Deborah grew up in Salinas and moved to Sacramento in 2008 to attend CSU Sacramento. Deborah graduated in May 2011 with a B.A. in Social Work and soon after began working at The GreenHouse as an Americorps Summer Associate and then as our year-long VISTA.  After doing a terrific job with our youth, Deborah was hired back as our Director of Elementary Programs, being recently promoted to Assistant Director of Programs. Deborah enjoys reading, eating, traveling, and spending time with her large family of nine.

Brenda grew up in the apartments and was part of The GreenHouse programs in elementary school.  After moving away, she stayed in touch through our "GreenHouse Grads" young women's group. She's been on staff at The GreenHouse over the past seven years in a variety of roles (including posting all our fun pictures on Facebook + Instagram). Through it all, her passion for young people and her heart for this neighborhood shines through.  She brings a deep history with the community, strong strategic planning skills, and an inspiring vision for the GreenHouse teen program to the table. Most important of all, Brenda is deeply committed to God and our teens.

Maliya grew up in Sacramento, and then moved to New Orleans to attend Xavier University, an HBCU, from which she graduated in 2019. She was drawn to The GreenHouse because of her strong value for holistic youth development, and served as a GreenHouse Summer Staff member in 2019 and 2020 before coming on board as teen staff in September 2020. She’s a talented track athlete, loves baking, and is learning to play the guitar.    

Gabe grew up in Elk Grove and has been volunteering with elementary students and teens every chance he gets. In 2018 Gabe attended a discipleship program at Hume Lake called the Joshua Wilderness Institute. Since then he has had a heart for discipleship for all people. Gabe first heard about the Greenhouse in early 2022 and started as Summer Staff before coming on as Volunteer Coordinator and Elementary Support in August 2022. Gabe loves spending time with his friends and family and playing board and card games.

Qiana grew up in South Sacramento and attended Saint Mary’s College of California and Capella University. For the last five years, she taught English as a Second Language, in China, to preschool, kindergarten and college age students before joining our staff in August 2022. Qiana loves to network and build strong connections with others. In her spare time, she loves to travel, attend concerts, karaoke and practice photography.

Born and raised in Sacramento, Johanna has been part of The GreenHouse since its inception. She has a background in Early Childhood Education. Johanna brings a great passion for relational work with kids, teens and families, as well as a deep value for the powerful impact that volunteers can make on young people's lives.