University of California, Riverside she is especially excited to be working with the women at our Empowerment Village program. Her joy is parenting two rowdy teenagers and spending time in the great outdoors with her husband of 20 years.

Development Director

Kristi is a respected nonprofit leader in the Temecula Valley, with over a decade of experience in program development and fundraising. She has supported nonprofits across California by providing essential resources and guidance, while deepening her understanding of how regional differences impact community needs. As Development Director at Rancho Damacitas (now known as Mission Hope), Kristi significantly increased fundraising revenue, and later, at Oak Grove Center, she developed innovative campaigns that boosted revenue despite the challenges of the pandemic.

Returning to Mission Hope, Kristi’s expertise, strategic vision, and deep community knowledge make her an invaluable asset in driving the organization’s mission to support vulnerable populations in the Temecula Valley.tion goes here

Occupational Therapist

Kelcey is our Wellness advocate providing 1:1 sessions to our clients and teaching classes for our program. She has a background in working with mental health through occupational therapy, and completed her residency with Mission Hope to finish her doctorate. She currently teaches at Biola University and provides early intervention for Sunny Days. A native of Temecula, she loves pouring back into the community that poured so much into her. Her favorite things are spending time with dogs and her family, visiting the zoo or mountains, and kayaking.

Hope Family Housing Program Manager

Robert is our Hope Family Housing Program Manager. He manages our housing program and works closely with the families in the program to help them develop skills and gain stability with the goal of self sufficiency. Robert has many years of experience working with families and assisting them to overcome challenges in order to improve their lives and contribute to their community. Robert has lived in the Temecula area for more than 25 years and is committed to helping families in need. Robert has a strong belief in the dignity and value of the individual and a strong conviction that hope will lead you to growth.

Empowerment Village Client Advocate

Lisa is the lead empowerment advocate at our Empowerment Village campus where she partners with single mothers and their families to develop skills that support them to obtain stability and independence on their life journeys. With many years of experience she believes deeply in our vision for single mothers and their children. Lisa is committed to her faith and passionate about social service work. She has lived in the area with her family for over 12 years and as a mother of 5, is dedicated to empowering mothers and supporting them on their journeys.

Empowerment Village Program Manager

Kelly is our program manager and assists in promoting the management of programming and operations of village life, focusing on resident support and mentoring, community life, teaching, and campus administrative operations. An original east coast girl, she has been here for over 20 years and is empty nesting and enjoying eleven grandchildren. Her goal here is to encourage women to walk in all of the power and gifts they’ve been given by God, enabling them to be well equipped as parents and uniquely strong and beautiful humans.

Office Manager

Nicki manages all aspects of front office operations,oversees the volunteer reception program, coordinates community food drives and assists with help as needed with other projects. She comes with many years of managerial experience, both in a corporate setting as well as opening and managing her own business. She’s always had a passion for helping people and hopes to use her skills along with that passion to continue the growth of our organization.

Hope Food Pantry Manager

Michael manages receiving and distribution of over 10,000 pounds of food each week working with grocery partners and managing 50+ volunteers. Originally from Florida, he has been in California since 1981 where he was stationed at Camp Pendleton in the Marines. A father of 5, his wife Yvette volunteers at our Hope Resource Center. Michael says he was literally given this position by God to feed His people, and is so happy to do just that, to be a part of this wonderful organization.

Hope Resource Center Client Advocate Coordinator

Lily is the Client Advocate Coordinator for our Hope Resource Center. As a longtime volunteer case manager, Lily gained a vast knowledge of local and county resources. She helps assess a client’s situation and recommend community resources, as well as advocating for clients when there is a need for financial assistance. Lily has been helping clients navigate through the Section 8 HUD housing process and help with referrals to other housing services in Southwest Riverside County.

Lily has lived in the Temecula-Murrieta area for more than 20 years and is passionate about social work as well as spiritual support.

Hope Food Pantry Delivery Driver

Brandon Lundberg is the driver for our Hope food pantry. He volunteered with our Outreach Farm Project for over a year before coming on staff. Brandon is responsible for delivering thousands of pounds of food each week to our pantry and to our partner pantries in the valley as well as training our new volunteers. He is from Murrieta and graduated from Calvary Chapel Christian High school. His goal in life is to serve God by helping others. He loves to garden and be outdoors.

Administrative Assistant

Patti has been in leadership and management positions for over 30 years and comes to Mission Hope with a background in children’s and women’s ministry, corporate administration, school administration and food pantry management.

She has a passion for serving and helping others to see their purpose and potential. Patti is looking forward serving wherever needed with all of her heart.

Her favorite things are spending time with her beautiful family and friends, going to the beach and playing in the backyard.