Our Team
The Merryman House Domestic Violence Center was founded in 1978 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, over 1,000 women, men, and children seek refuge, comfort and healing through our 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, the outreach offices and comprehensive programs. A staff of 50 individuals is dedicated to helping these survivors to escape violence, find safety and move forward with their lives. For almost 40 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.
“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
“Why?” is such a powerful question. It forces us to stop and reflect. It provides us a chance to explain our position or, in this case, our purpose and intent behind something. I have chosen to serve victims of crime for the duration of my career because I am one.
Amy Abernathy
Director of Operations
Working at Merryman House is more than just a job. At the core of everything we do is Saving, Building and Changing lives. Knowing victims of domestic violence depend on me – to show up and do what’s asked of me – so they can be safe, is my “why.”
Colette Buford
Director of Finance
I choose to work at the Merryman House because I believe in helping others. Although I do not usually interact with our clients, I know that by managing our budgets and funding, I enable my coworkers to perform the work they were meant to do: Save, Build, and Change the lives of those affected by domestic violence.
Maressa Young-White
Director of Advocacy & Empowerment
I invest each day into Saving, Building and Changing lives to instill hope to victims: Hope to those who are in pain who feel they have lost their way. I offer hope with messages such as, “You are valued, you are safe, you are understood.
Stephanie Hook
Director of Housing & Stabilization
I work at The Merryman House because I have someone very close to me that is a survivor of domestic violence. I have witnessed firsthand the effects of domestic violence on individuals. I invest each day in Saving, Building and Changing lives because EVERYONE deserves a life free from domestic violence.
Brooke R. Jacobs, PsyD
Staff Psychologist
The Merryman House provides me a platform to serve our community in its time of need. I am overwhelmed by the opportunity individuals give me to assist in their time of need. I am blessed to spend my work days Saving, Building, and Changing lives.
Brianna Weitlauf
Director of Grants & Compliance
I invest in the Merryman House’s mission of Saving, Building and Changing Lives because I have witnessed the devastating effects of domestic violence in the lives of those close to me.
Kayla Myers
Director of Community Engagement
If you have the opportunity to make your job doing work that matters, take the opportunity. The people I am surrounded by at the Merryman House are clearly working not for money or self- interest, but for the good and the safety of our clients, and it is apparent every minute of every day.
Kelly Cosby
Executive Assistant
Marsha Millay
Nutrition Program Coordinator
Tishaunda Higgerson
Program Coordinator
I’ve always known I wanted to “help people,” but to be more specific, help those who can’t help themselves. So, my why is easy… the children.
Tina Hollowell
Facilities Maintenance Coordinator
I came to the Merryman House because I had a desire to make a difference in the lives of families that had been through the trauma and hopelessness of domestic violence.
Kayla Franklin
Essential Services Coordinator
I work at the Merryman House because that means being able to support survivors of domestic violence.
Jayna Burkey
Resiliency Center Coordinator
When I was asked about this position at the Marshall County Resiliency Center, something in my heart stirred.
Tabetha Sisk
Grants & Compliance Coordinator
I work for the Merryman House to do my part in promoting social change and supporting survivors in their journey to a life free from violence.
Lucy Calderon
Crisis Services Coordinator
I live by these words from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
Hope Reasons
Advocacy & Empowerment Coordinator
“What if I fall? Oh my darling, but what if you fly?” –Erin Hanson
Contact Us
Whether you are a survivor in need of support or a donor looking to join our mission, there is a place for you here!
PO Box 98
Paducah, KY 42002
Hotline is answered 24/7/365.
Translation services are provided as needed. All services are free and confidential.
Follow Us
The Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center provides services free of charge to survivors of domestic violence and their dependents without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed services, political belief, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy or other health status, social or economic status, non-violent criminal history, citizenship, immigration status, marital status, or language spoken.
Services provided in part or fully by federal, state, and local funds. This project is also funded in whole or in part under a contract with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, and the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence, contract #C-05199666, subcontracted with the Merryman House, subcontract #21H. Additionally, support comes from Grant #H-00141 awarded through the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet by the U.S. Department of Justice. The content expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet or the U.S. Department of Justice.
© 2021 Merryman House. All Rights Reserved.