Our Team

Alexis Kelley (she/her)

Clinical Consultant

Alexis Kelley is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) originally from a small suburb in Northern California. Alexis received her Master’s in Social Welfare from UCLA and has spent her eight-year career servicing under-resourced, minority communities by providing behavioral health support and treatment. Her personal mission is to reduce mental health stigma in the African American community and help the disenfranchised to reclaim their power. In her free time, you can find Alexis and her partner exploring local dog parks and playing fetch with their mini poodles, Mayson and Zozo.

Ansley Gerhard (she/her)

PSH Case Manager

Ansley is a passionate Case Manager with a background in substance abuse and harm reduction. She started her career in Washington State, where she became an advocate for the Housing First model after witnessing first hand how the lack of housing can be a barrier to recovery. Since 2023, Ansley has worked on PSH in Washington, DC, assisting her clients with obtaining and maintaining housing. She loves watching her clients take the first steps towards stability as a result of having safe, affordable, dignified housing. In addition to her work in homelessness, Ansley has a lengthy history of volunteer work in the LGBTQIA+ community and political activism. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a minor in Public Health from Central Washington University. Ansley lives in Southern Maryland with her husband Peter and their two beloved dogs, Cookie and Leia, and balances her professional life with her passions for reading, knitting, embroidering, and traveling.

Ashton Riegler (he/him)

PSH Case Manager

Ashton is a dedicated Case Manager with experience in youth support, homelessness prevention, and LGBTQI+ advocacy. In addition to DC, Ashton has worked in New Jersey and New York helping families, youth, and the LGBTQI+ population achieve safety and stability through housing and supportive services. Ashton also supported K-12 schools across four counties in the Hudson Valley, where he worked with community members, staff, and students to develop and implement resources and curriculums centered around diversity, equity, and inclusion. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work and a Paralegal Certificate from Marist College in New York State. Ashton's personal identity as a queer trans-man significantly shapes his perspective and approach to his work. His experiences fuel his dedication to creating inclusive environments and advocating for policy and cultural changes. In his free time, Ashton dreams of traveling the world with his fiancé.

Chapman Todd (he/him)

Principal / Director of Special Projects

Chapman has 35 years of experience working on homelessness and housing issues in the Washington, DC area. A graduate of Connecticut College and the George Washington University Law School, Chapman brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role at Jaydot and the larger DC affordable housing community. He contributes to shaping housing policies and initiatives in the District as a Board Member of CNHED (Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development) and holds an appointed position on the District's Housing Production Trust Fund (HPTF) Advisory Board. While much of his work is macro-focused, Chapman’s passion lies in connecting with the community on a personal level.

Jackie Vela (she/her)

PSH Case Manager

Jackie started as Jaydot’s Resident Engagement Coordinator before transitioning to a PSH Case Manager. Her favorite part of her job is interacting with clients face-to-face on their good days, bad days, and all the days in between. Jackie is committed to being a key connector within their care team and helping clients to be the best versions of themselves. She holds a BA in Health Services and Community Health Worker Certification from Trinity Washington University and an AA in General Studies STEM from Montgomery College. As a first-generation Latina, born in El Salvador and raised in Maryland, Jackie brings a unique perspective to her work. She is the first person in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree, and is passionate about giving back to her community, including by highlighting the unique experiences of Latinos experiencing homelessness. Outside of work, Jackie enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends, and cat Frijol. 

Jacqueline Vélez Lippman (she/her)

Project Manager

As a Project Manager with Jaydot, Jacqueline manages relationships with development partners, developing collaborative project work plans and ensuring the smooth progression of affordable housing projects in Washington, DC. Her work is driven by her passion for making DC an affordable, accessible place to live, especially for those who are currently unhoused. Known for her teamwork and morale-boosting abilities, Jacqueline is a supportive presence for her colleagues as well, always ready to lend a helping hand. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Philosophy, and Justice & Peace Studies from Georgetown University. Residing in Arlington, VA with her beloved cat, Mochi, Jacqueline enjoys spending her free time in nature, brunching with friends, and spending quality time with her sister. She cherishes trips to the beach, despite the lack of nearby coastlines.

Jamiya Watford (she/her)

PSH Case Manager

Jamiya Watford has nearly a decade of experience in homeless services and affordable housing throughout Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. As a PSH Case Manager with Jaydot, she supports individuals experiencing homelessness by providing comprehensive case management services that empower her clients to achieve stable housing. Jamiya attended Allegheny College of Maryland, where she majored in Social Work with a minor in Criminal Justice. Outside of her professional life, Jamiya is a proud mother who cherishes quality time with her son and family at their home in Washington, DC. She is driven by a passion for personal growth, whether it's through fitness, discovering new restaurants from TikTok, or preparing to buy her first home.

Leah Reese (she/her)

PSH Case Manager

Leah has been a passionate advocate for people experiencing homelessness in Washington, DC since 2016. She has held various roles within housing case management, resident services, and housing navigation, and has been instrumental in leasing up multiple site-based PSH projects with Jaydot. Leah’s commitment to helping others is evident in her current role as PSH Case Manager, where she finds immense joy in witnessing the happiness of participants when they get their housing vouchers and move into their new homes. Leah holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Norfolk State University. Raised with the values of perseverance and authenticity, she strives to leave a lasting legacy that she and her family can be proud of. Leah resides in Oxon Hill, MD, with her partner, Marcus, and their furry baby, Cartier and enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family. 

