Milagro House: housing and education for homeless mothers and their children

Staff

Gail Rittenhouse, Executive Director

Gail is a native of Lancaster County and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in counseling. She has committed her professional career to the nonprofit world and has over 25 years of management experience in nonprofit organizations. She is delighted to be leading the mission of Milagro House and be a passionate advocate and voice for women experiencing homelessness. Nothing is more rewarding than being a part of helping to better the lives of others. Her responsibilities include the overall operations of the organization as well as the development efforts and strategic initiatives. She is the parent of two teenagers and in her spare time she loves to exercise, especially cycling and rollerblading, baking bread, and singing!

Ellen Culver, Assistant Executive Director

Ellen came to Milagro House as a volunteer in 1998 and has been serving as Assistant Director since 2002. She has worked at the S. Christian Street location for the past 13 years and continues to find helping women who are desperately trying to change their lives, never dull and always rewarding! Along with being the Assistant Director, Ellen also is the Service Coordinator for the residents on S. Christian Street, interviews all new applicants, oversee the children's center and accepts and manages all donations. Ellen and her husband Joe live in Lancaster. She has three children and six grandchildren.

Nancy Barton, Director of Education

Nancy graduated from Millersville University and completed graduate work in special education with a focus on learning disabilities. She taught for the Lancaster Lebanon IU13 and Manheim Township School District. Nancy came to Milagro House in 2004. She teaches GED and enrichment subjects to the residents of Milagro House. Nancy states, "Knowledge empowers and I have the privilege of watching it happen every day in the classroom." Nancy and her husband Chris live in Lancaster with their two dogs.

Ellie Ochs-Gregory, Service & Volunteer Coordinator

Ellie is a recent graduate from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology; Human Services. She joined the Milagro House staff in August 2011 after completing a summer internship with the program. As Service Coordinator she works closely with the women to develop individualized plans and supports their efforts towards reaching goals and building sustainability for themselves and their family. In addition to serving the women and children of Milagro House, Ellie thoroughly enjoys connecting with individuals and groups within the community who share her passion for volunteerism and are eager to make a difference. With a deep compassion for others and a heart to serve, Ellie is thrilled to be working alongside a dedicated staff towards a mission she believes in.

Carol Heisey, Bookkeeper

Carol has over 20 years experience as a full-charge bookkeeper. Carol is a native of Landisville and lives with her husband, Steve. She enjoys spending time with her grown children and teaches Pilates in her spare time.

Carol has volunteered at Milagro House where she enjoyed interacting with the women and children, while answering phones, running errands and helping where needed. Milagro House holds a special place in Carol’s heart. “I love Milagro House’s mission and I think everyone should be given a second chance. I feel Milagro House is a special place where Mothers and their children can be safe while reaching their education goals and independence.” Carol is excited to join the Milagro House staff as their part time bookkeeper.

Lisa Shultz, Senior Service Coordinator

Lisa joined the staff of Milagro House as an Executive Assistant in 2006 and has been serving as Senior Service Coordinator since 2008. She provides support and advocacy to the women at the West Chestnut Street location. She cares very deeply about the program and believes the educational component is important to the woman as they strive to make positive changes in their lives. Lisa has a Bachelor's in Social Work from Millersville University and a Master's in Social Work from Temple University. She lives in Millersville with her husband, Bob, and their four children.