Our Staff
Executive and Management
John Mendez – Executive Director
John Mendez is a passionate and strategic leader with 25 years of experience in developing and implementing innovative programs to prevent and end homelessness. His approach is grounded in hands-on involvement providing direct services to individuals experiencing homelessness, enabling him to create effective, compassionate, person-centered solutions. John joined Bethesda Cares in 2010, and after assuming the role of Executive Director in 2018, he has expanded the organization into Montgomery County’s foremost advocate for Housing First practices and evidence-based solutions to homelessness. Under John’s leadership, Bethesda Cares designed and operated the county’s first vulnerability index and by-name list of unsheltered individuals from 2011-2013, which evolved into the county’s Coordinated Entry System and Annual Point-in-Time Methodology for Unsheltered Populations. His advocacy has also been instrumental in securing increased federal resources, particularly for evidence-based permanent housing solutions, veterans experiencing homelessness, and the county’s most vulnerable unhoused residents. Under John’s leadership, Bethesda Cares recently launched RentSelect, an innovative online platform powered by Padmission software that strengthens landlord partnerships, streamlines the leasing process, and expands housing opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness.
John’s work has earned him numerous awards, including recognition from the 100,000 HOMES Campaign, the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Washington, D.C., the United States House of Representatives, and the Dr. Wayne Fenton Memorial Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Montgomery County. He previously served on the West Virginia Interagency Council on Homelessness and has been featured in major media outlets, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, NPR, the Associated Press, and Bethesda Magazine. In recognition of his military service, and his dedication to ending veteran homelessness, John was honored to be a guest of Congressman Chris Van Hollen at President Barack Obama’s 2012 State of the Union Address.
Deborah Taylor, MSW, LCSW-C – Programs Director
Deborah Taylor is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) with over twenty years of experience providing non-profit decision-making leadership and strategic planning while serving vulnerable populations. Since 2018, Deborah has provided and expanded housing focused solutions for unhoused populations through resources such as Homeless Prevention, Street Outreach, Critical Time Intervention, and Supportive Housing services at Bethesda Cares. Currently serving as the Programs Director at Bethesda Cares, Deborah is responsible for developing and maintaining strong working relationships with community partners to effectively support individuals experiencing homelessness. In addition to overseeing these programs, Deborah provides clinical supervision to Bethesda Cares’ direct service staff. As a leader, Deborah chairs the Montgomery County Continuum of Care Interagency Commission on Homelessness Outcomes and Improvement Committee and Homeless Outreach Workgroup driving improvements in local homelessness services and helping shape effective, evidence-based solutions for permanent supportive housing placement. Deborah has a broad and diverse professional background. Prior to her current role, she worked as a Program Specialist and Case Manager at the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County, where she developed partnerships with social service agencies, landlords, and government entities to reduce housing risks and provided case management services to formerly homeless individuals and families. Deborah provided supportive counseling to diverse populations in a Montgomery County Outpatient Mental Health Clinic. She also serves as Board of Directors President for a statewide foster care and family service agency where she oversees executive functions and leads strategic planning to ensure its positive impact on children and families. Deborah earner her Master of Social Work in 2010 at the National Catholic School of Social Services at CUA in Washington DC. She is trained in Critical Time Intervention (CTI) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Deborah integrates these and other evidence-based techniques to address trauma, anxiety, and other mental health challenges and increase wellbeing. Through a holistic, strengths-based approach, Deboah is committed to empowering clients by combining clinical expertise with a deep understanding of the systemic barriers marginalized individuals and families often face and providing them with safe housing opportunities combined with wrap around services.
Sayaka Yabuki, MSW – Director of Operations
Sayaka Yabuki dedicated her career in the international development and humanitarian sector for over 13 years. She has worn many hats providing financial and compliance oversight for a diverse multi-million dollar portfolio, streamlining operational processes, and building strong partnerships to drive organizational growth. Prior to joining Bethesda Cares, Sayaka served as an Advisor for Global Awards at Save the Children US, leading grant management for health and livelihood programs supporting children and families. As Acting Project Director for the Myanmar Office at Peace Winds Japan, she led a safe drinking water program for rural communities. Her expertise also extends to talent management and mentorship to build high-performing teams. Sayaka earned her MSW from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work with a macro concentration and is passionate about strengthening organizational capacity and operational efficacy.
