our team

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.

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.

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.

Occupational Therapist

Kelcey is our Wellness advocate providing 1:1 sessions to our clients and teaching classes for our program. She has a background in working with mental health through occupational therapy, and completed her residency with Mission Hope to finish her doctorate. She currently teaches at Biola University and provides early intervention for Sunny Days. A native of Temecula, she loves pouring back into the community that poured so much into her. Her favorite things are spending time with dogs and her family, visiting the zoo or mountains, and kayaking.

Hope Family Housing Program Manager

Robert is our Hope Family Housing Program Manager. He manages our housing program and works closely with the families in the program to help them develop skills and gain stability with the goal of self sufficiency. Robert has many years of experience working with families and assisting them to overcome challenges in order to improve their lives and contribute to their community. Robert has lived in the Temecula area for more than 25 years and is committed to helping families in need. Robert has a strong belief in the dignity and value of the individual and a strong conviction that hope will lead you to growth.

Rapid Rehousing Case Manager

Lisa is the lead empowerment advocate at our Empowerment Village campus where she partners with single mothers and their families to develop skills that support them to obtain stability and independence on their life journeys. With many years of experience she believes deeply in our vision for single mothers and their children. Lisa is committed to her faith and passionate about social service work. She has lived in the area with her family for over 12 years and as a mother of 5, is dedicated to empowering mothers and supporting them on their journeys.

Lead Client Advocate

Kelly serves as Mission Hope’s Lead Client Advocate in the Hope Resource Center, where she meets with individuals and families seeking support and services. After retiring from her staff role at Mission Hope, Kelly chose to continue serving as a dedicated volunteer.

With extensive experience in community resources, crisis support, problem-solving, and case management, Kelly helps clients navigate difficult circumstances with compassion, dignity, and hope. Originally from the East Coast, she has called Temecula home for more than 20 years. She is now enjoying life as an empty nester and the proud grandmother of eleven grandchildren.

Kelly’s passion is encouraging women to recognize and walk confidently in the gifts and strength God has given them, equipping them to thrive as parents and as uniquely strong and beautiful individuals.

Office Manager

Nicki manages all aspects of front office operations,oversees the volunteer reception program, coordinates community food drives and assists with help as needed with other projects. She comes with many years of managerial experience, both in a corporate setting as well as opening and managing her own business. She’s always had a passion for helping people and hopes to use her skills along with that passion to continue the growth of our organization.

Hope Food Pantry Delivery Driver

Brandon Lundberg is the driver for our Hope food pantry. He volunteered with our Outreach Farm Project for over a year before coming on staff. Brandon is responsible for delivering thousands of pounds of food each week to our pantry and to our partner pantries in the valley as well as training our new volunteers. He is from Murrieta and graduated from Calvary Chapel Christian High school. His goal in life is to serve God by helping others. He loves to garden and be outdoors.

Food Pantry Manager

Patti has been in leadership and management positions for over 30 years and comes to Mission Hope with a background in children’s and women’s ministry, corporate administration, school administration and food pantry management.

She has a passion for serving and helping others to see their purpose and potential. Patti is looking forward serving wherever needed with all of her heart.

Her favorite things are spending time with her beautiful family and friends, going to the beach and playing in the backyard.

Housing Support Specialist

Kristin Arilus serves as a Housing Support Specialist with Mission Hope, where she supports families in navigating housing resources and building pathways toward stable, permanent housing. An Army National Guard veteran who served as a Paralegal, Kristin brings strong skills in documentation, organization, and confidentiality to her work.

She is passionate about dignity-first, trauma-informed care and believes that stable housing creates the foundation for long-term well-being. As a mother of three, Kristin understands the importance of safe and secure housing for families and is honored to serve the community she calls home.

Empowerment Village Case Manager.

Sousan is a Client Advocate at our Empowerment Village Campus. She has over 29 years of

experience as a social worker - collaborating with families and advocating for children. Her

experience covers a vast array of services such as housing, advocacy for school age children

and collaborating with different county departments. Sousan is dedicated to helping parents

increase parental capacity in that they can provide a more nurturing environment for their

children, establish healthy social connection, access needed services, etc. Sousan has lived in

Temecula for 5 years. She is a compassionate person, strongly believes in human rights and

That everyone deserves to have a peaceful life.

Description gPantry Manager & Facilities Manager

Terrance Pringle brings energy, heart, and hands-on leadership to Mission Hope as Pantry Manager and Facilities Manager. With 15 years as a Nike retail executive specializing in management training and development, plus a background in social services, Terrance knows how to build strong teams, create efficient systems, and lead with compassion.

Known for his magnetic personality and genuine care for others, Terrance approaches his work with the same dedication he brings to coaching his daughters' sports teams. As a father of four girls, he understands the importance of stability, community, and showing up for the people who need you most.

Whether he's managing pantry operations, overseeing facilities, or greeting families with a warm smile, Terrance is committed to ensuring that Mission Hope runs smoothly and that every person who walks through the doors feels the hope and dignity they deserve.oes here

Finance & Admin Assistant