Our Team
Alicia Cohen, Executive Director
Alicia Cohen started as an MSW intern at Bethel Shelters in January 2020, was hired as an intake specialist, and then as a part-time Case Manager. In May of 2022, she was hired as the full-time Lead Case Manager. Alicia guided men experiencing homelessness to self-sufficiency through client-centered action planning, referrals, and the completion of various applications. In December 2024, Alicia was hired as the Program Director, and within two months, Alicia was named the Executive Director of Bethel Shelters. Alicia received a Master of Science degree in Human Service with a concentration in Community Counseling Psychology from Springfield College and a Master of Social Work degree from Winthrop University.
Richard Murr, Operations Director
Richard Murr started his volunteering journey at Bethel Shelters in 2016. In 2021, he joined the organization as a part-time operations manager. He obtained his Non-profit Management Certificate in 2022. Prior to this, Richard owned and operated Industrial Service & Solutions, a company focused on industrial laundry and recycling, for 14 years. Following his retirement, he became the full-time Operations Director in 2024.
Ella Hall, Workforce Development Case Manager
Ella earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Winthrop University in Rock Hill. She now serves as the Workforce Development Case Manager at the Day Shelter, where she supports individuals experiencing homelessness or facing housing instability. In her role, Ella focuses on workforce development, empowering clients through identifying goals, creating individualized plans, accessing resources, and completing assessments to support their path toward stability and self-sufficiency.
Brooke Leaverette, Case Manager
Brooke earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Winthrop University in Rock Hill. Brooke began her role as an Intake Specialist in May 2021. In May 2022, she transitioned into the position of Workforce Development Case Manager, where she continues to support clients on their journey toward employment and stability. As of April 2025, she currently serves as the Program Director for Bethel Shelters, where she supports individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. Her work focuses on providing case management that helps clients achieve short-term and long-term goals. Through case planning, assessments, referrals, and empowerment strategies, Brooke helps clients identify and address their needs, guiding them on a path toward greater stability and self-sufficiency.
Alex Ruffalo, Accounting and Office Admin
Alex Ruffalo holds a Bachelor of Business from The University of South Carolina Upstate. He joined the Shelter back in 2022 and has been in charge of the financials as well as the day-to-day tasks of the office. He has been an integral part in facilitating the growth of our organization over the last few years.
Chrissy Jones, Shelter Specialist
Chrissy Jones graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from Winthrop University in Rock Hill in 2023. Chrissy joined the Bethel Shelters team as the Shelter Specialist in May 2024. Chrissy can be found at the Day and Night Shelter gathering intake data with new guests, updating our current guests' information, and supporting our intake specialists, volunteers, and guests at the Bethel Men's Night Shelter.
Dominick Mcrea, Rapid Rehousing Case Manager
Dominick McCrea graduated from Winthrop University with a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work. Dominick joined the Bethel Shelters team in September of 2024 as the Rapid Rehousing Case manager at the Day Shelter helping individuals and families transition from homelessness into stable housing. Dominick assists individuals in finding immediate and safe housing regardless of barriers while connecting the individual to different resources to create sustainability.
Our Board of Directors
Ben Campbell - Chairperson
Jesse Cramer - Operations Committee Chairperson
Verla Decker - Volunteer Committee Chairperson
Annie Jones - Personnel Chairperson
James “Donte” Prayer
Brian Paul- Finance Chairperson
Joanne Sizoo- Secretary
Willis Lewis
Ryant Johnson
Jeff Hayes
John McBride
Ed Gourdin