HOPE HARBOR
A SHELTER FROM THE STORM
Liz Mayfield
Executive Director
Liz joined Hope Harbor in 2014 and took on the role of Executive Director in 2016. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication from Doane University and a Master of Public Administration with a focus on Nonprofit Management from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Liz 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. She also holds a Certificate in Fundraising Management from UNO. Liz 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. In 2025, Liz was named the Inspire Woman of the Year during the Grand Island Independent and KSNB's Inspire Awards Luncheon. The award recognizes women who have demonstrated outstanding achievements, leadership, and role modeling in the community.
Jen Bernth
Assistant Director
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 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, Grand Island Community Safety Planning Team, Global Roots Festival Committee, and chairing the Can-Care-A-Van committee.
Molly Clark
Operations Manager
Molly joined Hope Harbor in January 2021 as the Housing Coordinator and became Operations Manager in September 2022. She previously served as the Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries at Trinity United Methodist Church in Grand Island and worked as a Paraeducator in Girard, Kansas. Molly grew up in Doniphan and is an active member of the Grand Island community. She has served on the Parent Advisory Committee at Walnut Middle School and the Multicultural Advisory Committee. She currently chairs the Project Connect Steering Committee and serves in leadership roles with both GI ACT and Grand Island Area Housing Coalition. In her free time, she enjoys reading and writing poetry, playing league volleyball, camping, and watching her kids grow up in to amazing adults.
Shelby Landell
Program Manager
Shelby joined Hope Harbor in July 2024. Prior to that, she worked with survivors of domestic and sexual violence at Willow Rising. She is originally from Kearney and graduated from Kearney Catholic High School. She completed the Chamber of Commerce EDGE program in 2023 and the Aurora Leadership Academy in 2024. Shelby serves 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, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, binge-watching shows or movies, and listening to audiobooks.
Becky Jarzynka
Housing Navigator
Becky joined Hope Harbor in January 2023 and also works in customer service at Bass Pro. At Hope Harbor, she supports residents in the Emergency and Transitional Shelters with daily living needs. Born and raised in Grand Island, Becky has a background in numerical, organizational, managerial, and administrative work. She has volunteered extensively in the community and has a strong understanding of Latino and Native American cultures. As an enrolled member of the Sicangu Lakota Tribe, she brings open-mindedness, reliability, and a strong work ethic to her role.
Skyler Nolan
Case Manager
Skyler joined Hope Harbor in May 2024 as an intern, later joined the Direct Care Staff team, and became a Case Manager in January 2025. She also works at Studio N Dance Center. Skyler holds an associate degree in Human Services from Central Community College. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Grace Bartling
Administrative Assistant
Grace joined Hope Harbor in September 2024. Her previous experience includes working as a Case Manager and Children’s Advocate at Friendship Home in Lincoln, a Residential Mental Health Technician at Integrated Behavioral Health Services, a RISE Specialist with AmeriCorps through Nebraska State Probation, and completing an internship in Victim Assistance. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog, listening to audiobooks, and spending time with friends and family.
Marisol Martinez
Service Coordinator
Marisol joined Hope Harbor in January 2026. She graduated from Grand Island Senior High. Prior to joining Hope Harbor, Marisol worked at Mid-Nebraska Individual Services as Direct Care Staff, supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In this role, she assisted individuals with daily activities, provided personalized care, accompanied them to appointments and community activities, and helped meet each person's unique needs. Marisol also owns a small balloon business. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Lori Enck
Direct Care Staff
Lori joined Hope Harbor in February 2025 after a 35-year career with Gordmans. She graduated from Northwest High School in Grand Island. Lori was a foster parent for many years and remains dedicated to helping others. In her free time, she enjoys being with her kids, grandkids, and dogs.
Kei Baxter
Direct Care Staff
Kei joined Hope Harbor in May 2025. She is currently attending Central Community College, where she is studying social work and mental health, an area of interest she has pursued since high school. Prior to joining Hope Harbor, Kei worked a variety of jobs and internships, with her favorites being a daycare teacher and an internship at the library. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, Class of 2024. In her free time, Kei enjoys creating art, playing video games, writing stories, and spending time with friends and family.
Shylah Ross
Direct Care Staff
Shylah joined Hope Harbor in December 2025. She graduated through homeschooling and previously worked in home health care with Home Instead. Shylah currently serves on the Central Nebraska Youth Action Board. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Samira Cuevas
Case Manager
Samira joined Hope Harbor in April 2026. She graduated from Adams Central High School in Hastings, Nebraska. In her free time, she enjoys family time and cooking.
Tricia Edwardson
Direct Care Staff
Tricia joined Hope Harbor in January 2026. She graduated from Grand Island Senior High in 1991. Outside of Hope Harbor, she works full-time at Duet Agency. She has previous experience with Adams and Hall County Child Protective Services, Epworth Village, Mid Plains Center, and SFADTC. In her free time, Tricia enjoys being outdoors with her family and close friends, as well as cooking, gardening, and reading.
Maricruz Diaz
Direct Care Staff
Maricruz joined Hope Harbor in February 2026. Prior to joining Hope Harbor, Maricruz worked at the American Red Cross for 12 years and was a subcontractor for a roofing company. In her free time, she enjoys crafts and spending time with her family.
Jenice Ware
Direct Care Staff
Jenice joined Hope Harbor in December 2025. She grew up in Aurora, Nebraska, and graduated from Aurora High School in 1998. Prior to joining Hope Harbor, Jenice worked remotely as a Peer Support Specialist on a warm line, providing non-clinical emotional support, encouragement, and mentorship to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, substance use struggles, and trauma related to domestic abuse. Jenice previously served as a junior high youth group leader at ALCC in Grand Island for three years. She spent 20 years in Hastings, Nebraska, raising her family before relocating to Doniphan, where she currently resides. In her free time, Jenice enjoys spending time with her grandson and crafting.
Board of Directors
Travis Mittan, President Associated Staffing, Inc.
Natalie Lukens, Vice President Community Advocate
Dana Fries, Secretary CMS, Inc.
Marvin Andersen, Treasurer Community Advocate
Lupita Ayala-Montañez
Multicultural Coalition
Cassie Casares
Hamilton Telecommunications
Belinda Cryer
Community Advocate
Laura Dexter
Community Advocate
Carrie Kolar
GIPS
Kelsey Musich
Summit Real Estate
Bart Qualsett
Pinnacle Bank
Abbie Roe
Community Advocate
Bana Stec
CHI Health