Kexin Ma holds a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from China Agriculture University and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University at Buffalo, with a specialization in GIS and economic development.
She was hired since graduated from UB in the beginning of 2011. She has built great expertise on managing HMIS and had been producing the Annual Reports and other customized reports for users. Since 2013, she took the CoC position and oversees both the HMIS and the CoC programs. She developed a great interest in grant management and program development and able to use her expertise on data analysis to provide funding recommendations. In 2015, she was awarded by Business First, 30 under 30 for her outstanding contribution to the community. After working at the Homeless Alliance for 10 years, she took the position of Executive Director in 2021 and continue serving her 2nd home to end homelessness.
Ashley, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Empire State University with a degree in Human Services. At a very young age, Ashley realized her passion for helping others and has since spent most of her career helping to address the needs of the homeless and low-income communities. Ashley’s previous work experience within the Department of Social Services, provided her with a solid foundation to learn the programs that provided at least a minimum degree of economic security to a person in need. Feeling the need to challenge the stigmas surrounding homelessness, Ashley furthered her career by supervising an Emergency Shelter program and educating future leaders about homelessness. Moreover, she continued to provide services to the homeless and at-risk individuals; many of whom have had complex mental health, substance abuse, and health issues.
Recently moving back to Buffalo, Ashley’s commitment to ending homelessness has not changed. Ashley is excited to be a part of the Homeless Alliance of WNY and she is looking forward to fostering community collaboration and implementing best-practice models to ensure everyone has a home!
HMIS Director | [email protected]
Nathan graduated from the University at Buffalo with a degree in Anthropology.
Nathan worked through college as an instructor of recreational programming. After graduating, he found himself working in the nonprofit field. He spent two years serving with AmeriCorps at Tifft Nature Preserve teaching environmental education and followed that by working with Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara advocating literacy education. He has volunteered with various local organizations through is interests in education, the outdoors, and finding new restaurants.
His experiences serving the community led him to HAWNY where he hopes to continue advocating and using his background to support the reduction and elimination of homelessness in WNY.
Operations Manager | [email protected]
Jarrett graduated SUNY University at Buffalo with a BA in Philosophy. After graduation, he studied at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and spent time in the Order of Carmelites novitiate in Middletown, NY. Jarrett then moved back to WNY to join the Catholic Charities Service Corps and had an AmeriCorps placement at Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper. He went on to full-time employment with Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper and later moved to Niagara Falls to work as Compliance Officer for the City of Niagara Falls Department of Community Development.
Jarrett applies his experience with HUD, local non-profits, finanace and operations, and community service to contribute to the mission of the Homeless Alliance.
Senior Program Coordinator | [email protected]
Ryan received a B.A. with honors from Canisius College, majoring in Anthropology and History, with a minor in Philosophy. He is a former grant writer for AmeriCorps VISTA and public health volunteer for Peace Corps Guinea (West Africa). Ryan completed his applied thesis at the University of North Texas in collaboration with the Center for Survivors of Torture in Dallas, Texas. After receiving his M.S. in Applied Anthropology, Ryan moved back to Buffalo in 2015 to assist newly-arrived individuals and families through the resettlement process at Journey’s End Refugee Services. For the last five years, Ryan has provided care coordination services to members of the LGBTQ+ community, individuals living with HIV, mental health and substance use concerns at Evergreen Health, and later care team supervision at Niagara Falls Memorial Health Home.
Ryan’s case management experience and knowledge of community resources will help holistically reduce homelessness in Western New York.
Compliance Coordinator | [email protected]
Dan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Law from Binghamton University and a Master’s degree in Sport Management from SUNY Cortland. For the past several years, he has worked for the New York State Assembly, as a policy analyst for the Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee in Albany, NY. In that role, he analyzed legislation, amended bills, and advocated for specific policies that would help protect the consumers of New York State. He is looking forward to using his experience in policy and research in order to help reduce and eventually eliminate homelessness in the WNY area.
He is excited to be a member of this community and to help serve this community through his work at the Homeless Alliance.
Training Coordinator | [email protected]
Alissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatrical Technology and Design from Appalachian State University, and a Masters in Library and Information Science from the University at Buffalo.
She began her professional career in the Department of Educational Technology and Instructional Design at Trocaire College, teaching faculty and students how to leverage technology to achieve their educational goals. Over the last couple of years she has held Instructional Design positions at SUNY Empire State College, and the NYC-based data startup – Talkwalker. Throughout her career, Alissa has always been a passionate advocate for accessible technology solutions that allow for data-driven decision making. She is looking forward to building a robust self-paced HMIS certification program, streamlining documentation efforts, and enhancing data communication efforts.
Youth Program Coordinator | [email protected]
Cassiah graduated Summa Cum Laude from SUNY Fredonia with a Bachelors of Science degree in Early Childhood and Childhood Education. After completing her degree, she taught for two years within Erie and Niagara County. While teaching, she focused on ensuring that her students’ social-emotional learning mirrored that of the curriculum. Through her time in the classroom, Cassiah recognized a deeper need that goes beyond education for the youth and young adults of WNY. It is her strong desire to help provide these basic needs and provide a place for youth and young adults to call home. Cassiah is excited to be a part of the Homeless Alliance of WNY and begin working to eradicate youth homelessness.
Quality Assurance Specialist | [email protected]
Niagara County CoC Coordinator | [email protected]
Community Resource Specialist | [email protected]
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