About Us

For over 25 years, Kathy Johnson has worked to advocate on behalf of people who are marginalized and often misunderstood. She had a 20-year distinguished career at InterAct in Raleigh, where she served in multiple roles, including two stints as Interim Executive Director. Prior to joining Oak City Cares, she served as Executive Director for Pendleton Place, a foster care agency in Greenville, SC. In her experience at both InterAct and Pendleton Place, Kathy was involved with building and maintaining multi-service, multi-agency collaborative partnerships which is critical to the success of Oak City Cares.  Kathy received the Triangle Business Journal Award for Women in Business in 2021, in recognition of her leadership at Oak City Cares.

Seaira brings years of experience not just in this community, but specifically in homelessness and housing services. Many know her for her years of experience at Triangle Family Services where she first served as an Emergency Housing Case Manager, then as the Homeless Engagement Program Manager, the Director for Financial Stability, and most recently as the Chief Program Officer. Seaira has directed and managed street outreach programs and rapid rehousing programs within homeless services in Wake County. She’s also been very active in the Wake County Continuum of Care.

Seaira has experience as a shelter manager, emergency shelter lead, and assertive engagement program coordinator at Housing for New Hope (in Durham), Devereux Residential Services, and Urban Ministries of Durham.

Tosheria Brown, previously the Program Coordinator for the Oak City Outreach Center since its opening in 2014, is now the Director of Partnerships and Partner Services at Oak City Cares. Prior to her current work in the nonprofit field, Tosheria worked in the for-profit sector for over 15 years where she developed her skills in customer service, project management, and relationship building. Tosheria has a Master’s Degree in Social Work and a true desire for serving our friends experiencing homelessness and other levels of transition. She sees the humanity in each person she encounters and has a compassion that allows her to exemplify a caring, empathetic, and nonjudgmental spirit.

David joined Oak City Cares after two years working in university campus ministry. He attended Appalachian State University where he majored in communication. Through his classes and volunteering with his campus ministry, Reformed University Fellowship, he was deeply engrained in learning about poverty from rural to urban contexts and meaningful, legitimately helpful ways to help neighbors who experience poverty. He is particularly indebted to the staff and patrons of HOPE for the Inner City in Chattanooga, TN for giving him the passion and experience which inspired him to come on staff with Oak City Cares. In this role David oversees fundraising and communication activities for the organization. In his free time, David enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, yoga, watching Durham Bulls games, interior design, and gardening.

Terri brings a background in finance and HR operations, grant management, and program coordination across mission-driven organizations and for-profit businesses. She has managed federally funded programs, supported board and executive initiatives, and designed systems that improve efficiency, accountability, and team effectiveness. Terri takes a practical, people-centered approach to operations, strengthening organizational infrastructure so the team can focus on meaningful impact and care for the community.

Raleigh native, Tamika Bunch has more than 10 years of background and a Degree in Healthcare and Business Administration. Tamika’s leadership journey has been marked by inpatient mental health and community engagement within the private sector. In her role, she serves as support to the Executive Director, ensuring the organization’s mission is upheld. In her free time, she finds joy in traveling, delving into DIY projects, teaching Zumba, or experimenting in the kitchen. Tamika is a member of Delta Sigma Theta and Kappa Delta Theta Sororities, Inc. Tamika cherishes the familial atmosphere where colleagues aren’t just coworkers but trusted allies. Camaraderie and mutual support is what sets her workplace apart, making every day fulfilling and meaningful. Tamika’s social butterfly nature brings joy and laughter to the office. Her mantra—”Everybody needs help, why not be in the position to offer it?”— helps others become the best versions of themselves.

Joseph joined Oak City Cares after nearly two years of working at the SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals. His experience at the Family House led him to his passion: working with volunteers and his community. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a double major in Political Science and Human Development and Family Sciences. Outside of school, Joseph enjoys exploring the world, hiking, stargazing and dabbles in photography.

Elaina Woodlief is a communications professional passionate about using strategic storytelling to drive impact and connections. She has experience in digital communications, data analysis, and content creation through her work with National Student Clearinghouse and Emerald Education. Elaina found her passion for helping others through storytelling while attending Appalachian State University, and attained her M.A. in Media and Strategic Communication at The George Washington University. With a background in public relations and nonprofit engagement, she enjoys developing thoughtful, clear messaging that supports organizational goals and strengthens community relationships. 

