Staff

Karen has been working in the non-profit sector for more than 30 years. She began the role of Executive Director for CARITAS in 2000. In 2007, Karen took on the dual role as Executive Director for The Healing Place, a long-term residential recovery program for men struggling with substance use disorder. Effective July 1, 2012, she guided the efforts to merge the organization with CARITAS making CARITAS the largest homeless services organization in the metro Richmond area.  She is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond, a recipient of the Stettinius Award for Non-Profit Leadership, United Way’s “Champion for Change” of 2008, a 2010 YWCA Outstanding Woman Award winner and the 2010 Better Housing Coalition’s “Creative Collaborator.” She has served as an appointed member of the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism and on the boards of Homeward and Leadership Metro Richmond. In October 2012, Karen was inducted in the Virginia First Lady’s FLITE Hall of Fame for Women in Business. She currently serves on the vestry of St. James's Episcopal Church.

Clara was born and raised in Charlotte, NC and has lived in the Richmond area for the last 13 years.  In Charlotte, Clara worked in the nonprofit field for 10 years.  She served on several local boards, participated in Leadership Charlotte and was very active in her church and children’s schools.  A job relocation sent the Stokes family to Richmond. Clara returned to the nonprofit arena five years ago as the Chief Development Officer for CARITAS.  She is a 2016 graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond.

Marilyn has more than 25 years of experience in education and training, program development and management, non-profit leadership and community development. She is passionate about and dedicated to adult education, social justice and equality, and uniting resources to strengthen the community.  Marilyn is very active throughout the Richmond community and is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond. She served as a past president of the Historic Jackson Ward Association.  She enjoys the arts, the outdoors--most notably the James River Park System--food, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Sandy has worked in the nonprofit sector for more than 15 years in a variety of roles. She is passionate about helping people and building relationships.  As Furniture Bank Manager, Sandy coordinates our collaboration with 100+ community partners.  In addition, she helps manage the complex logistics of working with thousands of case managers and clients. Sandy is an active community volunteer outside of CARITAS as a mentor to young women within VCU's alumni organization, as a big sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and much more. Sandy is a 2011 graduate of the Emerging Nonprofit Leaders Program.