Leadership

Linda A. Oberhaus

Executive Director

A graduate of the University of South Florida, Linda holds both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work from the University of South Florida and has an extensive background in social services, including serving as a sexual abuse crisis counselor and crisis hotline volunteer.

Additionally, she has served as an intake/needs assessment counselor and residential counselor within the mental health field before beginning an impressive career at The Spring of Tampa Bay where she moved from Transitional Housing Program Manager to Emergency Shelter Manager, then Director of Programs before becoming the Executive Director of the domestic violence center.

Linda's career with The Shelter began in September 2007. Under her direction, The Shelter has continued to be a leader in innovative cutting edge programs and services designed to prevent abuse before it begins and protect victims in an effort to prevail over this social ill.

Lisa Fasanella
Director of Programs

Lisa brings more than 17 years of diverse experience to her role overseeing The Shelter's program and services, including the organization's emergency shelter, transitional housing, Immokalee and Naples Outreach Offices.

Prior to joining The Shelter, she served as Program Manager for the Florida Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Program in Collier County. Additionally, she has direct experience in management, budgeting, clinical settings and individualized care.

A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, BS in Family and Consumer Studies, and The College of New Jersey, Masters in Mental Health Counseling, she is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and member of the American Counseling Association.

Cyndi Fields

Director of Development

As the Director of Development, Cyndi oversees all aspects of philanthropy for The Shelter and holds a CFRE designation (Certified Fundraising Executive) and CFRM from the Indiana School of Philanthropy. A past President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Everglades Chapter, she is also a 2006 Leadership Collier graduate.

Cyndi joined The Shelter in July 2000. During her tenure, she has had an opportunity to play an integral role in the growth and development of our organization.

Prior to joining The Shelter, she worked in the sales and banking arenas. Cyndi holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Address and Communication Arts.

Marci Sanders

Director of Operations

As Director of Operations for The Shelter since 2000, Marci is responsible for facilities management, security, human resources, finance, grant reporting and our four transitional housing units.

Before moving to Florida, she was the CFO and Partner at Walsh Bishop Associates, Inc., a commercial architectural and interior design firm in Minneapolis.

In addition to her work at The Shelter, Marci is active with the Southwest Florida Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. She was one of the founders and served as Board President for more than four years. Additionally, she serves as a Board Member of Planned Parenthood of Collier County.