EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sue Thiers Hesseltine joined Our Friends Place as the Executive Director on April 4, 1994. Sue is responsible for all aspects of the agency and reports to the Board of Directors. Sue has spent many years working directly with adolescents in capacities ranging from therapeutic camping to parenting and pregnancy teen programs to inner city youth programs. Sue's education includes a Master of Education from the University of North Texas, Denton, 1995, and a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Minnesota, 1982.

OFFICE MANAGER

Elaine Logan joined Our Friends Place as the Executive Assistant on March 15, 2018. Bringing more than 25 years of logistical support from corporate and non-profit environments, she is responsible for administration and office management. In addition to Elaine’s professional success she has acted as a mentor to young women in vulnerable situations for the past 16 years.

CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER

Nicole Price joined Our Friends Place as a Transitional Living Center Site Manager on June 26, 2017. As the Residential Program Director, Nicole leads for the overall implementation and oversight of all aspects of Our Friends Place Transitional Living Centers and TLC programs. Previously, Nicole was a Reentry Program Manager working with homeless and previously incarcerated populations in Washington, DC. She also has a background working with the criminal justice system. Nicole earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Grand Valley State University in 2008 and a MS in Forensic Psychology from Walden University in 2012. Nicole has years of experience working with under-served and at-risk populations.

NON-RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Marina Dewberry joined Our Friends Place as a SOAR Specialist on December 10, 2018. In this position, she is responsible for the non-residential outreach program, SOAR to Success. Marina holds a Bachelor degree in Social Work from the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor and a Master of Science degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is a licensed Master Social Worker and has years of experience working with at-risk and homeless children, youth and young adults in both Dallas and Collin Counties.

BEAZLEY HOUSE TLC SITE MANAGER

Janaye Easter joined Our Friends Place as a Transitional Living Center (TLC) Site Manager on February 12, 2018. She is responsible for all aspects of Beazley House Transitional Living Center. Janaye has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of North Texas and a Masters of Education in Education Administration from the University of Phoenix. Janaye has eight years experience as a middle school teacher and spent time as a counselor at a residential treatment center. Throughout her career she has mentored young women.

PAULINE’S PLACE TLC SITE MANAGER

LaCresha Van joined Our Friends Place as a Transitional Living Center (TLC) Site Manager on February 12 2019. She is responsible for all aspects of Pauline’s Place Transitional Living Center. LaCresha has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington. LaCresha spent several years working with at-risk youth in the juvenile justice department and has spent time as a case manager working with survivors of domestic violence.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Joy Adegbola joined Our Friends Place as the Community Engagement Specialist on July 26, 2021. In this position, she is responsible for working closely with volunteers, donors, events, and marketing. Joy earned a bachelor’s degree in political sciene from the University of North Texas. She has worked with at-risk youth through various non-profit agencies for several years. Through her experience, she has been able to make a positive difference in her community.