HEATHER SANFORD

Chief Executive Officer

After 25 years of Vocational Ministry, Management, Leadership and Coaching Heather found herself searching for her dream job. When the position of CEO-Executive Director became available at Mission Hope, she read the job description and knew it was the perfect fit. It was as if what they had spelled out was tailor made just for her. She brings a wealth of experience, energy, wisdom, passion and a vast network to her new role. Those that know Heather best describe her as a pioneer, visionary, bondage breaker, justice-slinger, bold leader, radically authentic, joy carrier who loves Jesus and ALL people with fierce loyalty. She is detail oriented, financially savvy, extremely relational with WOO and Strategy at the top of her strengthsfinder gifts. Heather has a heart for those in the wilderness, a passion to bring freedom to those who are bound, a bent toward fighting for the marginalized to bring justice and a zeal for living life to the fullest! In her free time you may find Heather traveling with soul friends, singing karaoke, playing poker or listening to a true crime podcast. She also loves speaking engagements, the beach, writing, reading and spending as much time as she can with her incredibly talented, vivacious, full of adventure son and daughter (even if it’s just playing taxi mom during these years!). She has lived in Murrieta since 2012 and is honored to fight against food and housing insecurity alongside the incredible support of her Staff, Volunteers, Donors and this amazing community she calls home.

ALLISON WILLITS

Director of Programs

Allison is passionate about protecting human rights and dignity for all people. She has been advocating for our neighbors without homes and those who face food insecurity for over a decade through her work at Mission Hope and is excited about the future of the MH organization. As an advisor for the Women in Leadership program at University of California, Riverside she is especially excited to be working with the women at our Empowerment Village program. Her joy is parenting two rowdy teenagers and spending time in the great outdoors with her husband of 20 years.

Kristi Piatkowski

Development Director

Kristi is a respected nonprofit leader in the Temecula Valley, with over a decade of experience in program development and fundraising. She has supported nonprofits across California by providing essential resources and guidance, while deepening her understanding of how regional differences impact community needs. As Development Director at Rancho Damacitas (now known as Mission Hope), Kristi significantly increased fundraising revenue, and later, at Oak Grove Center, she developed innovative campaigns that boosted revenue despite the challenges of the pandemic.

Returning to Mission Hope, Kristi’s expertise, strategic vision, and deep community knowledge make her an invaluable asset in driving the organization’s mission to support vulnerable populations in the Temecula Valley.