Sana Jafarzadeh – Development Director
Sana Jafarzadeh is an experienced nonprofit professional with over a decade of success in fundraising, donor relations, and strategic communications. She has worked with mission-driven organizations to strengthen financial sustainability, deepen community engagement, and expand impact through compelling storytelling and integrated campaigns.
Before joining Bethesda Cares, Sana served as Director of Marketing and Development at Bluebird Education Network, leading development efforts for youth education programs in Baltimore. She also managed major gifts and donor stewardship at The Children’s Inn at NIH, cultivating partnerships to support families of children with serious illnesses. Sana has secured significant grants, built lasting donor relationships, and developed strategies that drive organizational growth. She is deeply committed to advancing social equity by connecting communities to meaningful, systemic solutions. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from the University of Maryland, College Park, and is excited to support Bethesda Cares’ mission to end homelessness through strategic partnerships and resource development.
Stefani Schaper, LMSW – Supportive Housing Program Manager
Stefani Schaper is a licensed Social Worker dedicated to housing equity and addressing the root causes of homelessness. Guided by the pillars of Social Work practice, Stefani prioritizes service and the dignity and worth of every person in her leadership at Bethesda Cares. With over 10 years of experience in housing services, Stefani applies a trauma-informed and strength-based approach to the implementation of the agency’s housing programs. Stefani joined Bethesda Cares in 2018 as a HIP Service Coordinator. Since then, she has completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work, obtained her LMSW, and has held the role of Supportive Housing Manager dating back to June 2022. Under Stefani’s management, Bethesda Cares supportive housing programs have seen significant growth and success. Noteworthy achievements include the expansion of the agency’s Housing Initiative Program, reaching full occupancy of the Corporate Lease Program, continued stability for homeless veterans, and most recently, the newly awarded Street to Home NOFO. In 2024, Bethesda Cares Supportive Housing Programs achieved a 98% housing retention rate for all households, ensuring persons-at risk remain in stable permanent housing. Stefani is grateful to have witnessed the agency’s growth over the years and to play a role in leading such a compassionate and impactful team toward Housing First solutions.
Renee Sierpierski, MPA – Street Outreach Program Manager
Originally from Buffalo, NY, Renee Siepierski has spent the better part of the last two decades working in non-profit case management and client services. Renee attended Hilbert College for both her Bachelors and Masters degrees, earning her Masters in Public Administration in 2014. Her long career is highlighted by five years as the Coordinator of Catholic Charities Central Intake Office. She has also held positions in educational policy development at Erie 1 BOCES and as Team Leader of the John R. Oshei Foundation Mobile Safety-Net. Renee and her family recently relocated to Washington, DC, and she is thrilled to join the Bethesda Cares team
Lawrence Blake – Meal Program Supervisor
Lawrence Blake has served at Bethesda Cares for over 25 years, providing nutritious meals and a warm, welcoming environment to individuals experiencing homelessness and at risk of homelessness. A pillar of the organization, “Blake” ensures that every meal program participant deserves a hot lunch and that we see them as humans, with respect and dignity. His deep commitment to community care has made him an essential part of Bethesda Cares’ mission to support the most vulnerable members of our community. Blake is a U.S. Army (Ret.) Veteran and his commitment to care for individuals with nutritional needs was featured in the NY Times in 2014.
Staff: Programs, Operations
Mark Babiak, BSW – Senior Specialist – Critical Time Intervention
Our Critical Time Intervention Specialist, Mark Babiak was born and raised in Washington. He attended Montgomery College and was enrolled in the Mental Health Program there; he subsequently transferred to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and received a B.A. from there in 2014, in Social Work and Psychology. Having interned with Bethesda Cares for a year during his studies, Mark has joined staff to work closely with our newly-housed clients, ensuring that this enormously positive, but very challenging transition is a smooth one.
Nick Heynen – Veterans Supportive Housing Specialist
Prior to joining Bethesda Cares, Nick Heynen’s career has involved work with adolescent offenders, addiction treatment programs, and support for people with Developmental Disabilities. The theme dominating his career is the need and ability to get and keep all people connected to their communities. Nick completed his degree in Family Studies at the University of Maryland. Nick enjoys spending time at the pool, riding his motorcycle, and obstacle course racing. Nick and his family are long-term residents of Montgomery County.
