Leadership

Tosheria Brown, previously the Program Coordinator for the Oak City Outreach Center since its opening in 2014, is now the Director of Programs and Services at Oak City Cares. Prior to her current work in the non-profit 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.

Laura Martin has spent the last decade learning and leading in the Triangle area non-profit sector. She most recently served as the Executive Director of Dress for Success Triangle, seeking to broaden the economic opportunities available to women seeking careers. Prior to joining DFST (Dress for Success Triangle), Laura spent eight years at Raleigh-based, StepUp Ministry. Laura has a strong commitment to local workforce development efforts and specifically to better economic access and opportunity for all.

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.

Amanda Rapant joins the Oak City Cares team with over 5 years experience in the non-profit industry. Amanda has a background in non-profit operations and development. She also brings writing and editing skills to her Development and Communications role at Oak City Cares. Amanda is originally from upstate New York, but has lived in North Carolina for the last 5 years. In her free time, Amanda enjoys hiking with her husband and rescue dog, attempting to garden, reading, baking and volunteering at a local dog rescue.

Katrina Pareja is excited to make compassion a career in her role as the Coordinated Entry Support Specialist. Katrina previously worked at the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, and she currently serves on the Young Nonprofit Professional Network of the Triangle NC Board of Directors as Administrator. Born and raised in Charlotte, Katrina has called Raleigh home for over 10 years. Katrina earned a BA in Sociology with a minor in Nonprofit Studies at NC State University.

Oak City Cares welcomes Otis Whitaker to the team as our Basic Needs Services Coordinator. Otis first became involved with Oak City Cares as a dedicated volunteer, and now is on the OCC team full-time. Otis finds joy in helping people and seeing them develop and achieve their goals, all while making someone smile or laugh. He will ensure a smooth and fair process is experienced by all and hopes to always be a lending hand to neighbors in need.

Emily Tingen was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. Emily earned her BSW from University of North Carolina Wilmington, and is currently working towards obtaining her MSW from University of North Carolina State. Throughout the last two years she has devoted her time working towards assisting individuals experiencing homelessness or on the verge of homelessness. She strives to be a vehicle for change for individuals she serves in the community through her advocacy for individuals facing oppression and discrimination.

Darrell Cox joins the Oak City Cares team after serving as the Grant Writer Associate at Catholic Charities for two and a half years. Darrell is no stranger to the nonprofit world. He has worked for several organizations as the Executive Director or Program Director, including the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul, a multi-service facility for homeless individuals and families in poverty. He supports Oak City Cares as the Grant Writer.

Cynthia Gattis is the SOAR Specialist here at Oak City Cares where she will be helping guests navigate through the disability programs run by the Social Security Administration.  She has over 20 years of experience with disability programs here in North Carolina.  As a lifelong resident of North Carolina, her local roots run deep.

Marie Brady joins the Oak City Cares team with a diverse skill set and over 30 years of professional experience. With prior roles in the retail, banking, pharmaceutical, and multi-family housing industry, Marie brings her expertise to the team as the Finance and Operations Coordinator. Marie is recently retired and is looking forward to giving back to the community through her role at Oak City Cares. Originally from Pittsburgh, Marie has called North Carolina home for 22 years.

Kitty Banks has always seen food as a way to bring people together, or in her words, minister to people’s souls. Prior to joining the Oak City Cares team, Kitty worked at Inter-Faith Food Shuttle for over 17 years where she held several roles, including Catering Kitchen Manager. With over 19 years of nonprofit experience in the Triangle area and over 30 years of experience in the food industry, Kitty brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Oak City Cares as the Weekend Meals Coordinator and Coordinated Entry Support Specialist.

Betsy Baker’s passion is connecting and creating positive relationships with the guests and volunteers of Oak City Cares. After graduating with a BA in Social Work and working in South Carolina for 15 years, Betsy is delighted to bring her compassion and talent back to the Triangle area.

Andrea Thompson, Weekend Meals Assistant

Craig Canteen, Basic Needs Services Assistant

Greta Johnson, Weekend Meals Assistant

Tiffoney Hayes, Weekend Meals Assistant

Stacie Patterson, Weekend Meals Assistant