Meet Our Staff

Executive Director

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Emily graduated from Rockhurst University in Kansas City and later obtained her LMSW from LSU. She was a Jesuit Volunteer at the HTC in 2004-2005, after which she returned to St. Louis with her family. Emily kept in touch with us and when plans were made to reopen the HTC after Katrina, Emily moved back to New Orleans to serve as our Assistant Director, a position she held from 2007 until 2020 when she was appointed the HTC’s Executive Director. Emily is well-known among our community of guests and volunteers and is a beloved leader amongst the HTC team.

Assistant Director

Eva has 15 years of experience working with community development and nonprofit initiatives that promote the dignified treatment of marginalized communities. Her experience working with people experiencing homelessness inspired her to pursue her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Southern University in New Orleans.

While in school, Eva interned at the Rebuild Center with the Harry Tompson Center and Depaul USA New Orleans and focused her studies on understanding the complexities of homelessness. In her role as Assistant Director, Eva oversees the daily operation of our courtyard, assessing and assisting nearly 100 individuals to receive the care they need.

Program Director

Kip, a New Orleans native, joined the HTC team in August of 2013. He has worked in various social service agencies in the New Orleans area helping the unhoused and other underserved populations including Odyssey House and ARC. Prior to this, he was a Respiratory Technician at Charity Hospital. Kip provides case management services to vulnerable guests frequenting the Harry Tompson Center and helps them secure permanent housing.

Case Manager

Dion Campbell is a lifelong resident of New Orleans and first learned about the HTC working as a receptionist for the Travelers Aid Society where she regularly interfaced with HTC CRRC staff and guests. Married, mother of three, and grandmother of ten, Dion’s heart knows no bounds, which is part of what drew her to the role of case manager. Her goal is to change the lives of our guests for the better.

Health Program / Direct Services Assistant

Jessica Govea (she/they) is a Latinx filmmaker turned enthusiastic community organizer with a diverse background in production management, outreach, and volunteer coordination. Bringing over 5 years of experience from organizations with similar visions such as Traveler's Aid, Renter’s Rights Assembly, and Santosha Village, Jess’s existing familiarity with HTC’s guests helps build trust and rapport. In their role as Health Program Assistant, she delivers compassionate care to guests who are navigating health issues, makes important linkages to healthcare providers, and helps HTC develop programming for our medical clinic.   

Communications Director

Paisleigh is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and holds a Master’s degree in Communication. She’s always felt compelled to work in a service-oriented role and is thrilled that her background in education and non-profit administration led her to the Harry Tompson Center. Her favorite part about working at the HTC is interacting with the guests and articulating their stories to our supporters.

Center Assistant

Once unhoused herself, Carla spent two years living on the streets of New Orleans before discovering the Rebuild Center. She was soon housed through the Rapid Rehousing for Chronically Homeless Individuals Program (RRCHI), a service provided by collaborating partner, Depaul USA. Carla’s big heart and giving nature made her a staple among volunteers and guests at the Rebuild Center in her role as a Center Assistant.

Jesuit Volunteer, 2026-2027

Molly Malague is originally from New Jersey and recently graduated from Harvard University with a degree in psychology. She was drawn to serving with Jesuit Volunteer Corps because she aligned with the pillars of their mission to live simply in community and do good works. At HTC, Molly serves as Hygiene Coordinator, a crucial role that makes sure our shower/hygiene delivery is efficient and effective for the guests who turn to us for their basic daily needs. She is excited that this works allows her to co-create an atmosphere with guests that is fun, fast-paced, and sensitive to their unique needs. Outside of work, Molly loves sports, especially basketball and track and field and she’s excited for the adventure of living in New Orleans throughout her JV year.  

AmeriCorps VISTA, 2026-2027

Originally from Roanoke, Virginia, Samantha "Sam" Whiteside now calls New Orleans home after several years in Fort Collins, Colorado. She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has more than 15 years of experience in public health, wellness, behavior change, and health equity. Service has been a consistent thread throughout Sam’s career, from domestic disaster response to public health work in the Philippines and Kenya. As an AmeriCorps VISTA through Tulane University’s Center for Public Service, she serves as HTC's Volunteer Communications Coordinator, strengthening our capacity to support our amazing volunteers. Outside of work, Sam loves exploring the city's bookstores, fitness classes, and cuisine.