Kenyetta Boone joins the Oak City Cares team as a SOAR Specialist (SSI/SSDI, Outreach, Access, Recovery). In this role, she aims to remove the burden of navigating the disability benefits application process, from individuals who may be experiencing homelessness. Prior to joining Oak City Cares, Kenyetta worked as a Disability Examiner with Disability Determination Services. Having 12 years of experience processing disability claims for the State of North Carolina, she brings a wealth of knowledge about the Social Security Administration program and looks forward to helping others manage this complex application process. Understanding the detailed criteria required for someone to get approved for disability benefits, Kenyetta strives to do everything possible to help our guests, who meet that criteria, secure their benefits as quickly as possible. She is happy to serve as an advocate for our guests with chronic disabilities.

Annie Martin, a dedicated Care Coordinator at OCC, has 40 years of passionate community service. Her journey began assisting her mother at a food bank in her twenties in Colorado, where she also raised her daughter amid her community involvement. Transitioning to Oregon, Annie managed local warming centers and contributed to housing unsheltered individuals before assuming her current role. At OCC, she listens compassionately to individuals’ stories, expertly connecting them with essential resources. Beyond work, Annie treasures time with her grandchildren and daughter, enjoying reading, and listening to music. Annie enjoys working with her team, which she says “are some of the best people”. Recognized for her spirited personality and distinctive mohawk, Annie uplifts others with her openness and empathy.

Dawn McCullough, our Care Coordinator at Oak City Cares, has over 15 years of dedicated service to the nonprofit sector, specifically in working with unhoused individuals. Her journey began with a profound realization of the prevalence of homeless families within her own church community. What started as a desire to assist fellow church members quickly evolved into a career devoted to supporting vulnerable populations. She has received training in mental health, substance abuse, and behavioral health. Dawn truly enjoys facilitating the move for someone to their first permanent home, helping them reach a state of stability and dignity. She values the sense of community and teamwork at Oak City Cares and outside of work, delights in music, walks, and spending time with her family. Dawn’s bubbly persona creates a welcoming environment for guests, staff, and volunteers to enjoy their time at Oak City Cares.

Since earning her Masters in Social Work in 2015, Cotina Smith has served vulnerable populations, drawing inspiration from her own family members who struggled with mental illness. With a background in therapy, case management, and substance abuse counseling, Cotina brings a wealth of experience to her role. She finds a sense of fulfillment when witnessing the victories of the individuals she serves. “I want to be a part of someone’s improvement, not their demise which is why I will make sure to give it my all”.  Cotina is an avid outdoors enthusiast, cherishing the opportunity for solitude/reflection. At the heart of it all, she is guided by her dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others. Reflecting on her experiences, Cotina finds joy in the simple act of bringing happiness to others, amidst the challenges of her work it serves as a constant reminder of the significance of her efforts. For Cotina it’s not just a job—it’s a heartfelt calling.

Rick Godette lives his life by the motto, “One positive thought in the morning can change our whole day.” Rick has a heart for caring for people in need. Prior to joining the Oak City Cares team, Rick held many roles in fellowship and outreach at his church, St. John’s Metropolitan Community Church. Through St. John’s MCC, Rick currently provides a hot meal in Moore Square for Raleigh’s homeless population Tuesday through Thursday, and he previously started the food pantry for families in need. Rick is excited to continue caring for our friends experiencing homelessness at Oak City Cares and to remind everyone that there are brighter days ahead. In his spare time, you can find Rick working in the yard and tending to his plants.

Devan Grissom serves as a Basic Needs Assistant, dedicated to facilitating showers and embodying the spirit of radical hospitality at Oak City Cares. With a background rooted in volunteer work at St. John’s MCC, Devan discovered a passion for giving back to the community early on. In addition to ensuring guests’ comfort and familiarity by personalizing their experiences based on individual preferences and names, Devan enjoys learning from various departments. Outside of work, Devan enjoys staying active through workouts and unwinding with television, finding balance between personal interests and professional commitments. Devan’s dedication to service and eagerness to make a difference resonate deeply with the core values of Oak City Cares, making a significant impact within the community.