Lydia Yosef, BSW – Critical Time Intervention Specialist
Lydia Yosef obtained her Bachelor’s in Social Work from University of Maryland – Baltimore County and she has been active in homeless services with experience in homeless systems in the local area. Before coming to Bethesda Cares, Lydia held a frontline staff role at a Women’s Shelter. She then transitioned into case managing Families and Children in housing programs in DC, before coming back to Montgomery County working as a shelter case manager. In that role, she worked with some of the most vulnerable adults in Montgomery County and helped them attain housing. In her free time, Lydia’s passions include linguistics and Prison Abolition, and she actively works with mutual aid organizations in Southeast DC. Lydia is currently working towards obtaining her Social Work Bachelor License in the state of Maryland.
Lisa Lincoln – Supportive Housing Specialist
Lisa Lincoln brings a variety of human services experiences to Bethesda Cares. Most recently, Lisa founded and coordinated a food pantry for a food insecure population, serving an average of 60 families per week, during the pandemic. Lisa also served as a health and wellness coordinator for an urban nonprofit. Lisa has a master’s degree in Physical Therapy and brings her experience in direct care to human services.
Carlos Ramirez – Critical Time Intervention Specialist
Carlos Ramirez has assisted and advocated for many victims of domestic violence in Montgomery County as a Legal Advocate for a local nonprofit domestic violence legal clinic. Carlos also has professional experience from working with private law firms and the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County prior to joining Bethesda Cares. Carlos graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Siomara Bonilla – HIP Service Coordinator
Siomara Bonilla is a Housing Initiative Program Services Coordinator at Bethesda Cares. A UMD graduate with a Bachelors in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Siomara has been an avid advocate for different populations throughout the community. Siomara began community involvement while in High School through the Gandhi Brigade, a group of students using digital media to advance social justice. Siomara also focused on children and educational issues during early advocacy work activities. In addition, Siomara was an advocate for victims of domestic Violence through the House of Ruth MD throughout Montgomery and Prince George’s County, in addition to work as a Transitioning Youth Coordinator for The Arc of Prince George’s County serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and supporting populations in their desires for more independent life.
Monica Chio-Martinez – Critical Time Intervention Specialist
Monica Chio-Martinez is a graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Relations from Trinity Washington University located in Washington, DC. Prior to Bethesda Cares, Monica worked as a Housing Case Manager in the DC Area for 5 years. She has helped clients living on the street with obtaining housing and she assisted with the COVID 19 PEP-V housing emergency program. Monica started her social services journey in June of 2014 working actively with families and pregnant women in the DC area as a family support worker. Since then, Monica has worked in several areas of Social Services ranging from Mental health, substance abuse prevention, HIV/AIDS programs, and with persons experiencing homelessness.
Emily Katseanes – Operations and Data Coordinator
Emily Katseanes has a BA in journalism from the University of Nevada and a MA in rhetoric and professional communication from New Mexico State University. She has over a decade working with vulnerable populations in higher education and has published research at the intersection of mental health and pop culture.
Kevin Allen – Street Outreach Specialist
Kevin Allen has been in the human service field in different capacities for over 15 years. He has worked with vulnerable populations dealing with issues such as substance abuse and homelessness. He went to school at Southern University, and is returning to Bowie State. Kevin also enjoys volunteering his time to youth sports.
Paloma Arroyo-LeFebre, MSW – Strategy and Collaboration Coordinator – Zero for All
Paloma Arroyo-LeFebre attended The Catholic University of America where she pursued her Bachelor’s in Social Work. Post-grad she worked as a case manager for a local D.C. nonprofit aimed at housing local veterans who experienced homelessness. Paloma later found her passion for policy after working for the U.S. Senate. She decided to pursue her Master’s in Social Work with a focus on policy administration and macro social work at the University of Texas at Austin. Paloma’s capstone project focused on evidence-based practices in decriminalizing homelessness. Paloma returned to the greater D.C. area three years ago and worked in national nonprofit/SuperPac, EMILY’s List, and most recently the National Institute of Health as a training manager and expert. She volunteers her time with an LA-based platform focused on Latina empowerment fittingly called Powerful Latinas Rising. Within her role, she produces web-based webinars, trainings, and a podcast. In her spare time, Paloma loves kayaking and spending time outdoors with her puppy, Azul.
