Welcome to Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino
Area’s blog! The Habitat blog will be a tool to communicate with our
volunteers, donors, supporters, and ReStore shoppers! We will be writing about
Habitat builds, events, ReStore, and volunteer stories. We would love to hear
your Habitat stories and feedback. So, please write to us or leave a comment!
Here at Habitat for Humanity, we have a dynamic
staff that focuses on providing affordable housing to families in the San
Bernardino area. For our first blog post, we want to put names to faces and
meet the people who make Habitat happen!
Meet the Habitat Staff below:
Dennis Baxter
Executive
Director
Hello and welcome to our blog! I became a Member of
the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity in January
2010. In January 2011, I became Board Vice President and in January 2012, I
became President. I voluntarily stepped down as President in September 2012 to
accept the position of Executive Director! My past experience has included
Elected City Official, where I served as Chair of the Grant Committee, on the
RDA Committee, and the CDBG Funding Committee. I have also been a Radio and
Television Broadcaster, Station Manager, and Business Development Manager for a
community-owned TV station.
What I enjoy most about Habitat for Humanity is the
ability to help families get into their first home and creating opportunities
for affordable housing that attracts new businesses, create jobs, and make
communities safer. Together we have the ability to change the lives of families
and communities for generations to come.
Interesting
Fact: When I’m not working for Habitat, I enjoy great movies. My personal
favorites are “Citizen Kane,” To Kill a Mockingbird,” and Steven Spielberg’s
“Empire of the Sun.” I also enjoy Nat Geo, Discovery, and the Science Channels.
Oh yes, and AMC, because sometimes old movies are the best!
Deborah Harmon
Acquisitions
Director
Hello! My name is Deborah and I am the Acquisitions
Director for Habitat for Humanity. I was on the Board of Directors for 18
months before I started my position at Habitat. My previous experience is in
real estate – from sales, land planning, new construction, and rehabilitations.
I have also been involved in Christian counseling ministries and short term
missions over the years.
It is exciting to combine both of my areas of
interest while working at Habitat!
Interesting
Fact: I have a strong interest in art! I've worked on major public art
projects, including bridges and murals! Also, I paint with oils, enjoy
photography, design jewelry, and love interior designing!
Dan Brizendine
Construction
Director
Hello! I have worked with Habitat for Humanity for 1
year and 4 months as the Construction Director. I have 30 years of experience
working in construction – in all aspects of building and construction.
Working for Habitat for Humanity has been a lifelong
dream and I enjoy helping people and training volunteers on the construction
site!
Interesting
Fact: I love coffee and donuts in the morning!
Maria Whiteley
Bookkeeper
Hello! I have been with Habitat for Humanity for 5
years! I am a graduate of Cal State University San Bernardino with a degree in Accounting. I am responsible for all of the financial records of H4HSBA.
Habitat is a wonderful organization to work for. My
co-workers are amazing and give 100% all of the time. I love that we partner
with families to provide affordable homes!
Interesting
Fact: I love to read, watch movies, and camp!
Maritza Solis
Volunteer
Coordinator and Office Manager
Hello
Everyone! I have been working at Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area for 4
years now. I actually started as a volunteer. My first day at the job site, it
was over 110 degrees and I was given a shovel to level out the lot along with 6
other volunteers. I remember thinking this is definitely not what I wanted to
do. I wanted to help build a house, wear a hard hat, and use a hammer! At that
moment, I didn't realize that every volunteer had an important job at the
construction site from picking up nails; to making sure there was enough cold
water, to digging a hole.
Eventually,
I got hired as the Volunteer Coordinator and my volunteering experience at the
site gave me an edge. It helped me encourage volunteers that were not very fond
of certain jobs, understand the greater mission. Every assignment whether small
or big is still needed to complete the job! Today when volunteers wish they
were doing something else, I always tell them about my volunteer experience in
Redlands. Many are amazed that I would go back after the first time, but I did
because I really enjoyed the camaraderie at the site. And I have to say this is
what I most enjoy about working at Habitat!
Interesting Fact: I enjoy hiking and
salsa dancing!
Rhea Stumm
Communications
Manager
Hello and thank you for visiting the Habitat blog! I
am the
Communications Manager at Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area. In this
role, I am responsible for the marketing and event planning for the Habitat
affiliate and the ReStore. I started working at Habitat in April 2011 and
assisted in the opening of the ReStore in June 2011.
Prior to working at Habitat for Humanity, I dedicated 2
years to National Service, which included volunteer work in the Gulf helping
communities affected by hurricanes and floods. While volunteering with Habitat
for Humanity in Texas, Mississippi and Florida, I fell in love with the Habitat
Mission!
Interesting
Fact:
I love to ride my stand up jet ski in the summer!
Gilbert Galicia
ReStore
Manager
Hello! My name is Gilbert and I am the ReStore
Manager. I have been with Habitat for Humanity for 1 year. My past experience
includes 7 years of construction and 10 years of retail.
I enjoy working with all the people that walk into
the ReStore! All the customers, volunteers, and donors….and I know that we are
all working together for a good cause.
Interesting
Fact: I love to watch movies with my daughter.
Shawn Duncan
ReStore Warehouse Operator
Hello!
My name is Shawn and I am the Warehouse Operator at the Habitat ReStore. I have
been with the ReStore for 1 year and my role is to pick up all the wonderful
donations!
I
enjoy driving around the San Bernardino area and meeting all our great donors!
Interesting Fact: I
love to fish and play with my kids.
Melissa Herrera
ReStore Cashier
My
name is Melissa and I have been with Habitat for Humanity since February 2012. Before
working at the Habitat ReStore, I have had many different jobs such as working
at a movie theater, tutoring, and touring the US with PETA. Currently, I work
at the ReStore as a cashier, assist customers and sort donations.
I
enjoy working at Habitat for Humanity because it is a non-profit organization.
Interesting Fact: I’m
vegan!
Natalie Sanchez
ReStore Cashier
Hi!
I’m Natalie and I am a ReStore cashier. I have been working at Habitat for
Humanity for 7 months and enjoy working with all the ReStore customers, donors,
and my co-workers. My past experience includes retail and customer service.
I
enjoy working with my co-workers and Habitat is a great organization to work
for!
Interesting Fact: I
like “Dia de los Muertos” skulls.
