Leadership and Staff

Founder and President

Jeanne’s experience as a single mom motivates her to empower other women in similar circumstances. While she was raising five children on her own, Jeanne earned her bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Sacred Heart University. She then earned her Master’s degree in elementary education and began a 14-year career teaching second grade. In 2019, Jeanne felt called to leave her teaching career and pursue the vision of Ruth’s House. Jeanne is passionate about seeing women finally free to live out the plan God has for them.

Executive Director

Toni Pensiero first started as a board member and then became our executive director in Fall 2023. She is so grateful to have this opportunity to serve in this capacity. She believes wellness encompasses not only people's physical and mental health but their sense of purpose, spirituality, their support network, and the fun they have. She began her career at HP Inc., where she worked for over 30 years in sales and business development. She then reinvented herself as a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach (FMCHC), an ISSA certified personal trainer and a nutritionist. Toni is humbled to be part of this team committed to serving women and children by showing them the love of Jesus. 1 John 4:19 says, "We love because he first loved us." Toni sees Ruth's House working to provide happier, healthier, more joyful lives for single moms and their children in need. When she is not supporting Ruth's House or being a health coach she enjoys being a "Nonna" which is grandmother in Italian.

Secretary

Lynn works in marketing and in real estate—and in her spare time has always enjoyed helping people and involving others in those efforts. Over the years, she’s worked as part of various community endeavors, including assisting local families in need and supporting shelters.

Growing up in a single-parent household made it clear to Lynn that people need help from their families–but not everyone has family or friends they can turn to for that support. Lynn’s hope is to help be a part of Ruth’s House’s vision and assist in raising the funds and holistic support necessary to provide single moms and their children the feelings of safety, comfort, and peace that everyone deserves. She hopes these mothers and children will know that they are cared for and that they have access to the help they need to succeed.

Treasurer

Vicar Centeno holds proprietorship of VicCen Bookkeeping Services, where she provides nonprofits and small businesses with expert bookkeeping services. She brings to her business a rich tapestry of experience built from a career spent as a bookkeeper for a variety of small-scale businesses. 

As someone deeply rooted in Christian values, Ms. Centeno is passionately committed to using her services and expertise to contribute positively to the community. 

House Manager

Sherry Bova is a single mom of six and serves as the house manager at Ruth's House. She is currently studying social work at Liberty University and plans to pursue her master’s degree in counseling. She has also earned a certificate from Light’s University and Caring for People God’s Way, and she is also a member of the American Association of Christian Counseling. 

When Sherry was introduced to the idea of Ruth’s House two years ago, she was excited and looked forward to the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful mission. She is passionate about helping women and young girls be all they were created to be, and she hopes to be a springboard toward their whole wellness. She gives thanks to God for the work He did to line up the timing, work, and hours to make Ruth’s House a reality, and she considers it such a joy to be able to serve the residents daily. 

When she's not working or studying, Sherry enjoys spending time with her family, listening to audio books, and learning about new things.

Night Manager

Felicite N. Naissem is a fervent defender of culture and justice, who works hard to provide a better future for orphaned children and widows. Her journey began as a comedic actress in Chad, where she worked alongside renowned performers like Hassan Keiro le Kainkoula, Vangdar Doursouma, and Mariam Mayoumboula in the Maoundoh Culture theatrical troupe. Through her work, she participated in prestigious events like the MASA (Market for African Performing Arts) in Ivory Coast and the International Theatre Festival of Benin (FITAB) with the play Jamais deux sans trois.

Felicite also served as a Protection Assistant at the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) in Chad, where she worked closely with vulnerable women who had suffered from abuse and violence. After this impactful experience, she moved to the United States, where she expanded her leadership skills and became a recognized community leader. She has earned numerous accolades, including awards from the Entrepreneurs Club, a Certificate of Outstanding Service from the African Immigrant Commission of New York, a Certificate of Appreciation from Senator Brian A. Benjamin, and a Certificate of Recognition from U.S. Congressman Jamaal Bowman. Additionally, she received a prestigious award from the Drammeh Institute at the United Nations, where she has also participated in several panels advocating for women’s rights and the fight against Ebola in Africa.

As a co-founder of Flame of Culture International, a nonprofit organization with operations in both New York and Chad, Felicite is committed to supporting widows and orphans. She partners with orphanages such as SOS Village d’Enfants in Chad and Mother’s Charity in Togo, providing shelter and educational opportunities to children who have been physically or mentally abused. Her mission to uplift Chadian artists led to the creation of the Dari Awards, a national honor celebrating artistic talent. She also founded Bravery Production Company, a film, television, and fashion enterprise aimed at combating violence against women and promoting social justice.