Matthew Allen (he/him)

Resident Services Supervisor

Matthew brings a wide range of experience to his role as Resident Services Supervisor with Jaydot, in which he designs and implements programming at affordable housing buildings throughout DC. Since 2016, he has served a diverse population of at-risk youth and adults who live with mental health and substance use disorders, providing support as they navigate their journey to self-sufficiency. He has also assisted people facing housing challenges, most notably as a Youth Re-Housing Manager, overseeing the multi-regional youth services program for a Massachusetts based non-profit. His work is grounded in his belief that everyone is valuable and worthy of dignity and honor, regardless of their background, past traumas, or current diagnoses. Matthew has an Associates of Applied Science in Human Services from Prince George’s Community College and is pursuing a degree in Social Work. He lives in Bowie, MD, with his wife and two young children, where he finds joy in spending quality time with his family, sharing laughs, and producing music whenever he can. 

Nicole Jean, MEd (she/her)

Director of Programs

Nicole has over 18 years of experience supporting individuals and families within social services across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. She has served as a Program Director for the last 15 years, specializing in residential services, mental health, developmental disabilities, and housing. As the Director of Programs with Jaydot, Nicole leads the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) and Resident Services Programs, focusing on ensuring the housing stability and well-being of people exiting homelessness. Nicole's commitment to advocating for clients' rights and dignity is a cornerstone of her approach to management and direct service, and she relishes seeing clients’ pure joy and excitement when they finally have a home of their own. Nicole holds a Bachelor's Degree in Human Relations from Trinity University and a Master's Degree in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University. Outside of her professional life, Nicole enjoys spending quality time with her family, going on cruises, and attending her children's extracurricular activities and sporting events. She resides in Silver Spring, MD, with her husband, three sons, daughter, Midnight the dog, and Marley the spotted leopard gecko. 

Ondjo Okundji (she/her)

PSH Case Manager

Ondjo Okundji is a dedicated case manager with experience supporting people in obtaining and succeeding in employment and housing in Maryland and Washington, DC. In her current role, she collaborates with various programs to help her clients set and achieve their goals, including sustaining permanent housing and maintaining healthy living standards. She is passionate about helping others and gets great satisfaction from helping her clients succeed in housing. Ondjo has a Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Originally from Congo, Ondjo is proud of her heritage and the rich natural resources of her home country. She lives in Rockville, MD with a close friend and enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones. 

Quiana Valentine-Johnson (she/her)

PSH Case Manager Supervisor

With over 15 years of experience, Quiana has been instrumental in supporting people throughout Washington, DC and Maryland in their journey towards self-sufficiency. Her work spans areas such as housing, education, employment, medical/mental health, and substance use. In her role as Case Manager Supervisor, Quiana equips case managers with the essential tools to effectively address the diverse needs of their clients. She finds immense fulfillment in empowering individuals to enhance the quality of their lives and dreams of one day establishing a transitional home for pregnant women and children. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations from Trinity College and a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix. Beyond her professional life, Quiana cherishes time spent with her family and goes camping with her husband every chance she gets. She resides with her husband, two sons, daughter, grandson, mother, and her beloved pets, Macy the cat and Ava the dog.

Sharday Bradshaw (she/her)

PSH Case Manager

Sharday is a Washington, DC native with 14 years of experience in social services ranging from intellectual disability to mental health and homeless services. Her creativity, passion, and big heart drive her to make a meaningful impact in her community. As a PSH Case Manager, she actively contributes to helping her clients make positive changes in their lives in addition to securing permanent housing. Sharday is an active member of The National Society of Leadership and Success and is currently pursuing her Bachelor's of Science in Social Work. Outside of her professional endeavors, Sharday enjoys writing music, traveling, and spending quality time with her daughter.

Sharlene Castle (she/her)

Director of Operations

Sharlene has worked on Permanent Supportive Housing in Washington, DC since 2017. In her current role, she ensures the Jaydot team has the resources and support they need to excel in their jobs and advises various stakeholders on the production, lease-up and operation of site-based PSH. Sharlene's early observations of the systemic issues that affect frontline social service workers and their clients drives her commitment to remain connected to on-the-ground realities and foster an environment where everyone she works with feels seen, heard, and valued. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Women's Studies from San Diego State University, a Master’s in Public Administration from Cornell University and is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (China 2014-16). She is also co-chair of CNHED’s Supportive Housing Working Group and the DCHA Provider’s Group. Outside of work, Sharlene enjoys backpacking, biking around DC, and relaxing on her porch in Mount Pleasant with her cat. She is passionate about creating a more compassionate society, ending homelessness, and enjoying anything filled with cheese.

Sydney Searles (she/her)

PSH Case Manager

Sydney has worked as a Case Manager in DC since 2023. She brings an array of experience to her role, including her prior work with children in foster care group homes and families in refugee transition sites. Passionate about social justice and committed to helping unhoused populations, Sydney excels at identifying affordable housing opportunities for her clients and fostering collaboration with DC government agencies. Beyond housing, Sydney guides her clients in accessing essential employment and healthcare resources. Her favorite part of her job is seeing clients thrive once they find safe and comforting homes. Sydney earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Southern New Hampshire University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health at George Washington University. Sydney lives in Alexandria, VA, with her two dogs and aspires to become a clinical therapist and establish her own private practice. 

Want to work with us? 

We're always looking for passionate, innovative people to join our growing team. See our current openings at jaydot.breezy.hr