Lisa leads the Strategic Planning team as the Assistant General Manager of Planning and Innovation at Metro Transit in Downtown St. Louis.

Most of her work is cross-sector: making connections between things that other folks might not see as related in any way. She focuses on collaborations that do the hard work of building a more inclusive, more equitable, more sustainable, more just, and more joyful world.

​Steve grew up in Buffalo, New York, and attended undergrad at the University of Notre Dame, where he majored in Theatre and Political Science. He moved to St. Louis to attend law school at Washington University in 2006. After spending a few years working at a law firm in Boston, Massachusetts, Steve returned to St. Louis and set down roots with his wife and family. Having been a trial lawyer in both the private and public sectors for the last fifteen years, Steve specializes in complex business disputes, consumer protection matters, and employment issues. He lives near Tower Grove Park with his wife, three children, and two cats that are always hungry. Steve is dedicated to social justice, has done considerable pro bono work, and acted as staff attorney at Interfaith Legal Services for Immigrants. In the latter capacity, he represented indigent clients in all the complex aspects or immigration matters. 

Lisa has worked in real estate for the past 11 years; having transitioned from a successful career as a photographer. She is a real estate broker, investor and landlord focusing heavily on the north city of St Louis. From the outset of her real estate career, Lisa has advocated for affordable housing and been involved in St Louis Metro Housing Task Force, St Patrick Center Landlords and the St Louis Vacancy Collaborative. She is currently working on developing a tiny home community, in addition to other solutions to the housing crisis.

​Vanessa is a Project Manager of Store Design at Build-A-Bear Workshop. Outside of her work, she is involved in advocacy. She has been volunteering with Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri since 2004. She continues work with Abortion Action Missouri (formerly NARAL) and serves as the treasurer of the 501c3 arm of the organization since 2017, as well as serving on the 501c4 board and PAC committee. She is also the elected 7th Ward Democratic Committeewoman. Most of the work she does in local politics is supporting candidates by donating her Graphic Design skills, creating logos and mailers and the like.

Jim retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Decision Review Officer to explore meaningful ways to serve. He first became aware of Assisi House through St. Louis Winter Outreach. Jim faithfully supported the Assisi House mission wherever needed as a dedicated volunteer prior to joining the board, particularly through assisting with maintenance, volunteer coordination, and building rehab projects. Jim is happy to be part of the Assisi House community and looks forward to continuing to support the Assisi House mission. 

A retired healthcare executive, Deborah Sheperis has extensive people management and organizational skills, plus a masters degree in counseling. She has years of volunteer experience with the unhoused and marginally unhoused through St. Louis Winter Outreach, oversight of outreach programs at her church, and is one of the Assisi House founders group. Deborah combines her experience and skills to assist with organizational planning, and continues to accompany several long-term residents as a volunteer. 

Bill Krenn brings to the Assisi House Board his experience as a retired CEO and CFO of a local manufacturing company. Bill Krenn has been a servant of homeless outreach for the last 35 years, with emphasis on those experiencing severe mental illness. Beginning with serving at St. Patrick Center’s Shamrock Club in 1984 then founding the original Assisi House, launching one of the first Housing First models of accommodation in 1989. Also serving as a winter outreach advocate with Winter Patrol in the early 1990’s then continuing with Saint Louis Winter Outreach. The original Assisi House is still in operation along with the next five houses established in this new development.

Humanitarian, entrepreneur, restaurateur, home builder, volunteer, writer, author.
Derrick began his career at the ripe young age of 20 by becoming a real estate investor with a focus on refurbishing affordable rental housing and later expanded his career into new home development and architecture. Derrick has served on boards of directors for several nonprofit organizations as president of the board. He continues to volunteer his talents today; while expanding into other business endeavors and chipping away at the items on his bucket list.

MY PASSIONS
Outdoors, nature, exploring, getting things done, meditation, travel, fishing, romance, philosophy, reading, serving my fellow man, business, dogs, boating, Netflix, entertaining, self-improvement.

Jennifer first encountered Assisi House while working at Independence Center, an organization that serves adults living with serious mental illnesses.

​

Both organizations share not only clients but also similar values and missions. They focus on offering opportunities, creating community, and treating people with dignity and respect. Jennifer has been with Independence Center for 40 years and currently serves as the Chief Program Officer. She brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, community mental health, networking, and collaboration, and holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from The Brown School at Washington University.

When she attended Assisi House's Thanksgiving Celebration, she immediately felt a sense of community and was inspired to help fulfill its mission.

Jerry King retired from his real estate development career after over 40 years in the industry, and over 30 years directing his own housing development companies. Jerry has developed over 1,500 units of housing in the City of St. Louis, both market-rate and low-income, new construction and rehabilitation, and for ownership as well as rental. As a one of the Assisi House founders, his experience in this field is utilized at Assisi House in his role in directing the acquisition and renovation of the Assisi House buildings.