Welcome!

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.