Felicite is an executive member of the Diamond District, a group of actors based in Fairfield County, Connecticut. In the summer of 2022, she will release her debut feature film, Marginalized, which she wrote and directed in Togo.

Board Member

Stephen Kellogg is a retired Chief Executive Officer of an Environmental Engineering Consulting firm.  He graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1972 with a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering.  In 1974received his Masters in Environmental Engineering from Cornell University. Stephen is a registered Professional Engineer and Board Certified Environmental Engineer through the Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists.  During his tenure as CEO, he built numerous companies which employed more than 400 people with offices in eight states.  After more than 45 years in the business, Stephen now assists various Boards focusing on Community outreach.  He is Chairman of the Scholarship Committee of Washington, D.C., based Environmental Engineering and Science Foundation.  He is also on the Executive Committee of the University of Massachusetts Civil and Environmental Engineering Advisory Board.  Stephen completely supports the vision of Ruth’s House and is ready to apply his executive experience to help make the vision a reality.

Board Member

Heather is a dedicated LPCA with a passion for empowering individuals and families facing adversity. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master’s degree in clinical counseling, and over 15 years of experience providing compassionate support and advocacy. 

Heather currently serves as the Director of IPV Fair and Youth Programs with CRJ. She specializes in child welfare and has a proven track record of implementing effective intervention strategies that promote child safety and family stability.

Throughout her career, Heather has collaborated with diverse communities to address issues such as domestic violence, homelessness, and behavioral health. She is known for her empathetic approach and ability to build trusting relationships with clients. 

Heather is committed to social justice and actively participates in initiatives that promote equality and access to resources for underserved populations.

Board Member

Isabelle Pierre-Louis is a devoted LMSW clinician working in the field of mental health and addiction with over 26 years of professional experience in human services. She is also a single mom to an incredible teenage daughter and an amazing 10-year-old son. As a single mom, she is committed to taking care of her family and accepting the challenges of single parenting.

She graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1997 with a BS in family and consumer science and then, 21 years later, she went back to school to study social work. She graduated from Fordham University in 2021 with her MSW. 

Isabelle is a member of Vertical Church in West Haven, CT, and assists at their Dream Center of West Haven by providing food and clothing to the local community, underserved families, and children.

She is passionate about helping women improve their mental health and learn to sustain themselves during difficult times. She wants to equip single moms with the tools they need to achieve success and help them gain an understanding of themselves, improve their quality of life, optimize their health, and live a fulfilling and meaningful life for themselves and their children. 

Isabelle is very excited to be a part of the Ruth's House team and to be a witness to God's plan and vision that has been predestined for Ruth's House.

Board Member

After bringing up twin daughters, Helena is more than ready to offer open arms and a loving heart to help other moms with the hardest job in the world. 

She graduated from medical school in Prague, Czech Republic, before relocating to the United States with her husband. Helena worked in several medical offices filling roles from billing to conducting medical tests. Then, she cared for her two daughters as a stay-at-home mom. Nine years ago, Helena returned to work as a preschool teacher at Susanna Wesley Nursery School. 

She is enthusiastic about teaching and mentoring children and passionate about giving all single moms in need the love, support, resources, and advice they deserve. Helena is very proud to be part of the Ruth’s House team that does exactly that.

Board Member

Lydie Schwartz was born and raised in France by a single mother. At 19, she moved to England as an au pair—then ended up prolonging her stay and lived in London for 20 years. Lydie worked her way up in the fashion industry, managing flagship stores and wholesale operations for fashion houses such as Escada and Armani. In England, she also met her husband Noah (originally from Portland, Oregon).

In 2010, their daughter, Juliette, was born. That same year, they embarked upon a new venture to America. In 2021, Lydie began to seriously contemplate the existence of God. In seeking answers, God showed up in unimaginable ways, which subsequently led her and her family to Christ.

Ruth’s House is an organization Lydie’s mother would have benefitted from 55 years ago, when she found herself single and pregnant with her second child…afraid, lost, and facing uncertainty and judgement from others. Serving as a leader in the organization brings things full circle for Lydie, who hopes to give back the many blessings she and her family have received to those most in need.

Board Member

Lashonda Washington is a single mom of two daughters, and she is passionate about helping single moms not only survive but thrive in life. 

She graduated from Albert's Magnus College in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in business management and a concentration in healthcare management, and now works as an assistant administrator at one of the top universities in Connecticut. She is also a member of Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries in Ansonia, CT, where she leads a single moms' group. 

As a single mom, she understands that mindset is everything. Having support to guide you and help you pivot through the bumps along the way is a tremendous push in the right direction. She is ready to bring this passion, her leadership skills, and her willingness to help others to the Ruth’s House board.