Adriana Schellhaas

Executive Director

A Mexican-American born and raised in the border town of El Paso, Texas, Adriana began volunteering with Casa Chirilagua as an interpreter and mentor in 2011, then joined the staff in 2012. As Executive Director she helps bridge the gap between our families, students, staff, volunteers, churches and school partners. She holds a Bachelors in Theater Arts.

Marissa Salgado

Programs Director

A California native now on the East Coast, Marissa provides support to the programs team and works to connect Casa’s community partners with our programming. She joined the staff in 2016 and is passionate about walking alongside our families as they develop as leaders. She holds a bachelors degree in International Affairs with a Public Health concentration from George Washington University.

Teddi Beschel

Elementary Programs Director

Teddi is a native of the DMV area, born and raised in Alexandria, VA. She began her time at Casa Chirilagua volunteering as the Teens Programs Coordinator from 2017-2018. After Casa, she continued to work in youth development in southeast D.C. for three years. She is excited to return back to the Chirilagua community in her new role as the Elementary Programs Director.

Rebeca Gore

Teen Programs Director

Rebeca grew up in DC and has a passion for youth, ministry, and community development. She brings her experiences as a teacher, AmeriCorp and Peace Corps member to the table along with a love for the Latino community. She holds a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Public Health and Hispanic Studies from the College of William and Mary.

Kate Denson

Volunteer Coordinator

Kate is a long-time friend of Casa going back to the prayer meetings of 2007 that led to the founders moving into Chirilagua.  She’s worked as a campus minister with InterVarsity since 2007 leading the DC Justice Program. Casa Chirilagua has been one of InterVarsity’s key partners since 2009. Serving within Casa alongside people she’s labored with for years is a profound honor. She’s married to JR Denson, a DC native and together they have one son Alexander who’s in public school in DC. 

Jon Paramore

Development Director

Odali Saravia

Local Leader

Odali is a first generation Honduran-American, who was born and raised in Chirilagua, Virginia. Her first connection with Casa Chirilagua was in middle school through Bible study. Her hope is to make a positive impact in her family as well as in her neighborhood. She is happy to be part of Casa Chirilagua and is working hard to be the first in her family to receive a high school diploma and attend college.

Cindi Villanueva

Local Leader

A first-generation Salvadorean American, Cindi was raised in Alexandria. She graduated from T.C. Williams High School. Cindi is the first in her family to attend college and is a freshman at Northern Virginia Community College studying English. She yearns to serve the community and make a difference in the students’ lives. Cindi is passionate about creating a safe space for students hoping to be someone exemplar in their lives by fully embracing them.

Katherine Posada Membreno

Local Leader

Katherine was a volunteer at Casa Chirilagua before she became a Local Leader. She was the first in her family to graduate high school and was born and raised in the Chirilagua community. She is thrilled to be able to work with Casa to support the community. Katherine loves working with children and she is passionate about child development and educating children for the better good through Christ. In her church she is a Sunday school teacher and participates in her youth group choir. 

Fredy Hernandez

Board Chair

Economist, US Coast Guard

Adriana Gómez Schellhaas

President

Executive Director, Casa Chirilagua

Campbell Vogel

Development Committee Chair

Fundraising and Development Consultant

Ryan Wismer

Vice Chair

Security Director, Chemonics International

Kristopher Klaich

Board Member

Associate, Booz Allen Hamilton

Connor Smith

Finance Committee Chair

Engineer, Clark Construction Group, LLC