Our Team

The GRACE team is on the frontlines of ending homelessness in Gainesville, and what we're doing is working! Here are the faces behind our organization, and a little bit of information on why we do what we do.

JON DeCARMINE

Executive Director, GRACE

Phone: 352-792-0800 x106

Email: jdecarmine@gracemarketplace.org

*Please contact Jon regarding press inquires*

What does GRACE mean to me?: "When I look at what’s happening out at GRACE, I see an incredible opportunity to help people in my community take care of themselves. ... For the first time, we have the space, and the foundation, to really make a difference in the way we deliver services to the people who need them most, and to do it in a way that’s smart, and respectful, and genuinely helpful and supportive."

JOHN THOMAS

Director of Development, GRACE

Phone: 352-792-0800 x131

Email: jt@gracemarketplace.org

What does GRACE mean to me?: "GRACE is an amazing community resource. Providing real solutions to homelessness requires collaborating with some of the best social service agencies in town. It also requires unwavering community support. One of the things I love most about my job is bringing members of the community to our campus and showing them our mission in action. We are fortunate to have a very generous community who comes together in incredible ways to support our mission."

KAREN SLEVIN

Director of Grants, GRACE

Phone: 352-792-0800 x117

Email: kslevin@gracemarketplace.org

What does GRACE mean to you?: "GRACE is a place where I can help make a difference in our community. It’s where I can use my skills and experience to change lives. ... It’s the best of both worlds. I do the work I love, and I get to live out my faith in my job."

JENNIFER MOISES

Director of Housing Services, GRACE

Phone: 352-792-0800 x107

Email: jmoises@gracemarketplace.org

What does GRACE mean to me?: "I love that GRACE is low-barrier and will serve people with an active addiction. There are no drugs or alcohol allowed on the property, and people who receive our services are always encouraged to seek treatment. But if someone is under the influence and not violent, they can still receive services."

JEFF GRUVER

Director of Shelter Services, GRACE

Phone: 352-792-0800 x124

Email: jgruver@gracemarketplace.org

What does GRACE mean to me?: "GRACE means so many things, it is a place of compassion and hope. It is a place where people are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. Where regardless of the issues you are dealing with you will be met with love, compassion, and understanding, I cannot express how grateful I am to be a part of it."

MICHELE GUTIERREZ

Administrative Coordinator, GRACE

Phone: 352-792-0800 x101

Email: admin@gracemarketplace.org

What does GRACE mean to me?: "Buddhist author, Lama Surya Das said, 'GRACE is the isness of life. It's the recognition that everything is connected and sacred'.  This phrase comes to mind when I think about GRACE.  GRACE is not just a shelter but a living system with its own culture and community. Its a place where our purpose is to assist, serve, and support others, regardless of their situation, without judgment."

TRAVIS MIDDLETON

Support Services Manager, GRACE

Phone: 352-792-0800 x145

Email: tmiddleton@gracemarketplace.org

What does GRACE mean to me?: "GRACE to me is something bigger than what most people see. I see a community coming together to help our most vulnerable community members. Our volunteers, staff, service providers, and our guests are remarkable folks!"

Abigail Perret-Gentil

Community Engagement Manager, GRACE

Phone: 352-792-0800 x104

Email: volunteer@gracemarketplace.org

What does GRACE mean to me?: I feel so privileged to be able to contribute to a team that is pioneering solutions to one of our greatest social issues.  At GRACE I get to work side by side with our community's strongest and noblest members- the helpers and the survivors. I can’t think of a more hopeful way to spend my time. 

Pete Monte

Animal Welfare Coordinator, GRACE

Phone: 352-792-0800 x135

Email: pmonte@gracemarketplace.org

What does GRACE mean to me?: TBA

LAVERN BATTLES

Kitchen Manager, Cafe 131 GRACE

Phone: 352-792-0800 x126

Email: lbattles@gracemarketplace.org

What does GRACE mean to me?: "GRACE is a place where I can give all of my love and compassion. I strive to help people smile, feel happy, and joyful by serving our guests delicious food."

ALFREDO PIÑATE

Case Manager, GRACE

Phone: 352-792-0800 x118

Email: apinate@gracemarketplace.org

What does GRACE mean to me?: "For me, GRACE is a place where people come to do good for others and a place where all people can come to seek shelter and support services. I truly believe GRACE is a place where we do anything and everything possible to advocate for the end of homelessness."

SADIE BURGOS

Housing Specialist, GRACE

Phone: 352-792-0800 x112

Email: sburgos@gracemarketplace.org

What does GRACE mean to me?: "When we (G)ather together in the (R)ace to end homelessness you will always find an (A)bundance of (C)ompassion and a peace that is (E)verlasting because the race is not for us but for them."

REBECCA ALGERO

Housing Specialist, GRACE

Phone: 352-792-0800 x143

Email: ralgero@gracemarketplace.org

What does GRACE mean to me?: "GRACE to me means giving people a chance to either overcome passed mistakes or harmful incidents by treating them with love and dignity. The organization GRACE to me has showed me the power of the definition of grace when it is put into action."

Marnie Shaeffer

Housing Specialist, GRACE

Phone: 352-792-0800 x1137

Email: mshaeffer@gracemarketplace.org

What does GRACE mean to me?: GRACE means I get to do what I love every single day by helping my community and serving a population of people that need it the most through kindness, respect and most importantly through GRACE.

LEON SCOTT

Intake Specialist, GRACE

Phone: 352-792-0800 x109

Email: lscott@gracemarketplace.org

What does GRACE mean to me?: TBA

Dignity Village Outreach Specialists

• Chris Walker
• Courtney Jones
• Jerry Giardina
• Jared Folds

Advocates, Team Lead

• Rachel Ryan
• Nicol Spann
• Tracey Brown
• Charlotte Lawrence

Advocates

• Bethel Spears
• Denice McLeod
• Michael McLeod
• Krystal Eloius
• Natalie Nandelstadt
• Shantayvia Searcy
• Tracey Brown
• Alberto Zambrana
• Charlotte Lawrence
• Natalie Nandelstadt
• Shakkita Fitzgerald
• Karina Perez
• Bobby Gordon
• Erik Baker
• Veronica James
• Mariette Yellen
• Adrianna Phillipe