Veronica Johnson has 21 years of experience working with the underserved population in Baltimore City, as a Behavior Health Therapist, case manager and many other roles.
Veronica Johnson received her Bachelor of Art in Religion Studies, from College of Notre Dame of Maryland. She graduated from Loyola University of Maryland with a Masters in Pastoral Counseling. She is a licensed Professional Counselor and a National Board Certified Counselor.
Veronica’s favorite scripture is Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”. Her mission is to make life better for someone else.
Laura Starsoneck is the Assistant Director of the Center for Women & Children at Helping Up Mission (HUM). She has over 10 years of experience in ministry for causes that improve the quality of life for individuals and families of Baltimore. Laura comes to HUM from leadership roles at St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore where she worked to expand their housing programs for homeless individuals and families. Laura is a native Baltimorean, graduated from Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA with Bachelors and University of Alabama with Masters in Human Development and Family Studies. As a former college athlete, Laura in her free time, enjoys running and playing/watching sports in addition to spending time traveling with her daughter.
General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer Sky Woodward joined Helping Up Mission after a nearly 30-year career in “Big Law” where she represented clients in a variety of industries navigating complex legal issues and defending high-stakes litigation. Sky’s relationship with the Helping Up Mission began in the mid-2000s when she started providing pro bono legal services to HUM’s clients. Living out the adage “Learn, Earn, Return,” Sky has returned to her beloved city of Baltimore to return the blessings of her education, experience, and skills to HUM, its clients, and the greater community. Sky does her best each day to live out Jesus’s commandment (John 13:34 NIV): “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Sky knows that persons experiencing homelessness and addiction will have their dignity restored and find their God-given purpose through a community of love and support at Helping Up Mission.
Jennifer Bedon joined HUM as Chief Philanthropy Officer in July 2020. Jennifer has 20 years of experience in fundraising for causes that improve the quality of life for the people of Baltimore. Jennifer is especially passionate about the opportunity to help HUM expand our work to serve the needs of women and their children with our new Center for Women & Children. Jennifer comes to HUM from leadership roles at Port Discovery Children’s Museum and the Parks & People Foundation where she worked to expand their programs to serve children and youth. While managing her own consulting firm, Jennifer’s clients included museums, associations, hospitals, social services, and environmental organizations. She is an expert in fundraising but particularly enjoys capital campaigns, major fund development, and grant and foundation relationships. Jennifer is a native Baltimorean and a graduate of the Notre Dame of Maryland University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and daughters.
Daniel Stoltzfus is the Chief Executive Officer at Helping Up Mission. Nearly 20 years of service and leadership in faith-based organizations led him to this role, where he is passionate about the focus on Christ-centered life transformation with a holistic approach to recovery. Daniel comes to HUM from senior leadership roles in both New York City and Tucson, AZ where he gained experience in operational and program leadership. Daniel earned a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) in nonprofit management & public policy from New York University’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and holds a Bachelors in History from Indiana Wesleyan University.