HOPE HARBOR
A SHELTER FROM THE STORM
Liz Mayfield
Executive Director
Liz has been a leader at Hope Harbor since joining the team in 2014, taking on the role of Executive Director in 2016. Liz holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication from Doane University and a Master of Public Administration - Nonprofit Management from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She is currently part of cohort 6 of the LeadDIVERSITY program through Inclusive Communities and is a graduate of Leadership Tomorrow, the Nonprofit Excellence Institute, and the T.E.A.M. Building Culture Executive Leadership program. Liz also holds a Certificate in Fundraising Management from UNO. Beyond her professional work, she serves on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters and mentors as a Big. Her past involvement includes serving as the Project Connect chair for seven years and serving five years on the Grand Island Community Youth Council board.
Jen Bernth
Finance Manager
Jen joined Hope Harbor in April 2015 as the Administrative Assistant and became Finance Manager in September 2022. Before this, she worked as a Payroll Coordinator for two years and spent seven years in the hospitality industry. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and a Master of Business Administration from Chadron State College. Jen previously served as treasurer for the Clean Community System Board and as secretary for the Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity Board. She is a graduate of Hall County Leadership Tomorrow (Class 34) and the T.E.A.M. Building Culture Executive Leadership program. Jen is also a member of the Ninth Judicial District Mental Health Board.
Jennifer Figueroa
Marketing Coordinator
Jennifer joined Hope Harbor in March 2020. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, where she majored in advertising and public relations and double minored in communication studies and Spanish. Her experience as an Equal Justice Corps Member for Legal Aid of Nebraska in 2016 and 2017 inspired her to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector. Jennifer is bilingual in English and Spanish and is proud of her Salvadoran American heritage. She is a graduate of Hall County Leadership Tomorrow (Class 37) and the Nonprofit Excellence Institute, the T.E.A.M. Building Culture Executive Leadership program. Jennifer is actively involved in the community, serving on the Project Connect steering committee, the Week Without Violence committee, and chairing the Can-Care-A-Van committee. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Sara Moore
Facilities Manager
Sara joined Hope Harbor in June 2017 as a Case Manager transitioned to Shelter Manager in October 2020, and became Facilities Manager in September 2022. She graduated from the University of Nebraska - Kearney with a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice and a minor in social work. Sara has worked for agencies providing behavioral health and employment services to people with disabilities. Sara currently serves as the Board President for Habitat for Humanity and is a graduate of the T.E.A.M. Building Culture Executive Leadership program. She is passionate about helping others and enhancing the quality of life for those in need. Sara is active in community fellowships and enjoys being a mom to her two daughters.
Molly Clark
Operations Manager
Molly joined Hope Harbor in January 2021 as the Housing Coordinator and became Operations Manager in September 2022. Previously, she was the Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries at Trinity United Methodist Church in Grand Island and worked as a Paraeducator in Girard, KS. Molly grew up in Doniphan and is excited to be part of the Grand Island community. She has been a member of the Parent Advisory Committee at Walnut Middle School, the Multicultural Advisory Committee and chairs the Project Connect Steering Commiittee. Molly is passionate about finding positive, sustainable solutions for community equity and growth.
Shelby Landell
Program Manager
Shelby joined Hope Harbor in July 2024. Before joining Hope Harbor, she previously worked with survivors of domestic and sexual violence at Willow Rising. Originally from Kearney, she graduated from Kearney Catholic High School and completed the Chamber of Commerce Edge program in 2023 and the Aurora Leadership Academy in 2024. Shelby is an active member of the Grand Island community, serving on the leadership team of the Grand Island Area Coalition on Human Trafficking. She moved to Grand Island in 2014 and lives with her three children. In her free time, Shelby enjoys spending time with loved ones, binge-watching shows or movies, and listening to audiobooks.
Becky Jarzynka
Case Manager
Becky joined Hope Harbor in January 2023 and is a dual employee, working both at Bass Pro in customer service and at Hope Harbor’s Emergency and Transitional Shelters, assisting residents with daily living needs. Born and raised in Grand Island, Becky has a strong background in numerical, organizational, managerial, and administrative work. She has volunteered extensively within the community and has a deep understanding of Latino and Native American cultures. As an enrolled member of the Sicangu Lakota Tribe, Becky brings unique qualities like open-mindedness, reliability, and a strong work ethic, making her a valuable asset to Hope Harbor.
Sarah Romero
Service Coordinator
Sarah joined Hope Harbor in December 2023 as our Administrative assistant and transitioned to Service Coordinator September 2024. Before joining Hope Harbor, she worked at multiple healthcare organizations. She’s continued to provide care and support for others as our Administrative Assistant. Sarah is bilingual in English and Spanish, making her an asset for our organization. She graduated from Grand Island Senior High in 2013. In her free time, Sarah enjoys photography, concerts, traveling, and being outdoors.
Jessica Esquivel
Direct Care Staff
Jessica joined Hope Harbor in October 2023. Before Hope Harbor, Jessica worked as a medical interpreter for Grand Island Clinic, a Social Worker for Head Start, and a Bilingual Para Educator for Grand Island Public Schools. She attended Central Community College for Nursing and Early Childhood Education, receiving her certification. She is married with three children and in her free time, she enjoys helping others and spending time with her friends and family.
Board of Directors
Keith Mingus, President Five Points Bank
Travis Mittan, Vice President Associated Staffing, Inc.
Dana Fries, Secretary CMS, Inc.
Brian Mustion, Treasurer Community Advocate
Marvin Andersen
Community Advocate
Lupita Ayala-Montañez
Multicultural Coalition
Cassie Casares
Hamilton Telecommunications
Laura Dexter
Community Advocate
Sandra Kraft
CNH Industrial
Natalie Lukens
Community Advocate
Kelsey Musich
Summit Real Estate
Bart Qualsett
Pinnacle Bank
Bana Stec
CHI Health