Harford Family House, the largest provider of services to families with children and unaccompanied young adults experiencing homelessness in Harford County, is expanding its staff and Board of Directors to meet the growing needs in the community. The organization is proud to announce the election of Joe Ayler to the Board of Directors and the addition of 4 new employees to the staff team.
“As the need for services for families experiencing homelessness in our community continues to grow, it became necessary for us to expand our staff and board to meet the increasing demand for services” says Tomechko. “We are excited to have these talented individuals join our team and look forward to the future growth they will help us to achieve.”
Joe Ayler, the newest addition to the Harford Family House Board of Directors, holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Salisbury University. Out of college, he worked briefly for the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health participating in stem cell lab research. He later found himself working in the home improvement industry where he mastered his trade. After working as a sub-contractor for ten years, Tar Heel Construction Group LLC was formed in 2014.
“Joe’s experience in the home improvement industry and involvement in the community, adds a valuable skillset to the Harford Family House Board as we continue to grow and provide housing for those experiencing homelessness in our community,” says CEO of Harford Family House, Robin Tomechko. “We are excited to have him join our team and are looking forward to leaning on his expertise.”
Tar Heel Construction Group LLC focuses on residential and commercial roofing and exteriors in Harford and Baltimore Counties. Joe is acting President/CEO and remains very active in the day to day operations of the company and continuously places emphasis on community involvement.
Amy Onorato is the new Director of Programs and Case Management at Harford Family House. Onorato holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Notre Dame of Maryland University. She is an educator and grant management leader with 25 years of professional experience. Her experience includes direct case management, client intake, and retention from her time at a grant-funded program in Cecil County while working full time for Harford County Public Schools.
Amy is an essential part of the Harford Family House team. She provides leadership to the Program and Case Management team. Her responsibilities include oversight of all programs and client concerns, as well as the creation and implementation of programs designed to meet the individualized needs of each client in accordance with best practices and in alignment with the strategic plan.
Maria Askey is the Marketing and Communications Manager at Harford Family House. Askey holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Loyola University of Maryland. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Emerging Media from Loyola University of Maryland. Maria comes to Harford Family House with experience in marketing, public relations, advertising, and development.
Maria is responsible for developing and implementing an annual marketing and communications plan to increase organizational awareness and promote Harford Family House’s programs and resources. She is passionate about using her marketing and communication skills to make people in the community more aware of the issue of homelessness in Harford County, Maryland.
Ashley Leonard is a new Case Manager at Harford Family House. Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Services from Towson University. Ashley comes to Harford Family House from Harford County Public Schools where she was a Special Educator, implementing IEP and behavioral plan goals for students. Ashley was a Member of the School Mental Health Team, utilizing mindfulness and coping skill development with students, as well as de-escalation strategies. She provided assistance and planning of Family Involvement activities, Resources, and Outreach programs within a Community School.
Ashley also has experience as a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counselor at Key Point Health Services where she conducted Mental Health Assessments. She individualized rehabilitation plan and goal formation, treatment progress documentation, and contact notes for all of her clients.
Ashley will be an asset, guiding our residents as they prepare for the workforce and work to get back on their feet.
Kelly Landers is the new Administrative Assistant for Harford Family House. Kelly comes to Harford Family House with non-profit experience. Kelly worked at Steppingstone Farm Museum in Havre de Grace, MD. She was the Social Media & Outreach Coordinator and handled website maintenance and updates, social media marketing and photography, maintained monthly e-newsletter and assisted in management of various events and programs.
We are very happy to have Kelly as our administrative support. Kelly brings with her many skills that will benefit Harford Family House. She will be a crucial part of keeping our data and records up to date.
For more information about Harford Family House and ways to support its mission to help families and unaccompanied young adults who are experiencing homelessness transition into stable/permanent housing, visit harfordfamilyhouse.org or call 410-273-6700.
About Harford Family House (http://www.harfordfamilyhouse.org/) Harford Family House, Inc. assists families with children and unaccompanied young adults achieve independency through housing, support and resources dedicated to improving the financial stability and mental wellbeing of its clients experiencing homelessness. It was established in 1989 and is the largest organization in Harford County providing services to those in Harford County who are experiencing homelessness
