The Team

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Charese Jones (Seattle, WA) is a locally recognized mentor, outreach specialist, and community engagement powerhouse with over 15 years helping those navigate basic needs such as housing, food, medical, transportation and other community resources within justice systems affected and underrepresented communities. She is skilled in building strong partnerships, managing teams, developing and implementing impactful community strategies. 

 Jessica is a veteran and dedicated full-time student, she's working towards her psychology degree with a dance minor, with the goal of becoming a dance movement therapist. She is currently attending Hagerstown Community College and plans to transfer to Frostburg State University in the spring of 2026. 

Jessica brings her whole heart to the mission of Eliza’s House. Her leadership is rooted in empathy and a strong sense of belonging. She fosters human connection by creating spaces where people feel heard, valued, and supported. She believes when humans connect to nature and embrace authenticity, including our struggles and grief, we feel a sense of belonging. When we build connections with others it nurtures a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world, strengthening our sense of belonging, empathy, and self-identity. Authenticity thrives in spaces where belonging is felt because it creates an atmosphere where a human can make positive, meaningful contributions to their communities and when a person has a sense of belonging, they find their identity. And all it took was a connection.

Lara Shepherd has been selected to serve as Eliza’s House volunteer Chief Inspiration Officer. Lara has 30 years of experience in People, Culture and Resources. With a background in speech communications, public relations, ministry and leadership, Lara has played a pivotal role in driving innovation, outreach, and fostering relationships within and around her community.

Lara currently serves as Director of People, Culture and Resources at ConservIt, Inc., where she leads the company’s initiatives in fair chance hiring, employee training and development, inclusion, and other various people first initiatives. 

In addition to her professional achievements, Lara was recently selected to serve on the board of Gatekeepers, a local non-profit reentry support program, has completed a term on the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA) board, serves as a  board member for the Disciples of Christ General Board of North America and continues to serve in leadership roles with the Christian Church Capital Area (Disciples of Christ) in youth and young adult camp and conference ministries. Lara’s enthusiasm, faith in humanity and passion for people is contagious and I hope those of us here at Eliza’s House catch some of this enthusiasm!

Tyra Graham is the Community Engagement Manager at Eliza's Apothecary and Collectibles Bookstore, where she combines her love for organization, community, and storytelling. She holds a bachelor's degree in health information management, reflecting her dedication to both structure and service.

Outside of work, Tyra is a proud mother to a wonderful daughter. Together, they enjoy spending time at the movies or exploring local parks, creating cherished memories in every moment.

With a passion for connecting people with meaningful books and treasures, Tyra brings heart and dedication to everything she does.

 Tameeka Mitchell is a Certified Balloon Artist Certified Event Designer with over a decade of experience turning simple balloons into stunning, customized creations. As Eliza's Events Coordinator, she will bring experience and artistry to the experience. 

 With a commitment to eco-friendly, biodegradable latex products and a focus on exceptional customer experiences, her work reflects her dedication to both design and the local community. 

🌟 Hello everyone! I’m Tammy Myers, proud to serve as an Inspiration Ambassador for Eliza’s House. I’m thrilled to be part of a mission that finds light in even the smallest corners—because inspiration doesn’t always come from grand gestures; sometimes, it’s born from quiet resilience.

We’re all connected by the places we live, the work we do, and the experiences we carry. As an ambassador, I aim to deepen those connections by sharing stories that uplift and empower. To inspire others is to reflect the strength we’ve found within ourselves.

My journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve navigated the foster care system, faced the pain of sibling addiction, and lived with anxiety and depression as constant companions. But I’ve transformed that pain into purpose—channeling fear and hardship into a source of healing and growth.

Now, I bring that energy to Eliza’s House, hoping to spark the same transformation in others. I invite you to walk with me on this journey—one rooted in healing, inclusion, grace, and love. Let’s grow together.

Alva Moses is a powerful voice of resilience, transformation, and community healing. Currently living in Hagerstown, Alva is studying to become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist.

As a dedicated volunteer with Gatekeepers, Alva brings compassion, wisdom, and lived experience to the front lines of recovery work. Whether through mentorship, outreach, or advocacy, Alva shows up with heart.

An accomplished author and poet, Alva breathes life into the struggles and victories of the recovery journey. Through storytelling and spoken word, Alva connects with audiences on a soul-deep level— inspiring change and healing wherever he goes.