Susan Gunter is the Principal/Owner of Gunter Group, Inc. – a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and organizational design for small to mid-size organizations in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Susan has served on the Board since 2020 and enjoys working as part of a dynamic team to forward the mission of Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness.

Kim Rohm is an Assistant Vice President at Gatehouse Management, Inc., an industry leader in the development and management of affordable apartment communities. She earned a Graduate Certificate from Northeastern University in Project Management, a Bachelor of Music in voice performance from the University of Rhode Island, and studied voice at Boston University and New England Conservatory’s Extension Division. A passionate public-school advocate, she was a member of the East Side Public Education Coalition, the Providence Parent Advisory Council, and has served on the leadership team of the PTOs of her children’s elementary, middle and public schools. She looks forward to working with the Board as it works with the Coalition and its partners to end homelessness.

As Chief Financial Officer, John Dibari oversees all financial activities at the Escher Group, including strategic financial planning, funding initiatives, risk management, financial strategy and analysis, auditing, and financial reporting. A seasoned financial executive who has worked across multiple industries, John is also responsible for streaming business processes, strengthening company culture, and implementing Escher’s strategic vision.

Before joining Escher, John held leadership positions in closely held and private equity-backed companies. He has a proven track record of increasing shareholder value, successfully acquiring and integrating organizations, developing high-performing teams, and building world-class financial business processes. John holds an MBA from Babson F.W. Olin School of Business and a BA from Hobart College.

Wilma Smith is a dauntless community leader. Wilma’s passion to create a brighter future for those who live in her community stems from own personal experiences Wilma spent the majority of her childhood in the foster care system and had her first child at age 15 after aging out of the system at age 18 into homelessness. Wilma’s life experiences fuel her tireless work to create a world where everyone has access to safe and healthy housing. Wilma has previously worked as a CNA case manager, a residential counselor and has worked towards obtaining her Bachelors degree in social work. Wilma serves on the board of Pawtucket Central Falls Development where she advises on plans for affordable housing development. Wilma turns her passion for increasing access to safe and healthy housing into action with the Health Equity Zone. After being trained by HousingWorks Rhode Island as a HEZ Housing Ambassador, Wilma went on to organize a “Save the Block Party '' Housing Resource Fair at the Pawtucket Family YMCA. Wilma reached out to invite public officials to speak and over 12 community organizations to provide free housing services to Pawtucket & Central Falls residents. Beyond spearheading this community housing event, Wilma provides education and outreach to community members on housing resources such as-the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) at food pantries, schools, and social service organizations. She works hand in hand with HEZ leads, PCFD and City leaders to examine avenues to advance policies to encourage the production of quality affordable housing She uses her personal testimony to be a voice of change and educate on the stereotypes and misconceptions associated with homelessness. Wilma was most recently awarded the Health Care Heroes Award from PBN for her efforts as a community volunteer and contribution as part of the HEZ .

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Wendy is a community leader with the RI Organizing Project (RIOP) on transportation issues. She has worked with RIOP to save the No Fare Bus Pass and improve conditions at Kennedy Plaza. Wendy is a peer-to-peer counselor and is a regular speaker on “Breaking misconceptions about homelessness.” She shares her story about homelessness to churches, community groups and schools. Wendy is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Providence Community Health Centers. She is also a member of the state of Rhode Island Implementation Council for dual eligible Medicare & Medicaid recipients and the Neighborhood Health Plan Member Advisory Board. Wendy provides input and advice on both the progress and continuing issues facing the homeless community. She has performed community outreach in the homeless community for the constituent advisory committee. Wendy works with the 134 Collaborative in Providence to provide peer- to- peer support for community residents at the Friday Community Meal for Better Lives RI. She also provides information on social services and programs available in Providence County.

A native of Pasadena, CA, Jeremy has served as the Executive Minister of the Rhode Island State Council of Churches since 2023. Prior to his work at the Council, he was the Senior Associate for Education and Formation and Children, Youth, and Families at All Saints Episcopal Church, Pasadena.

His commitment to a love-based Christian faith is grounded in the theological truth that God includes all and that God's creative activity is reflected in the diversity of creation itself.

Jeremy is also a member of the philosophy faculty at Bridgewater State University — his academic interests are both theological and philosophical, and he is particularly concerned with the defense of democratic systems and the separation of church and state.

Christian Miller (he/him) has served as Chief Implementation Aide to the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, & Families for approx. 2-years. Prior to this, Christian served for roughly a decade in the non-profit sector of human services. Christian brings with him experience in homeless youth outreach, training & educational advocacy, policy reform, and has engaged in various social justice initiatives and community actions throughout Rhode Island. Presently, Christian dedicates some of his time to the City of Providence where he has served as Vice chair of the Juvenile Hearing Board for 3 non-consecutive years. Christian also possesses firsthand direct knowledge as a lived expert, with nearly 20 years of experience in foster care and historical challenges of his own with housing stability.

Christine West, AIA, is a Principal/Owner at KITE Architects, an industry leader in designing supportive housing for people who have experienced homelessness. Christine is deeply engaged in civic volunteerism and has served on the Providence City Plan Commission, Providence Building Board of Review, The Providence Foundation, and the Providence Revolving Fund. Through these seats she has directed conversations about planning policy to increase housing supply, and how resourceful thinking about design can benefit the entire community.

Patrick is a Postdoctoral fellow at Boston University’s Business School and a Teaching Fellow at Harvard University. His research and teaching experience centers on the Economics of Housing and Homelessness.

Tyesha West brings a rich blend of personal experience and professional dedication to her role as a board member of the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness. Her previous involvement with Durham Public Schools and their DINE program in North Carolina highlights her commitment to practical community health solutions. Through her Nutrition Matters coaching program, Tyesha has empowered children and families to understand the impact of nutritional choices on cognitive behavior, fostering healthier communities from a young age.

Tyesha is currently enhancing her expertise by pursuing a master’s degree in Global Inclusion and Social Development at UMass Boston. This academic pursuit deepens her understanding of the complex issues surrounding homelessness and social equity.

With a personal connection to the homeless community and a professional background that includes initiatives for equity in urban education and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in workplace culture, Tyesha is driven to make impactful changes. Her collaborative spirit and dedication to social justice fuel her commitment to the Coalition’s mission to end homelessness and promote a more equitable, inclusive society.

Neville Bedford is a dedicated attorney-at-law with a steadfast commitment to serving his community. Since 2003, Neville has practiced law in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, specializing in family law. Over the years, his focus has evolved to concentrate on advocating for children in care, juveniles, and young adults.

Throughout his career, Neville's dedication to assisting those in need has been unwavering. He has actively engaged in efforts to address pressing societal issues such as housing insecurity, addiction, and poverty that affect many members of his community. Neville's passion for supporting his neighbors and extended family underscores his deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others. As a valued member of the board, Neville brings both legal expertise and a compassionate perspective to the table, ensuring that the voices of those most vulnerable are heard and represented.

Andre Marines brings a wealth of experience and a passion for serving clients to REALPRO By The Water. Raised in a prominent "real estate family" in Providence, Rhode Island, Andre has had the privilege of being immersed in the industry from an early age, developing a deep understanding of its intricacies.
With a solid background in hospitality and customer service, Andre excels in catering to his client's unique needs and providing exceptional experiences. In addition to his dedication to real estate, Andre enjoys spending quality time with his family, as their support and inspiration drives him to succeed. During his leisure hours, you can often find Andre engrossed in the melodies of music, delving into motivational and informative books, and continuously honing his real estate skills to better serve his clients. He is truly passionate about helping individuals and families, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience every step of the way.