Leadership and Staff

Founder and President

Jeanne’s experience as a single mom motivates her to empower other women in similar circumstances. While she was raising five children on her own, Jeanne earned her bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Sacred Heart University. She then earned her Master’s degree in elementary education and began a 14-year career teaching second grade. In 2019, Jeanne felt called to leave her teaching career and pursue the vision of Ruth’s House. Jeanne is passionate about seeing women finally free to live out the plan God has for them.

Executive Director

Toni Pensiero is passionate about ensuring our moms uncover their unique answers to the question, "why wellness?" She believes wellness encompasses not only people's physical and mental health but their sense of purpose and spirituality, their support network, and the fun they have. Through her health coaching— which emphasizes modifiable lifestyle choices—she aims to support our moms in taking better care of themselves and becoming stronger role models for their children.

She began her successful career at HP Inc., where she worked for over 30 years in sales and business development. She then reinvented herself as a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach (FMCHC), an ISSA certified personal trainer and a nutritionist. Toni is humbled to be part of this team committed to serving women and children by showing them the love of Jesus. 1 John 4:19 says, "We love because he first loved us." Toni sees Ruth's House working to provide happier, healthier, more joyful lives for single moms and their children in need.

House Mom

April Alston-Barron overcame life challenges to raise her children as a single mother. She has devoted herself to assisting others who are going through hardships.

April is committed to helping communities, offering support, and connecting those in need with resources. She has done this work for many years. Her hands-on approach has made a huge impact on many lives.

Secretary

Laureen passionately believes that women and children in crisis must get the help they need. She graduated from the University of North Carolina and since 2011, she has been working as the Children’s Ministry Director at Living Hope Church in Shelton, Connecticut. Laureen and her husband Erik have five children ages 15 to 30. Laureen prays that women and children find peace and freedom during their stay at Ruth’s House.

Treasurer

Lynn works in marketing and in real estate—and in her spare time has always enjoyed helping people and involving others in those efforts. Over the years, she’s worked as part of various community endeavors, including assisting local families in need and supporting shelters.

Growing up in a single-parent household made it clear to Lynn that people need help from their families–but not everyone has family or friends they can turn to for that support. Lynn’s hope is to help be a part of Ruth’s House’s vision and assist in raising the funds and holistic support necessary to provide single moms and their children the feelings of safety, comfort, and peace that everyone deserves. She hopes these mothers and children will know that they are cared for and that they have access to the help they need to succeed.

Board Member

Charlene Chiaro is an experienced professional in the field of marketing and sales. Before she founded her company, Clear Vision Productions, Charlene held significant positions at many renowned organizations, including New England Bridge, New England Corporate Events, New Mass Media, The Journal Register Company, and Summagraphics Corporation. Her commitment to excellence and passion for creating exceptional experiences have solidified her reputation as a highly respected professional in the marketing and events arena.

Charlene strongly believes in the power of giving back to the community and is thrilled to leverage her expertise on Ruth's House's behalf—to raise awareness in the community and make a lasting impact.

Board Member

After bringing up twin daughters, Helena is more than ready to offer open arms and a loving heart to help other moms with the hardest job in the world. 

She graduated from medical school in Prague, Czech Republic, before relocating to the United States with her husband. Helena worked in several medical offices filling roles from billing to conducting medical tests. Then, she cared for her two daughters as a stay-at-home mom. Nine years ago, Helena returned to work as a preschool teacher at Susanna Wesley Nursery School. 

She is enthusiastic about teaching and mentoring children and passionate about giving all single moms in need the love, support, resources, and advice they deserve. Helena is very proud to be part of the Ruth’s House team that does exactly that.

Board Member

Stephen Kellogg is a retired Chief Executive Officer of an Environmental Engineering Consulting firm.  He graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1972 with a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering.  In 1974received his Masters in Environmental Engineering from Cornell University. Stephen is a registered Professional Engineer and Board Certified Environmental Engineer through the Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists.  During his tenure as CEO, he built numerous companies which employed more than 400 people with offices in eight states.  After more than 45 years in the business, Stephen now assists various Boards focusing on Community outreach.  He is Chairman of the Scholarship Committee of Washington, D.C., based Environmental Engineering and Science Foundation.  He is also on the Executive Committee of the University of Massachusetts Civil and Environmental Engineering Advisory Board.  Stephen completely supports the vision of Ruth’s House and is ready to apply his executive experience to help make the vision a reality.

Board Member

Vicar Centeno holds proprietorship of VicCen Bookkeeping Services, where she provides nonprofits and small businesses with expert bookkeeping services. She brings to her business a rich tapestry of experience built from a career spent as a bookkeeper for a variety of small-scale businesses. 

As someone deeply rooted in Christian values, Ms. Centeno is passionately committed to using her services and expertise to contribute positively to the community. 

Financial Advisor

Tom recently retired as the Vice President of Finance at Pitney Bowes after 32 years of service. During his career as a financial advisor, Tom held various positions and responsibilities, including a 10-year stint as the global controller of a key business unit. For the past six years, Tom has served on the Elder Board at Beacon Hill Church in Monroe, Connecticut, and for the past five, on the Shelton Public Schools Mentoring Council. Tom has been happily married to his wife Patti for 36 years, and they have two wonderful sons, two amazing daughters-in-law, and three beautiful granddaughters.

Grant Advisor

Takiya Green is the Founder and CEO of Divine Writing & Consulting Solutions, established in 2018. She specializes in grant writing, organizational development, resume writing, and business planning and has over fifteen years of experience in the nonprofit and administrative sectors. Takiya holds certifications as a grant writer, paralegal, and professional/personal development coach.

Beyond her professional roles, Takiya actively engages with her community as a mentor and professional development coach for local students. Her outreach spans diverse organizations, from local initiatives to national entities, all geared toward serving underserved communities, and she has been instrumental in securing over $20 million in funding, contributing significantly to the growth of not-for-profit organizations. Her commitment to serving her community and passion for helping underserved communities and women and children shine through in every aspect of her work.

Advisor

Erik is a husband, father of five, and the lead pastor at Living Hope Church in Shelton, Connecticut, where he lives with his wife Laureen. Erik desires to serve God and his community by abiding by Colossians 3 and loving others. He has been part of Ruth’s House since the beginning and is excited to see it grow. Erik views Ruth’s House as God’s way of caring for hurting single moms and their children and is encouraged to see the healing that takes place there.