Staff
Meet our staff
Sarah Quarantotto, MSW
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Sarah joined Miriam’s House in 2010, after working for a number of years in the Lynchburg area with local social service and mental health agencies. She has immensely appreciated the opportunity to lead an organization with such a rich history of empowering families and individuals made vulnerable by homelessness. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. When not working to end homelessness, Sarah is spending time with her husband and their two children exploring the outdoors and beauty of Central Virginia.
sarah@miriamshouse.org
Leah Wiebe, M.A.
DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Leah joined the Miriam’s House team first in 2017 and then again in 2019. With a background in event planning, marketing, and design, Leah brings a wealth of creativity and passion to the work of our organization and shapes the way we engage with our community. Leah has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Human Services. When not working, Leah is enjoying the arts, culture, and beauty of Lynchburg along with her husband, Scott, and their four children.
leah@miriamshouse.org
Kristen Nolen, MSW
DIRECTOR OF HOUSING SERVICES
Kristen joined Miriam’s House in March 2013 and has over fifteen years of social work experience with low-income women and children in a variety of settings. Prior to Miriam's House, she coordinated the provision of social work services for Centra’s Women’s and Children’s Services division and advanced social change efforts through her work at the Public Welfare Foundation, a national funder of organizations seeking social and economic justice for vulnerable populations. Her program areas included Criminal & Juvenile Justice and Human Rights. Kristen possesses a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from James Madison University.
kristen@miriamshouse.org
Olyvia Brown-Coles
DIRECTOR OF HOMELESS SYSTEM COORDINATION
Olyvia joined our team first as an AmeriCorps VISTA member in 2019 and then again in 2024 as the Director of Homeless System Coordination. Olyvia has a wealth of experience in strategic planning, housing advocacy & policy, and navigating the complexities of affordable housing research & policy implementation.
Olyvia has degrees in Political Science and Philosophy from Old Dominion University, advanced degrees in Public Administration and Urban & Regional Planning from Virginia Tech, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Administration & Public Affairs.
As a Lynchburg native, she is deeply connected to the community and committed to driving positive change. Outside of work, Olyvia enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with her family.
olyvia@miriamshouse.org
Alison Hardy
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HOUSING SERVICES
Alison joined the Miriam’s House team as a Supportive Housing Case Manager in March 2022 after working for the past several years at a short-term residential facility for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Alison is passionate about providing individualized care and is excited to serve the city she loves! She has a degree Education with a minor in Special Education from George Mason University. Outside of work, she enjoys riding her bike, gardening, and cooking.
alison@miriamshouse.org
Chris Howell
FINANCE MANAGER
Chris joined Miriam’s House in June 2023 after working for a number of years in the housing and homelessnes sector. Chris’ background at partner agencies, Rush Homes and Lynchburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority, made her a familiar face at Miriam’s House even before she joined our team. Chris has an extensive background in grant management, bookkeeping and is excited to use these skills to further the mission of Miriam’s House in ending homelessness.
chris@miriamshouse.org
Jennifer Gallion
OFFICE MANAGER
Jennifer joined the Miriam’s House team in November 2023 as Office Manager with over a decade of experience in office operations management. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Master’s degree in Creative Writing. She is excited to join the MH team to help make a positive impact in the Lynchburg community. When not working, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, sewing, and restoring vintage sewing machines.
jennifer@miriamshouse.org
Lori Hess
FACILITIES MANAGER
Lori joined our team in August 2021 as the Facilities Manager. In this role, she provides oversight to our building on Magnolia Street as well as property management for our on-site program, Magnolia Street Supportive Housing.
She recently moved back to Virginia and was thrilled to get back to what she is passionate about—helping others. Lori holds a Bachelor’s of Science from Averett College. Her background in housing and shelter work makes her feel like Miriam’s House is a perfect fit! In her free time she can be found spending time on Smith Mountain Lake with her family.
lori@miriamshouse.org
Angela Davis
COORDINATED ENTRY SPECIALIST
Angela joined the Miriam's House team in March 2023 as a Coordinated Entry Specialist. She has worked in human services in the Lynchburg community for 18 years; most recently her work focused on providing services to individuals with mental health diagnoses. Angela earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in History from Virginia State University. She is excited to use her extensive experience to assist families and individuals with housing crisis needs. Angela is local to the area, and when not serving the community, she enjoys reading, watching YouTube videos, and spending time with her family.
angela@miriamshouse.org
Leslie Loucks
HOMELESS SYSTEM SPECIALIST
Leslie joined our team in October 2023 with expertise in housing development, construction law, and civil rights litigation. Holding a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science (UNC) and a Juris Doctor (UNC-Chapel Hill), Leslie combines legal acumen with a passion for social justice to tackle homelessness. Inspired by Miriam's House's commitment, Leslie applies her research and project management skills to address the complexities of homelessness. Beyond work, she finds joy in spending quality time with her husband and two daughters. Her interests extend to literature, music, and exploring the beauty of the local community with friends.
leslie@miriamshouse.org
Allie Frantz, BSW
HOUSING CASE MANAGER
Allie joined the Miriam’s House team in January of 2022, after completing her Bachelor of Social Work degree in December of 2021. While Allie is not originally from Lynchburg, she fell in love with the community during her time in school and decided to stay and dig in deeper to all that Lynchburg has to offer. Through various volunteer opportunities and internships, Allie has developed relationships with several local non-profit partners that she is eager to utilize as resources for her clients. Allie is grateful to be on the MH team and is excited to provide support and resources so that individuals and families have what they need to be successful. In her free time, she enjoys taking dogs from the shelter out for walks, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
allie@miriamshouse.org
Bryan Ottinger
HOUSING CASE MANAGER
Bryan joined our team as a Supportive Housing Case Manager in January 2023. Prior to working at Miriam’s House, Bryan worked in the mental health field for 14 years helping individuals with mental health diagnoses thrive in this community. He has a bachelor of science degree in Psychology from Liberty University. Bryan is local to the area, and when not serving the community, he enjoys visiting art and history museums.
bryan@miriamshouse.org
Kimberly Towler, BSW
HOUSING CASE MANAGER
Kim joined the Miriam’s House team in February 2023 as a Supportive Housing Case Manager. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Ferrum College and has worked in the field of social work and advocacy for the last 22 years. Kim’s experience has primarily consisted of working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. She is excited to utilize her advocacy and case management experience to assist her clients at Miriam’s House. Kim is married and has two stepdaughters and a fur baby—her Chihuahua, Zooey. She enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends, photography, and gardening.
kim@miriamshouse.org
Emily Parker, BSW
HOUSING CASE MANAGER
Emily joined the Miriam’s House team in May of 2023. She graduated from Liberty University with her Bachelor’s in Social Work in 2022. Through internship experience and various social service jobs in the Lynchburg area, Emily has worked in the criminal justice, education, and behavior health sectors. She is very passionate about advocacy and caring for vulnerable populations, and is thrilled to join an organization with a mission to end homelessness. In her free time, you will most likely find Emily in a kitchen somewhere baking yummy treats or exploring Lynchburg!
emily@miriamshouse.org
Lexie Tookes, BSW
HOUSING CASE MANAGER
Lexie joined the Miriam’s House team in August 2023, after completing her Bachelors of Social Work from Liberty University. Her experience as an intern doing street outreach work in our community introduced her to homeless-response work and Miriam’s House. Lexie became passionate about ensuring people get what they need, such as shelter, housing or even basic necessities such as hygiene products, a place to take a shower or even food. When not working to end homelessness, Lexie can be found taking trips, going to amusement parks, cooking and riding horses!
lexie@miriamshouse.org