Meet the Team

President & Founder

Inspired by my life changing experience, I am motivated and determined to make a difference in our communities, in someone’s life, or in a child’s future. Having lived experience, I can relate to the struggles of our unhoused communities, as well as our families and children struggling to make ends meet. I will not give up on anyone, because God did not give up on me!

Vice President & Co-Founder

Gracie’s Giving Hands has been such an amazing experience for me from beginning to now. Seeing the growth within the organization and the impact within the community, has been tremendous. Not only does everyone I work with make me feel at home, but I love to see that the community we serve feels at home too. I’m glad we’re able to bring an abundance of love and light to everyone’s lives. There’s no other place I’d rather serve.

Cyan Roppo

Secretary 

I love volunteering with Gracie’s Giving Hands because I’ve had the opportunity to meet and serve so many amazing people, who might have otherwise been looked past and ignored. Everyone at Gracie’s Giving Hands sees the people for who they truly are and does not judge them based on their circumstance or appearance. I am passionate about serving God through giving love and support to everyone in my community, and the work I’ve been able to do in the organization has allowed me to do just that.”

Nicole Casalino

Director of Operations

I volunteer because I want those who feel alone and/or lost to know that there are people who care and want to help. If I can brighten someone’s day by providing an immeasurable act such as kindness, a helping hand, smile, or hug then I feel honored and it brightens my day too. My values and principles inspire me, and they are to help those in need and treat all equally, regardless of age, gender, race, fashion or lack thereof, financial status, or any other category they may feel placed in. Helping others is rewarding and makes me feel as if I accomplished at least one good deed in this massive world. I was an outcast when I was in grade school. I was thrown out at the age of 17. Those major life changes have formed the person I am today. I have passion and drive for helping all living beings, whether humans or animals. I do not believe in failure by helping others. The only failure that exists is the failure in not trying. I always say that I am one paycheck away from living in the streets and it really is that simple.  It could have been me and still can be. I help people because I understand how easy it is to get into situations that become out of control. I find it rewarding that my very small acts of kindness can make significant impacts.

Victoria Thomas

Content Writer

My ancestors expect me to do this work. My parents were both lifelong activists for civil rights and social justice for all. My passions include painting, drawing, writing, and flea markets.

Tracey Willard

Tutor

I love volunteering with Gracie’s Giving Hands because I’ve had the opportunity to meet and serve so many amazing people, who might have otherwise been looked past and ignored. Everyone at Gracie’s Giving Hands sees the people for who they truly are and does not judge them based on their circumstance or appearance. I am passionate about serving God through giving love and support to everyone in my community, and the work I’ve been able to do in the organization has allowed me to do just that. My background and passion are literacy, program development, as well as family and community support.