Meet Our Team

Seli Perry

Interim Executive Director

seli@themercyhouse.org

Seli received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Eastern Mennonite University in 2001 and holds a certificate in nonprofit management from the nonprofit Institute at James Madison University. She began working at Mercy House in 2006 as coordinator of the Hispanic Service and SAFE-at-Home programs. Later, Seli became the agency’s Adult Services Coordinator and Grants Manager. Seli currently serves as the interim Executive Director and oversees the delivery of all agency-client services and remains the primary liaison to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Seli is also fluent in Spanish and serves as a Spanish interpreter and facilitates service delivery for Hispanic clients. 

Jacob Russell

Sr. Housing Counselor

jacob@themercyhouse.org

​Jacob graduated from James Madison University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs. Since joining the agency in 2013, Jacob has served as the Shelter Manager and Child Services Coordinator. In 2019, Jacob took on new responsibilities, coordinating the screening and placement services for the Homeless Prevention and Rehousing Programs and working with families and individuals to access sustainable permanent housing. Additionally, Jacob is a member of the Virginia Association of Housing Counselors (VAHC) and is a Certified Housing Counselor.

Sabrina Herron

Shelter Manager

sabrina@themercyhouse.org

Sabrina graduated from James Madison University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Prior to joining Mercy House, Sabrina served as a Shelter Manager for both Open Doors and First Step. Sabrina started at the agency in 2020 as the Aftercare Case Manager and quickly transitioned into the Shelter Manager role, where she currently oversees the day-to-day shelter operations and provides case management to families during their shelter stay. Sabrina is a member of the Virginia Association of Housing Counselors (VAHC) and is a Certified Housing Counselor.

Ermila Sanchez

Centralized Intake Coordinator

ermila@themercyhouse.org

Ermila graduated from Colorado Technical University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Prior to joining Mercy House in 2021, Ermila served as a Program Specialist working with adults with developmental disabilities. Ermila is a bilingual speaker of English and Spanish and serves as the primary interpreter for the agency. In her role as Centralized Intake Coordinator, Ermila conducts service eligibility screenings, makes regional referrals for homeless services, and conducts strengths-based counseling to assist clients in a housing crisis. Ermila is a member of the Virginia Association of Housing Counselors (VAHC) and is a Certified Housing Counselor.

Hannah Ruffner 

Housing Counselor

​hannah@themercyhouse.org

Hannah graduated from James Madison University in 2023 with an Bachelor of Social Work. Hannah joined our agency in October of 2024 and now works as an on-site Housing Counselor at the Harrisonburg Navigation Center. Hannah brings a varied background in client services acting as a Youth Leader with the On The Road Collaborative in Harrisonburg, and as a Community Outreach Worker for Page Alliance for Community Action (PACA) in Luray, VA.  Hannah assists individuals currently experiencing homeless to transition to stable, permanent housing. 

Reverend Nan Kirkmeyer

Chaplain

nancy@themercyhouse.org

​Nan received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Counseling from Pillsbury College Seminary in 2012 and a Master of Arts in Ministry in 2015. Rev. Nan provides ministerial services to Mercy House clients, supports the Shelter Manager in caring for the spiritual and emotional well-being of the shelter residents, and routinely works with area churches to further the Mercy House mission.

Steve Yoder

Facilities Manager

Steve has worked with our agency since 2011 and has been instrumental in developing our agency to where we are today. Needed updates to our facilities have been possible with Steve’s vast knowledge, hard work and ability.

Steve worked as a Journeyman Plumber for eleven years and brings with him a wealth of maintenance knowledge. Steve has lived a life of service and continues to serve in his role at Mercy House. Steve spent two and a half years in Voluntary Service through Rosedale Mennonite Missions in Nicaragua and Central America. In 2006 Steve led his family through Heart of God Ministries Bootcamp and they served as missionaries, spending significant time in Haiti until they had to return to the states due to contracting malaria.

Michael DelBiondo

Retail Manager

michael@themercyhouse.org

Michael graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management. He has extensive professional management experience including work within the public sector. Since joining the agency in 2012, Michael has cultivated a strong interest in collectibles and antiques. This interest serves him well as he helps our customers at the Mercy House Thrift Stores. He is the Retail Manager for Mercy House Thrift Store, Mercy House Building Supply, and the Mercy House Thrift Boutique. Michael views the Mercy House retail locations as an extension of the agency’s service mission, providing clothing, housewares, and personal goods to many customers in need.

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