Who We Are
Our Team
The Merryman House Domestic Violence Center was founded in 1978 and incorporated in 1979 as Women Aware, Inc. The agency is named for our founder, Merryman Kemp. Since its inception, Merryman House has extended its arms to serve victims of domestic violence. Each year, hundreds of women, men, and children seek refuge, comfort and healing through our 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, outreach offices and comprehensive programs. Our staff is dedicated to helping these survivors to escape violence, find safety and move forward with their lives. For more than 45 years, Merryman House has worked to Save, Build and change lives through our Core Values of Advocacy, Empowerment and Transformation through Compassion, Dignity and Courage. You can learn more about our history here.
“There is reward in life for goodness. Goodness makes the world a better place. We are appreciative of every donation we receive from our community, but we are also very blessed by the positive changes we continue to see in our community’s perspective of domestic violence. Acts of kindness and goodness have a ripple effect, like throwing a pebble in a pond. You may never know the impact one simple act of kindness can have in making our world a better place.”
Merryman Kemp
Founder, Merryman House
Our Leadership Team
Mary E. Foley, PsyD
Executive Director
Vivian Brown
Director of Crisis & Essential Services
Colette Buford
Director of Finance
Stephanie Hook
Director of Housing & Stabilization
Michelle Gantt
Director of Advocacy & Resiliency
Jayna Burkey
Asst. Director of Advocacy & Resiliency
Director of Community Engagement
Brianna Weitlauf
Director of Grants & Compliance
Christina Thompson
Asst. Director of Grants & Compliance
Tina Hollowell
Director of Operations
Kelly Cosby
Office Manager
Our Coordinator Team
Jade Townsley
Housing Coordinator
Kris Denson
Nutrition Services Coordinator