Lynn Thomas
Executive Director
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 Wiggs
Director of Operations
Karina has been with us for 18 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
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 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
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
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.
Keaira Kittrell
Development Associate
Keaira Kittrell
Development Associate
After graduating from Old Dominion University with a B.S. in Communication, Keaira searched for a way to fuel her passion for helping others and making a positive impact in her community. So, after serving three years in AmeriCorps, Keaira found her place in the nonprofit world at Community Lodgings.
Kyle Hughes
Development Coordinator
Kyle Hughes
Development Coordinator
I am someone who is passionate about making the world a better place one step at a time. I come from a varied background in sales, customer service, marketing, and more, as such it has made me ready for the work here at Community lodgings as I am a jack of all trades ready to adapt at a moment's notice. I have a degree in sociology, which has more so prepared me for this world, and as a professor once said to me "if you go into sociology, you want to do good". In my off time I love to do a variety of things including hiking and exploring the many amazing things this world has to offer both nature and human made.
Liz Allis
Administrative Assistant
Liz Allis
Administrative Assistant
Liz graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a B.A. in International Affairs, then worked on Capitol Hill and then in retail merchandising management. After moving to Alexandria, Liz wanted to be more involved and help in the community, so she started volunteering at Community Lodgings. After being hired on, she has been assisting and supporting the staff administratively, from development to day-to-day operations. In her free time, Liz enjoys hiking, camping, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.
Denis Montiel
Property Manager
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
Eric Lopez
Building Engineer
Bio Coming
Nelson Vasquez
Property Maintenance
Nelson Vasquez
Property Maintenance
Bio Coming