Our Staff
Gina, Executive Director
Gina is our Executive Director and has been with Safe Harbor since December 2009. She is a graduate of Northern State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication. Gina is very excited about the new direction Safe Harbor is taking and hopes that we can make a big impact in all the communities we serve. Gina enjoys spending time with her family and friends, running, cooking and baking.
LaVonne, Assistant Executive Director
LaVonne is our “Jack of All Trades” doing everything from Office Manager, Business Manager, and sometimes even plumber! She has been with Safe Harbor since November of 2009. She and her husband moved here from Ashley, ND. She has two grown children and two grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. LaVonne also enjoys motorcycling, camping, water skiing, and cooking.
Hannah, Kids Konnection Coordinator
Hannah has been with Safe Harbor since September 2019, as both an intern and a supervised visitation monitor. She is grateful to be able to assist families along their healing journey, and enjoys every second of working in Kids Konnection. Hannah is attending Northern State University and double majoring in Sociology & Criminal Justice. She loves to spend time with her loved ones (including the dogs of course), reading, drinking iced coffee, and spending time outside in the sunshine.
coordinators
Alanis, Shelter Coordinator
Alanis joined Safe Harbor in June 2025. She is deeply passionate about helping individuals rebuild their lives during some of their most difficult moments and believes strongly in offering hope when it feels out of reach. Her work is driven by a commitment to meeting people where they are and supporting them as they regain stability and confidence.
With prior experience in the social work field, she holds an associate’s degree in social work and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree to further expand her knowledge and impact.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, listening to true crime podcasts, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.
Zoe, Outreach Coordinator
Zoe is the Outreach Coordinator at Safe Harbor and has been with the organization since May 2025. She earned both her undergraduate degree and her Master’s degree in Sports Leadership and Performance from Northern State University. Zoe is passionate about advocating for those in need and is excited to make a meaningful impact in the communities Safe Harbor serves. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and baking with friends and family, supporting small businesses in Aberdeen, and attending the local farmers market in the spring and summer, where she enjoys connecting with members of the community.
Kids Konnection Monitors
Kansas, Assistant Coordinator
Kansas joined our team in June of 2023 as a supervised visitation monitor. She has worked in childcare for many years and loves being able to watch the children and families grow together. She loves spending time with her daughter, doing photography and drinking iced coffee.
Jayda, Visitation Monitor
Jayda is from Vivian, South Dakota and recently graduated from Northern State University with her bachelor's degree in psychology. Jayda will be continuing her education at Northern State University with graduate school in the fall for clinical counseling. Jayda has worked with children since she was young, creating a passion for working closely with children and families. Outside of work, Jayda loves spending time with her family and friends, including her dog Marge and cat Sabrina, reading, and doing hot yoga.
Sophia, Visitation Monitor
Sophia was born in Aberdeen, she joined the team in July 2024 and brings valuable experience in customer service and strong typing skills from her previous roles. Passionate about helping others, she goes above and beyond to make a difference wherever she can. In her free time, Sophia loves spending time with friends, volunteering at her church, and enjoying a good book with a mug of hot tea.
resource Advocates
Lexy
Lexy, serves as a Resource Advocate and is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where individuals and families feel heard, valued, and empowered. She works closely with clients to provide advocacy, guidance, and access to resources as they navigate challenging transitions. Lexy is committed to meeting individuals where they are, offering compassionate support while helping them build confidence and stability. Her goal is to ensure each person feels respected, prepared, and supported every step of the way. Outside of work, Lexy values quality time with family and friends and enjoys activities that help her recharge and stay inspired.
Shelter Advocates
Anna
Anna was born and raised in Aberdeen, SD but has dreamed of trveling the world. She took her first solo trip across the country in spring of 2025 and she plans to take many more. Anna likes arts & crafts, playing piano, guitar, and songwriting. Her biggest passion is helping people and being a safe place as she helps others move forward on their path towards healing.
Ashley
Ashley has been with Safe Harbor since February 2022. She was born and raised in Aberdeen, has a son and two cats. Her favorite hobbies are drawing, painting and hiking. She is a great listener, loves working with people and helping them grow.
Jaime
Jaime, from Aberdeen, joined Safe Harbor in September 2024, inspired by its mission and incredible team. With a background in affordable housing, she connects shelter clients to vital resources, finding joy in small successes that bring hope amidst challenges. Currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Northern State University, Jaime spends her free time on homework, with family and friends, and watching documentaries. Having previously worked with Gina, LaVonne, and Kara at community events, she was eager to join Safe Harbor and continue making a meaningful impact.
Melissa
Melissa, originally from Ellendale, ND, has lived in Aberdeen for 27 years. She joined Safe Harbor in May 2024, committed to creating a safe space for victims to heal and rebuild. Known for her empathy and listening skills, she empowers others to take steps toward a healthy, happy life. In her free time, Melissa enjoys crafting with vinyl and paper, laser printing, and reading. She is the proud mom of three grown sons who complete her world.
Sam
Sam is from Hoven, SD but moved to Aberdeen when she was 13. She graduated from Mitchell Tech in 2020. In her free time, she enjoys anything that gets her outdoors.
She is also the proud mom of a very energetic daughter who keeps life busy and full of adventure. Becoming a first-time mother has deepened her empathy, strengthened her patience, and reinforced how essential safety, stability, and emotional support are—not only for survivors, but for their children as well. She believes every person deserves to feel heard, believed, and supported as they navigate their own path toward healing.
Sarah
Sarah joined our team in 2015 and is best known for being a great listener. She also has a strong passion for helping our community and helping clients find success and happiness. She says, “Often when I meet someone, they are at their ultimate low. They have been abused and pushed down so low that they have lost all self confidence. Seeing these people rise up and become strong members of our community makes it all worthwhile.
Tasean
Tasean is originally from the Bay Area, California. He moved to Aberdeen in 2025 to play football at Northern State University while pursuing his bachelor’s degree in psychology, which he plans to complete in May 2026.
His experiences as a student-athlete and psychology major have shaped his passion for personal growth, resilience, and supporting others through challenges. He is proud to be part of Safe Harbor and values the opportunity to build meaningful connections, foster a supportive environment, and make a positive impact in the community.