Rachel Fields – Housing Resources Coordinator
Rachel Fields brings 10 years of experience in the human services field working in Maryland and neighboring jurisdictions in support of underrepresented/vulnerable populations: adolescents/adults with developmental delays/physical disabilities, mental health challenges, sexually abused youth, immigrants, impoverished, homeless populations, etc. Rachel has also served on the board for Eastern Montgomery Emergency Assistance Network, helping the organization develop their website and visual presence. Rachel is a graduate of the University of Maryland, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in biology.
Yewande Oloye – HIP Service Coordinator
Yewande Oloye has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Psychology at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. She has worked in homeless systems and mental health field for the past five years, including two years in Montgomery County’s system of care for persons experiencing homelessness. Yewande is also a SOAR certified case manager. Yewande has several experiences providing necessary community resources to clients, including helping her clients achieve their primary goals, which include maintaining permanent housing and getting all qualified benefits.
Eva Marsh – Critical Time Intervention Specialist
Eva Marsh graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She is familiar with resources offered by Montgomery County that assist low-income individuals with transportation, food banks, housing programs, etc. Before starting at Bethesda Cares, she began her career path working with children as a Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Counselor at Advantage Psychiatric Services in Anne Arundel County. She then transitioned into case management as a Rehabilitation Counselor at Cornerstone Montgomery Inc gaining five years of experience working with individuals that struggled with mental health disorders & low income. As a counselor, she has learned how to provide behavior management and crisis intervention to ensure compliance with medical instruction towards recovery as well as supporting clients with community integration.
Dharma Keppetipola – Street Outreach Specialist
Dharma Keppetipola has 3 years of experience working in the mental health field. He started out working in the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program then transitioned into working on the Assertive Community Treatment team. Dharma has a deep dedication to working in the mental health field. Dharma has experience working with different populations and continues to aim to provide the best quality of care. Dharma received his B.A. in psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and is currently working on M.A. in applied clinical psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Andrae Taggart – HIP Service Coordinator
Andrae Taggart has worked in the mental health field for over 17 years helping clients regain and maintain their independence in the community by meeting them where they were in Life. Andrae attended Montgomery College for general studies then attended the University of Maryland receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.
Savannah Millard – Critical Time Intervention Specialist
Savannah Millard has worked in case management duties in the Greater Washington region on homelessness since 2022 and has developed a passion for housing equity and justice. She has also worked as a pro bono paralegal providing free eviction defense services for low-income tenants in the region. Academically, Savannah attended CUNY BMCC where she took general classes until she transferred to LIU Post and obtained in B.A. in English-Literature. Prior to working in our region, Savannah was involved in teaching and paralegal work in the NYC area. She loves connecting with people and advocating for housing rights.
Maria Flores – Supportive Housing Specialist
Maria Flores was born and raised in Washington, D.C. and attended the Catholic University of America, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Brain Sciences. Maria has experience in providing trauma-informed care through working with veterans, refugees, and domestic violence survivors in the region.
Victor Sarceno, MSW – Critical Time Intervention Specialist
Victor Sarceno is a dedicated and compassionate MSW graduate from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, with five years of casework experience focusing on adults with mental health illnesses in Montgomery County. He is proficient in client-centered care and adept at developing tailored treatment plans that address individual needs. He is strongly interested in policy analysis and effectiveness, with a proven ability to apply these skills in advocating for and implementing evidence-based policy enhancements.
Jennifer Cohen, MSW – Street Outreach Specialist
Jennifer Cohen received her MSW from Sacramento State University and is passionate about the intersection of the policy sphere & individual quality of life. Jen has 2 years of experience in homeless outreach in Sacramento, CA where she worked in collaboration with officials from the City, County & other community partners.
Ozhan Kazempour – Supportive Housing Specialist
Ozhan Kazempour is currently pursuing his Master of Social Work at the Catholic University of America, with academic and professional interests in psychodynamic psychotherapy, child development, and the experiences of immigrant communities. He returns to Bethesda Cares following a nine-month social work internship during the 2024–2025 academic year, where he contributed to several key programs including Supportive Housing, Housing-focused Street Outreach, Coordinated Entry Systems, and PIT/street census initiatives.
Ozhan brings additional experience from his time volunteering with the National Center for Children and Families and holds a Bachelor of Science in Statistics from George Washington University.