Lynn Thomas

Executive Director

An accomplished manager with over 29 years of experience in the areas of grant administration, and supportive housing management. Lynn became our executive director in January of 2014. She is a certified housing counselor and holds a Master’s of Human Services from Lincoln University, PA. In addition, she is an active member of the Governing Board of the Alexandria Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness. In what free time she has, Lynn prepares and serves dinner to low-income seniors, takes care of her teenaged nephew and her many friends, and occasionally indulges in handbag and shoe shopping while rooting for Washington sports teams.

Karina Wiggs

Director of Operations

Karina has been with us for 25 years and is the glue that holds Community Lodgings together. Her main responsibilities include financial management, overseeing data entry, payroll and HR functions. She also develops and manages the organizational budget in conjunction with the executive director; helps develop and implement organizational strategies, policies and practices; and monitors and maintains the computer systems and network. Karina is a certified housing counselor, bookkeeper and translator between our staff and our clients. She holds a BA in computer networking from Strayer University. When she’s not at work, she loves spending time with her eight-year-old son.

Kate Wiley

Director of Resident Services

I am Kate, the Director of Resident Services at Community Lodgings. I have lived in Washington, D.C. and Virginia for the past 20 years. Two years after graduating with my Bachelor's degree I got my first job working in an afterschool program, and I have been doing that ever since. After earning my Master's degree and working across the country supporting school districts, I decided I wanted to impact my own community by supporting the educational success and the social and emotional health of underserved communities. I have been with Community Lodgings since September, 2021. 

Charlyne Braxton

Transitional Housing Manager

Charlyne is our tough-love case manager for our Transitional Housing Program clients, coming to us from a transitional shelter that served women and their children. Charlyne’s work with various organizations has allowed her to motivate and assist needy clientele through job placement, social service referrals, substance abuse services, court advocacy, reunifying mothers and their children, and community outreach and collaboration. She has also helped educate the DC metropolitan community of the plight of people in need. She holds Associate’s Degrees in Human Services and Criminal Justice and is a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. When she is not working, Charlyne can be found at the nearest spa.

Yensy Gonzalez

Site Coordinator

Yensy Gonzalez is a Resident Services Coordinator. Has worked at Community Lodgings for 3 years. Born in Guatemala and grew up in El Salvador. Studies at George Mason University. Hopes to help children increase academic achievement and decrease at-risk behavior.

Rachel Garcia

Resident Services Coordinator

I graduated from James Madison University with a B.S in Psychology. I am a certified interpreter. After working in the mental health field for five years with adults, I wanted to switch gears and work with children. I am passionate about helping my community and especially helping children academically, socially, and emotionally. During my free time I like to read, coach girls youth soccer, spend time with family, and Latin dance.

Shelli Vasser Gilliam

Director of Development

Shelli is the Director of Development and responsible for fundraising, communication, donor/stakeholder cultivation, grants management, and public relations.

Her passion includes empowering people to speak up and advocate for themselves and their communities, writing, speaking, and serving as a connector and catalyst.

Shelli has worked in nonprofit leadership, for and with local government, in corporate, and as an entrepreneur. She is the Past President of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Potomac Chapter, and graduated from Virginia Tech. Additionally, she successfully achieved the Certified Meeting Professional credential, and holds certificates in Training and Facilitation, Sustainable Events, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace.

Connect with Shelli on LinkedIn.

Denis Montiel

Property Manager

My name is Denis Montiel and I'm the Property Manager for Community Lodgings. I have been in the property management industry for about 8 plus years. Commencing as a part time admin to climbing my way to the top as a Portfolio Manager. Familiar with all elements of affordable housing, market rent, transitional, section 8, and condominium management. During my spare time I’m a huge sports fanatic to basketball, football and soccer.

Eric Lopez

Building Engineer

Bio Coming

Nelson Vasquez

Property Maintenance

Bio Coming