Contact: director@ourcommunityplace.org

Matt Tibbles is an organizational development and conflict transformation leader with experience working in multi-ethnic for-profit businesses, higher education, government, religious, and non-profit organizations, co-creating and implementing development strategies with a specialization in community and organizational well-being. Matt’s personal motto is “why not.” Living into this motto has led Matt to live and work alongside communities and organizations across the United States and internationally.

Contact:keisha@ourcommunityplace.org

My Story: Keisha is originally from Philadelphia, PA, but has been in Harrisonburg now for over four years. She has 13 years of experience working with the unhoused/homeless population. Keisha has a strong passion for helping those in need. She is able to create an environment where all feel welcomed. In her free time she loves to cook and spend time with her family.

Things I love: God, food, family, and travel

Contact: amanda@ourcommunityplace.org

My story: I am married and have three children, a dog, four cats, two geckos, fish and a turtle. I am an advocate for individuals living with mental and or developmental disabilities, as well as for individuals living with brain injuries.

Having children with special needs was my motivation to obtain my  degree in the field of human services later in life. I have navigated through many obstacles that stand in the way of individuals accessing needed supports and services; including my own family’s experiences of being homeless. I most recently worked with Delegate Tony Wilt to change Virginia’s educational definition of Traumatic Brain Injury. We created a bill which passed through the house and senate with zero objections and was signed into law last July (2021). I’m hoping to bring my experiences to OCP and be a fierce advocate for members of Our Community Place!

Contact: brandon@ourcommunityplace.org

Brandon is magical kitchen fairy with a spatula for his wand

And a spoon for his scepter. He has maintained various kitchen roles in a variety of places throughout the area. He is happily the first person in the community center in the mornings preparing breakfast for the masses, many times before dawn. His specialties are complex dishes using a multitude of ingredients from local to international. When not in the kitchen, Brandon enjoys relaxing outdoors with his girlfriend in the sun and traveling. 

 Contact: kathy@ourcommunityplace.org

My Story: I was born and raised in Passaic, New Jersey. At an early age, my mom showed me the spiritual side of life. She taught me how to sing, usher, business aspects and serving others. I studied Business Management at Montclair State University. For over 19 years, I have worked with children of all ages. My attention and likeness grew fonder for the children with special needs. Those years, the kids gave me strength, kept me laughing, and taught me patience. Above all, I will continue to have compassion for others and focus on self-care.

Things I Love: My family, listening to music, singing, karaoke, playing pool, joking around/being silly, and being a foodie.

Things I Love: Everything. My job here at OCP—I’ve worked here for a long time. I like the people, too.

My story: Pedro was born in Cuba and has been in the U.S. for 40+ years. He worked chicken plants across Virginia for twenty years before coming to Our Community Place. Working in the organization since its beginnings, Pedro continues to remind our community that we are a family.

Byron coordinates international travel programs at EMU and assists OCP part time with special events and corporate sponsorships for our fundraising events.